💬 Detained local journalist tells her story

⚡ New Report Details NES Failings During Ice Storm

Yesterday, the Nashville Electric Service Power Board received a report detailing the utility company’s failures during Winter Storm Fern, and a list of fixes. The report’s findings include failing to prioritize vulnerable customers, failing to secure additional storm-response contracts in advance, and communication systems buckling under pressure, both within NES and with the public. In response, NES says it’s secured additional contracts, formalized an emergency command structure, and expanded its list of vulnerable facilities. It’s still working on communication improvements. [🔐 The Tennessean]

• Since Feb. 1, NES customers have paid more than $147,000 for off-duty Metro Nashville police officers to provide private security for the utility’s CEO, Teresa Aplin-Broyles, and COO, Brent Baker, at their homes and at NES headquarters. NES says 13 threats have been made against leadership since Winter Storm Fern. [WSMV]
• NES anticipates a rate increase for customers in 2028. [WSMV]
• In a new statement, NES increased the number of lineworkers from the first three days of the ice storm to a figure higher than the utility originally reported, drawing criticism from councilmembers. [NewsChannel 5]

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Flag Ban Fails

The No Pride Flag or Month Act, championed by Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood), has failed in the Tennessee legislature. A similar bill failed in 2024, but Bulso says that if reelected, he plans to bring it back again. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) said the bill was “wildly overreaching on freedom of speech.” [Nashville Scene]

• Several more anti-LGBTQ+ bills have failed. [🔐 The Tennessean]
• Is the Tennessee legislature trying to divide us by proposing controversial bills? [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏗️ State Pushes for Authority Over Music City Loop

The proposed Tennessee bill that would transfer authority of the Music City Loop to the state has advanced. The newly amended bill would create two state-run entities to oversee underground projects, and reduce the number of proposed employees from 20 to three. If passed, taxpayers would pay $900,000 annually for the authority. The bill is scheduled to be heard by two committees in the coming weeks. [Nashville Scene via Nashville Post]

• The Convention Center Authority has approved an easement agreement with The Boring Company, allowing it access to the west side of the Music City Center’s property for the construction of its tunnel from BNA to downtown. [WKRN; 🎧 City Cast Nashville]
• Boring is also considering building a utility tunnel in Hendersonville. [🔐 The Tennessean]

💰 New Plan To Pay for the East Bank

State House Speaker Cameron Sexton has proposed a new plan to fund East Bank construction and tourism recruitment using Music City Center sales tax revenue. If approved, the plan would free up Metro Nashville funds that would have previously gone to the East Bank for other city projects, like sidewalks and new schools. [🔐 Nashville Business Journal; Axios Nashville]

• An East Bank developer talks about building plans. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

💬 Detained Journalist Speaks Out

Local journalist Estefany Rodríguez has spoken to the public for the first time since she was released from ICE custody after spending 16 days in federal detention. “I wouldn’t wish this on a criminal,” she said about her confinement, and that she keeps returning to the women she met who are still detained: “Women who came chasing a dream, women who came to give their children a better life.” [Nashville Banner]

• Watch the full interview with Nashville Noticias. [Facebook]