🫡 Memorial Day weekend events

🏈 Our Super Bowl LXIV Thoughts

Whether we like it, hate it, or don’t care about it, the Super Bowl is coming to Nashville. On today’s podcast, we’re unpacking all the details, from what still needs to get built to who will benefit. We also talk about Vanderbilt University’s newest political poll, and the latest on Tennessee’s congressional redistricting. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

⛺ Metro To Turn Old Tent City Into Park

About a year after the Office of Homeless Services cleared Old Tent City — a 40-year-old encampment with more than 100 people living in it — Metro Parks is in the first phase of developing a riverfront park on the property. Plans for Wharf Park include a boathouse, sand volleyball, a dog park, and a play area. [Nashville Scene]

• See sketches from Wharf Park’s master plan. [Nashville.gov]
• Here’s more about the closure of Old Tent City, and criticism the Office of Homeless Services has faced for failing to follow its “Housing First” protocol. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

☕ TN Grants Starbucks $30M for Nashville Office

The State Funding Board has approved a $30 million grant for Starbucks Corporation’s planned headquarters in downtown Nashville. The company says it will invest $100 million in a new office and hire up to 2,000 people. Critics of the deal say taxpayers shouldn't subsidize corporate giants, and that similar deals in the past have fallen short. [Tennessee Lookout]

• Starbucks baristas have been protesting outside the Metro Courthouse, demanding the company finalize a nationwide union. Twenty-one Metro councilmembers have signed a letter asking Starbucks for a fair contract and better working conditions. [Nashville Scene]
• Listen to our conversation with City Cast Seattle about why Tennessee attracts big businesses. [🎧 City Cast Seattle]

🚌 Bus Ridership Increases

WeGo public bus ridership in Nashville suburbs jumped by nearly 20% between March and April, with Route 84 from Murfreesboro increasing by 50%. WeGo suspects higher gas prices are fueling the increase in ridership, but thinks the number of riders will hold steady, now that people realize how easy it is to ride a bus into town. [WKRN]

• Plan your WeGo public transit route. [WeGo]
• Have to use a car? Check out these tips for saving money on gas. [📰 City Cast Nashville]

While Reba’s human assures me she’s normally a very happy two-year-old golden retriever, for some reason she was feeling annoyed here. Probably because her human was taking her picture, again!

Reba, every country girl’s gotta have some sass!

My furball coffers are low, so if you have a pet, email me pictures to feature in the newsletter!