Notable quotables for the week for stories that include Memphis Safe Task Force, a Nashville data center, gas prices, bringing the banjo to hip-hop music, and last but not least, the broad appeal of Nashville burger reviews.

There were two killings by federal law enforcement officers in Memphis in recent weeks — one involving the National Guard and one involving the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Both were participating in the Memphis Safe Task Force.

Nashville’s Metro council inched closer to regulating data centers — which would include banning large, sprawling developments. The council also took the first steps toward seizing the land slated for a data center near the Nashville Zoo.

Gov.Bill Lee confirmed he will not be creating a death penalty moratorium after the failed execution of Tony Carruthers in May.

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It’s no secret that Tennessee is a dangerous place for people who walk around our city.

We have seen years of high pedestrian fatality rates and various initiatives trying to tackle hazardous roadways. This summer, WPLN’s Cynthia Abrams reports that a new national report shows the issue has only gotten worse.

In the report, Memphis was identified as the deadliest city in the country for pedestrians. While further down the list, Nashville’s fatality rate is getting worse. There have been 16 people killed already while walking in 2026.

Many incidents have been hit-and-runs, which can be difficult for police to solve.

For the full story, tap the link in bio.

Photos: Tony Gonzalez
Metro Nashville Police Department / YouTube

The Hermitage, the presidential home of Andrew Jackson, is revitalizing the “In Their Footsteps” tour.

It highlights the lives of people who were enslaved by Jackson and his family. The updated tour seeks to place more emphasis on the lives of people who were enslaved, portray Jackson’s brutality more honestly.

But as WPLN’s Cynthia Abrams reports, for some historians and descendants, the approach is disappointing. They point to the lack of involvement from historians of color, as well as tour proceeds going back into The Hermitage, rather than benefitting descendants.

Tune in on July 8 to This is Nashville to hear more about this. You can stream from our site at 12pm noon or catch the program later.

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Photos: Cynthia Abrams

Happy 250th birthday America! Notable quotables from this hot hot hot holiday week ready for swiping. This week includes stories about hot chicken, AI and musicians, hemp farmers, bats (animal, not baseball), and an investigation into Tennessee’s lethal injection program.

Tennessee’s ban on hemp products that produce marijuana-like effects took effect this week and farmers are looking to pivot on their crops. A group of Republican state senators wants Gov. Bill Lee to commission an independent, broad-ranging investigation into Tennessee’s lethal injection program. It wouldn’t be the first time; Lee commissioned one in 2022 after learning the Department of Correction had been failing to test its lethal injection drugs for potency or contaminants.

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A new Alabama Shakes song actually titled “American Dream” begins with visionary front woman Brittany Howard lamenting, “I thought we wanted the same things,” over the band’s ominous, lumbering groove.

At the forefront of Howard’s mind, reports Jewly Hight, was her troubling awareness that many in her country are living in precarity: “I can’t separate myself from what’s happening in my society.”

Jewly has been on a quest to document artists’ efforts to expand how we view American identity during our America 250 celebrations.

There’s the defiant approach of Black, queer, Southern pop maximalist Houston Kendrick. His new song “American Trash” roasts American triumphalism, cheekily reframing it as “American drag.”

The Cowgays took their first band photos in front of a sizable American flag. “We wanna push for a better America. So why can’t that flag stand for our values?”

Lizzie No produced the album Outlaws’ Almanac and says: “I believe in telling the stories of my people and my neighbors and celebrating folk storytelling. And this is an occasion when people`s ears might be perked up to what the American people have to say and in particular what folk musicians might have to say.”

Swipe to listen and follow along for more from Senior Music Writer Jewly HIght.

Photos: Brittany Howard by Izzy Lux, Houston Kendrick by Luke M. Rogers, Pynk Beard photo by Dez Wright, Lizzie No photo by Dan Russel-Pinson, Cowgays by Ford Fairchild