City Cast Nashville
⚡ What’s the average electric bill in Nashville?
June 12, 2026 · 💌 Margaret Kingsbury
TGIF! Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? I’ve got you covered!
- 🛍️ Head to Sylvan Park for some epic yard saling.
- 🥤 Love a small-town festival? The SunDrop Festival in Pulaski is calling your name.
- 🖤 Juneteenth celebrations kick off with the 7th annual Black on Buchanan block party.
- 👋 Support the East Nashville Care Market at the inaugural NeighborFest.
- 💃 The South Jackson Street Band will be playing at the first Big Band Dance of the summer. Get there early for dance lessons.
- 💛 Come say hi and grab the special City Cast Nashville sandwich at our summer office hours.
What's CITY Talking About
🏛️ Why Did This CM Vote Against a Data Center Ban?
Earlier this week, Metro Council voted in favor of a temporary ban on data centers on its first of three readings. Councilmember Delishia Porterfield cast the one dissenting vote. Why? We’re getting into the details on today’s Friday News Roundup. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
- In our bonus “Hell Naw” segment for members only, we’re talking about food truck bans and golf carts gone wild. Become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor today to listen!
🧑⚖️ Lawsuits, Lawsuits, Lawsuits
Mayor Freddie O’Connell has directed Nashville’s legal department to file a lawsuit against the state for its second attempt to take over the Metro Nashville Airport Authority board. The legal challenge is based on a 2024 federal law that prevents states from taking over airport authorities when the board objects. [Tennessee Lookout]
- Tennessee’s NAACP chapter is petitioning a federal judicial panel to block the state’s newly drawn congressional maps while its case moves forward. [Tennessee Lookout]
🏫 Data Center Protests at Fisk
On Wednesday, Fisk University students and alums, alongside North Nashville residents, gathered outside the historically Black university to protest the school’s plan to build a data center. “We want to send a very clear message that if this project of AI data centers is not good for a zoo, then it’s not good to build out of HBCUs,” said state Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville), who graduated from Fisk in 2017. [Nashville Scene]
- Fisk alumnus Winston Wellington Wright has started an online petition against the data center. [Change.org]
✉️ Disabled Children Threatened With Deportation
Some critically ill children in a specialized public healthcare program risk being reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they remain enrolled after June 30. The Tennessee Department of Health sent letters to parents informing them of the possibility this week. This follows a 2026 state law that requires people seeking public benefits to verify immigration status. [Tennessee Lookout]
- At least 90 Nashville families will be impacted. Here’s the story of one of those families. [Tennessee Lookout]
Test Yourself on Nashville Trivia
Energy experts say electric bills might be higher than normal this summer, thanks to increased fuel costs and rising temperatures. But do you know what the average electric bill is in Nashville? Test yourself to find out!
How much is the average residential electric bill in Nashville?
And I’m curious: What do you keep your thermostat at during the summer? Let me know!
Furball Friday
Meet 10-month-old Shih-poo, Penny! According to her human mom, Kelli, Penny has saved her this year. After losing her job and her furbaby of over 17 years, Daisy, she was struggling to get out of bed most days. Kelli stumbled across a picture of Penny and fell in love. Unexpectedly, Penny has grown to look just like Daisy.
So glad you found this sweet girl, Kelli! Pets can be such a comfort when things are hard. 🫶
Want your furball featured in the newsletter? Email me a pet pic!
What To Do
Friday, June 12
- 🚒 Fun Friday: Touch a Truck | Moss-Wright Park | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- 🎸 Musicians Corner | Centennial Park | 5-9 p.m.
- 🎪 State Fair (through June 28) | The Keeton | 5:45 p.m.
- 🛍️ Porter Flea Summer Preview Market | The Fairgrounds Nashville | 6-9 p.m.
- 🎶 Live on the Terrace | Southall Farm | 6:30 p.m.
- 😆 John Mulaney | Ryman Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
- 🍻 Brew at the Zoo | Nashville Zoo | 7:30-10:30 p.m.
- ⚽ Soccer Celebrations - USA vs. Paraguay Watch Party | GEODIS Park | 7 p.m.
- 🐴 Freak Stallion | Third Coast Comedy Club | 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 13
- 🚲 Open Streets | Downtown Nashville | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 😎 2026 Summer Fest | Nashville Farmers’ Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 📚 Party Like a Librarian | Main Library Branch | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 🛒 Porter Flea Summer Market | The Fairgrounds Nashville | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 🎵 Bonnaroo | Manchester, TN | 10 a.m.-Midnight
- 🏙️ Community Day | Ascend Amphiteater | 12:30-5 p.m.
- ✨ Tales at Twilight - Magic Show | Antioch Community Center | 4-5 p.m.
- 🌃 InterNASHional Night Market | GEODIS Park | 4:30-9 p.m.
- 🛼 Nashville Roller Derby Heated Rivalry: PRIDE Doubleheader | The Fairgrounds Nashville | 5-9 p.m.
- 😆 Adult Swim: A Comedy Show | East Nashville Beer Works | 8-10p.m.
Sunday, June 14
- 🛒 Flea Market | Plaza Mariachi | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 🐱 Yoga with Rescue Cats | The Catio | 10 a.m.
- 🧑🌾 Amqui Station Farmers Market | Amqui Station | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- 🥫 Sunday Food Distribution Volunteer | Dream Streets West | 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- 🎨 Family Sunday | Frist Art Museum | Noon-5:30 p.m.
- 📕 Remembering Roots with Lucas L. Johnson II | 2-4 p.m. | Z. Alexander Looby Theater
- 🎶 Sundaze at the Pond | Noble’s Central | 2-6 p.m.
- 😆 Verna Comedy Open Mic | Verna Café & Bar | 5:30 p.m.
- 🎸 Vincen García | The Franklin Theatre | 7 p.m.
Beginning Sunday, the Nashville Public Library Foundation is running a week-long shopping and dining fundraiser! Check out all the events and participating businesses, like Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Killjoy, and Birdie’s Tattoo.
Free · Daily