• The Metro Council approved an operating budget for the next year without a property tax increase nor major cuts to programs, but it did yield a handful of political winners and losers in a tough situation for the city. The situation is expected to play out again next year only a few months before the general election.
• The debate about dockless bikes and scooters was deferred until next month while the city and companies like Bird hammer out legislation. The company ceased its Nashville operations pending the outcome.
• A planned school and park sale was removed before the budget was passed, which saved the William Edmonson Homesite from development but created a bigger hole in the public school budget. Council members were critical of plans to sell property as a one time fix for budget issues.
• The failed transit plan from early May was mentioned in the New York Times, though local journalists are not totally on board with the author’s conclusions.
• The Nashville International Airport broke ground on a massive $1.2 billion expansion that will add a new six-gate concourse, ticketing lobby and baggage claim area. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.
• A separate plan at the airport could also lead to familiar brands, such as Noshville and Parnasus, leaving the airport entirely with a new concession agreement in place. Those companies do not actually run the location, but lend their branding and merchandise to a vendor that specializes in airport retail.
• Nashville Eatercalls Jason Aldean’s bar on lower Broadway the latest installment of “Country Music Star-Branded Tourist Trap” which aptly describes our beloved bachelorette boulevard.
• A fire late Tuesday night in North Nashville destroyed one “tall-and-skinny” home and badly damaged two others as the flames spread between the structures in close proximity. The Nashville Fire Department is receiving special training to handle the risks of such fires.
• Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson was arrested on charges of domestic violence Tuesday night in Franklin after allegedly shoving his girlfriend in an argument in public. The team has said they are taking the matter seriously, but did not have further comment on the ongoing investigation.
• Goaltender Pekka Rinne has won the 2018 Vezina Trophy, which is given to the best goalie in the NHL regular season. Defenseman PK Subban will grace the cover of the NHL 19 video game.
• Metro Nashville Police say that more than 230 guns have been reported stolen this year from cars, which averages out to about 1.3 weapons per day. Many of the vehicles are said to have been left unlocked.
• Next Wednesday is the 4th of July, which means there are going to be a lot of people in town to watch shows and the downtown fireworks. The event will be back at its usual Riverfront Park and lower Broadway location this year.
• PSA: Tomorrow is the final day to get your Nashville Scene “You Are So Nashville If” entries turned in. Make us proud, Nashville!

Photo by Paul Beavers. Want to see your photo featured here.