• Many Nashvillians are asking about COVID-19 booster shots, and this story has most of what you need to know, including the eligibility criteria and which kind of shot is currently approved for a booster.
• The Tennessee Health commissioner says that there are more monoclonal antibody treatments available than originally thought, coming a week or so after an announcement that they would be restricted for use in only unvaccinated patients.
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center says that 95 percent of  its staff is now fully vaccinated ahead of today’s deadline. Those without an approved exemption will be placed on unpaid leave.
• COVID-19 cases in the area continue to fall from their record highs, but the number of deaths attributed to the disease is still climbing. Total hospitalizations have several facilities still at or above capacity.
• The Nashville Scene has a short interview with the former immunizations director for the Tennessee Department of Health as she was moving her family out of the state, citing a “toxic” environment and the fallout from a bizarre story involving a dog muzzle.
• Bridgestone Arena has released details on how concert and sports fans will gain entry to the building with the new vaccination and testing requirements. Ticket-holders must be vaccinated or have a negative test within 48 hours of the event.
• A report from News Channel 5 alleges that the community group Gideon’s Army has overstated their effectiveness at reducing violence in grant applications and kept a known gang leader on payroll. The organization denies those characterizations and says their record for engaging the Black community in finding solutions speaks for itself.
• WPLN has produced an investigative report on police misconduct, the culture that perpetuates it, and the alleged efforts to cover it up in Nashville. The report also covers inequitable discipline proceedings against officers for policy violations.
• Lower Broadway bar Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will celebrate its 60th birthday next Tuesday with a large outdoor concert.
• A victim’s family is offering a $10,000 reward for information about a brutal beating last week week captured on surveillance video. The victim suffered severe brain damage and remains in critical condition at VUMC.
• Metro Nashville Public Schools has announced a new research partnership with Vanderbilt University to address educational inequities in schools.
• It may seem like a broken record, but rents are continuing to climb and it is having very real consequences for those living in Nashville that can’t keep up, particularly among minorities. Home buying is growing farther out of reach for many.
• A Vanderbilt assistant police chief has been arrested on several charges in Montgomery County, including driving under the influence. In a statement, VU said that that they are aware of the incident and expected the officer to be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
• Students and teachers at Hume-Fogg Academic High School downtown are speaking out about the party vehicles that roll down broadway in front of their campus, citing the disruptions caused by the noise and commotion in the middle of the day.
• On the other side of the woo wagon debate, one party bus owner says that the proposals so far amount to the forced closure of his business rather than regulation.
• Nashville SC (11-3-13) allowed a tying goal in stoppage time last night at home to draw 2-2 against Orlando City SC (10-8-9). The team heads to play New York City FC this Sunday.
• WeGo Public Transit will begin more frequent service on several routes starting this Sunday, with nine routes operating past midnight. Federal CARES Act money is being used to fund the updates.

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