Latest news with #BillHaslam
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$30 million WNBA practice facility included in Capital Improvements Budget
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Metro Council unanimously approved the Capital Improvements Budget from fiscal year 2025-2026 through fiscal year 2030-2031, and it sets aside $30 million for a WNBA practice facility. Advertisement In a note on the allocation, Metro Council explains that the funding is meant to attract professional women's basketball to Music City. For fiscal year 2026, there's been a funding request of $30,000. According to Metro, the Capital Improvements Budget is 'a list of recommended capital improvements to the Mayor,' meaning that it acts more like a wishlist for city leaders than a steadfast budget. All infrastructure projects still require additional approval from departments like the Metro Planning Commission. RELATED: What's in the Capital Improvements Budget? Former Tennessee governor and owner of the Nashville Predators Bill Haslam and a group of investors have worked to bring a professional women's team to Nashville for years. They submitted a bid in January to create the team, which could be dubbed the 'Tennessee Summit' to honor legendary Tennessee Volunteers Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summitt. Advertisement When the submission was announced, Haslam and other ownership partners said they wanted to develop 'a world-class practice facility' for the WNBA team that would also serve as a hub for youth basketball in the Nashville area. JANUARY | 'Tennessee Summitt': Former governor, investors make bid to bring WNBA team to Nashville 'Having a WNBA team in Nashville will definitely attract more residents more businesses to Nashville,' Metro Councilmember Jennifer Gamble said. Gamble added that she supports the WNBA coming to Nashville, believing the team would continue to positively transform the city. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor Bill Lee: What would Jesus do about immigration? (Not this)
During my tenure with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), I had the privilege of serving alongside many dedicated officers and interacting with countless members of the Latino community. A vast majority of these individuals are striving to build a better life for their families, and they embody the hardworking spirit that defines our nation. Also, as a Christian, I believe in welcoming and supporting our neighbors, not instilling fear. Reflecting on our history, if Native Americans had an enforcement agency akin to today's ICE, many of us would not be here. This perspective should guide our approach to immigration today. As a retired THP Captain, I fully support bringing violent criminals—regardless of their background—to justice. However, this must be done through lawful and humane means. Immigrants who contribute positively to our communities and are not involved in violent crime deserve a path to citizenship, not the threat of deportation. The recent partnership between ICE and THP in South Nashville, which led to over 100 detentions, has raised significant concerns. This operation, conducted without prior notification to local officials, disproportionately targeted the Latino community and has instilled fear among law-abiding residents. Nashville's immigrant population, constituting about nine percent of the metro area, includes many who are essential to our local economy and culture. Critics, including the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, have condemned these actions as racial profiling and an erosion of trust in law enforcement. Local leaders, such as Mayor Freddie O'Connell, have expressed opposition to these tactics, emphasizing that they conflict with Nashville's values of inclusivity and safety. More: Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell: Recent ICE arrests caused 'deep community harm' I do not fault the officers involved; they are carrying out orders. However, I question the leadership that sanctions such operations. Under Governor Bill Haslam, our focus was on addressing areas with high crime rates and traffic incidents, not targeting specific communities based on appearance or ethnicity. The recent legislation requiring local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities has further complicated this issue. While proponents argue it enhances public safety, opponents warn it could lead to additional racial profiling and undermine community trust. Governor Lee, I urge you to consider the moral implications of these policies. Would Jesus, who taught us to love our neighbors, support actions that instill fear and division? I believe the answer is clear. It's time for Tennessee to return to a law enforcement philosophy rooted in justice, compassion and leadership, that serves all people equally. Retired Captain Mark Proctor served with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for 25+ years, including in Command roles under Governor Bill Haslam. He is a lifelong Tennessean and resides in Nashville. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: ICE arrests may be legal, but they're not morally correct | Opinion
Business Journals
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Journals
Bill Haslam on role of sports in 'incredibly polarized time:' 'Sports is that thing that unifies'
Former governor and owner of the Nashville Predators Bill Haslam discussed the role of sports in polarized times at the 2025 World Congress of Sports event held in Nashville this week. "As polarized as the country is, sports is one of the few things that can bring us together,' he said.
Axios
26-02-2025
- Health
- Axios
Haslams establish medical school scholarship at Belmont
Former Gov. Bill Haslam and his wife Crissy are bankrolling a scholarship for medical students at Belmont University who face financial barriers. Why it matters: The scholarship is designed to go to students who might have struggled to afford medical school otherwise. State of play: The Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation donated $1 million to establish the endowed scholarship. What she's saying:"Education transforms lives and communities, and we know that Belmont's College of Medicine will serve as a gateway for students who want to give their lives to the field of medicine," Crissy Haslam said in a statement. "We are hopeful this scholarship will remove barriers for students who desire to make an impact through both their talents and training." Flashback: Expanding college access for low-income Tennesseans was one of Bill Haslam's signature issues as governor. He created statewide scholarships that made community and technical colleges tuition free for most residents.
Axios
19-02-2025
- Business
- Axios
Athletes Unlimited turns in record attendance in Nashville
The Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball tournament at Municipal Auditorium has turned in strong attendance so far, organizers say. Why it matters: Nashville is in the running for a WNBA expansion franchise and the community support for women's hoops is an encouraging sign. Athletes Unlimited gives WNBA players and other pros the chance to compete in a unique style of hoops that tracks individual performances as well as team play. By the numbers: A spokesperson for Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball says attendance and the reception from the city has been "by far the best in the four-year history of the tournament." Attendance for the first two weeks is up 137% compared to last year in Dallas. Figures for the second week were particularly strong. Organizers are encouraged that attendance for the second week of play in Nashville grew by 23% compared to the first week. State of play: Robust Community support is part of the Haslam family's sales pitch for a WNBA franchise in Nashville. Former Gov. Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy Haslam, want to name the team the Tennessee Summitt in honor of legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt. Vanderbilt and Middle Tennessee women's hoops also have proud traditions. What we're watching: The WNBA is expected to announce its next expansion team later this year. What's next: The tournament is in week 3 of 4. The next two games take place Wednesday night at 5pm and 7:30pm. Details and tickets here.
