Julianne Akers
@julianneakers.bsky.social
Reporter at @nashvillepost.com & @nashvillescene.com ; 🪱Georgia native, occasional critic, always pondering ; 📧Send tips, thoughts, etc. to [email protected]
Lots of shakeup happening in state and federal courts in Tennessee as of late.
www.nashvillepost.com/business/leg...
www.nashvillepost.com/business/leg...
Legal Notes: Governor to consider three candidates for state Supreme Court
Also: Trump nominates Western District judge; McGlinchey adds Nashville associate
www.nashvillepost.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Lots of shakeup happening in state and federal courts in Tennessee as of late.
www.nashvillepost.com/business/leg...
www.nashvillepost.com/business/leg...
Reposted by Julianne Akers
A Frist exhibition explores Black identity, humanity through mixed-media art.
Fahamu Pecou Offers a Glimpse Behind the Mask
Frist exhibition explores Black identity and humanity
www.nashvillescene.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A Frist exhibition explores Black identity, humanity through mixed-media art.
In the wake of two school shootings in Nashville since 2023 and the subsequent safety and security measures implemented by Metro Nashville Public Schools, I spoke with a few local students about their continued anxieties around school safety.
In the wake of school shootings, Metro Nashville Public Schools has heightened safety measures. But students’ concerns about school safety persist.
The State of School Safety
In recent months, Metro Nashville Public Schools has made numerous changes to safety measures in an attempt to prevent violence in schools. But as these modifications are implemented, some students co...
www.nashvillescene.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:17 PM
In the wake of two school shootings in Nashville since 2023 and the subsequent safety and security measures implemented by Metro Nashville Public Schools, I spoke with a few local students about their continued anxieties around school safety.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
On Monday, The Boring Company's Steve Davis called the Music City Loop "amazingly safe" during a virtual town hall meeting. The same day, construction crews reportedly left the site due to safety and pay concerns.
The Boring Company President Calls Future Tunnel ‘Amazingly Safe’
Steve Davis offers Music City Loop details during virtual town hall meeting; the same day, construction crews leave site due to safety, pay concerns
www.nashvillescene.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:49 PM
On Monday, The Boring Company's Steve Davis called the Music City Loop "amazingly safe" during a virtual town hall meeting. The same day, construction crews reportedly left the site due to safety and pay concerns.
I made a visit to Frist Art Museum a few weeks ago to see an exhibit from Atlanta-based artist Fahamu Pecou. I also got a chance to speak with Pecou a bit about his art. You can read all about it in this week's print edition of the Scene or online here. ⬇️
www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture...
www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture...
Fahamu Pecou Offers a Glimpse Behind the Mask
Frist exhibition explores Black identity and humanity
www.nashvillescene.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:06 PM
I made a visit to Frist Art Museum a few weeks ago to see an exhibit from Atlanta-based artist Fahamu Pecou. I also got a chance to speak with Pecou a bit about his art. You can read all about it in this week's print edition of the Scene or online here. ⬇️
www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture...
www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture...
Reposted by Julianne Akers
Nashville contractors walk off of Music City Loop jobsite, citing months of nonpayment, safety concerns and attempted “poaching” of employees by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/25/b...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/25/b...
Local contractor employees stop Music City Loop work - Nashville Banner
Willie Shane and his crew walk off the Music City Loop project, citing safety concerns and payment issues with The Boring Company.
nashvillebanner.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Nashville contractors walk off of Music City Loop jobsite, citing months of nonpayment, safety concerns and attempted “poaching” of employees by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/25/b...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/11/25/b...
Reposted by Julianne Akers
This week’s cover story: Our notes of gratitude to the community advocates, health care workers and others who make Nashville special.
Hey, Thanks: The Scene’s Letters of Appreciation 2025
Our notes of gratitude to the community advocates, health care workers and others who make Nashville special
www.nashvillescene.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This week’s cover story: Our notes of gratitude to the community advocates, health care workers and others who make Nashville special.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
In the wake of school shootings, Metro Nashville Public Schools has heightened safety measures. But students’ concerns about school safety persist.
The State of School Safety
In recent months, Metro Nashville Public Schools has made numerous changes to safety measures in an attempt to prevent violence in schools. But as these modifications are implemented, some students co...
www.nashvillescene.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:24 PM
In the wake of school shootings, Metro Nashville Public Schools has heightened safety measures. But students’ concerns about school safety persist.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
BREAKING: House votes overwhelmingly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill once opposed by Trump to the Senate.
