• COVID-19 case counts are increasing in Tennessee since before Thanksgiving, but officials say it is not quite as severe as previous spikes around major holidays. The rise in cases has also led to more hospitalizations statewide.
• Separately, a federal judge has ruled that employer vaccine mandates cannot be enforced, creating more confusion in the state after some employers had requested waivers to allow them to comply with the federal requirement despite the state banning the mandates. Tennessee remains among the least vaccinated states in the country.
• Yesterday was the first day that a new Metro ordinance banned alcohol on open air party buses, with some operators opting to install plexiglass to keep the revelers, their booze and their woos all on board. Some operators say they have already lost business because of the ordinance.
• Police have identified a person of interest in their investigation into the death of DJ Barrett, a 22 year-old who died after an altercation with bar staff at Whiskey Row on Lower Broadway. No charges have been filed in the case.
• The Parks department has found and moved this year’s city Christmas tree in Bellevue, with its official lighting ceremony set for next Monday. The tree’s former owners got a free stump grinding and replanted tree in its place.
• Sara Beth Meyers, a former prosecutor fired by District Attorney Glenn Funk when he took office, will challenge him in next year’s election. Danielle Nellis has also confirmed her candidacy for the position.
• The Nashville chapter of the NAACP and the TSSAA have traded letters regarding an incident in November where an official is alleged to have called a Black STEM Prep high school girls basketball player a racial slur during a game against Smyrna High School. The TSSAA says it has reviewed game footage and determined the incident did not occur.
• A community meeting at the downtown public library aimed to brainstorm ideas for addressing the city’s homeless issue, particularly the expanding encampments around Nashville that have mobilized neighborhood groups to demand they be cleared from public parks and moved into transitional housing.
• Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced a proposal that would bring NASCAR back to the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway with an expanded grandstand and track upgrades financed by a 30 year bond. The Fair Board would have to approve the proposal, but cannot vote on it until two of the existing vacancies are filled by Metro Council.
• As many as 600 Afghan refugees are expected to settle in Tennessee, with most coming to the Nashville area where resettlement agencies are looking to their long-term needs.
• The US Army and FAA are launching an investigation into a military fly-over during a recent Tennessee Titans game where helicopters are shown in close proximity to spectators and overhead rigging.
• The Nashville Predators () crushed the Columbus Blue Jackets () 6-0 Tuesday night at home, spurred by a four-goal performance from Filip Forsberg and four assists from Mikael Granlund. The Preds are back in action tonight at home against the Boston Bruins ().
• Country music star and Middle Tennessee resident Keith Urban dropped by Hillwood High School for an unannounced visit with its music student organizations.
• The Pancake Pantry is opening a second location next week in the SoBro area of downtown, expanding the footprint of a restaurant known for its long lines outside of its Hillsboro Village location.
• Tennessee Promise is looking for mentors to help students with the transition from high school to college and technical school programs.
• The newly formed Nashville African American Wind Symphony aims to increase representation among Black classical music performers and share their passion for the music.
• A nine year-old has designed a Christie Cookie to benefit the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, where he had spent eight days as a newborn.

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