🐯 What the mayor knew about zoo data center

🐅 Mayor’s Office Knew About Potential Data Center

In February and March, DC BLOX met with Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office about its proposed data center by the Nashville Zoo, though the developer failed to meet with zoo and neighborhood leaders as recommended by the Mayor’s office. We’re talking about that and more news from the week — like a challenge to Cheekwood’s garage that could put the nonprofit out of business — on today’s Friday News Roundup. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🧑‍⚖️ Disabled Immigrant Kids Won’t Be Reported for Now

Within hours of a legal challenge, a Nashville judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Tennessee Department of Health from releasing the names of about 400 critically ill children without documentation that use a public health program. The Tennessee Justice Center filed the lawsuit on behalf of three doctors. The doctors argue that the mandate to release the information to federal authorities is a misinterpretation of state law. [Tennessee Lookout]

🏥 Nashville General Hospital’s New CEO

The Nashville General Hospital Authority Board has voted to elect Veronica Elders as the new CEO of the public hospital. Elders has been the interim CEO since its previous CEO, Joseph Webb, resigned amid financial controversy. Elders previously served as the hospital’s chief nursing officer. [🔐 The Tennessean]

• An audit revealed that former CEO Webb had approved millions in contracts without board approval and had falsified contracts. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏘️ Homelessness on the Rise

Over the past year, more than 12,000 Nashvillians experienced homelessness, including more than 500 children. That’s a 4% increase, though other U.S. cities have seen much larger increases. Several speakers at Nashville’s 2026 State of Homelessness Symposium listed rising housing costs as the primary factor leading to folks becoming unhoused. [Fox 17]

• One reason our increase is lower than in most cities nationwide was attributed to local housing programs, like the affordable housing units being built by Trinity Community Commons. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

This week, The Bluebird Cafe announced that it will open a second location, The Bluebird East, inside the Tennessee Titans’ new Nissan Stadium. How much do you know about this iconic music venue? Test yourself to find out!

Which of these musicians scored their first record deal after singing at The Bluebird Cafe?

In need of a cat? Philomenia is still looking for a purrfect home! This beautiful lady loves humans and will shower you with affection. She also enjoys winding in and out of legs, having someone watch her eat (it’s a perfect date, but you have to cover the bill), playing with toys, and gazing out the window at birds. Philomenia values her “me time,” so she would thrive best as an only pet. To be considered for her forever family, contact Vivienne at [email protected] or text 615-943-7311.

Do you have a pet you’d like to share with readers? Email me a pet pic!