Tennessee is rediscovering its volunteer spirit after a pandemic-era slump.

Why it matters: The rebound is part of a promising embrace of community involvement across several metrics that plummeted during COVID's peak.

• The trends are documented in a new AmeriCorps report that analyzes U.S. Census Bureau data.

By the numbers: More than 33% of Tennesseans said they volunteered through a formal organization at least once between September 2022 and September 2023 — more than any other state in the Southeast.

• That's nearly 10 points higher than Tennessee's volunteering rate in 2021. It even eclipses the pre-pandemic baseline of 31.7% in 2019.

Zoom in: Residents' drive to help has continued to surge beyond the time period covered in the survey, according to Hands on Nashville.

• For instance, when a deadly tornado hit Madison last December, the volunteer agency said more than 1,000 people stepped up and logged more than 3,000 hours of work in the first month alone.

Zoom out: About 28.3% of Americans reported volunteering in 2023, up five points from 2021, according to the AmeriCorps report.

• Utah had the highest participation rate in the country at more than 46%.
• Nevada ranked the lowest at 18.6%.

The big picture: The report also found a rise in Tennesseans who informally helped their neighbors, with more than 56% saying they lent a hand to someone nearby.

• The same trend was noted at the national level.

Yes, but: The share of Americans who consume news and talk about social issues either in person or online has been steadily decreasing over the last few years, the report found.

• About 75% of respondents nationwide reported consuming local or political news throughout the week in 2017.
• By 2023, that figure had fallen to about 63%.

The bottom line: Despite our increasing reluctance to talk about big issues, the findings paint a broad picture of "renewed engagement in American civic life," as the report puts it.

How to help: If you're looking to volunteer or support your community during the holiday season, or at any point in the year, Hands On Nashville has an array of resources.

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Following the Titans' surprise win in Houston last weekend, coach Brian Callahan said he was encouraged by quarterback Will Levis' growth in recent games.

What he's saying: "I've just been really happy with the way Will has progressed," Callahan told reporters yesterday. "He's played winning football from that position, really over the last three weeks, and I'd like to see it continue."

The big picture: There is still plenty of room for improvement, Callahan said, noting Levis' skill avoiding sacks and making quick decisions.

• "I think there's another level we can get to and unlock from him."

Yes, but: The Titans are still 3-8, and Callahan acknowledged major errors that have plagued the team. For instance, Levis got sacked eight times during Sunday's game.

• "We can't give up eight sacks a game and feel like it's going to be good enough," Callahan said. "It's partly on Will, it's on the line, it's on me."
• "We can all do a better job to get that fixed."

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💯 Father Ryan High School is celebrating its 100th anniversary. (Tennessean, subscription)

🚫 Rutherford County school libraries recently removed 150 books that had "been challenged for sexually explicit content." Pulled books included "Catch-22" and "A Clockwork Orange." (Tennessee Lookout)

🍖 A new barbecue restaurant that blends Southeast Asian and Texas styles is coming to the East Nashville building that was once home to Lou. (Nashville Scene)

As we prepare to gather with our loved ones, it's time to reflect on the things we're thankful for.

❗️ Help us: We want to share an Axios Nashville gratitude journal, and we need your help.

• Reply to this email and let us know what you're giving thanks for this year.
• Your answers can include anything, but we would really love Nashville-specific submissions.

What's next: We'll include our list, along with our favorite reader feedback, in tomorrow's newsletter.