MAY 19 ROUNDUP: Latest news from the Nashville area

Franklin was named as one of the finalists for the 2020 All-America City Award by the National Civic League in an application jointly filed by the city of Franklin and nonprofit Franklin Tomorrow. (Alex Hosey/Community Impact Newspaper)

Now is the chance to help your local community succeed. Become a Patron by contributing to Community Impact Newspaper and gain daily insight into what's happening in your own backyard. Thank you for reading and supporting community journalism.

By Community Impact staff | 8:06 AM May 19, 2020 CDT | Updated 8:06 AM May 19, 2020 CDT

Read the latest updates from Community Impact Newspaper's coverage of the Nashville area.

Franklin selected as a finalist for All-America City Award

Franklin was named as one of the finalists for the 2020 All-America City Award by the National Civic League in an application jointly filed by the city of Franklin and nonprofit Franklin Tomorrow.

Nashville residents to decide new 'I Voted' sticker designed by students in Southwest Nashville

Nashville residents are being asked to help decide the county’s new “I Voted” sticker to be distributed during the fall elections, according to a joint announcement May 18 from the Metro Nashville Arts Commission and the Davidson County Election Commission.

Tennessee Department of Health confirms 623 new coronavirus cases in past 24 hours; deaths surpass 300

Coronavirus cases across Tennessee have risen to 18,011 as of May 18, according to the latest update from the Tennessee Department of Health. This marks an increase of 623 new cases reported since the update May 17.

Alex Hosey, Dylan Aycock and Wendy Sturges contributed to this report.

By Community Impact staff

MOST RECENT

See how COVID-19 has impacted Williamson County in recent weeks. (Community Impact staff)

Williamson County active COVID-19 case count reaches 5-month low; officials urge continued mask wearing

The number of active coronavirus cases in Williamson County has dropped to 515 as of March 1, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.

Williamson County will allow mask mandate to expire Feb. 27

Following a recent decline in active COVID-19 cases, officials with Williamson County announced Feb. 26 that it will allow its mask mandate to expire Feb. 27 at midnight.

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille opened its first Tennessee location Feb. 25 in Cool Springs. (Courtesy Perry's Steakhouse & Grille)

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille open in Cool Springs; Burger Dandy launches in Franklin and more news from February

Read the latest business and community news from the past month from Franklin and Brentwood.

Trader Joe's has existing locations in Green Hills and near Belle Meade. (Community Impact Newspaper staff)

Trader Joe's coming to Cool Springs; COVID-19 cases falling in Williamson County and more top Nashville news

Read the most popular news from the past week from the Franklin-Brentwood area.

See daily COVID-19 data updates from Williamson County. (Community Impact Newspaper staff)

Active COVID-19 cases in Williamson County have dropped by more than 50% since start of February

The county has not seen case numbers at that level since October, before a surge in new cases around the holiday season, according to Tennessee Department of Health data.

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille now open in Cool Springs

This is the first Tennessee location for the company.

CONFIRMED: Trader Joe's plans for Cool Springs location 'sometime this year'

An official with Trader Joe's said the company is in the very early process of opening a store in Cool Springs.

Franklin approves application for Trader Joe's in Cool Springs

Franklin is one step closer to having its first Trader Joe's location following approval from the city to sell wine in the area.

The city of Brentwood approved a $249,419 contract for final design services for Fire Station No. 5 during its Feb. 22 meeting. (Wendy Sturges/Community Impact Newspaper)

Brentwood approves contract for new fire station

Plans are moving forward for a new fire station on Split Log Road.

Trader Joe's in Cool Springs? Grocer files application to do business in Franklin

The specialty grocery store has filed paperwork to sell wine at a location on Cool Springs Boulevard.

The Merrystem in downtown Franklin offers custom floral arrangements using warm and cool tones.

The Merrystem in Franklin aims to bring small joys to 2021

While 2020 may not have been an ideal time to start a business, The Merrystem owner Lauren Bourgeois said there has never been a greater need for a shop that helps add comfort in times of hardship.

The faith-based nonprofit was founded in 2004. (Photos by Wendy Sturges/Community Impact Newspaper)

Narrow Gate Trading Co. aims to provide guidance, purpose for young men

In seeking to aid young men who do not walk the traditional path of college or work after K-12 schooling, Bill and Stacy Spencer, founders and executive directors of Narrow Gate, created an organization that aims to instill a sense of purpose while providing job skills and training.