Judith Tackett
@judytacketttn.bsky.social
Lifelong learner, over-thinker, & strategist. Pet enthusiast. Opinionated Swiss who calls Middle TN home. Secret pleasure: Mid-afternoon Nickerchen. Opinions are my own.
HUD seems to be holding back the 2025 homeless count numbers.
An overall decline in numbers, as estimated by experts, may not support HUD's announced drastic policy changes.
FYI, Nashville's 2025 saw a 4.1% increase over 2024; 13.8% increase since 2022; & still a 8.8% overall decrease since 2016.
An overall decline in numbers, as estimated by experts, may not support HUD's announced drastic policy changes.
FYI, Nashville's 2025 saw a 4.1% increase over 2024; 13.8% increase since 2022; & still a 8.8% overall decrease since 2016.
Homelessness Appears to Decline, Reversing a Yearslong Trend
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:03 PM
HUD seems to be holding back the 2025 homeless count numbers.
An overall decline in numbers, as estimated by experts, may not support HUD's announced drastic policy changes.
FYI, Nashville's 2025 saw a 4.1% increase over 2024; 13.8% increase since 2022; & still a 8.8% overall decrease since 2016.
An overall decline in numbers, as estimated by experts, may not support HUD's announced drastic policy changes.
FYI, Nashville's 2025 saw a 4.1% increase over 2024; 13.8% increase since 2022; & still a 8.8% overall decrease since 2016.
Many are in survival mode during this extreme cold. I hope you are safe!
How would you feel if this very moment was your everyday reality?
Millions of people across the US are forced to live on survival mode every single day as government wages a war on them. It is up to us to demand change!
How would you feel if this very moment was your everyday reality?
Millions of people across the US are forced to live on survival mode every single day as government wages a war on them. It is up to us to demand change!
How to Challenge Government
It feels like the War on Poverty, which was launched in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson with the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act has turned into a War […]
thecontributor.org
January 29, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Many are in survival mode during this extreme cold. I hope you are safe!
How would you feel if this very moment was your everyday reality?
Millions of people across the US are forced to live on survival mode every single day as government wages a war on them. It is up to us to demand change!
How would you feel if this very moment was your everyday reality?
Millions of people across the US are forced to live on survival mode every single day as government wages a war on them. It is up to us to demand change!
Congratulations to Kennetha Patterson, who will be honored with the 2026 Loraine Brown Resident Leader Award from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
She has been advocating for people with lived experience at the local and national levels!
Well deserved!
nlihc.org/2026-housing...
She has been advocating for people with lived experience at the local and national levels!
Well deserved!
nlihc.org/2026-housing...
2026 Housing Leadership Awards Reception
nlihc.org
January 28, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Congratulations to Kennetha Patterson, who will be honored with the 2026 Loraine Brown Resident Leader Award from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
She has been advocating for people with lived experience at the local and national levels!
Well deserved!
nlihc.org/2026-housing...
She has been advocating for people with lived experience at the local and national levels!
Well deserved!
nlihc.org/2026-housing...
Nashville announces transportation phone line to to assist get people to warming stations.
And this very succinct summary of OEM's press release is why you should become a member of @citycastnash.bsky.social (see screenshot).
Here is the link to the press release:
www.nashville.gov/departments/...
And this very succinct summary of OEM's press release is why you should become a member of @citycastnash.bsky.social (see screenshot).
Here is the link to the press release:
www.nashville.gov/departments/...
January 27, 2026 at 1:41 AM
Nashville announces transportation phone line to to assist get people to warming stations.
And this very succinct summary of OEM's press release is why you should become a member of @citycastnash.bsky.social (see screenshot).
Here is the link to the press release:
www.nashville.gov/departments/...
And this very succinct summary of OEM's press release is why you should become a member of @citycastnash.bsky.social (see screenshot).
Here is the link to the press release:
www.nashville.gov/departments/...
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was an ICU nurse at the VA hospital. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was an ICU nurse at the VA hospital.
www.nytimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:14 PM
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was an ICU nurse at the VA hospital. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
Vote for Lottie!
Not only is Lottie featured in today's Furball Friday by @citycastnash.bsky.social but she also is competing for America's Favorite Dog.
