⚡ Will our electric lines be moved underground?

🏛️ The Bills State Lawmakers Passed

The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned for the year last Thursday. On today’s podcast, WPLN power and equity reporter Marianna Bacallao walks us through the major themes of this year’s session, and how the Republican supermajority’s bills concerning immigration and control over our city could shape Nashville’s future. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• State takeover: Lawmakers passed several bills that lessen Nashville’s authority over city policies and tourism. One such bill would replace the entire Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board with state-appointed members. The legislature tried a similar BNA takeover in 2023, but Nashville sued and won. However, this time the legislature is replacing boards at four airports, not just BNA. [🔐 Nashville Business Journal]
• Federal input: The state legislature passed a series of immigration bills proposed by U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller that aid Pres. Trump’s mass deportation efforts. Bills mandate sheriffs in all counties sign an agreement to aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement, track undocumented public school students, change driver’s license tests to English-only, and more. [WPLN]
• Saying goodbye: The morning after this legislative session came to a close, Memphis State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, who had served in the legislature for 19 years, passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. [Nashville Scene]

⚡ Will Our Electric Lines Be Moved Underground?

Nashville Electric Service has signed a $3 million contract for an underground utilities pilot study. The pilot could begin as early as July, and NES has identified four locations for the initial study. Many locals have called upon NES to put electrical lines underground after Winter Storm Fern devastated the power grid, but it could be costly. [WKRN]

💰 It’s City Budget Time

Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s State of Metro address is this Wednesday, where he’ll announce his annual spending plan and priorities. O’Connell says he’s shifting focus to affordability and housing, with no indications he’ll increase property taxes. After he announces his budget, it will move to the Metro Council to approve and make any changes, and the public will have a chance to weigh in. [Nashville Banner]

👮 MNPD Looks Into Expanding Drone Use

The Metro Nashville Police Department has received a waiver to conduct operations using drones that are out of an officer’s line of sight. The Drone as First Responder concept is practiced by police departments nationwide, but its use has raised privacy concerns. MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron says if the department moves forward with the practice, “an appropriate policy would be created.” [Nashville Banner]

• MNPD Chief John Drake has been outspoken in his support of surveillance technology, like license plate readers. [Nashville Banner]

🏈 Titans Select NFL Draft Players

The Tennessee Titans have selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate as their fourth overall pick in the NFL draft, which caught many sports fans by surprise. The Titans also traded up to the No. 31 overall pick to select Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk. [NewsChannel 5]

• Rumors have been rife that the Super Bowl will come to Nashville in 2030. Here’s why one sports writer argues we’re ready. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]