🌿 Republicans close the lettuce loophole

🏛️ TN Legislative Session Updates

As the Tennessee General Assembly winds down, we’re discussing the biggest legislation that’s left on the City Cast Nashville podcast, like the bill allowing public schools to bar undocumented immigrant children. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• A bill holding churches and charities liable for providing housing to undocumented immigrants heads to Gov. Lee’s desk to sign. [Tennessee Lookout]
• Most popular hemp products sold here will no longer be available after a bill limiting the use of the THCa flower passed. [Chattanooga Times Free Press]

🎼 Nashville Symphony’s Economic Challenges

The Nashville Symphony has laid off eight employees this month, citing inflation, shifting consumer behavior, and economic uncertainty. Their 2023 total revenue was down by almost $8 million compared to 2022. [Nashville Business Journal]

• Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero steps down from the symphony in May after 17 years. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏥 Blackburn Accuses VUMC of Hiding DEI Programs

In a letter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Pres. Jeffrey Balser, Sen. Marsha Blackburn accuses him of hiding diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, urging him to comply with Pres. Trump’s executive order. In response, a VUMC spokesperson said they are already fully complying. [The Tennessean]

📚 ACLU Sues Rutherford County

On behalf of three anonymous families and PEN America, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee has filed a lawsuit against the Rutherford County Board of Education for banning 145 books from school libraries. Board members have admitted to never reading the books. [WPLN]

Nashville is welcoming so many babies this spring, from baby bunnies in burrows to a new eaglet at Radnor Lake (check out this video!). The Nashville Zoo has named their newest addition, a red river hog piglet, Chive (so adorbs!). But what’s the most popular human baby name in Tennessee? Take this quiz to find out!

What’s the Most Popular Baby Name in Tennessee?

This sweet guy is turning 19 on Easter! TJ’s humans rescued him from a kill shelter as a mangy runt, and he spent much of his first year in and out of the vet. Now, despite his shaky legs and faltering vision, he’s the undisputed ruler of his domain. Happiest of birthdays, King TJ!

Listen to one of his human subjects, Judith, discuss the closure of a 40-year-old homeless encampment on a recent City Cast Nashville episode.