The Roundabout: News of the Week for August 28, 2025

It’s Thursday and time for another episode of The Roundabout.

The Roundabout is your news of the week, analyzed by our panelists from points of view that span left, right and center. Joining us today are former congressional candidate Kiran Sreepada, Vanderbilt young Republican Noah Jenkins and the Tennessean’s Austin Hornbostel. We’re stepping back from the news of the week and looking for meaning in it all. Gov. Lee resisting guard troops policing Memphis, the latest on the airport tunnel, and the Cracker Barrel kerfuffle. Plus headlines that flew under the radar.

And The Roundabout also welcomes your voice on the big stories of the week! hat story is making the rounds in your circle? Give us a call at 615-760-2000 to weigh in — or join us live streaming on YouTube at noon and pop your question into chat.

This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.

Guests:

• • Kiran Sreepada, former congressional candidate & former Director Programs at the States Project.
  • Noah Jenkins, Vanderbilt senior and President Emeritus, Vanderbilt Young Republicans
  • Austin Hornbostel, Tennessean Metro Reporter

Further reading:

• Cracker Barrel drops rebrand, vows to ‘put the grandpa back’ with original logo [Tennessean]
• Gov. Lee Tennessee governor not ready to deploy troops to Memphis [Tennessee Lookout]
• Community Foundation says shift to fund legal services for immigrants was always the plan [Tennessean]
• Charlane Oliver Describes New Priorities as Child Care Woes Continue; Centers struggle with regulation costs, and a report calls for sustained funding [Nashville Scene]
• A landmark Tennessee court ruling now allows guns in state parks, changes arrest powers [Newschannel5]