• The Nashville MTA saw a three percent drop in ridership from nearly 9.5 million in July 2016 to under 9.2 million June 2017, it’s second consecutive decline and the lowest number of riders since 2011. The report is fueling the debate about the proposed $5.4 billion (that’s $200 million higher than originally announced) transit plan to go before voters this spring.
• In other MTA news, a teenager has been charged with murder after shooting a man following  a verbal confrontation on the 56 BRT that runs down Gallatin Pike towards Madison Monday afternoon. The suspect was traveling with his girlfriend and child at the time.
• In light of that incident, WKRN explores whether efforts to curb youth violence since a spike in 2015 are having an effect. Overall incidents are down six percent, but the number of gunshot victims aged 13-17 has increased from 26 last year to 36 in 2017.
• Updated plans for the former LifeWay campus (seriously, when is the demolition watch party?) has topped out at nearly a billion dollars worth of buildings and public spaces. The development will feature a movie theater and a downtown Whole Foods.
• Nashville Metro General Hospital has requested a $20 million cash infusion to continue operating through next June, a larger than usual request that comes as the city looks to restructure its operations entirely. Without the funds, the hospital expects to be unable to pay its bills by the end of January.
• An F-86 jet that has been on display in Centennial Park since 1961 has been moved to the Air National Guard installation near the airport to make way for future park developments. A locomotive has also been removed to be restored and become a tourist attraction somewhere downtown.
• The “Save Our Fairgrounds” group has filed a lawsuit attempting to block the Major League Soccer stadium project from moving forward, alleging that the move violates metro and state law.
• As for that MLS bid, the city was confirmed to among the four finalist for an expansion team. Sacramento is expected to receive one of the bids, leaving Nashville with Cincinnati and Detroit vying for the final slot.
• HAZMAT crews responded to a call around 9 a.m. Tuesday in MetroCenter because someone sent a letter with “CYANIDE” written on it to the Cigna HealthSpring office. Fire officials say that no one was in any danger and that they are still investigating.
• A woman was arrested for allegedly bringing five pounds of methamphetamine and a pound of marijuana to Nashville by way of a Megabus trip from Atlanta. She told police that she and a 16 year-old woman riding with her would split a $2,300 payout for hauling the drugs.
• The Nashville Predators (15-6-3) un-welcomed the Chicago Blackhawks (12-9-3) in to town Tuesday night with a 2-3 victory over last year’s  first round stepping stone. The Preds host the Vancouver Canucks (11-10-4) tonight at Bridgestone Arena.
• Also in hockey news, the Predators and their new ECHL affiliated abruptly ended their agreement for unspecified reasons. The ECHL plays a level below the AHL, which develops players for the NHL.
• Three former employees of WSMV allege station managers of litany of things, including age discrimination and sexual harassment. Why on earth would anyone say bad things about Demetria Kalodimos?
• The Office of Emergency Management is finally reviewing the “all sirens go at the same time across the county” approach to the tornado warning system. Many residents say they have learned to ignore the sirens.
• PSA: Here are the road closures for this Saturday morning’s Christmas Parade.

Photo by Dickie Brooks. Want to see your photo featured here?