🌱 New Bill Following Covenant Shooting + Taylor Swift Receives Bench

Hello, neighbors. I'm Michelle Paul and I'll be filling in for your usual curator Nicole Fallon-Peek today. Keep reading to find out everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 83 Low: 67.
• Friday: A p.m. t-storm or two. High: 83 Low: 68.

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Here are the top three stories in Nashville today:

1. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has approved a bill focused on enhancing school safety measures in the state, prompted by a tragic shooting at Nashville's Covenant School. The legislation mandates active shooter training for security guards, requires locked exterior doors during school hours, and strengthens active shooter drills and threat assessment teams in schools. Additionally, Lee allocated $230 million in funding to bolster school safety, including the placement of armed school resource officers in every public school and improved support for students' mental health. (CNN)
2. Centennial Park has dedicated a bench to Taylor Swift, as announced by Mayor John Cooper ahead of Swift's concerts in the city last week. This bench holds significance as Swift mentions sitting on a bench in the park in her song "Invisible String." Previously, a Willow tree was planted in her honor. Inspired by the dedication, Swift included "Invisible String" in her setlist for the Nashville concerts. (Davidson County Source)
3. The family of Jesse Reed, a Nashville firefighter whose body was found in the water in Waverly over five years ago, believes that his wife is responsible for his death. Newly-obtained reports from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Humphreys County Sheriff's Office support their claims. Reed's wife has not been ruled out as a suspect, as she provided conflicting accounts of the events leading up to his death. (WKRN 2)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Nashville:

Thursday, May 11

• Martinis And Jazz At Center 615 (6:00 PM)
• Trivia Night At Third Coast Comedy Club (6:00 PM)

Friday, May 12

• Goat Yoga At Goat Yoga Nashville (9:00 AM)
• Coffee And Community: A Bi-Weekly Moms Group At Nashville Doula Services, Franklin (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• According to recent data, the state of Tennessee had the ninth-highest rate of U.S. teen driver fatalities in 2022. Bumper.com reports that “young drivers are statistically more likely than other age groups to be involved in fatal accidents." (Bumper)
• Every year, the Exchange Club of Donelson-Hermitage recognizes the outstanding Nashville Fire Department personnel by honoring them as Firefighter and Medic of the Year, acknowledging their exceptional service to the community. In this year's celebration, Captain Geauthor Hayes, Paramedic Brian Vann, and AEMT Shauna Fitzgerald were honored. (Nashville Fire Department via Facebook)
• High Sierra BBQ Sauce will be returning to the May Nashville Flea Market! May days for this year's market will be May 26-28 at 401 Wingrove St. (Nashville Flea Market via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll be in your inbox soon with your next update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.