Hot Days Haven’t Strained Electric Grid Yet

Despite days where air conditioners and electric fans seem to run nonstop, the Tennessee Valley Authority says this summer’s heat hasn’t been too much of a strain on the electric grid, so far.

Last night, more than 20 Nashvillians came to McGavock High School for Metro’s first meeting to plan new flood control measures. The area, around Opryland Hotel, was inundated in 1979 and again in 2010. The audience was interested not only in what measures officials have in mind, but who’s going to pay for it.

Nashville’s Metro Council will vote tonight on a measure to let public arts dollars pay for statues and memorials. Over the last decade Metro has set aside millions of dollars to install art around the city, and the proposal would make sure that includes monuments.

Officials say the Music City Star is becoming more popular than ever. In June, people took nearly 27-thousand rides on the commuter train, which runs between Nashville and Wilson County. That’s 53 percent more than in the same month last year, and it breaks previous single-month ridership records set in February and March of this year.

Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena has seen big music audiences this year, thanks in part to hockey. According to Pollstar, the venue ranked ninth in the country for selling the most concert tickets. That’s up 14 spots since the same time last year.

Leaders in the effort to build a new mosque in Murfreesboro are hoping to break ground sometime in August, despite some legal hang-ups.

Tennessee Republicans are talking about a push to unseat Nashville Democrat Jim Cooper next year. The GOP has made big gains in recent elections, and is eyeing what it might add after redrawing the state’s Congressional districts.

The United Auto Workers plan to keep things cordial with Volkswagen in Chattanooga. The union began talks with the German company last week.

The Confederate flags are flying again at the head-turning statue of Nathan Bedford Forrest on Interstate 65. While prominently displayed south of Nashville, this mysterious monument doesn’t make the state’s list of must-see attractions for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Tennessee’s wheat production has more than doubled from last year because of the warm and dry weather.