You can vote for her through this link:
americasfavpet.com/2026/lottie-...
Not only is Lottie featured in today's Furball Friday by @citycastnash.bsky.social but she also is competing for America's Favorite Dog.
You can vote for her through this link:
americasfavpet.com/2026/lottie-...
January 23, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Vote for Lottie!
Not only is Lottie featured in today's Furball Friday by @citycastnash.bsky.social but she also is competing for America's Favorite Dog.
You can vote for her through this link:
americasfavpet.com/2026/lottie-...
Not only is Lottie featured in today's Furball Friday by @citycastnash.bsky.social but she also is competing for America's Favorite Dog.
You can vote for her through this link:
americasfavpet.com/2026/lottie-...
Well said!
This is exactly why communities need to view homelessness as a part of an entire poverty spectrum.
When we separate homelessness from poverty (which governments tend to do), we won't see the entire picture and overlook important pieces to helping people stabilize their housing.
This is exactly why communities need to view homelessness as a part of an entire poverty spectrum.
When we separate homelessness from poverty (which governments tend to do), we won't see the entire picture and overlook important pieces to helping people stabilize their housing.
This isn't housing policy per se, but in a city where infant care averages $26k a year, universal child care would function as a massive, de facto housing subsidy—freeing up roughly $2,100 a month for rent.
More politicians need to grasp this: when it comes to "affordability," it's all connected.
More politicians need to grasp this: when it comes to "affordability," it's all connected.
Why universal child care is closer than ever in New York
One of Zohran Mamdani’s most expensive ideas has surprising early momentum.
www.vox.com
January 17, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Well said!
This is exactly why communities need to view homelessness as a part of an entire poverty spectrum.
When we separate homelessness from poverty (which governments tend to do), we won't see the entire picture and overlook important pieces to helping people stabilize their housing.
This is exactly why communities need to view homelessness as a part of an entire poverty spectrum.
When we separate homelessness from poverty (which governments tend to do), we won't see the entire picture and overlook important pieces to helping people stabilize their housing.
Today, in my excitement to get to Furball Friday, I scrolled passed it and panicked! How can it be? I barely got through the holidays!
But then, the shock woke me up & I found it. Phew!
Keep those photos coming! It's the only way to start Friday right! Email your pet pics to nashville@citycast.fm
But then, the shock woke me up & I found it. Phew!
Keep those photos coming! It's the only way to start Friday right! Email your pet pics to nashville@citycast.fm
January 16, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Today, in my excitement to get to Furball Friday, I scrolled passed it and panicked! How can it be? I barely got through the holidays!
But then, the shock woke me up & I found it. Phew!
Keep those photos coming! It's the only way to start Friday right! Email your pet pics to nashville@citycast.fm
But then, the shock woke me up & I found it. Phew!
Keep those photos coming! It's the only way to start Friday right! Email your pet pics to nashville@citycast.fm
Reposted by Judith Tackett
Reposted by Judith Tackett
ICYMI: Before the Tennessee General Assembly convened on Tuesday, House Speaker Cameron Sexton confirmed he has been working with the Trump administration to craft a package of laws targeting immigrants.
Tennessee lawmakers to take immigration cues from White House • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee Republicans are taking orders from Trump administration official Stephen Miller as the 2026 legislative session opens.
tennesseelookout.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:25 AM
ICYMI: Before the Tennessee General Assembly convened on Tuesday, House Speaker Cameron Sexton confirmed he has been working with the Trump administration to craft a package of laws targeting immigrants.
Reposted by Judith Tackett
On Wednesday, leaders of the Tennessee Department of Human Services told lawmakers that the state’s reserve for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, now stands at $305 million with a plan in place to expend the excess funds--down from $732 million. From @anitawadhwani.bsky.social.
Tennessee once stockpiled $732M earmarked for needy families; state leaders say it's down to $305M • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee Department of Human Services officials said the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families reserve has been spent down.
tennesseelookout.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:04 PM
On Wednesday, leaders of the Tennessee Department of Human Services told lawmakers that the state’s reserve for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, now stands at $305 million with a plan in place to expend the excess funds--down from $732 million. From @anitawadhwani.bsky.social.
