🏈 Could Nashville host the Super Bowl?

🏈 Could Nashville Host the Super Bowl?

Gov. Bill Lee wants to bring the Super Bowl to Nashville in 2029. On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re talking with the Nashville Banner’s David Boclair about what it would actually take to make that happen. Given our recent extreme weather, is Nashville really ready for a Super Bowl? [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🌨️ Major Disaster Declaration Approved

Pres. Trump has approved the state’s major disaster declaration request for Nashville and other counties impacted by Winter Storm Fern, making $60.6 million available for eligible government entities and private nonprofit organizations to support response and recovery efforts. [Tennessee Lookout]

• NES says they’ve restored power to all customers. [NewsChannel 5]
• For the next phase of recovery, Mayor O’Connell is asking Metro Water Services to introduce legislation to suspend all penalties on water bills. [WPLN]
• Some locals who flocked to Nashville’s warming shelters during the storms praised the care they received. [WPLN]
• Fallen trees and branches collected by NDOT will be turned into mulch and compost. [NewsChannel 5]
• Local wildlife nonprofit Walden’s Pond has depleted its funds caring for animals during the storm. Consider donating. [Walden’s Pond]

🏫 Tensions Between Charter & Public Schools

Some Antioch residents and educators worry that the proliferation of charter schools in their neighborhood pulls money and resources from local public schools. While charter schools point to higher test scores and long waitlists, public educators say MNPS serves more English language learners and disabled students. [Nashville Banner]

• MNPS has extended the optional school application deadline to Feb. 13. [MNPS]

💸 Blackburn Accused of Campaign Violations

A complaint filed with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance alleges U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn engaged in "flagrant violations" of federal and state law by using donations from her Senate campaign for her gubernatorial bid. [NewsChannel 5]

• In other state lawmaker updates, former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his top aide Cade Cothren have had their criminal records wiped clean. They were convicted of taxpayer fraud last year, but Pres. Trump pardoned them. [🔐 The Tennessean]