Axios Nashville

February 06, 2025
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- Today's weather: Rainy with a high of 72.
Today's newsletter is 913 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Republicans seek to allow public schools to reject undocumented students
Leading Tennessee Republicans want to undo a decades-old U.S. Supreme Court decision that gives undocumented children the right to enroll in public schools.
Why it matters: Conservative state lawmakers are doubling down on their efforts to mirror President Trump's hard-line immigration policies.
Driving the news: Leading Republican lawmakers introduced a new bill on Tuesday that would allow public schools to turn away undocumented children.
- If the measure passes, advocates are certain to challenge it in court.
- The Republicans say that is the goal.
What they're saying: A statement announcing the legislation said lawmakers want to challenge the decision in the 1982 Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe, which requires public schools to educate all children, including undocumented immigrants.
- "Tennessee communities should not have to suffer or pay when the federal government fails to secure our borders," said House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) is sponsoring the legislation in his chamber.
- "Our obligation is to ensure a high-quality education for legal residents first."
State of play: The legislation drew immediate pushback from Democrats, immigrant advocates and even fellow Republicans.
- "This isn't a policy proposal; it's a lawsuit," Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) said in a statement. "This bill doesn't just undermine our values — it puts a target on the backs of children, punishing them for political gain."
The intrigue: State Sen. Todd Gardenhire, a Republican from Chattanooga, joined Democrats in criticizing the measure.
"It saddens me that we pick on children," Gardenhire said, per the Tennessean. "That's just something we ought not to do here. These kids are brought here by their parents. If you believe in the Bible, as I do, all through the Old Testament it talks about you don't punish children for what their fathers do."
- "Right now, immigration is the bull market of politics," said Gardenhire, a staunch conservative who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Everybody is jumping on the bandwagon to be the champion and get bills passed, no matter how worthy they are or unworthy."
Zoom in: In a statement to Axios, Metro Nashville Public Schools reiterated its commitment to educating all students regardless of immigration status.
- "We take pride in the diverse backgrounds of our student population and remain committed to providing a high-quality education to every child who walks through our doors," district spokesperson Sean Braisted said.
- "Ensuring access to education strengthens our community and contributes to a more prosperous future for all."
The big picture: The new Republican legislation came days after the General Assembly passed a Trump-inspired immigration bill along party lines during a special session.
Flashback: The General Assembly's posture on this issue has shifted significantly over the last decade.
- Gardenhire previously backed efforts to give undocumented students in-state tuition at public colleges.
- Ten years ago that measure won support from several Republicans and came within one vote of passing.
2. Discount parking program for musicians expands
Musicians playing gigs at venues across Nashville now qualify for discounted parking.
Why it matters: Parking is a pain for everyone in Nashville, but especially working musicians whose jobs take them to some of the city's most desirable neighborhoods.
- Music Venue Alliance Nashville president Chris Cobb said parking was identified as one of musicians' biggest concerns during last year's music census.
Flashback: Metropolis, the technology company and parking lot operator, rolled out its discount parking program last year for musicians working in the downtown area.
- The original program was a partnership between the company, the musicians union and the Committee for Downtown Musicians & Workers.
Driving the news: The discount program has now expanded to include Metropolis-operated parking facilities located near independent venues in different neighborhoods around the city. With the expansion, 23 parking areas will offer the discount.
- Metropolis worked with the Mayor's Office of Nightlife and the Music Venue Alliance Nashville to identify the lots near independent venues.
How it works: There are three methods for musicians to get the Metropolis discount codes: Musicians playing a participating independent venue will be provided a QR code, AFM Local 257 provides the code to its members, and through the downtown musicians Facebook page.
- Last year, Metropolis reported providing more than $20,000 in discounts for its downtown program.
3. The Setlist: In-N-Out Burger considering 35 Tennessee locations
🏀 The Athletes Unlimited women's pro basketball league, which features WNBA players, began play yesterday at Municipal Auditorium. (Nashville Post)
✈️ A proposal to rename Nashville International Airport after President Trump is struggling to take off. The plan lacks support of GOP leadership in the legislature, and there's competition to rename another airport in Trump's honor. (Tennessee Journal, subscription)
🍔 In-N-Out Burger is eyeing 35 possible locations in Tennessee with its first set to open in Franklin later this year. (Nashville Business Journal, subscription)
4. Nashville's guide to Kendrick Lamar
Nashville's favorite Kendrick Lamar song is the Grammy-winning Drake diss track "Not Like Us."
The big picture: Lamar saw a 435% increase in streams on Spotify the hour after the NFL announced him as the Super Bowl LIX halftime performer.
- Nashville's most popular Lamar songs offer a pregame primer for viewers who aren't as familiar with his discography.
Fun fact: Ahead of the Super Bowl, Kansas City is channeling Music City and jamming to "Not Like Us." Philadelphia's top song is "luther" featuring SZA.
5. 🤔 Tell us: How should we celebrate the Super Bowl?
Last year, we offered up our suggestions for the best wings in town for the big game.
- Now we need your help planning the ultimate gameday bash.
🙏 Reply to this email with your best Nashville-friendly Super Bowl suggestions.
- We might share our favorites with the group in tomorrow's newsletter.
Our picks:
🪄 Nate's song of the day is "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga.
🎶 Adam's song of the day is Nate's a cappella rendition of "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga.
This newsletter was edited by Michael Graff.
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