House votes overwhelmingly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill to Senate
The House has voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 7:49 PM
BREAKING: House votes overwhelmingly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill once opposed by Trump to the Senate.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
A recall effort, an ethics threat and a packed council meeting reflect a divide in local politics.
The Escalating Standoff Between Homeowners, Rollin Horton and Democracy
Metropolitik: Recall effort, ethics threat, packed council meeting reflect a divide in local politics
www.nashvillescene.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM
A recall effort, an ethics threat and a packed council meeting reflect a divide in local politics.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
Harold “Wayne” Nichols is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Thursday, Dec. 11, as Tennessee’s third execution in seven months. His clemency petition rests with Gov. Bill Lee.
Nichols Seeks Clemency and Transparency Ahead of Execution Date
Working against the clock, attorneys wage a multifront campaign against the state and Gov. Bill Lee
www.nashvillescene.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Harold “Wayne” Nichols is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Thursday, Dec. 11, as Tennessee’s third execution in seven months. His clemency petition rests with Gov. Bill Lee.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
Democratic state Rep. Caleb Hemmer will not seek reelection in 2026, the lawmaker announced Monday.
State Rep. Caleb Hemmer Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026
Democrat Mark Proctor and Republican Bill Hancock among candidates vying for the seat
www.nashvillescene.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Democratic state Rep. Caleb Hemmer will not seek reelection in 2026, the lawmaker announced Monday.
The Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education has approved a $300,000 settlement for the family of Josselin Corea, Escalante, who was killed in the Jan. 22 shooting at Antioch High School.
www.nashvillepost.com/business/edu...
www.nashvillepost.com/business/edu...
Settlement approved for Antioch High shooting victim’s family
School board OKs $300K agreement following July lawsuit claiming MNPS failed to protect students from harm
www.nashvillepost.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education has approved a $300,000 settlement for the family of Josselin Corea, Escalante, who was killed in the Jan. 22 shooting at Antioch High School.
www.nashvillepost.com/business/edu...
www.nashvillepost.com/business/edu...
Reposted by Julianne Akers
Tennessee public libraries are launching an “immediate age-appropriateness review” of children’s and teens’ books following a state government directive.
Tennessee Secretary of State Orders ‘Age-Appropriateness Review’ of Library Books
Tennessee public libraries are launching an “immediate age-appropriateness review” of children’s and teens’ books following a state government directive, with some calling the plan “anti-public-librar...
www.nashvillescene.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Tennessee public libraries are launching an “immediate age-appropriateness review” of children’s and teens’ books following a state government directive.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
Nashville International Airport officials announced Thursday that BNA is not among the 40 high-volume markets impacted by the Federal Aviation Administration’s 10 percent reduction in air traffic caused by the government shutdown.
https://bit.ly/4981FOo
https://bit.ly/4981FOo
BNA not among 40 airports to reduce air traffic
Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Memphis facilities to see 10 percent cuts related to federal government shutdown
www.nashvillepost.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Nashville International Airport officials announced Thursday that BNA is not among the 40 high-volume markets impacted by the Federal Aviation Administration’s 10 percent reduction in air traffic caused by the government shutdown.
https://bit.ly/4981FOo
https://bit.ly/4981FOo
CoreCivic released its third-quarter financial report on Wednesday, noting a total revenue of $580.4 million, up by 18.1 percent from this time last year.
The report detailed a net income of $26.3 million, representing an increase of 24.7 percent from the same period last year.
The report detailed a net income of $26.3 million, representing an increase of 24.7 percent from the same period last year.
This week’s cover story: Examining Tennessee’s relationship with CoreCivic, one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies.
Core Issues: Examining Tennessee’s Relationship With CoreCivic
A look at one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies — and the politics, money and institutions that have contributed to its power
www.nashvillescene.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:56 AM
CoreCivic released its third-quarter financial report on Wednesday, noting a total revenue of $580.4 million, up by 18.1 percent from this time last year.
The report detailed a net income of $26.3 million, representing an increase of 24.7 percent from the same period last year.
The report detailed a net income of $26.3 million, representing an increase of 24.7 percent from the same period last year.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
Fifteen government officials shared one podium on Thursday afternoon to announce a new Nashville-based joint Homeland Security Task Force at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse.
City Joins Feds, State in New Homeland Security Task Force
Fifteen government officials shared one podium on Thursday afternoon to announce a new Nashville-based joint Homeland Security Task Force at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Fifteen government officials shared one podium on Thursday afternoon to announce a new Nashville-based joint Homeland Security Task Force at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse.
