📲 911’s staffing shortage

🌨️ Snowmageddon Is Upon Us

Up to 8 inches of snow and ice is in the forecast for Nashville this weekend. On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re chatting all about the snowpocalypse, from the city’s snow plan to ways to help your neighbors. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• I hope y’all got groceries already. [Instagram]
• Here’s my snow-day advice guide. [📰 Hey Nashville]
• And a list of Metro resources. [Nashville Banner]

🛣️ State’s $58B in Unfunded Road Projects

Tennessee has about $58 billion in road construction awaiting funding, including projects to alleviate traffic congestion around Nashville. However, Tennessee is one of the few states with a zero-debt payment system, hampering its ability to fund transportation improvements. [🔐 The Tennessean]

📲 Staffing Shortage at Metro 911

According to staffing records, Metro Nashville’s 911 call center is severely understaffed, with sometimes as few as two or three people answering emergency calls. Mayor O’Connell insists call times are improving. [NewsChannel 5]

• The center’s director, Steve Martini, was recently placed on administrative leave after an outside review uncovered significant issues with his leadership. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏎️ Debate Over Speedway’s Future Continues

Organizers resubmitted the petition seeking a ballot measure to decide the future of the Fairgrounds Speedway, and it has now been approved. In 30 days, the group can begin collecting the roughly 50K signatures necessary for a ballot referendum. Meanwhile, environmental groups like the Nature Conservancy wrote a letter in support of the measure, while State Sen. Mark Pody — a NASCAR supporter — filed a bill to protect racetracks across the state from lawsuits. [🔐 The Tennessean]

• The ballot measure would let Nashvillians vote on whether the Speedway should be turned into affordable housing and green space. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

Metro Nashville Public School students recently named and decorated the city’s five newest snowplows. Which name do you like best?

What’s your favorite snowplow name?

What would you name one of our snowplows? Email me your creative names, and I’ll share them with readers next week!

Meet Lottie! This East Nashville sweetie is a year and a half old, and loves visiting all the dog parks and dog-friendly bars, restaurants, and shops around town. Right now, Lottie is competing for America’s Favorite Dog through Modern Dog Magazine! This competition raises money for PAWS. Everyone gets one free daily vote, and additional votes with donations. If you’d like to support Lottie, cast your vote!

Want to share your pet with Hey Nashville readers? Email me your pics!