Fisk University leaders announced yesterday a $1 billion plan to transform the campus, anchored by the construction of a 100,000-square-foot data center and academic facility.

Why it matters: The plan, dubbed "Quantum Leap," would radically change the look and feel of Nashville's oldest university over the next decade. It also calls for a new arena, student center and art annex.

• Fisk president Agenia Walker Clark said the project would be a beacon of economic opportunity for the historically Black university and the surrounding neighborhood in the 37208 ZIP code.

The big picture: Clark said building an on-campus data center that powers AI and other complex computing would put Fisk — and North Nashville — at the forefront of the AI economy.

Between the lines: Data centers are expected to generate nearly $27 billion in tax revenue nationwide over the next decade, per a 2025 report from pro-tech advocacy groups.

"We're building a workforce pipeline here at Fisk, so that residents of 37208 are participants in the digital economy and not bystanders to it," Clark said.

• She stressed that Fisk would own and control the facility, which would include 70,000 square feet for data infrastructure alongside 30,000 square feet for academics.

What they're saying: Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Stephanie Coleman said the project would be a "game changer for North Nashville" and the city's workforce.

• Mayor Freddie O'Connell praised the plan as a thoughtful and intentional roadmap tying Fisk's civil rights-era legacy to Nashville's tech-driven future.

Friction point: A growing number of communities are opposing data centers, arguing that they can drive up electricity costs and create environmental problems.

• Clark said the university had worked with the Nashville Electric Service and city leaders to ensure the new center wouldn't disrupt the neighborhood or increase residents' utility bills.
• "We have approached this opportunity with one mission statement that we repeat time and time again, and that is, we will execute this and do no harm," she said.

Of note: Clark did not discuss how the $400 million data center and other construction would be funded, although she said the center would ultimately support other campus upgrades.

• A Fisk spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

The bottom line: Fisk and city leaders said the Quantum Leap plan would put the university on secure footing after decades of financial struggles.

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The Titans will begin their first season under coach Robert Saleh with a home game against the New York Jets.

Why it matters: It's the final home opener at the old Nissan Stadium. The new stadium is expected to open in time for the 2027 season.

Zoom in: The Jets seem to represent a winnable first game. Like the Titans, they won just three games last year.

The intrigue: It will be the first opportunity to see if the new-look Titans have improved. The team invested in expensive free agents, adding two first-round draft choices in Carnell Tate and Keldric Faulk.

• It will also be the first regular season home game with the team's newly designed uniforms on display.

Zoom out: Schedule release day is always an opportunity for NFL teams to shine on social media. In 2023, the Titans went viral for their clever schedule release video showing Lower Broadway patrons incorrectly guessing the nicknames of the team's opponents based on their logos.

• Watch this year's video, which features more Lower Broad shenanigans
• See the full schedule for the old Nissan Stadium's swan song

⚖️ Metro legal director Wally Dietz, whose tenure has been defined by lawsuits pitting the city against both the state and federal governments, will retire in July.

• Mayor Freddie O'Connell picked attorney Tyler Yarbro to replace him. (Nashville Banner)

💲 If you were a victim of the January ice storm, the deadline to apply for federal assistance is running out. The last day to apply for FEMA aid is June 10. (WPLN)

🅿️ The 12South neighborhood is in the midst of a debate over how to handle the massive demand for parking, with residents on nearby streets and shop owners caught in the middle. (Tennessean)

President Trump headlines a list of more than 60 elected officials backing freshman U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps for reelection.

Why it matters: The large swath of endorsements announced yesterday shows strong support for Van Epps amid a last-minute map shakeup.

What we're watching: The qualifying deadline to enter the race is today, which will determine what primary opponents, if any, Van Epps faces in August.

Read our full story about the endorsements

Sunday will mark 25 years since the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened the doors on a new building in downtown Nashville.

Why it matters: In that timeframe, the Hall has become an anchor of the revitalized entertainment corridor, attracting throngs of tourists and hosting countless events and concerts.

Flashback: The Hall of Fame museum originally opened on Music Row in 1967. Its move downtown in 2001 was a star-studded red carpet event.

By the numbers: The museum has curated 225 exhibitions since moving downtown. More than 20 million visitors have stopped by since 2001.