City Cast Nashville
⚡ Did NES turn away workers?
January 29, 2026 · 💌 Margaret Kingsbury
Happy Thursday! I’m thankful for this slightly warmer weather, and hoping it helps melt some of this ice! Metro Water Services warns that as ice melts and the ground thaws, there will likely be water main breaks. If you see water running into the road, call 615-862-4600 to report the potential break. Here’s a map of water breaks and outages.
What's CITY Talking About
👋 Nashville Shows Up
Around Nashville, neighborhood restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and markets are becoming community hubs as folks seek warmth, hot meals, and a place to recharge cell phones. Nonprofits like The Remix TN, World Central Kitchen, and the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition have also been serving free hot meals and conducting wellness checks. [Nashville Banner]
- Fire Chief William Swann said at a press conference yesterday that residents without heat should not wait to use their “Plan B.” Metro Nashville is urging folks to use its warming shelters. Several have beds and free food. Call 615-401-1712 if you need transportation. [Nashville.gov]
- The nonprofit Crisis Cleanup has been activated to help folks with cutting and removing fallen trees. They don’t guarantee that all requested work will be completed. To submit a request, call 1-844-965-1386. [TN.gov]
- National Guard support is on its way to help with cleanup. [WSMV]
- More updates on city services from yesterday’s Metro press conference [WKRN]
- Consider volunteering with Open Table Nashville to help our unhoused neighbors this weekend. [Hands On Nashville]
⚡ Did NES Turn Away Workers?
While some news outlets are reporting that Nashville Electric Service turned away union workers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, an IBEW 10 statement says, “Reports of IBEW line crews being turned away from helping Nashville recover from the ongoing winter storm are unequivocally false.” [Instagram]
- AI images and misinformation have spread rapidly. [Nashville Scene]
- As of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, there are just under 110,000 outages. [NES]
- Areas with the most outages include Bellevue/West Nashville, North Nashville, Hendersonville, and Madison. [Nashville.gov]
🍽️ What We Want To Eat This Year
Nashville, what are you excited to eat once we thaw out? On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re chatting with Wes Scoggins, aka the Jewish Cowboy, about the hottest food trends, local favorites, and the new spots we’re most excited to try in 2026. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
🏥 New Community Clinic Opens
Nashville CARES has opened its Cares 360 Community Clinic in South Nashville. The clinic provides comprehensive health care to folks with HIV or at risk for HIV. While federal and state funding cuts have been a challenge, the 40-year-old nonprofit remains focused on its mission. [Nashville Scene]
- Here’s my list of free and low-cost clinics in the Nashville area. [📰 Hey Nashville]
What To Do
Thursday, Jan. 29
- 🌳 Trees of Winter | Bells Bend Outdoor Center | 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- 🀄 American Mahjong For Beginners | Richland Park Library Branch | 10 a.m.-Noon
- 🖼️ In Her Place Gallery Opening (through Apr. 26) | Frist Art Museum | 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- 🥫 Grocery Volunteer | The Store (Belmont) | 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
- 🎺 Instrument Petting Zoo | Coleman Park Community Center | 4-5 p.m.
- 🎂 TJC's 30th Birthday! | Tennessee Justice Center | 4-5:30 p.m.
- 🎣 Music City Trout Unlimited Winter Rendezvous | Fly South Fly Shop | 5:30 p.m.
- 🍕 Build the Perfect Pie | TailGate Brewery Germantown | 6-7 p.m.
- 🎸 Music in the Café: Corey King | The Frist’s Café Cheeserie | 6-7:30 p.m.
- 🍫 Cheese and Chocolate | Greys Fine Cheeses | 6-7:30 p.m.
- 😆 Hannah Berner | Ryman Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
- 🎙️ Cody Jinks | Analog at Hutton Hotel | 8 p.m.
Last week, I asked y’all if you’d ride a passenger train connecting Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Memphis. A whopping 95% of you said you’d use it all the time or occasionally. Clearly, we’d love some rail! I’m right there with you.
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