Federal agents arrested a Tennessee man earlier this week with ties to white nationalist groups who they say attempted to use what he believed to be an explosive-laden drone to destroy a Nashville energy facility.

Court documents state Skyler Philippi, 24, is accused of planning to attach several pounds of C-4 explosives to an aerial drone with the intent of destroying an electric substation in Nashville.

The newly unsealed court records reveal that Philippi in July allegedly told a confidential source who was working with the FBI that he wanted to attack several substations to “shock the system.” That confidential source later introduced Philippi to an undercover FBI employee, who began to collect information about Philippi’s plan with other undercover agents.

Philippi allegedly told undercover law enforcement officials he was affiliated with several white nationalist and extremist groups, including the National Alliance, which calls for eradicating the Jewish people and other races. Such extremist groups increasingly have viewed attacking the United States’ power grid as a means of disrupting the country.

The U.S. grid includes more than 6,400 power plants and 450,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines that span the country.

In September, Philippi provided the undercover officials with excerpts of his so-called manifesto, which focused heavily on preserving the white race.

On Saturday, Philippi and undercover employees drove to his intended Nashville launch site and prepared to fly a drone that authorities say Philippi believed had 3 pounds of C-4 attached to it. The material had been provided by the undercover employees, according to court documents.

Law enforcement agents arrested Philippi shortly after arriving at the site.

Metro Council office launches online accounts

The Metro Council Office announced the launch of its official social media accounts. This launch reflects the ongoing efforts of the Metro Council Office, the Metro Council and Vice Mayor Henderson to improve accessibility to local government, enhance trust and transparency and encourage community awareness of the council’s work.

“These platforms will serve as key communication and outreach tools, allowing the Metro Council Office to connect with residents quickly and reach the broadest possible audience,” said Margaret Darby, Metro Council Office director and special counsel.

Through these channels, followers can expect regular content announcing Council and committee meetings, sharing quick facts about the work of the Metro Council and the Council Office and providing time-sensitive information.

“I am glad our office is taking this step forward and encourage all Nashvillians to follow the work of the Metro Council via our new accounts,” says Vice Mayor Angie Henderson.

The Metro Council Office accounts can be found on:

• X/Twitter: @NashvilleMCO

• Instagram: @NashMCO

• Facebook

•Hashtag: #MetroCouncilNash

Meharry, Oracle partner for health care education

Oracle Health and Meharry Medical College have announced plans to improve medical education and community health care across Middle Tennessee and beyond.

As part of their nonbinding MOU, Meharry and Oracle aim to establish a health technology education and research collaborative, a health innovation hub, and a community care and wellness center in Nashville.

The two organizations will also work together to cultivate the skills of tomorrow’s health care leaders, providing them with hands-on training and experiential learning opportunities using Oracle’s cloud, AI and clinical applications.

“Our partnership with Oracle marks a pivotal moment for both Meharry and health care education, delivery and equity around the world,” says James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D., president and chief executive officer, Meharry Medical College. “One of the nation’s four historically Black academic health science centers, Meharry has been addressing health disparities and proving that mission-driven care can change lives for nearly 150 years. By combining our expertise with Oracle Health’s innovative technology, we will forge a path that other institutions and communities can follow. This collaboration transcends education and will create a model for more compassionate, equitable and community-centered care allowing everyone access to the care they need and deserve.”

11 TN schools net $4.8M in Perkins grants

Eleven Tennessee community and technical colleges are receiving grants totaling $4,777,312 to boost career and technical education programs, through the federal Perkins Grant program.

The newest round of Perkins READI (Reimagine Engage and Develop for Innovation) Grants have been awarded to the following institutions following a competitive application process by the College System of Tennessee central office:

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson, $500,000

• TCAT Elizabethton, $440,271

• TCAT Hartsville, $500,000

• TCAT Jacksboro, $499,218

• TCAT McMinnville, $500,000

• TCAT Murfreesboro, $420,000

• TCAT Upper Cumberland, $450,023

• Chattanooga State Community College, $288,000

• Dyersburg State Community College, $396,000

• Northeast State Community College, $500,700

• Southwest TN Community College, $283,100

The colleges will use the funds in support of career and technical education (CTE) programs to help students build valuable in-demand careers and support Tennessee’s workforce. Programs supported by this round of READI grants include automotive, diesel and electric vehicle technologies; digital graphic design and graphic arts; electrical and plumbing technologies; emergency medical services; funeral services; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration; industrial maintenance; machine tool technology; massage therapy; mechatronics technology; medical assisting; nursing and welding technology.