Reposted by Judith Tackett
Want to get top notch analysis of the first week in Tennessee's legislative session? Tune into @wpln.bsky.social at noon for "This is Nashville" with Senior Reporter Sam Stockard.
January 15, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Want to get top notch analysis of the first week in Tennessee's legislative session? Tune into @wpln.bsky.social at noon for "This is Nashville" with Senior Reporter Sam Stockard.
It is more important than ever that you select your trusted local news to stay informed.
To stay updated on statewide TN news, follow @tennesseelookout.com, subscribe to their daily newsletter (tennesseelookout.com/subscribe/), and consider donating - this is a free online nonprofit news outlet.
To stay updated on statewide TN news, follow @tennesseelookout.com, subscribe to their daily newsletter (tennesseelookout.com/subscribe/), and consider donating - this is a free online nonprofit news outlet.
Home • Tennessee Lookout
tennesseelookout.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:27 PM
It is more important than ever that you select your trusted local news to stay informed.
To stay updated on statewide TN news, follow @tennesseelookout.com, subscribe to their daily newsletter (tennesseelookout.com/subscribe/), and consider donating - this is a free online nonprofit news outlet.
To stay updated on statewide TN news, follow @tennesseelookout.com, subscribe to their daily newsletter (tennesseelookout.com/subscribe/), and consider donating - this is a free online nonprofit news outlet.
A lot can happen when you get involved actively in local government. You may be a part of having a say in how you want your city and community to grow.
If you have not listened to the podcast of @citycastnash.bsky.social lately, here is a good one.
If you have not listened to the podcast of @citycastnash.bsky.social lately, here is a good one.
Who Decides Nashville’s Future? - City Cast Nashville
Our city is growing fast, but who gets to decide what Nashville becomes? Veronica Foster, Community Development Director at the Civic Design Center...
nashville.citycast.fm
January 15, 2026 at 2:16 PM
A lot can happen when you get involved actively in local government. You may be a part of having a say in how you want your city and community to grow.
If you have not listened to the podcast of @citycastnash.bsky.social lately, here is a good one.
If you have not listened to the podcast of @citycastnash.bsky.social lately, here is a good one.
The lists included in the daily newsletter from @citycastnash.bsky.social are just excellent.
Sign up for the free newsletter (or better yet as a member) and plan ahead: Whether it's indoor activities for your kids or, like today, events to celebrate MLK Day.
link.citycast.fm/view/6604644...
Sign up for the free newsletter (or better yet as a member) and plan ahead: Whether it's indoor activities for your kids or, like today, events to celebrate MLK Day.
link.citycast.fm/view/6604644...
January 14, 2026 at 1:21 PM
The lists included in the daily newsletter from @citycastnash.bsky.social are just excellent.
Sign up for the free newsletter (or better yet as a member) and plan ahead: Whether it's indoor activities for your kids or, like today, events to celebrate MLK Day.
link.citycast.fm/view/6604644...
Sign up for the free newsletter (or better yet as a member) and plan ahead: Whether it's indoor activities for your kids or, like today, events to celebrate MLK Day.
link.citycast.fm/view/6604644...
I am proud that Metro joined the national lawsuit to fight HUD on its abrupt changes in homelessness funding. The judge granted a preliminary injunction. HUD has meanwhile reissued the FY24-25 NOFO. It is complex, and while this is a temporary reprieve, we expect big funding changes in the future.
Learn More About Nashville’s Fight to Keep People Housed
The city of Nashville is fighting to keep local homelessness programs intact and Nashvillians housed.
thecontributor.org
January 12, 2026 at 9:48 PM
I am proud that Metro joined the national lawsuit to fight HUD on its abrupt changes in homelessness funding. The judge granted a preliminary injunction. HUD has meanwhile reissued the FY24-25 NOFO. It is complex, and while this is a temporary reprieve, we expect big funding changes in the future.
@TheContributor's Q&A with @whittlz.bsky.social is now available to read online. It was a great year-end interview that I highly recommend.
