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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Nashville. Written by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

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Brenda Lee's "Rockin'" eyes the top of Billboard chart

Lee's label is marking the 65th anniversary of "Rockin'" with a promotional push.

News

Tennessee Gov. Lee launches school voucher expansion effort

GOP leaders praised the plan while Democrats rallied opposition.

Scoop: A new racetrack redevelopment plan

The future of the city-owned racetrack has been a political knife fight spanning five mayors.

How a people-loving nerd became Nashville's mayor

Over two decades, Freddie O'Connell went from being a political footnote to a beacon of hope for Nashville progressives

Election

Southern Grist beer makes national best-of list

Beer and Brewing unveiled its list of the top 20 beers for 2023.

Food and Drink

A beer made by the quirky brewing masterminds at Southern Grist has been named one of the best in the entire country.Driving the news: Beer and Brewing unveiled its list of the top 20 beers for 2023, and Southern Grist&#x27;s gin barrel-aged Perpetual Composition was among those honored.

Inside East Nashville's new candy shop Lucky Rabbit

Nashville has precious few locally owned candy shops that thrill kids and adults alike.

East Nashville entrepreneurs Allison Holley and Camille Alston have seen their combined sugar intake spike considerably in the last month.Driving the news: For Holley, the cause of the sugar high has been a honeycomb-dipped chocolate candy called Violet Crumble. For Alston, it&#x27;s a peanut and molasses-covered candy bar called Peanut Chews.<ul><li>Violet Crumbles and Peanut Chews are just two of the many unique offerings at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lucky Rabbit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/luckyrabbitcandy/" data-vars-content-id="95957fb2-db9c-44fd-999f-e63c926afceb" data-vars-headline="Inside East Nashville&#x27;s new candy shop Lucky Rabbit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/luckyrabbitcandy/" target="_blank">Lucky Rabbit</a>, East Nashville&#x27;s new 240-square-foot candy shop that Holley and Alston opened on Oct. 21.</li></ul>

Two women standing in front of a wall of candy.

Your next Nashville lunch recommendation: It'z a Philly Thing

It'z a Philly Thing is located in Bellevue.

It&#x27;z a Philly Thing, located in Bellevue, about 817 miles from Philadelphia, does its namesake proud.The eatery offers a traditional cheesesteak on authentic Amoroso&#x27;s bread rolls.<ul><li>During a recent visit, Nate went with cheese wiz, while Adam opted for provolone.</li></ul>

Arnold's to temporarily reopen

It will reopen for four days next week, including Thanksgiving.

Good news, Nashville foodies: Our long, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arnold&#x27;s-less nightmare" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/06/goodbye-to-arnolds-for-now" data-vars-content-id="2ec5e536-1be4-45df-9c00-d2a6615bf0f0" data-vars-headline="Arnold&#x27;s to temporarily reopen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/06/goodbye-to-arnolds-for-now" target="_self">Arnold&#x27;s-less nightmare</a> is coming to an end. At least temporarily.Driving the news: Arnold&#x27;s Country Kitchen will reopen at its old location on 8th Avenue South for four days next week including on Thanksgiving.<ul><li>The beloved meat-and-three plunged the city into mourning when it closed its doors earlier this year, albeit with the caveat that it hoped to reopen soon.</li></ul>

Nashville saké bar Rice Vice expanding to New Orleans

Nashville&#x27;s craft saké bar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rice Vice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/15/proper-sake-rice-vice-bar-nashville" data-vars-content-id="430753b3-ef51-4787-a7ca-274b957872e7" data-vars-headline="Nashville saké bar Rice Vice expanding to New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/15/proper-sake-rice-vice-bar-nashville" target="_self">Rice Vice</a> is leveling up with the addition of a second location in New Orleans.Zoom in: The new spot — which owner Byron Stithem says will be called Rice Vice, part II — will open in the Algiers Point neighborhood of New Orleans in the first quarter of 2024.

Cheering Will Levis on with a mayonnaise mocha

Humphreys Street Coffee embraced Levis' well-known love for mayo.

All eyes are on Pittsburgh on Thursday, where we expect <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Will Levis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/10/30/will-levis-tennessee-titans-quarterback" data-vars-content-id="c73b2f9a-4f8e-4204-b91c-29ac24688b7f" data-vars-headline="Cheering Will Levis on with a mayonnaise mocha" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/10/30/will-levis-tennessee-titans-quarterback" target="_self">Will Levis</a> to get his second shot as a Titans quarterback.<ul><li>Hopes are high that Levis can manage a repeat of his impressive debut on Sunday.</li></ul>The intrigue: If you can&#x27;t make it to Pennsylvania, there is an unconventional way to cheer on Nashville&#x27;s favorite rookie.<ul><li>Spoiler alert: It involves drinking Hellmann&#x27;s Mayonnaise.</li></ul>

New food options arrive in Donelson

New arrivals like HiFi Cookies are expanding Donelson's food scene.

