• Nine people have died of COVID-19 complications this week in Nashville, including two people in their 30s according to the Mayor’s office. All but one were unvaccinated.
• The Metro Council has passed a mask mandate ordinance on its second of three readings, with observers speculating that final passage will depend on how case counts and hospitalizations trend over the next two weeks. The Metro Health Department opted not to issue an order that would have taken effect immediately.
• The state health department has released new guidelines that would restrict access to monoclonal antibody treatment to those unvaccinated in an effort to conserve supply.
• Separately, Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced the discovery of a more potent monoclonal antibody treatment that may further reduce the risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
• An unsigned column from a Belmont University faculty member says that the university is not doing much to control the spread of COVID-19 on campus, and not following the rules they have in place.
• Nashville’s tourism chief announced the “deactivation” of three woo wagon companies, saying it would be improper to collect membership dues while the group advocates for stricter regulation around their operation. Money already paid was refunded.
• Nashville International Airport saw its busiest weekend since the pandemic began, relieving some fears of a slower tourism rebound.
• Redistricting continues to be a hot topic around Nashville, as the legislature looks at whether to split the growing city into new districts or keep it as one.
• Eater Nashville has a list of this fall’s most anticipated restaurant openings if you’re looking to check out some place new.
• Nashville SC (11-3-11) routed host Inter Miami FC (9-11-5) by a 5-1 margin Wednesday night. The team travels to Chicago to face the Fire (6-15-5) for a noon game on Sunday.
• If you need a pick-me-up, here’s the radio call from this past Sunday’s overtime Titans win.
• Check before heading to an emissions testing station, as staffing  shortages have forced unscheduled closings in recent days.
• A proposal to redevelop the part of Second Avenue destroyed in the Christmas Day bombing has been released, though historic preservationist are worried that too much will be demolished.
• Vanderbilt University is seeking volunteers for an HIV vaccine study, aiming to test and develop a preventive for the disease.
• The census shows that Nashville’s population growth was driven by an influx of white and hispanic residents, with the city doubling the average growth rate of the United States.
• Four men are wanted for questioning after video shows two of them punching another in the early morning hours Monday on Lower Broadway and sending him to the hospital. They are later seen carrying traffic cones on surveillance video.
• A Nashville Fire Department truck overturned on Briley Parkway Tuesday night, though there were no serious injuries reported from the crash. The cause of the accident was not released.

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