📺 Why is CVS bombarding us with ads?

🏥 Why Is CVS Bombarding Tennessee With Ads?

CVS has spent $1.3 million on political TV ads across Tennessee to push back against a proposed state bill, the Fair RX Act. If passed, the bill would prohibit pharmacies from owning pharmacy benefit manager companies, which negotiate drug reimbursement rates between insurance companies and pharmacies. [Tennessee Lookout]

• What CVS says: CVS is the only company in Tennessee that owns both physical pharmacy locations and a PBM, CVS Caremark. The pharmacy claims it would have to close all 134 of its Tennessee pharmacies if the bill passes. “It is simply not feasible to cease a nationwide network in one state,” argues CVS Health CEO David Joyner. [WKRN; WPLN]
• State lawmakers respond: The bill’s sponsor, State Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, who owns independent pharmacies, says competing with large chains is difficult when they also own the companies that negotiate who pays what. Rep. Aftyn Behn has asked Tennessee’s Attorney General to investigate CVS about its potentially deceptive advertising campaign. [WPLN; Tennessee Lookout]
• The case for the Fair RX Act: Since the federal government allowed pharmacy chains to own PBMs in 2017, more than 600 community pharmacies across the state have closed, unable to compete. A state audit found that CVS Caremark favored CVS pharmacies over others. In one case, it reimbursed a CVS pharmacy 16,000% more for a drug than it did other pharmacies. [WKRN]
• The case against the Fair RX Act: While the bill has bipartisan support, some state officials worry it could cost Tennessee millions of dollars, since CVS offers TennCare discounts. [WPLN]

🐶 Happy Birthday, Nashville Humane Association!

The Nashville Humane Association is celebrating 80 years of rescuing animals this year. On today’s podcast, we’re chatting with NHA community engagement director Taylor Spreitler about their rescue process, why they’re pushing back against breed restrictions, and how our current economic uncertainty is impacting their work. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏫 Hearings for MNPS Schools

Metro Nashville Public Schools was first on a slate of new accountability hearings for districts with at least one failing school, according to the Department of Education’s annual State Report Card. The State Board of Education recommended extra training for new principals, while praising MNPS’s impact strategies. [Nashville Banner]

• MNPS’s six schools with failing grades are Antioch Middle, Cane Ridge High School, Chadwell Elementary, Donelson Middle, Glenview Elementary, and Paragon Mills Elementary. [Nashville Banner]
• Meanwhile, state legislators on both sides of the aisle are conflicted about expanding private school vouchers. [Nashville Banner]

💸 Metro Employees Go Months Without Pay

Roughly 2% of Metro Nashville employees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, have gone months without pay after the city switched to a new Oracle AI payroll system. Metro leaders say finance staff have been working seven days a week to correct errors. [WSMV]

• In national AI news, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a forerunner in Tennessee’s governor race, has released an updated AI policy draft in the hope of shaping the Trump administration’s federal AI agenda. [Axios]

💬 Community Safety Public Feedback Meetings

Mayor Freddie O’Connell is seeking feedback to create Nashville’s first-ever community safety plan. At three sessions, residents can share what safety looks like for them and their families, and the challenges that impact their safety. All three sessions will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Napier Community Center on March 26, Hadley Park Community Center on April 2, and Southeast Community Center on April 9. [WKRN]

• How safe is Nashville? Our vice mayor weighs in. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]