🌳 Nashville parks lose thousands of trees

⚡ NES Faces State & Local Scrutiny

Almost two weeks have passed since Winter Storm Fern, and we’re still feeling its impact, with thousands of folks still out of power, and NES facing scrutiny from both local and state lawmakers. On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re talking about the storm’s continuing repercussions and more news from the week. [ 🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🌳 Storm Devastates Nashville Trees

Last week’s storm toppled and destroyed thousands of trees in Nashville — at least 5,000 trees have died in Metro parks alone. With virtually every street affected, NDOT says they’ve responded to over 5,000 requests to remove trees or vegetation. [WPLN]

• Residents can help restore the city’s canopy by reserving free native saplings by March 1. [Tennessee Environmental Council]
• Should Nashville invest in moving its electric infrastructure underground to improve resilience against future severe weather? [🔒 The Tennessean]
• On Broadway, the lights remained on because power lines are underground. As tens of thousands of Nashvillians found themselves without power, many took up rooms usually booked by tourists. [WPLN]
• The text alert system that NES spent $250 million on failed during the storm. This isn’t the first time customers have been frustrated with poor communication during a power outage. [WSMV]

🔊 Nashville Indie Venues Adapt

While Nashville’s indie music venues face rising costs and changing crowds, they’re adapting with more affordable shows, new events, and community support. This weekend, 615 Indie Live is showcasing dozens of artists across more than 15 independent stages at just $20 a wristband. [Nashville Scene]

• Here’s how 615 Indie Live is committed to saving Nashville’s indie music venues. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

💰 Gov’s Budget Focuses on AI, DMV Lines, & More

Gov. Bill Lee released his $57.9 billion budget proposal this week, which includes doubling school vouchers, adding more state troopers, a one-time $50 million investment into AI, improving school infrastructure, shorter wait times at the DMV, and more. A final vote on the budget will be made in the spring. [Axios Nashville]

More than half of Nashville lost power in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, with 230,000 outages. As of 3 p.m. on Thursday, there were 2,300 outages in Nashville. I got lucky and was only out of power for a day. How long was your electricity out? I’ll share poll results next week, and if you’re still out of power, sending all the warm thoughts your way! I’m so sorry!

How long were you out of electricity after Winter Storm Fern?

Meet Nubs and Nugget! The one in front is Nubs, who is a ball of nervous energy. His little nub is always going (thus the name), and he's the fierce protector of his people and property. Nugget is a mush. He becomes super jealous when anyone is getting attention besides him, and will whine and trust fall onto you in order to gain that attention.

Oh babies, I hope y’all have kept warm this week!

Have a pet you want to share? Send me pics!