Elon Musk is set to speak at the upcoming announcement for the boring company’s Hawthorne Test Tunnel in December, located in Hawthorne, California.

Interestingly, while Las Vegas officials are on board with the underground transport loop, Musk’s company seems to be aiming for more—particularly in integrating their Teslas with existing taxi and ride-sharing systems.

A subsidiary of the boring company, Paradise Transport, plans to establish a “Music City Loop” in Nashville, aiming to provide regular transport between the Las Vegas Strip and Harry Reid International Airport, as well as other popular spots. They claim their prices are significantly lower than those of Lyft, Uber, or traditional taxis, which could disrupt the current market dynamics.

In a somewhat surprising twist, Paradise’s application submitted in 2024 seemed to obscure its ties to the boring company. After scrutiny, they revised their application, acknowledging the connection.

Musk’s company is also pursuing approval to tunnel to the Vegas airport, likely positioning itself for a larger role in ground transportation operations.

However, there have been criticisms regarding the boring company’s practices. Reports indicate they completed tunnel construction without proper permissions and had to face fines for various infractions, including improper waste disposal.

This raises some interesting questions—will Musk’s ambitious tunneling plans truly enhance travel to Las Vegas, or does it merely serve a different agenda?

If that seems too good…

Back in Nashville, discussions began in May 2024 regarding a floating tunnel, although Mayor Fred O’Connell didn’t participate in initial talks. His office later compiled an extensive list of inquiries about the proposal, seeking clarity on various issues, including costs and liability.

Interestingly, state officials are pointing all questions to the governor’s office. Governor Bill Lee mentioned that the boring company would cover the project expenses, which, let’s be honest, sounds great, but it’s worth checking the fine print.

One particular concern involved emergency access—especially important for those who might feel anxious in confined spaces. The Vegas tunnel is reportedly designed to accommodate just one vehicle’s width, which raises serious considerations regarding safety protocols.

Despite their confidence about managing traffic in tunnels—claiming daily usage by 30,000 passengers—the state’s accountability in the event of an emergency can’t be overlooked.

Don’t rely on it.

The boring company has been relatively tight-lipped following their announcement, and the response from state officials has been less than encouraging.

With previous proposals in larger cities like Los Angeles and Chicago facing resistance, it seems Nashville is taking a different route, rapidly approving a lease for a state-owned parking lot for the project. This raises eyebrows—why so much easy access for a company already seen as one of the wealthiest?

It’s certainly curious whether the goal is genuinely to relieve Nashville’s traffic woes or if it’s more about establishing ties with influential figures, regardless of shifting political landscapes.

A new era?

After a period of significant upheaval, Dwayne Tucker has now been officially appointed president of Tennessee State University after serving in an interim capacity since December 2024. This was part of an effort to ensure the university’s continued operation without state takeover.

Tucker, who previously declined a salary, may find it necessary now that he’s officially in charge. The university’s need for substantial funding has been a long-standing issue, with estimates revealing gaps of millions over the years.

Despite challenges, Tucker’s focus is clear—he aims for sustainability moving forward. It’s essential to pinpoint that the state and federal government have provided some financial support to help navigate these turbulent times.

As he transitions from the struggles of the past, it sounds like Tucker is emphasizing that this university is not merely a personal playground for anyone involved, signaling a desire for stronger governance and less interference from the state.

“A carefree highway, let me run away and let you slip.” *

*Gordon Lightfoot, “Carefree Highway”