• The operators of Nashville’s juvenile detention center say that they are correcting safety and supervision issues that lead to the escape of four teenagers last month. It took thirteen days to return all of them to custody.
• A bill proposed in the Metro Council would fine drivers $50 for idling more than three minutes in a school pickup line, aiming to reduce the amount of exhaust exposed to students.
• The Nashville Scene compiled a list of stories they’ll be watching in 2020, including the new mayor’s first year in office, affordable housing and an ever changing music scene.
• Social media company Facebook is said to be looking at a site in nearby Gallatin for a data center, bringing with it an estimated 70 jobs to the area. Neither the company nor the county would confirm the project.
• The 130-bed Moxy hotel became the first to open in the Hillsboro Village neighborhood, with the botique operator offering tarot card readings and $30 bottomless mimosas on certain nights.
• Ryman Hospitality, the company that runs Gaylord Opryland Hotel, announced that is cutting more than 60 jobs at the facility as it outsources its laundry services to a third-party. Some of those laid off will be able to apply with the new contractor.
• A lawsuit alleges that the Downtown Sporting Club underpaid at least tow of its workers by splitting out earned tips with other staff while not making up the difference in wages. The bar features axe throwing. ?
• WeGo is responding to frustrated riders along its routes that have been passed by full buses by saying that they are working to address the problems caused by their service reductions last September. The story notes the only long-term fix involves more funding for the city’s transit system.
• WPLN points to a 2009 law that would allow the Regional Transit Authority to set up its own dedicated funding source if it were to receive approval from the county governments through special taxation districts.
• The Tennessee Titans defeated the Baltimore Ravens 28-12 to advance to the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday. The Chiefs erased a 0-24 deficit to the Houston Texans yesterday to win 51-31.
• That comeback performance is likely why Las Vegas bookmakers have put the Titans as 7.5 point underdogs, marking the third straight game they have favored their opponent. ?
• The Nashville Predators (21-16-7) beat the Chicago Blackhawks (20-20-6)  5-2 Thursday and division rivals Winnipeg Jets (24-18-4) 1-0 Sunday to jump back within three points of a playoff spot. The team closes out their road trip tomorrow night in Edmonton against the Oilers (24-18-5).
• The win over Chicago was great, but even better was Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne firing the puck 200 feet into an empty net to become only 12th goalie in NHL history to be credited with a goal. The Predators are also the only team to boast of two such goalies, with former netminder Chris Mason also credited with a goal in 2006.
• Added to the pantheon of local animal celebrities comes Pizza Squirrel, as filmed by a Nashville resident atop a fencepost. We will let you decide where it ranks among the Bellevue Beaver, Belle Ewe, Gulch Chicken, Convention Center Coyote and others. ?
• The Warner Arts Magnet School in East Nashville is promoting its elementary age students to “stop and breathe” as part of an effort do develop mindfulness at a young age. ?‍♀️

Photo by Jonathan Belcher. Want to see your photo feature here?