Demand rises as sellers list homes, buy new ones

Last month’s home sellers not only listed their homes, but bought new ones and sent a surge of demand into the market this month, according to the Realtor.com October Monthly Housing Report.

The rise in new listings seen in September was strongly correlated to a rise in pending sales this month, with significant pending home sales increases in Boston (25.7%), San Diego, California (22.1%) and Seattle (50.5%).

Home affordability is top of mind for many people especially in the current real estate market. As the median listing price per square foot increased by 2.1% in October relative to October of last year, the price per square foot has grown by 50.6% since October 2019.

Bugle nabs InvestTN seed round commitment

Bugle, a company that specializes in volunteer management solutions, announced that InvestTN joined its seed round to accelerate growth and expand global operations.

The newest InvestTN portfolio company, Bugle is changing the world of volunteering from the capital of the volunteer state. Bugle is a PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program participant.

Founded in 2021 by U.S. Army veteran Ryan Johnson, Bugle was selected to participate in The PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program Fall 2023 Cohort. The program exclusively supports veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs building highly scalable startup companies – ranging from the idea stage through to Series A and beyond.

“At our core, we believe that helping people shouldn’t be hard, so we build software that makes it easy,” Johnson says.

The funds will be used to further Bugle’s mission to double volunteering in the U.S. by 2030 and worldwide by 2036. Doubling volunteering globally will provide an additional $1.2T in social services annually. Today, Bugle’s volunteer management software is empowering hundreds of nonprofits and NGOs across the United States and six countries across the world.

“It’s been a privilege to support Ryan and Bugle through our Veteran Entrepreneur Program,” says PenFed Foundation President Andrea McCarren. “As a veteran-led company solving real challenges for nonprofits, it is a prime example of the innovative startups we seek to elevate. This funding is a testament to the strength of their vision and execution.”

Nashville Yards’ Emory offering first condo sales

Southwest Value Partners, the owner and developer of Nashville Yards, together with StreetLights Residential, its partner in the development of its Nashville Yards residential towers The Emory & The Everett, has announced the launch of The Emory residential condominium sales.

Leasing of The Everett’s residential rental units was launched in mid-October.

Southwest Value Partners and StreetLights Residential have designed and built the residences at The Emory to offer unequaled living in the heart of Nashville Yards, with unique access to all that the safe, walkable, convenient, master planned community has to offer.

Located just off Commerce Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, the one- and two-bedroom, and one- and two-bedroom plus den condominiums at The Emory feature some of the largest floor plans in the market, ranging from approximately 800 to 1,800 square feet.

The 312 residences are designed as a high-end living experience with 10-foot ceilings, 8-foot doors, abundant cabinet space, top-of-the line kitchen appliances (80% gas ranges and 20% induction cooktops), dine in islands and mudroom style-entryways. The residences also feature spa-grade bathrooms, custom closets, SONOS-enabled sound systems and smart thermostats.

Yoshi Mobility spins off fueling division

Yoshi Mobility, the leading tech-enabled mobility solutions company, is spinning off its fuel division as part of its renewed commitment to sustainability and an electric future.

The company has entered into a letter of intent agreeing to sell its fleet fueling operation to EZFill Holdings.

Originally founded as a direct-to-consumer, mobile fueling business, Yoshi Mobility has expanded and evolved since emerging in 2016 from Y-Combinator, the renowned Silicon Valley accelerator.

The divestment will allow Yoshi Mobility to sharpen its focus on three innovative and rapidly growing service solutions: mobile vehicle charging for electric and autonomous fleets, virtual vehicle inspections for partners like Uber and Turo, and on-site preventive maintenance.