Did Anyone Read the Manual?
🧊 Did Metro follow its own emergency plan during the ice storm? · MNPS teachers claim they were told to change grades · CM Kimbrough ordered to pay $91K · Much more!
Whitepilled with Scott Greer Join us Thursday, August 20 for a conversation with writer Scott Greer on how the online Right broke the old conservative order and built Trump's America. (Buy Ticket)
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Nashville had a robust emergency plan in place during the ice storm. The question is, did Metro officials follow it?
From Megan Podsiedlik
After months of interviews with Metro departments, the mayor’s Winter Storm Response Commission is refining its interim report, which will serve as a framework for its eventual findings and recommendations following this year’s deadly ice storm.
During yesterday's meeting, the commission approved the interim report contingent on final approval by Chairman Phil Bredesen—who was not present at the meeting—with a deadline to finalize it by August 23.
During discussion, it became clear that though Metro Nashville had a robust and recently updated Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) in place during the ice storm, it's unclear whether they properly followed it.
“It sounds like it is a robust document…. Sounds like it's got everything you need,” said Commission Member Ethan Link. “But the big question is, was it followed?”
“So I had this very same question: Did they actually activate the plan to what the plan actually spells out?” asked Commission Member Johnny Vanderpool, who briefly reviewed the city's 300+ page emergency plan prior to the meeting.
Because Nashville’s CEMP contains confidential information, Metro Legal ruled that commissioners can only review it in person and on-site, rather than receive copies or discuss its confidential contents publicly.
Members stated their intention is to determine whether the city’s emergency plan was properly followed during Winter Storm Fern, particularly where communication and coordination may have fallen short. The commission also plans to submit additional questions to the Office of Emergency Management, and members will have the chance to review the confidential CEMP individually before submitting its eventual recommendations.
✹ WHITEPILLED
Whitepilled with Scott Greer In his new book Whitepill, Scott Greer traces how the online Right broke the old conservative order and made Trump possible, a history he watched from inside both DC and the subcultures that displaced it. Join us Thursday, August 20 for a conversation on how the Right got here and what it takes to move from rebellion to governing.
Books will be available for purchase. This event benefits The Pamphleteer, Nashville and is priced with that in mind. Bard-level subscribers receive free, privileged admittance.
HEADLINES
- 🍎 Two former MNPS teachers say administrators directed them to change failing grades. Former Metro Nashville Public Schools teachers, Samira Hardcastle and Diana Wills, allege administrators pressured them to change failing grades, saying the changes could make district performance numbers look better. Hardcastle refused to change a student's grade and says administrators changed the grade themselves. She later resigned. Wills disputed similar instructions and is now suing the district over her suspension. (WSMV)
- 💸 Councilmember Kimbrough ordered to pay $91K after lawsuit dismissed. A judge dismissed Metro Councilmember Joy Kimbrough’s $40 million defamation lawsuit against businessman Ryan Moses with prejudice, which stemmed from a previous dispute where Moses accused Kimbrough of demanding $500,000 in exchange for supporting a rezoning request. Judge Kathryn Olita has ordered Kimbrough to pay $51,268.50 in attorney fees and $40,000 in sanctions. Kimbrough has filed an appeal with the Tennessee Court of Appeals. (Tennessean)
- 📢 State Senator Charlane Oliver threatens legal action over ‘unlawful’ punishment for protesting from atop her Senate desk during special session. State Senator Charlane Oliver’s attorneys are demanding that Senate Republican leaders rescind the punishments imposed after she stood on her desk during the redistricting special session protest, arguing the penalties violate Senate rules and her constitutional rights. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally has defended the sanctions as legal and appropriate. (WKRN)
✹ PROPERTY TAX CALCULATOR
What Moved Your Bill? Use our handy new tool to see what contributed to your property tax bill increase: the reappraisal or the rate hike. (Try It Out)
DEVELOPMENT
- Metro’s Farm at Mill Ridge Park receives $4M in funding for renovations (Post)
- North Nashville for-sale brewery area property sees listing adjustment (Post)
- Nashville Yards tower proposal lands approval (Post)
✹ METRO COUNCIL WATCH
New Council Watch Features We've added additional features to Council Watch. In addition to who's funding your council member, you can now see how they vote and who they vote with most frequently. (Take a Look)
THINGS TO DO
View our calendar for the week here.
📅 Visit our On The Radar list to find upcoming events around Nashville.
🎧 On Spotify: Pamphleteer's Picks, a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week.
👨🏻🌾 Check out our Nashville farmer's market guide.
TONIGHT
🎸 American Aquarium @ Ryman Auditorium, 8p, $43+, Info
+ alternative country
🎸 Emmett McLaughlin and the Dead End w/ Rob Malaski @ The Basement, 9p, $12.85, Info
🪕 Larry Sparks @ Station Inn, 9p, $25, Info
🎸 Country Club Day ft. The Cowpokes @ Acme Feed & Seed, 12:30p, Free, Info
🎸 Kelley's Heroes @ Robert's Western World, 6:30p, Free, Info
SATURDAY
🎸 Trey Hedrick w/ Clara Rae @ The Basement, 9p, $16.19, Info
🎸 Foo Fighters w/ Queens of the Stone Age @ Nissan Stadium, 5p, $50+, Info
🎸 The Invisible Chimps (Monkees tribute) w/ Hip Replacements (Replacements tribute) @ The Basement, 7p, $12.85, Info
🪕 Mandy Barnett: Country Classics + The Music of The King Elvis Presley with Erin Viancourt @ 3rd and Lindsley, 8p, $26.46, Info
🎸 Kelley's Heroes @ Robert's Western World, 6:30p, Free, Info
SUNDAY
🎸 Squeeze @ Ryman Auditorium, 8p, $182, Info
+ British rock
🪕 Bluegrass Jam @ Station Inn, 7p, Free, Info
+ a night for musicians and singers from all over the world to gather and enjoy making music together
🪕 Sundays Between with Easy Green @ Tennessee Brew Works, 1p, Info
+ a fusion of two beloved musical genres – Bluegrass and the iconic sounds of the Grateful Dead!
📰 Check out the full newsletter archive here.
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Today's newsletter is brought to you by Davis Hunt, Megan Podsiedlik, and Camelia Brennan.