City Cast Nashville
🗳️ Early voting is now! What’s on the ballot?
April 15, 2026 · 💌 Margaret Kingsbury
Happy Wednesday! We’ve got lots to celebrate today. First up, Metro Nashville Public Schools has released its first video in a three-part documentary about the district’s art programs, focusing on Cane Ridge High School’s band camp. As a former flute marching band section leader, I approve.
And more big news — our spring membership campaign starts today! Members help this newsletter and podcast thrive, and it’s just $10 a month. If you become a member during this campaign, you’ll receive a rad custom Oxford Pennant designed just for Nashville. Scroll down to take a peek and claim yours! 😻
You’ll also get great perks like:
- A weekly roundup of activities happening in Nashville
- Regular members-only events
- Ad-free podcast listening
- Shoutout your favorite local gems on the podcast and newsletter
- And brand new: You can air your grievances on the podcast in our new Hell Naw segment!
Thank y’all so much for supporting City Cast Nashville!
What's CITY Talking About
🐝 Celebrating Spring With Margaret Renkl
To celebrate planting season, we’re talking to acclaimed local author and New York Times columnist Margaret Renkl on the podcast. She’s sharing what it means to be a good neighbor to the natural world, from birdwatching to backyard gardening. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
- My daughter and I have been enjoying Renkl’s gorgeous new picture book, “The Weedy Garden.” [Parnassus Books]
🚕 Nashville Receives Numerous Waymo Complaints
In the past month, hubNashville has logged more than 30 complaints about Waymo’s driverless vehicles, including parking on busy roads and failing to respond appropriately to traffic lights. Waymo began accepting passengers in Nashville last week, after several months of testing without passengers. [WKRN]
- Here’s one video of a Waymo driving in a restricted area. [Instagram]
- Other cities where Waymo has launched have also raised concerns. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
🏫 New Bill Penalizes University Protestors
State lawmakers have passed the Charlie Kirk Act, which now goes to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk. The bill prohibits university administrators from uninviting a speaker based on their opposition to LGBTQ+ and abortion rights. It also requires disciplinary action against students and faculty who disrupt a speaker by staging a walkout or protesting. [WPLN]
🍽️ Lawmakers Fight for Summer Food Program
Two state lawmakers have proposed a bill to require Gov. Bill Lee and subsequent governors to apply for federal Summer EBT funding, which would help feed 700,000 Tennessee kids. Lee rejected the funding in 2024. Following criticism, he launched a limited state pilot summer food program that served 15 counties, excluding Davidson. [Tennessee Lookout]
- Metro Nashville Public Schools will distribute summer meal kits to qualifying families at Hunters Lane High School. [NewsChannel 5]
- The Metro Action Commission is seeking community partners to host free food sites for local kids this summer. Applications are due today, April 15. [Nashville.gov]
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What To Do
Tuesday, April 14
- 💐 Western Highland Rim Wildflowers | Beaman Park | 9 a.m.-Noon
- 👗 Ladies of Charity Nashville Thrift Store (through May 2) | 2216 State Street | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 🧘 Chair Yoga | Bordeaux Library Branch | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
- 🧑🌾 East Nashville Farmers Market | 511 Woodland Street | 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- ✏️ After-School Tutoring Volunteer | Plaza Mariachi | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- 🀄 Mahjong 101 & 102 | Made You Look | 5:30-8 p.m.
- ⚾ Nashville Sounds vs. Worcester Red Sox | First Horizon Park | 6:35 p.m.
- 😆 Oddity Improv | The Franklin Theatre | 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15
- 🧑🍳 Prep and Package Meals Volunteer | Mercy Chefs | 9 a.m.-Noon
- 🦋 Homeschool Program: Butterflies and Blooms at the Barn | The Proctor Barn | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 🖌️ Watercolor Wednesdays | Madison Library Branch | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
- 🕺 Lunchtime Line Dancing | Church Street Park | 12:15-1:15 p.m.
- 💬 Panel Discussion: The Opry’s Comedy Tradition | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | 2:30-4 p.m.
- 💞 Two Step Speed Dating | Cross-Eyed Critters | 7 p.m.
- 🎻 Youth Orchestra | Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 7:30 p.m.
- 😆 Theo Von | Ryman Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
Heads up: The double arch bridge along the Natchez Trace Parkway is closed for the next year as the National Park Service constructs a new safety barrier.
And don’t forget to become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor! Member Rob K. says City Cast Nashville provides “reliable local information.” If that’s important to you, become a member, and snag that flag!
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