Sponsored by Wildwood ResortThursday, February 5, 2026Good morning! Tony Gonzalez

I’ve been waking most mornings lately with this question on my mind: Where do the power outages stand? It makes sense for a news director to wonder — but I know I’m hardly alone. 

Outages in Nashville are now down around 7,000. More than half of the 800 broken utility poles have been repaired. Still, much of the hardest work remains, and calls for NES accountability have mounted. 

There will be much more to learn about this storm response, and a special commission formed by the mayor will be reviewing the city’s storm prep and response. 

A lot of what we learn will depend on asking the right questions — and that’s what I want to say more about in today’s newsletter. 

WHAT TO KNOW

Beekeepers remove the hive frames to check on the bees. Photo: Cynthia Abrams

Your questions — from the silly to the serious — have now propelled Curious Nashville for 10 years. 

You are the reason we’ve explored tunnels, nuclear fallout shelters, gyro shops, city parks, very tiny islands, beehives, the landfill (more than once) and even downtown’s once-revolving rooftop restaurant. 

You ask. We answer. That’s always been the idea behind Curious Nashville. And this approach has proven time and again that your observations are astute. They lead us to fascinating tales, unsung local heroes and the deeper stories behind the everyday landmarks all around us. 

As we mark 10 years and hundreds of questions answered, we got to share some “greatest hits” on This Is Nashville this week. 

It’s true that this series is mostly known for adventures and roadside oddities. And I’m glad we can turn to the joys of these stories in what has otherwise been a rocky couple weeks. 

But it’s also the case that the curious mindset has taken us to some very serious and service-minded places. And that’s where my mind is right now. When you wanted to know about recycling, we answered as many of your questions as possible. When COVID hit, we fielded your concerns. 

So if you have a serious question — like about local civics topics or, yes, about the storm response, please let us know.

You can revisit 10 years of this curious journalism and ask your question here: wpln.org/curious-nashville. And stay curious with us.

The NashVillager is supported by

and Nashville Public Radio members

On today’s episode of the NashVillagerpodcast with host Nina Cardona 🎙️ 

How does one Nashville neighborhood still show the impact of a construction accident nearly 70 years later? Deadly events can leave their mark on a place, even when we don’t realize it. Plus the local news for February 5, 2026 and an arborist’s take on what Nashville trees need now. 

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MORE TO KNOW

• For many, the next phase of the storm recovery involves insurance, which can be confusing and frustrating. Here’s a backup worth knowing about: one role of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is to help those who feel they’ve been treated unfairly. Learn more from This Is Nashville. Meanwhile, we’re learning more about storm recovery volunteer opportunities from Hands On Nashville. 
• Many kids in Nashville will soon start their school days a little later. After a lot of engagement and discussion, MNPS adopted a proposal for the 2026-27 year that pushes back school start and end times — by 20 minutes for high schoolers and 10 minutes for elementary.  
• If you purchased generic prescription drugs from Lannett or Bausch between May 2009 and December 2019, you may be eligible for compensation. The companies agreed to pay nearly $18 million over claims that they inflated generic prescription drugs prices. 

FROM WNXP

As WNXP’s Nashville Artist of the Month, Venus & the Flytraps are letting us peek behind the curtain with a playlist that explores the inspiration behind their debut album, Demonette. The DIY girl rock project from Nashville duo Brenna Kassis and Cecilia Tomé builds its world on the un-seriousness of girlhood, equal parts poking fun and biting remarks with a surprising amount of vulnerability hidden beneath the surface. These are the songs that fed that energy, fueled the riot grrrl edge and helped shape the Demonette universe.Listen now

FROM THIS IS NASHVILLE

It’s the 10-year anniversary of Curious Nashville and we’re revisiting some of the weirdest and most surprising questions you’ve asked. This episode highlights seven stories. In this ep, you get to go behind the scenes of the reporting with WPLN Metro Reporter Cynthia Abrams and host Tony Gonzalez.

Your input is central to our show. Call (615) 751-2500 to leave us your feedback. Submit your idea or email us. Stream This is Nashville with host Blake Farmer on YouTube, or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts |  Spotify | YouTubeCHECK OUT TICKET GIVEAWAYS

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