💬 Which local office is avoiding DEI terms?

💰 Office of Homeless Services Avoids DEI Terms

With Pres. Trump cracking down on funding for programs that include diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, the Office of Homeless Services has provided a list of DEI terms to avoid and changed the name of a committee in hopes of still receiving a record federal grant promised for one of its programs. We’re chatting about it on today’s City Cast Nashville podcast. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

👩🏼‍⚖️ Longest-Serving Judge Retires

Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn is retiring after 29 years on the bench, making her the longest-serving criminal court judge in Nashville. Attorneys and court observers have voiced concerns about her competency for the past year. [Nashville Banner]

🏫 TSU’s Financial Worries Amid Federal Cuts

Tennessee State University expects to lose $14.4 million of an $18 million federally funded grant as Trump’s administration continues to make financial cuts. [The Tennessean]

• TSU’s already volatile financial situation [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏠 Historic Zoning Bill Heads to Final Reading

Some councilmembers are worried that the proposal to transfer Metro Historic Zoning responsibilities to the Planning Department is designed to appease state lawmakers backed by downtown’s hospitality industry who want to lessen building restrictions on Lower Broadway. The bill’s third and final reading, with a public hearing, is March 18. [Nashville Banner]

Since the Historic Zoning Commission has been in the news a lot lately, I decided to investigate what buildings they’ve helped preserve over the years. With that in mind, here’s our weekly trivia question!

🏙️ What’s downtown Nashville’s oldest building?

Hey Nashville’s biggest fan, aka my mom, would like you to meet her two new pets! Baloo was a neighborhood cat until he hurt his tail and knew exactly which sucker to turn to for help. Now he’s living his best tail-less life with all the free food and cuddles he wants. Beethoven is a 3-week old adopted puppy who loves giving kisses to family, including Baloo, who gives him a good smack in response. My daughter and I visited these sweeties recently and fell in love. They’re both so affectionate and playful!