🗓️ Ways to make February a good one in Nashville

🗓️ Let’s Make February a Good One

January was a long, tiring month. On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’ve got some ideas to make February brighter, from puppy bowls to Dine Nashville events and unique Valentine’s Day activities. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏛️ State GOP Eyeing NES Takeover

Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton plans to file a bill this week giving state Republicans more oversight over NES. He says his concerns include lack of a disaster strategy, "pro-tree canopy policy," and "being more concerned about a DEI contract renewal." Details of the bill are currently unconfirmed. [Nashville Scene]

• State Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville) has filed the Electric Grid Resilience and Accountability Act. [WKRN]
• As of 3 p.m. on Tuesday, there were about 15K outages in Nashville. [NES]
• Tips for managing ice storm cleanup costs. [NewsChannel 5]
• NDOT is asking Nashvillians to move storm debris to the curb. [🔐 The Tennessean]
• At a press conference, Mayor O’Connell said the city cannot pause local evictions. To receive help from the Eviction Right To Counsel program, you must show up at court. Look for the blue table and ERTC banner. Low-income homeowners facing mortgage foreclosures due to the storm can also contact the Legal Aid Society. [Legal Aid Society]
• Multiple Nashville residents who spoke at the Metro Council pre-budget public hearing last night used the winter storm to advocate for stronger eviction protections as well as emergency rent support. [Nashville Banner]

🏫 Teachers Help Out

While school has resumed in Nashville, Metro Nashville Public School teachers and staff helped support students while they were out by providing food, calling to check in with families, and dropping off supplies. [Nashville Banner]

• Many teachers are also still struggling with storm damages and lack of electricity. MNPS has advised teachers to use personal days if needed, but the Metro Nashville Education Association says this approach penalizes staff for something out of their control. [NewsChannel 5]
• The MNPS board has unanimously approved new start times for the 2026-27 school year. [WSMV]

🚨 911 Director Fired

Steve Martini, director of the Metro Department of Emergency Communications, has officially been terminated after being placed on leave in January. An external investigation stemming from a sexual harassment complaint revealed serious “factual findings” against Martini. Acting director Patrice Coleman was named interim director. [WKRN]

• Listen to our conversation with Councilmember Tasha Ellis about the allegations against Martini. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]