🏫 Do schools need surveillance tech?

🏛️ Common Themes at This Year’s State Legislature

On today’s podcast, we’re diving into the bills moving through the state legislature with Chaplain Dahron Anneliese Johnson, co-chair of the Tennessee Equality Project’s Davidson County Committee. From legislation affecting our LGBTQ+ neighbors to proposals targeting immigrant communities, we’re looking at the common threads tying this session together. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏫 School Safety Report

After more than a year, the Metro Nashville Police Department has completed a school safety report. The report lists 19 recommendations for Metro Nashville Public Schools, including the creation of a School Safety Advisory Committee and the implementation of license plate readers and FUSUS security camera technology. [Nashville Banner]

• Local leaders and community members raised concerns about FUSUS and LPRs last year. MNPS spokesperson Sean Braisted says the district won't consider implementing the surveillance technology unless there's a more compelling reason. [🎧 City Cast Nashville; Nashville Banner]

🚗 Are Waymo’s Vehicles Dangerous?

A Waymo whistleblower says the autonomous vehicles he tested in Nashville were dangerous, and shouldn’t be on our streets. He described near head-on collisions and sudden accelerations on a daily basis. [WSMV]

• There have been numerous incidents of Waymo malfunctions in other cities. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

⚡ Understaffing at NES

Despite adding more than 90,000 customers between 2017 and 2026, Nashville Electric Service's staffing has remained flat, with only one additional active worker during that period. However, NES's revenue grew by approximately $300 million. [🔐 The Tennessean]

• A deeper dive into the scrutiny around NES after Winter Storm Fern. [Nashville Scene]
• State House Republicans have proposed legislation that would give seats on the NES board to surrounding counties. [NewsChannel 5]

If you’re sticking around town for the school break and are experiencing some FOMO while looking at your friends’ meals in far-flung locations, we’re here to show you that you can eat like world travelers without leaving the 615 area code. Here are some staycation dining ideas that might cure your restlessness and let you try some new spots and dishes, all without TSA hassles or BNA traffic delays.

If you wish you were in Hawaii …

Aloha Fish Co. was born when Jennifer Cheung Cline and Jerry Cline moved to Nashville and missed the fresh fish they used to get in Hawaii. From their oneC1TY location, they offer all sorts of seafood from Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, served with that friendly Hawaiian Aloha. (For more on the Clines, listen to this past City Cast Nashville episode.)

If you wish you were in Vail, Colorado …

Despite all the snow and ice we already had this year, some of our neighbors wanted more and headed west to go skiing. If you wish you were with them, head to Embers Ski Lodge, a 12 South neighborhood bar with an apres-ski vibe. Don your favorite sweater and order big burgers and drinks designed to warm your toes.

If you wish you were in Puerto Rico …

With nationwide appreciation for Bad Bunny, Puerto Rico is getting lots of love. If you’re craving some of the tastes of the island territory, Berry Hill’s Mofongo Café offers Puerto Rican specialties, including the eponymous mofongo with plantains. Also try the empanadas with shredded beef and yellow rice.

If you wish you were in Gatlinburg …

If there’s one thing people like to do in the Smoky Mountains, it’s eat pancakes. Even before the national park was established, pancakes were the go-to breakfast of loggers working in the woods. The Pancake Pantry opened there in the 1960s. You won’t have the same mountain air if you head to one in Hillsboro Village or downtown, but you can still grab a tasty stack covered in syrup.

If you’re happy to be in Nashville …

Like we said, we live in a destination that’s the envy of many. Want to spend some time exploring Music City? The Listening Room Café is a great option for hearing singer-songwriters talk about what makes this town great, and the biscuits served at brunch are some of the city’s best.