💕 Is Nashville one of the most romantic cities?

🚌 Back-to-School Problems

A video of an MNPS Teacher of the Year criticizing the school system at a board meeting went viral this week. On today’s Friday New Roundup, we’re talking about her complaints and back-to-school bus route problems. Plus, a recent report about “use of force” issues among the Metro Nashville Police Department, and are we really one of the most romantic cities?! [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• Listen to the teacher speak out at a school board meeting here. [Instagram]
• And hey, if you love this podcast, could you vote for us in Nashville Scene’s “Best of Nashville” 2026 awards? Head to the Media & Politics section for Best Podcast. Make sure to share the love to your other favorite local businesses; at least 20 categories need to be filled out for votes to count. [Nashville Scene]

🚗 Will This App Solve Our Parking Problems?

Nashvillian Tony Gulley has created an app to help residents find free parking, and within days of launching, thousands have subscribed. “It should never cost more for parking than it is to have lunch,” he told reporters. Community members can search by neighborhood, and also add free parking spots. [WSMV]

• The app is called Lot Boss, and you can check it out here! [Lot Boss]
• Meanwhile, some Music Row homeowners are having difficulty negotiating with NDOT for resident-only parking spots. [NewsChannel 5]

💰 Honky-Tonk Tax Concerns

House Speaker Cameron Sexton and other state Republicans have spoken with Gov. Bill Lee about calling a special session to address property tax increases for downtown Nashville businesses following last year’s reappraisals. However, Nashville has one of the lowest property tax rates in the county, and state law dictates local governments control property taxes. There’s also the issue of preferential treatment if only downtown businesses are provided with property tax relief. [Axios Nashville]

🏫 Most Vouchers Benefit Higher-Income Families

While local politicians have criticized the state’s private school voucher program for its lack of transparency, recently released data reveals the majority of the state’s newly expanded private school vouchers went to higher-income families. Of the 15,000 newly available vouchers, just under 4,000 went to low-income students. The majority went to families who earn up to $173,000 a year. [WKRN]

• Related: Tennessee’s lottery-funded college scholarship program, which had funding reduced in the private school voucher deal, is facing a revenue shortfall. [Tennessee Lookout]

Meet Chase! This handsome rescue Maine Coon mix is very mischievous but so lovable. He climbs up on everything and enjoys being petted and sleeping with his human. As his name would suggest, he also loves chasing everything.

I’d love to see this guy in action!

Do you have a pet you’d like to share with readers? Email me a pet pic!