⚡ Who received special treatment from NES?

🧑‍⚖️ State Law Deemed Unconstitutional

A settlement between Tennessee’s Attorney General’s Office and seven Metro councilmembers renders a controversial state law that made it a felony for elected officials to vote in favor of “sanctuary policies” unconstitutional. We’re chatting about that and more news from the week on today’s podcast. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

⚡ Blackburn Received Special Treatment From NES

Following Winter Storm Fern, Sen. Marsha Blackburn coordinated with NES CEO Teresa Broyles-Aplin from her Senate office to receive a timeline about power restoration at her Brentwood home. Broyles-Aplin then internally advocated for NES workers to prioritize Blackburn’s restoration. [Nashville Scene]

• NES says it’s preparing for spring storms by increasing tree trimming and aerial mapping. [Nashville Banner]

🚨 Leader ‘Unaware’ of Trooper Conduct

During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Matt Perry claimed to be “unaware” of trooper conduct on video footage from last May’s joint operation with ICE. “We expect higher of our people,” he said about inappropriate trooper language, adding that the stops were “what we normally do.” [Nashville Banner]

• This is in response to the Nashville Banner’s investigation into more than 50 hours of THP body cam footage from last May. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏗️ Bill Would Grant State Control Over Tesla Tunnel

Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) has proposed a bill to create an agency that would oversee all subterranean projects in the state, like The Boring Company’s Music City Loop. If passed, it would override any local government decisions about the project. [Tennessee Lookout]

• In a recent tense meeting, Metro Council questioned Boring officials about the company’s lack of transparency. [Nashville Scene]
• Boring has officially begun tunneling in Nashville. [🔐 The Tennessean]
• Listen to our discussion about similar tunnels in Las Vegas, and what our future could look like. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

We’re all well aware how bad Nashville traffic is, though a traffic-signal pilot program shows some promise. But how long do we really spend in traffic each year? Test yourself to find out.

How many hours a year do Nashvillians spend in traffic?

Meet Maddie! This sweetie loves to nap on the job during work calls, and especially loves her basket. Maddie, I only wish I could nap during work calls! Maybe if I had a cozy basket like yours …

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