New sidewalks, lighting and crosswalks are coming to Nolensville Pike in South Nashville thanks to a new $13 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Why it matters: Nolensville Pike is one of the most dangerous roads in Nashville, according to a 2022 report that analyzed city streets with the highest numbers of reported injuries.

• This grant funding will go toward changes that improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers.

By the numbers: The federal government's grant announcement said there were 48 crashes on Nolensville Pike that resulted in serious injuries or death from 2017-2021. Some 37% of those crashes involved pedestrians at night.

• That data will inform the new project, which the city is calling "We Are Nolensville Pike."

State of play: Work will focus on a 2.5-mile stretch of Nolensville Pike between McCall Street and Haywood Lane.

• That portion of Nolensville includes busy intersections with Harding Place and Edmondson Pike, as well as landmarks like the Nashville Zoo and Plaza Mariachi.

Zoom in: In addition to the federal funds, the project will include more than $3.2 million in local spending that has already been approved.

• The project calls for new sidewalks and sidewalk repairs, enhanced street lighting to improve visibility at night, intersection improvements for pedestrians, changed signal timing and improved bus stop designs.

What he's saying: Mayor Freddie O'Connell said the grant would "transform traffic safety on one of the city's most diverse, vibrant corridors."

Flashback: O'Connell has pushed for improvements along Nolensville Pike for years. As a Metro Council member in 2021, he successfully fought to pair funding for zoo parking with money for transportation issues.

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The Tennessee Legislature is out of step with the voters it represents on key issues, including gun control and abortion, according to the newest Vanderbilt Poll.

State of play: The new poll of Tennessee voters, released today, shows broad bipartisan support for gun control measures, including efforts to restrict gun possession for high-risk individuals.

• 76% of respondents supported a law requiring gun owners to ensure that firearms stored in vehicles are secure.
• 80% said they supported background check requirements for firearm sales at gun shows.
• More than three-quarters favored restricting gun possession for "high-risk individuals."

Yes, but: Gun control measures, including Gov. Bill Lee's proposal to temporarily keep guns away from people deemed a threat to themselves or others, floundered during a special session on public safety in August.

• The Republican supermajority blocked most debate on gun control measures.

By the numbers: The Vanderbilt Poll found 77% of Tennessee voters support allowing abortions in cases of incest or rape.

• That includes nearly 65% of Republicans and nearly 80% of independents.
• But an effort to add incest or rape exceptions to Tennessee's strict abortion ban stalled earlier this year.

Between the lines: The poll found a historic low in support for the General Assembly, with 42% saying they supported Tennessee lawmakers.

Meanwhile: Former President Trump remains the heavy favorite for president among Tennessee Republicans, with 56% support.

• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came in second with 20%.
• The poll did find Trump's support would drop significantly if he's convicted of a felony ahead of the presidential election.

Of note: The fall 2023 Vanderbilt Poll was conducted Nov. 14-Dec. 2 and included 1,005 registered voters in Tennessee.

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🏢 The historic downtown Morris Memorial Building, which has been the subject of preservation efforts, sold for $6 million. There's a plan in the works to preserve the building and convert it into a boutique hotel. (Nashville Post, subscription)

💰 Luke Combs pledged $11,000 to a woman who was sued for selling Combs-themed merchandise without his permission. Combs said he was not personally involved in the lawsuit. (Tennessean)

Department of Children's Services commissioner Margie Quin defended progress the agency has made on the heels of recent media reports about the mistreatment of children in state care. (Tennessee Lookout)

Burgers wound up on this year's Pork Report, the conservative-leaning Beacon Center's annual roundup of government spending in Tennessee that the group considers wasteful.

Zoom in: In-N-Out Burger got nearly $5 million in government incentives to establish a new corporate hub in Franklin, earning the eagerly awaited fast food joint a spot on this year's list.

• Williamson County and Franklin offered nearly $2 million in incentives while the state stepped in with $2.75 million.
• "No one is more excited than the Beacon team about the addition of In-N-Out restaurants and corporate headquarters to the Middle Tennessee area, but we have a real problem with the government subsidizing the insanely profitable California chain," the report reads.

State of play: The In-N-Out incentives were one of 11 examples included in this year's report. The Tennessee Performing Arts Center also landed on the list after lawmakers earmarked $200 million in state funds to help move the venue out of the state-owned James K. Polk building.

• The facility — which hosts ballets, musicals, concerts, plays and opera performances — is expected to move to the newly imagined East Bank neighborhood, although those plans aren't finalized.
• The report likened the spending to the $500 million allocation for the new Titans stadium.
• "The cost of relocating entertainment venues shouldn't be forced on taxpayers, the majority of whom will never see a performance."

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