👀 Sen. Blackburn goes after Mayor O’Connell

💸 What Do Nashville Residents Want in the Metro Budget?

Tuesday’s marathon Metro Council meeting featured over a hundred residents asking for a fair shake in the city’s budget, as well as some pointed comments about a council member who’s under fire. Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams breaks it all down with host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek on today’s Friday News Roundup. [City Cast Nashville 🎧]

• Extra, Extra! The runaway zebra remains at large.

🎒 Rise in Students Arrested for School Threats

Nashville schools have seen a significant increase in student arrests for threats of violence, with 44 arrests this year, up from just 12 last year. Incidents involving weapons have raised concerns about school response measures, and educators and parents are calling for more understanding rather than harsher penalties. [Nashville Banner]

❤️‍🩹 How Medicaid Cuts Could Impact Nashville Health Care

Federal Medicaid cuts, which are being pushed by President Trump and advancing through the Senate, would put funding for federally qualified health centers in Nashville at risk. Health leaders warn that these reductions could lead to increased emergency room visits as uninsured patients seek care, which would further strain local hospitals. [🔒 Nashville Business Journal]

⚖️ Sen. Blackburn Goes After ‘Doxxers’ and Mayor O’Connell

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn this week introduced legislation to penalize the “doxxing” of law enforcement officers with the intent to “to obstruct a criminal investigation or immigration enforcement operation.” This move is a direct response to Metro officials releasing names of ICE agents following the recent deportation dragnets. [New York Post]

• TN House Speaker Cameron Sexton is also demanding that the mayor rescind his executive order that requires city personnel report any interaction with ICE within 24 hours. [Tennessee Lookout]

CMA Fest started this week, the four-day music festival held annually in downtown Nashville. This year’s headliners include Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Shaboozey, and more.

It was first held in 1972 and has grown to become one of the largest festivals showcasing top country music artists. But, that doesn’t mean only country music has ever played on CMA Fest stages. Take this quiz to see how well you know your CMA trivia!

Meet Sassy and Ryker! Sassy likes to play, but also likes her rest. Me too, Sassy! Ryker, a puppy in this pic, is now four and still a wild child. He never learned to control his excitement at meeting a new friend, and happily licks everyone’s faces. Boxers have heaps of energy, and these two companions love to play together, giving their humans a bit of a break!