If the longstanding Greek Deli in Donelson Plaza absolutely had to be replaced, only a music-themed cookie shop would do.Why it matters: HiFi Cookies is one of a handful of new-to-Donelson eats rounding out the neighborhood&#x27;s food options.

Nashville sees the rise of the 5pm dinner reservation

Resy data shows a surge in early reservations.

Nashville might be famous for its nightlife, but more and more people are getting their evening started <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="before the sun goes down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/11/dinner-time-reservations-resy-health" data-vars-content-id="1b2c8735-87a1-4bf9-a887-a15a08a4b23b" data-vars-headline="Nashville sees the rise of the 5pm dinner reservation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/11/dinner-time-reservations-resy-health" target="_self">before the sun goes down</a>.<ul><li>New data from Resy shows a surge in popularity for 5pm dinner reservations here and nationally.</li></ul>Why it matters: Local restaurant workers tell Axios they&#x27;re adapting to the shifting schedule. It&#x27;s one of many ways the pandemic has changed our daily lives.

Chart showing an increasing share of 5pm dinner reservations as the share of reservations in later time slots falls.

Nashville's Blind Barber is part barbershop, part speakeasy

The concept originated in NYC and has expanded to Chicago, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

One of Nashville&#x27;s buzziest new bars is now open in the Gulch.What&#x27;s happening: By day, Blind Barber is a three-chair barbershop offering buzz cuts and shaves. By night, it&#x27;s a &#x27;70s-inspired speakeasy serving up cocktails, small plates and live performances from musicians and DJs.

Schulman's Neighborhood Bar opens in East Nashville

It opened this month in the old Southern Grist location.

East Nashville has added to its collection of dive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/06/02/best-bars-nashville" data-vars-content-id="1221d6eb-7784-4dce-a64a-0d3fa82ef064" data-vars-headline="Schulman&#x27;s Neighborhood Bar opens in East Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/06/02/best-bars-nashville" target="_self">bars</a>.<ul><li>Schulman&#x27;s Neighborhood Bar opened this month in the old Southern Grist location at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1201 Porter Road" data-vars-click-url="https://www.schulmansbar.com/" data-vars-content-id="1221d6eb-7784-4dce-a64a-0d3fa82ef064" data-vars-headline="Schulman&#x27;s Neighborhood Bar opens in East Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.schulmansbar.com/" target="_blank">1201 Porter Road</a>.</li></ul>Driving the booze: The bar is a low-key and easygoing joint that fits in alongside other East Nashville staples like Fran&#x27;s and Dino&#x27;s.<ul><li>The no-frills menu includes pickled eggs, chili fries and burgers. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Nashville Scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nashvillescene.com/food_drink/bites/schulman-s-neighborhood-bar-opens-in-east-nashville/article_fc0e6bce-6790-11ee-8b32-0f335dca1919.html" data-vars-content-id="1221d6eb-7784-4dce-a64a-0d3fa82ef064" data-vars-headline="Schulman&#x27;s Neighborhood Bar opens in East Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nashvillescene.com/food_drink/bites/schulman-s-neighborhood-bar-opens-in-east-nashville/article_fc0e6bce-6790-11ee-8b32-0f335dca1919.html" target="_blank">The Nashville Scene</a> praised the pastrami sandwiches.</li></ul>Between the lines: Schulman&#x27;s is named after David &quot;Skull&quot; Schulman, the former proprietor of Skull&#x27;s Rainbow Room.<ul><li>The bar is the latest offering from Icon Entertainment &amp; Hospitality, which also owns and operates the Johnny Cash Museum, Sinatra Bar &amp; Lounge, House of Cards and Skull&#x27;s.</li></ul>Of note: Schulman&#x27;s is open daily from 3pm-2am. Last call for food is 1:30am, which should make the bar a go-to for late-night burger cravings.

A bar lit by neon and classic chandelier lighting.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Politics & Policy

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers

Rep. Robert Garcia encouraged fellow Democrats to support Republicans' expulsion measure.

House Democrats and Republicans finally have something they agree on: booting Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" data-vars-content-id="4eec0a24-5338-46c4-8b6e-5526cda73c0f" data-vars-headline="George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) from Congress.Driving the news: In an email sent to Democratic congressional offices on Thursday, Rep. Robert Garcia&#x27;s (D-Calif.) office advocated for Republicans&#x27; resolution to expel the embattled Long Islander.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote

Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House.

The House on Friday voted to expel Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) over his many fabrications on the 2022 campaign trail and his two federal indictments.Why it matters: The vote makes Santos just the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth lawmaker" data-vars-click-url="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" target="_blank">sixth lawmaker</a> – and first Republican – to be expelled from the House in U.S. history.

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