🍼 Child care in Nashville is HOW much?!

💰 Tax-Free Weekend Starts Today!

With Nashville’s downtown library still closed after last month’s fire, where can our unhoused neighbors go to escape the heat? We’re chatting about that, plus the proposed expansion of license plate readers and tax-free weekend, on today’s City Cast Nashville podcast. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏫 New Program Makes Applying to College Easier

Two dozen Davidson County high schools are participating in a first-of-its-kind pilot program that automatically applies seniors to 53 participating Tennessee colleges. The seniors will receive an admissions letter, and some will receive personalized financial aid estimates. [Axios Nashville]

• Seniors must apply to the Tennessee Promise program by Nov. 3 to participate. [College for TN]
• Other changes in Tennessee schools this year include new laws restricting cell phone use, mandatory curriculum teaching “the success sequence,” and increased recess time. [WKRN]

🧑‍🎨 The Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Local Artists

Many local artists and cultural organizations have found themselves in a financial crisis after suddenly losing promised federal funding. OZ Arts, Belcourt Theatre, Actors Bridge Ensemble, and the Nashville Ballet have all had grants revoked. [Nashville Scene]

• Local art programs have long struggled with funding. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

⛪ Church Buys Property To Preserve Street’s Legacy

Jefferson Street staple Mary’s Bar-B-Que closed earlier this year after 60 years of service. Neighboring Mount Zion Baptist Church outbid a developer to purchase the property, with hopes of preserving the street’s cultural heritage and building a community center there. [NewsChannel 5]

A dozen Nashville child care centers that support low-income families have lost pandemic-era funding. The Nashville Early Education Coalition and the United Way of Greater Nashville are asking for sustained public funding for early childhood education programs serving children from birth to age three.

But what is the average cost of child care for Nashville families? Test yourself to find out!

How much is yearly infant child care in Nashville?

Onyx, age 13, was adopted from MACC last year after living a ruff life, and is now living his best life! He’s quite the fashionista, winning the title of Prom King at the Live Like Roo Foundation Dog Prom in Chicago, and winning first place at the All Hallows East Dog Halloween costume contest last October! He recently walked the catwalk at Pawsters Doggie Drag Show in May. He loves fetch, swimming, and is a total foodie. He also thinks he’s the mayor, so don’t be surprised if he greets you on one of his many walks!

Sorry Mayor O’Connell, I hope you don’t mind stepping aside for this diva and his Choose How You Paw plan.