Missiles & Mudslinging
🚂 Blackburn backs controversial Defense Appropriations Act; Rose votes against House version · DC Blox closes on property near Nashville Zoo · All aboard the Chattanooga Choo Choo · Much more!
Good afternoon, everyone. Blackburn backs controversial Defense Appropriations Act; Rose votes against House version... DC Blox closes on property near Nashville Zoo... Nashville Steam Preservation Society fires up Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway No. 576 for the first time since 1952... And much more!
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Blackburn bombs away, Rose pumps the brakes on controversial Defense Appropriations Act.
From Megan Podsiedlik
Campaigns may be consuming the political conversation in Tennessee, but official business continues in Washington. This week, Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty voted to approve the FY 2027 Defense Appropriations Act to provide funding for Department of Defense military operations, military construction, and national security programs at the Department of Energy.
Act Fails Senate The legislation did not receive the 3/5 majority it needed to pass the Senate, but the votes are still controversial. Several members have been critical of the increases in defense spending, arguing Congress should instead devote more resources to domestic priorities.
Controversial Israeli Defense Provisions The legislation also includes funding for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation—such as Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow missile defense programs—as well as other joint defense initiatives. Supporters argue these programs strengthen a key U.S. ally and improve regional security, while critics contend the funding enables Israel's military campaign in Gaza and should be reduced or conditioned on compliance with international humanitarian law.
Passes House Without TN Votes Back in December, Congressman John Rose and Congressman Tim Burchett both voted against the House version of the sweeping defense policy. The bill, which would authorize $900 billion in Pentagon programs, passed the House without the two Tennessee Republican votes.
The House and Senate have to reconcile the legislation before September 30, or further action must be taken to prevent a lapse.
✹ BREAKING
- 🦒 DC Blox closes on property near Nashville Zoo. DC BLOX has officially purchased the 23.5-acre property next to the Nashville Zoo for $23 million and is moving forward with plans for a data center despite intense public opposition. The closing ends speculation that the company might abandon the project, but construction still faces numerous legal, regulatory, and political hurdles before it can begin.
The proposed data center has become one of Nashville's most contentious development fights. The Nashville Zoo, neighborhood groups, and environmental advocates argue the facility's noise, light, and other potential impacts could harm sensitive and endangered animals. In response, Mayor Freddie O'Connell has proposed using eminent domain to acquire the property for Metro. (Axios)
HEADLINES
- 🚂 NC&StL No. 576 – First Steam Up Since 1952. After a decade-long restoration, the Nashville Steam Preservation Society successfully fired up Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway No. 576 for the first time since 1952, marking a major milestone in returning the historic locomotive to service. Once restoration is complete, the group plans to operate steam-powered excursion trains with the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, a venture expected to generate more than $5 million annually in regional tourism-related economic impact. (Mailchimp)
- 🎖 Stolen valor in D-45? Rivals question circumstances of state House candidate’s discharge from Marines. Republican candidates in the House District 45 primary are raising concerns about Brian Stewart's campaign emphasis on his Marine Corps service after military records indicate he was discharged from the Marine Corps Reserve for "failure to participate" and under conditions the Corps described as "incongruent with Marine Corps standards." Stewart says health issues, including an irregular heartbeat and thyroid surgery, cut his service short, while his opponents argue he has misrepresented his military record to voters ahead of the Sumner County primary. (TNJ)
- 🍎 The TN State Board of Education Could Ease Licensing Requirements for Public School Teachers. The Tennessee State Board of Education is considering changes that would allow aspiring teachers to qualify for a license through additional pathways if they do not pass required content assessment exams. Supporters say the proposal could help address the state's teacher shortage while maintaining multiple options for demonstrating subject knowledge. (CB)
DEVELOPMENT
- Great Escape prepares move from Charlotte Avenue building (Post)
- Nowhere Special opens in Hillsboro Village (Post)
✹ METRO COUNCIL WATCH
New Council Watch Features We've added additional features to Council Watch. In addition to who's funding your council member, you can now see how they vote and who they vote with most frequently. (Take a Look)
THINGS TO DO
View our calendar for the week here.
📅 Visit our On The Radar list to find upcoming events around Nashville.
🎧 On Spotify: Pamphleteer's Picks, a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week.
👨🏻🌾 Check out our Nashville farmer's market guide.
TONIGHT
🎸 Hadlie Jo & The Bourbon Cowboy @ Station Inn, 9p, $25, Info
🥁 95MP & Echo Selector w/ DJ Stephany Medina @ The Blue Room, 7p, $31.65, Info
🎸 Tori Amos @ Ryman Auditorium, 8p, $77+, Info
🎸 Country Club Day ft. The Cowpokes @ Acme Feed & Seed, 12:30p, Free, Info
🎸 Kelley's Heroes @ Robert's Western World, 6:30p, Free, Info
SATURDAY
🎸 Tomahawk @ Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, 8p, $53+, Info
+ Mike Patton supergroup reunite for first shows in 13 years
🎸 Kurt Vile and the Violators @ Ryman Auditorium, 8p, $44+, Info
+ psych rock
🎸 feeble little horse @ The Basement East, 8p, $25, Info
+ shoegazey indie
🎸 Kelley's Heroes @ Robert's Western World, 6:30p, Free, Info
SUNDAY
🎸 Anthony Da Costa @ The 5 Spot, 6p, $10, Info
+ folk/Americana singer-songwriter Sunday Summer Residency w/ special guest Cory Branan
🎸 Billy Bob Thornton w/ The Boxmasters @ Ryman Auditorium, 7p, $79+, Info
🪕 Bluegrass Jam @ Station Inn, 7p, Free, Info
+ a night for musicians and singers from all over the world to gather and enjoy making music together
🪕 Sundays Between with Easy Green @ Tennessee Brew Works, 1p, Info
+ a fusion of two beloved musical genres – Bluegrass and the iconic sounds of the Grateful Dead!
📰 Check out the full newsletter archive here.
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Today's newsletter is brought to you by Davis Hunt, Megan Podsiedlik, and Camelia Brennan.