Q&A with Whitney Pastorek
For a year-end interview, we spoke with Whitney Pastorek, a writer and community organizer who most recently has served as the executive producer of City Cast Nashville.
thecontributor.org
January 12, 2026 at 9:21 PM
@TheContributor's Q&A with @whittlz.bsky.social is now available to read online. It was a great year-end interview that I highly recommend.
January 9, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Start reading the newsletter from @citycastnash.bsky.social, if your New Year's resolution is to exercise more and you don't want to renew your gym membership (like the one you did not use bit twice last January).
In today's newsletter, you'll find suggestions for 5 affordable workout options.
In today's newsletter, you'll find suggestions for 5 affordable workout options.
Hi friends! Slow Burn Bookshop, our first romance bookstore, opens this weekend in East Nashville! Expect author signings, giveaways, and a tattoo pop-up at their grand opening 📚
link.citycast.fm
January 8, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Start reading the newsletter from @citycastnash.bsky.social, if your New Year's resolution is to exercise more and you don't want to renew your gym membership (like the one you did not use bit twice last January).
In today's newsletter, you'll find suggestions for 5 affordable workout options.
In today's newsletter, you'll find suggestions for 5 affordable workout options.
“Nearly four in five sleep-related deaths were deemed “preventable” by teams of experts who review child deaths,” writes @anitawadhwani.bsky.social in her article in @tennesseelookout.com about infant mortality rate in TN, which remains significantly higher than the national average.
Infant mortality in Tennessee remains persistently higher than national average • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee’s infant mortality rate has dipped since 2019 but remains significantly and persistently higher than the national average.
tennesseelookout.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:10 PM
“Nearly four in five sleep-related deaths were deemed “preventable” by teams of experts who review child deaths,” writes @anitawadhwani.bsky.social in her article in @tennesseelookout.com about infant mortality rate in TN, which remains significantly higher than the national average.
Pick up The Contributor from a vendor for my interview with @whittlz.bsky.social!
It's the best year-end Q&A you'll find in Nashville because her answers are honest and real - with a healthy lack of the usual, obligatory political year-end speeches we have become used to seeing in other outlets.
It's the best year-end Q&A you'll find in Nashville because her answers are honest and real - with a healthy lack of the usual, obligatory political year-end speeches we have become used to seeing in other outlets.
January 6, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Pick up The Contributor from a vendor for my interview with @whittlz.bsky.social!
It's the best year-end Q&A you'll find in Nashville because her answers are honest and real - with a healthy lack of the usual, obligatory political year-end speeches we have become used to seeing in other outlets.
It's the best year-end Q&A you'll find in Nashville because her answers are honest and real - with a healthy lack of the usual, obligatory political year-end speeches we have become used to seeing in other outlets.
Every time I read this, a cold shiver runs down my back.
January 6, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Every time I read this, a cold shiver runs down my back.
If you've got children, you want to sign up for the daily newsletter of @citycastnash.bsky.social.
Today, for example, they list free indoor play areas for kids. Perfect during winter time! They always list upcoming events and things to check out, which includes family-friendly stuff.
Today, for example, they list free indoor play areas for kids. Perfect during winter time! They always list upcoming events and things to check out, which includes family-friendly stuff.
The children’s area at The John P. Holt Brentwood Library is magical. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
link.citycast.fm
January 6, 2026 at 12:13 PM
If you've got children, you want to sign up for the daily newsletter of @citycastnash.bsky.social.
Today, for example, they list free indoor play areas for kids. Perfect during winter time! They always list upcoming events and things to check out, which includes family-friendly stuff.
Today, for example, they list free indoor play areas for kids. Perfect during winter time! They always list upcoming events and things to check out, which includes family-friendly stuff.
Reposted by Judith Tackett
Our favorite photos of 2025.
The Scene's Favorite Photos of 2025
The Nashville Scene's talented staff and freelance photographers helped us document all of 2025's important action.
www.nashvillescene.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Our favorite photos of 2025.
Pictures in @nashvillebanner.bsky.social capture main events of 2025 in Nashville.
The Banner's Best Photos of 2025 - Nashville Banner
Staff photojournalist Martin B. Cherry selected his favorite photos from the year, including notable figures, community gatherings and more
nashvillebanner.com
January 2, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Pictures in @nashvillebanner.bsky.social capture main events of 2025 in Nashville.