💸 The government shutdown’s impact on Nashville

✈️ How Bad Are Things at BNA?

With the federal government shut down, the stress on BNA’s air traffic controllers is growing — and the traffic over there isn’t getting any better. On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re chatting about that and other big stories of the week, from new ICE dragnet footage to the 100 Taylor Arts closure. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

💸 The Government Shutdown’s Impact on Nashville

• Over 32,000 Tennesseans are federal employees. Most will be furloughed without pay until congressional leaders can reach a deal on annual funding for fiscal year 2026. [The Tennessean]
• More than 600,000 Tennesseans receive health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace and rely on subsidies to offset the cost. Democrats want to include those subsidies in the budget, while Republicans want to wait until the end of the year to discuss them. [NewsChannel 5]
• Programs like WIC and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could run out of funding if the shutdown lasts more than a few weeks. [NewsChannel 5]
• Nearly 250,000 Middle Tennesseans rely on SNAP. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🎵 Music City’s Wins & Losses

• Local indie music businesses and musicians are feeling the impact of tariffs, as prices for gear increase. [Nashville Scene]
• On Nov. 28, 1925, the Grand Ole Opry was born. After 100 years, the iconic country music institution remains as popular as ever, while still retaining a family feel. [Nashville Scene]
• Meanwhile, Madison’s 100-year-old Harken Hall has a fresh slate of shows and a deal with Music City Roots. [WPLN]

🏒 Centennial Sportsplex Upgrades

In a new lease agreement with Mayor O’Connell, the Nashville Predators plan to invest millions in upgrades to the Centennial Sportsplex ice rinks. The Parks Board will vote on the deal in November. [Axios Nashville]

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released wage statistics for 2024. Tennessee ranks 42nd in the nation for average earnings. 😬 But what is our average annual salary? Test yourself to find out!

What’s the average annual salary in Tennessee?

Two-year-old Bennett’s favorite thing to do is play frisbee and cuddle. This good girl prefers the indoors, except when she can bring her frisbee outside. Bennett, I would LOVE to play frisbee with you sometime! Bennett and her human just moved here a couple of months ago from Florida. Welcome, y’all!

Don’t forget to send me your pet pics to be featured in a future newsletter!