🌱 $238,785 For School District + FBI Arrests Casada For Corruption

Welcome back, Franklin! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 90 Low: 69.

🏡 Attention, real estate pros in Franklin! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in and around Franklin:

1. Williamson County Schools serving the Brentwood area have been awarded $238,785 by the City of Brentwood. The latest funding is part of about $6.28 million that the city has given to the school district over the last 36 years. The funds are primarily used for non-recurring costs such as books, technology, and special projects. (City of Brentwood)
2. The FBI has arrested Franklin's Glen Casada, 63 years old, for allegedly running a sham constituent mailing program. The agency also arrested Casada's former chief of staff Cade Cothren, 35 years old. The two arrests are the result of a months-long federal corruption investigation. (Fox News)
3. The Gary Sinise Foundation has announced the departure of its CEO Dr. Mike Thirtle. He is best known for leading the foundation's relocation to Franklin from Woodland Hills, California. Donna Palmer will temporarily assume the foundation's day-to-day leadership. (PR Newswire)

Today in Franklin:

• Painting With Water Media Meet-Up At The Williamson County Public Library (1:00 PM)
• Excel Basics, Part 1 At The Williamson County Public Library (5:00 PM)
• Westhaven Farmers Market At Magli Green (4:00 PM)
• Property Committee Meeting At The County of Williamson (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Franklin shared its latest episode of Top 3 Things to Know with Eric Stuckey. Click to learn more about Ellie G. Dream World, Southeast Park update, and new playground equipment. (City of Franklin, TN - Municipal Government via Facebook)
• Franklin Locals are searching for new volunteers to join the program this fall. Click to learn more about applying. (Downtown Franklin via Facebook)
• The Franklin Classic is scheduled for Sep. 5 at Franklin's Main Street. The event begins at 7:00 a.m. with roads closing at 5:00 a.m. (City of Franklin)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.