🏗️ Why are Tesla Tunnel workers quitting?

🛍️ Shopping Local Across the Nation

Black Friday is almost here, but we're more interested in Small Business Saturday! On today's podcast, hosts from all 13 City Cast cities share their suggestions for a local small business they love. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

👷 Tesla Tunnel Workers Walk Off the Job

Willie Shane of Shane Trucking broke ground on The Boring Company’s Music City Loop earlier this year, and on Monday, he and his workers walked off the site. Shane alleges six figures of nonpayment over 123 days, says that Boring is trying to poach his employees, and that he and multiple other vendors have filed OSHA safety complaints about the jobsite. Boring VP David Buss says the company will make good on payments by the end of day Wednesday. [Nashville Banner]

• An hour after Shane’s team left the site Monday, Boring held a public question-and-answer session on X. Local lawmakers, like State Senator Heidi Campbell, posted many concerns that went unaddressed. [WSMV]
• Additionally, some local leaders like State Senator Charlane Oliver weren’t informed of the meeting, and kept getting kicked out. [Instagram]
• The virtual meeting is no longer available to view, though if you have an X account, you can read the comments. [X]

🏗️ How Much Construction Is Too Much?

Constant construction in Wedgewood-Houston from AJ Capital Partners — who plans to build an 18-acre Wedgewood Village — is disrupting the local art scene, turning much of the neighborhood into a building site. [Nashville Scene]

🏎️ Fair Board Chair Charged With Ethical Violation

After a daylong hearing, the Metro Board of Ethical Conduct issued a warning to Metro Board of Fair Commissioners Chair Jasper Hendricks, upholding one of three charges. They found Hendricks violated ethical rules by giving the impression he could be influenced by lobbyists. They recommended Hendricks complete ethics training and submit a disclosure detailing his relationship with NASCAR. [Nashville Banner]

• More about the accusations against Hendricks. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and finding gifts for everyone on your list can be overwhelming. To make things easier and more exciting, we asked our City Cast hosts and producers to share a shining example of a small business in their city with an online shop. Here’s how you can support small businesses and find a gift for just about everyone.

🕯️ Nashville: A Candle from Nonprofit Thistle Farms

Candles make for a great gift, especially when they come from a company with a powerful story. City Cast Nashville host Marie Cecile Anderson shares more about this Nashville institution.

“Thistle Farms is a nonprofit dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from sex work, trafficking, and addiction. They have partnered with nearly 2,000 women across the world. Their products are incredible — from candles and essential oils to apparel and body lotions — and they ship nationwide, with sister stores across the country.”

💡 Las Vegas: Commemorative Bulb from Official Las Vegas Light

There are plenty of Vegas mementos you can take home, but how often can you buy an actual piece of Sin City? This company partners with the owners of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign to package and sell the light bulbs from the iconic sign when they’re replaced. Each bulb comes with a certificate of authenticity.

There are several options ranging from $30 to $200. City Cast Las Vegas co-host Sarah Lohman’s favorite is the desktop display that comes in a commemorative box. “And they’re functional, so you can take it for a spin and plug it into your lamp!”

🌭 Madison: Mustard of the Month Subscription from National Mustard Museum

When people think of Wisconsin, they probably think of cheese. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling wants to change that narrative.

“What began as one man's special interest turned into a museum of national acclaim. The National Mustard Museum is home to over 7,000 jars from across all 50 states and more than 70 countries. It's grown to be one of Wisconsin's most popular museums and was even featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show back in the day (1999). Each subscription also comes with a recipe newsletter.”

Listen to the full all-host episode for more small business gift recommendations and stories of the worst gift each host has ever received.