🚨 Community turns out for local journalist

🧑‍⚖️ Push Back Against ICE Arrest of Local Journalist

Attorneys for Nashville Noticias reporter Estefany Maria Rodríguez Florez have filed an amended petition in federal court accusing the federal government of First and Fifth Amendment violations. Rodríguez has publicly criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and her attorneys claim she was detained in retaliation. [Tennessee Lookout]

• Courts respond: A federal judge has ordered ICE to file a written response justifying Rodríguez’s arrest by March 12. [NewsChannel 5]
• Nashville shows up: On Monday, local volunteers gathered at an event organized by The ReMix Way to call local and state representatives and voice their support of Rodríguez. [Nashville Scene]
• The personal cost: Rodríguez’s husband and daughter are devastated by her arrest. The couple married in January. [Nashville Banner]
• Larger context: This week, the Tennessee General Assembly is considering legislation to hide the names and identifying information of law enforcement officers involved in immigration enforcement. [Nashville Scene]

🛹 Skate Parks for Community

It’s budget season once again. While this year’s pre-budget public hearing focused on essentials like affordable housing, on today’s podcast, we’re revisiting an idea from last year: What if Nashville built more skate parks? [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🛒 Efforts To Cut TN’s Grocery Tax Continue

Several state lawmakers are pushing for grocery tax relief. State Sen. Charlane Oliver and Rep. Aftyn Behn’s revived bill would eliminate the state’s grocery tax and replace the lost revenue by closing corporate loopholes. Sen. Mark Pody and Rep. Mike Sparks have filed separate legislation to eliminate grocery taxes on produce. [Axios Nashville]

• Oliver and Behn’s bill failed in 2025, as did similar Republican-filed legislation. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🚗 Waymo Vehicles Now Fully Autonomous

Waymo’s self-driving cars are now fully autonomous in Nashville, though not yet taking passengers. Last month, the Metro Nashville Police Department went through special training in case a Waymo vehicle is involved in an accident. A spokesperson says the vehicles will start taking passengers soon. [WKRN]

• Listen to our conversation with Andrew Hawkins, transportation editor at The Verge, about the changes Waymo might bring to Nashville. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
• Last week, an anonymous Waymo test driver in Nashville said the vehicles are dangerous. [WSMV]
• In Austin, a Waymo vehicle recently blocked a road as an ambulance attempted to reach the scene of a shooting. [Austin Current]

⚡ Is NES Responsible for Appliance Damage?

Nashville Electric Service has investigated widespread appliance damage in Green Hills and claims it’s not responsible. However, neighbors argue the utility’s investigation overlooked meters. Residents of East Nashville, Charlotte Park, and the Battlemont neighborhoods say they’ve had similar damage to their appliances in the wake of Winter Storm Fern. [NewsChannel 5]