🏛️ Would this bill create a ‘secret police’?

🍽️ How International Market Became a Local Institution

International Market & Restaurant opened more than 50 years ago. On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, the restaurant’s chef and James Beard Award nominee Arnold Myint talks about his family’s early beginnings, and what’s next for one of the city’s most beloved Thai restaurants. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🌨️ Winter Storm Relief Programs

The Nashville Office of Emergency Management has opened two disaster assistance centers — at Hadley Park and Smith Springs Community Centers — to help people impacted by Winter Storm Fern. Services offered include physical and mental health support, employment and insurance assistance, resource referrals, and help navigating forms and HUB requests. [Fox 17]

• Davidson County’s Emergency Winter Housing Assistance Program provides support to Nashvillians unable to cover housing payments due to hardships caused by the storm. [Nashville.gov]
• The Mayor’s Office is working on legislation to reassess property values for homes damaged during the storm. [Nashville.gov]
• The State Fire Marshal’s Office is expanding its smoke alarm program to include free carbon monoxide detectors. [WKRN]
• Many Nashville residents are still experiencing internet outages. [WKRN]
• Check out Hands On Nashville for volunteer opportunities to help our community recover. [Hands On Nashville]

🚌 Has Nashville Been Relocating Unhoused Folk?

State Rep. Tim Rudd claims Metro Nashville has been relocating unhoused folk from Davidson County to Murfreesboro, though Nashville leaders deny the claim. Rudd and another Murfreesboro lawmaker have filed a bill to stop the practice. [WKRN]

• Could the Nashville Downtown Partnership still be busing homeless people out of town? [NewsChannel 5]

🏛️ Bill Seeks Exemption From Public Records Act

Gov. Bill Lee’s administration has filed bills that would broaden the state Homeland Security’s investigative authority, allowing the office to secure Tennessee’s election infrastructure at the secretary of state’s request. Another proposed bill would make all of the office’s records confidential, sealing them from the public even after cases are finished. State Rep. Aftyn Behn of Nashville criticized the bill, saying it creates a “secret police.” [Tennessee Lookout]

• State Republicans have also filed a bill mandating that departments report everyone who applies for public benefits without proof of citizenship to Tennessee’s newly created Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division. [Tennessee Lookout]

It’s that time of year, parents! While it might seem bonkers to think about summer child care in February, if you don’t sign up for programs now, they will likely sell out. Here are some of my favorite summer day camps in Nashville, from theater experiences to free educational opportunities.

🏫 MNPS Promising Scholars

• Grades: Rising kindergartners-12th grade
• Where: Various Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Time: Varies. Before and after care is available at select schools.
• Cost: Free
• About: MNPS extends the school year by one month into the summer with its Promising Scholars program. My kid goes every year and loves it. This program runs from May 28 to June 26. Make sure your kids attend the first few days, or your spot will be given to someone on the waitlist. 

🛝 Metro Nashville Summer Enrichment Program

• Ages: 6-14
• Where: Davidson County Community Centers
• Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• About: This program runs the entire summer at local community centers. Registration is in person on a first-come, first-served basis. The exact 2026 registration dates haven’t been announced yet, but it will likely be in April. There was a long line at my local community center last year, so arrive early to secure a spot.

🏊 YMCA Summer Day Camps

• Ages: 5-17
• Where: Several YMCA locations and select Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Varies
• About: YMCA offers two summer day programs. Day camps at YMCA facilities include swim lessons and crafts based on weekly themes. Fun Company camps at select MNPS schools are affordable and a great way for kids to play with classmates from the school year. Registration starts Feb. 26.