Amid reports of violence and dangerous conditions inside CoreCivic facilities, the for-profit prison operator has deep ties to Tennessee businesses and politics. This story explores the multi-billion dollar corporation's beginning and the people behind it all.
www.nashvillescene.com/news/coverst...
www.nashvillescene.com/news/coverst...
Core Issues: Examining Tennessee’s Relationship With CoreCivic
Over the past three decades, the company began to circumvent the state law restricting Tennessee to a single private prison by signing contracts directly with local governments. Now CoreCivic operates...
www.nashvillescene.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Amid reports of violence and dangerous conditions inside CoreCivic facilities, the for-profit prison operator has deep ties to Tennessee businesses and politics. This story explores the multi-billion dollar corporation's beginning and the people behind it all.
www.nashvillescene.com/news/coverst...
www.nashvillescene.com/news/coverst...
Reposted by Julianne Akers
This week’s cover story: Examining Tennessee’s relationship with CoreCivic, one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies.
Core Issues: Examining Tennessee’s Relationship With CoreCivic
A look at one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies — and the politics, money and institutions that have contributed to its power
www.nashvillescene.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This week’s cover story: Examining Tennessee’s relationship with CoreCivic, one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
Great reporting and an important story here from @julianneakers.bsky.social on CoreCivic. Hope you’ll take the time to read!
This week’s cover story: Examining Tennessee’s relationship with CoreCivic, one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies.
Core Issues: Examining Tennessee’s Relationship With CoreCivic
A look at one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies — and the politics, money and institutions that have contributed to its power
www.nashvillescene.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Great reporting and an important story here from @julianneakers.bsky.social on CoreCivic. Hope you’ll take the time to read!
Reposted by Julianne Akers
Did you know Tennessee is the birthplace of the for-profit prison industry? Great, important work here from @julianneakers.bsky.social
This week’s cover story: Examining Tennessee’s relationship with CoreCivic, one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies.
Core Issues: Examining Tennessee’s Relationship With CoreCivic
A look at one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies — and the politics, money and institutions that have contributed to its power
www.nashvillescene.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Did you know Tennessee is the birthplace of the for-profit prison industry? Great, important work here from @julianneakers.bsky.social
Reposted by Julianne Akers
With campus resentment growing over Trump’s university compact, Vanderbilt students and faculty rallied against Chancellor Daniel Diermeier underneath the brick clocktower of Kirkland Hall on Wednesday morning.
Vanderbilt Students, Faculty Bash Diermeier in Academic Freedom Rally
Campus resentment growing after university chancellor equivocates on Trump’s university compact
www.nashvillescene.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:32 PM
With campus resentment growing over Trump’s university compact, Vanderbilt students and faculty rallied against Chancellor Daniel Diermeier underneath the brick clocktower of Kirkland Hall on Wednesday morning.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
The Metro Council’s Nov. 4 meeting saw two hours of public comment from Nashvillians divided on a group of proposed zoning reform bills seeking to fill the gap in the area’s housing shortage.
Zoning District Proposal Stirs Public Debate at Council Meeting
Housing bills with both support and opposition advance, to be discussed further in December
www.nashvillescene.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:04 PM
The Metro Council’s Nov. 4 meeting saw two hours of public comment from Nashvillians divided on a group of proposed zoning reform bills seeking to fill the gap in the area’s housing shortage.
Reposted by Julianne Akers
New York will have its first Muslim mayor. Virginia will have its first female governor. And for the first time in U.S. history, a Muslim woman will hold statewide office. Here's a look at historic firsts from Tuesday's elections. nyti.ms/4nDyvKs
November 5, 2025 at 8:30 PM
New York will have its first Muslim mayor. Virginia will have its first female governor. And for the first time in U.S. history, a Muslim woman will hold statewide office. Here's a look at historic firsts from Tuesday's elections. nyti.ms/4nDyvKs
Reposted by Julianne Akers
Metro Council on Tuesday night approved the 10-year operating agreement for Opry Entertainment Group to run downtown Nashville's riverfront amphitheater.
https://bit.ly/3JKggoM
https://bit.ly/3JKggoM
Ascend to retain naming rights at Opry-run amphitheater
Metro Council approves 10-year operating agreement for Opry Entertainment Group
www.nashvillepost.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Metro Council on Tuesday night approved the 10-year operating agreement for Opry Entertainment Group to run downtown Nashville's riverfront amphitheater.
https://bit.ly/3JKggoM
https://bit.ly/3JKggoM