🏛️ Would you vote for these state amendments?

🗳️ Proposed State Constitutional Amendments

Tennesseans will vote on three constitutional amendments in 2026. The first would remove the right to bail for people charged with certain crimes; the second would prohibit Tennessee from ever instituting a state property tax; and the third would expand victims’ rights. [Nashville Scene]

🏫 MNPS Removes DEI References

Following Pres. Trump’s executive order, Metro Nashville Public Schools has removed any reference to diversity, equity, and inclusion from the district’s websites. An MNPS spokesperson said, “As a district, we have taken proactive steps to review our initiatives to ensure they remain aligned with our mission while navigating the evolving landscape.” [WKRN]

• Other Metro Nashville offices have also dropped DEI terms. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

💃 Advice for Bachelorettes

Nashville is the bachelorette capital of the world, but how should you do your big girls’ night right? On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re sitting down with Jonathan Slater, a veteran male entertainer who’s worked in revues and on party buses, to get his advice. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

💰 Bridgestone Arena’s Future Transformation

The Nashville Predators are giving Bridgestone Arena a $650 million makeover, which includes expanding the arena by 175,000 square feet, additional restaurants and shopping, and the largest rooftop bar on Broadway. [The Tennessean]

Saturday, April 26 is Independent Bookstore Day! While my fellow book nerds hardly need a reason to add to their towering piles of unread books, this is a great day to go out and support local businesses and meet fellow Nashville readers. Here are my favorite local independent bookstores, from used extravaganzas to neighborhood hubs and children’s book nooks.

Parnassus Books

This Green Hills haven hardly needs an introduction. Award-winning local author Ann Patchett’s bookstore has become a much-needed hub of our literary community. Opened in 2011, Parnassus fills the space Davis-Kidd’s closure left behind.

• For IBD, Parnassus has exclusive merch, author signings, and giveaways. Find Libro.fm’s golden ticket in the store to win 12 audiobooks!

The Bookshop

I think of The Bookshop as East Nashville’s Parnassus, but it has its own unique vibe! It’s not as spacious as Parnassus, but the book selection is perfection, and it feels so cozy and welcoming. It also hosts numerous author events and book clubs.

• For IBD, spin the Wheel of Bookishness for giveaways, find Libro.fm’s golden ticket, and get an exclusive canvas tote!

Novelette Booksellers

Novelette is an adorable, LGBTQ+-run bookstore with bright pink bookshelves and the best murals! Located in East Nashville, the owners carefully curate their selection to focus on diverse perspectives. I especially love their graphic novel section.

McKAY’s

Full confession: I worked here for 12 years and helped open the Nashville store, so I can’t be unbiased about my McKAY’s love! This Bellevue used gem is home to millions of books in addition to toys, records, movies, and much more. Bring in the books you don’t want anymore for store credit!

Fairytales Bookstore

As the name implies, this tiny little bookstore is a magical place for kids. Located in East Nashville’s Five Points Alley Shops, Fairytales’ compact space is packed with a wonderful selection of diverse children’s books, as well as unique toys.

Defunct Books

Also located in the Five Points Alley Shops, this is the place to go for rare used books you won’t find anywhere else.

Alkebu-Lan Images

Located on North Nashville’s famed Jefferson Street, this is Nashville’s only Black-owned bookstore! Their books specifically focus on Black history and culture, and their nonfiction section is especially excellent. You can also shop for art, beauty products, and apparel.