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City Cast Nashville

Explainers

Margaret Kingsbury

This week, local third through eighth-grade students have been participating in mandatory Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program tests. To continue to fourth grade, third graders must “meet or exceed” expectations on the English Language Arts portion of the test or receive intervention services.

I’ve compiled five questions from the TN Dept. of Education’s 

Could you pass the third-grade TCAP test?

 to find out! And share this test with friends to compare scores!

TCAP testing is this week for Nashville students. How well would you do? Take this quiz to find out!

Test Yourself on Tennessee's Third-Grade TCAP Assessment

Could You Pass the Third-Grade TCAP Test?

What Nashvillians have been wondering. We break down why things in Nashville are the way they are and how they work.

Nashville, Explained

! Early voting runs April 15 to 30, and Election Day is May 5. Here’s your guide to this election, from where to vote to what’s on the ballot.

. All the candidates in the Davidson County Primary Election are Democrats. This election will determine who will fill Nashville’s criminal, circuit, and general sessions court benches, as well as several clerk’s offices. Four Metro Nashville Public Schools board seats are on the ballot for Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8. Check 

what school board district you’re in here

While the sample ballot might look long, many candidates are running uncontested, and depending on your district you’ll only vote on some of the races. 

 to see what will be on your specific ballot based on your address.

Both the Nashville Banner and The Tennessean have been running candidate profiles:

General Sessions Court judge candidates (

Tennessee doesn’t have same-day voter registration, so if you’re not registered to vote here, you’ll be unable to participate in this election. 

 for the Aug. 6 election, where you can cast your ballot on the final county candidates, plus the state and federal primaries.

, the last day to request an absentee ballot is April 25.

Tennessee requires a photo ID to vote. Here’s a 

 throughout Davidson County where you can cast your vote every day except Sunday.

On Election Day, you must vote at your designated polling location. You can find your polling location on your voter registration card, or 

. Don’t show up to an early voting location on May 5 unless it’s your designated polling location, or you’ll be turned away!

🗳️ More 2026 Elections

Here's your guide to the Davidson County Primary Election, from where to vote to what's on the ballot.

Your Guide to the May 5 Davidson County Primary Election

Welcome to your neighborhood bulletin board, where we keep you updated on upcoming community meetings we think you should know about, from chatting with councilmembers to discussing traffic solutions. Not sure what district you live in? 

Many neighborhoods are hosting community cleanups this month. 

Give feedback on proposed WeGo summer public transit service changes at 

The Metro Nashville Planning Department is holding four public meetings from April 8-16 for folks who live or work in Nashville’s urban core to 

discuss its Design & Development Strategy

Learn more about WeGo’s public transit at a 

 on the curb for NDOT to collect by April 19.

Join a virtual meeting on April 9 to discuss 

proposed updates to the 55+ community development

On April 23, join Councilmember Antoinette Lee and Metro Departments for a 

Join a virtual traffic calming meeting for 

 at the Goodlettsville Library Branch on April 11.

The Donelson-Hermitage Neighborhood Alliance is hosting 

a District 4 MNPS School Board candidate forum

 on Thursday, April 2, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Hermitage Precinct.

 is meeting at the Isaac Litton Alumni Center.

 about a proposed development on April 6.

Neighborhood Conversations

👋 What’s going on in your neighborhood?

Here's your community bulletin board for discussions happening in your Nashville neighborhood April 2026.

What's Happening in Your Nashville Neighborhood This April 2026

Nashville Neighborhood Conversations for April 2026

, and most respondents feel like Nashville is on the wrong track, and Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s approval rating has dropped. Here are some of the questions from Vanderbilt’s poll. I’d love to hear what y’all think!

Test your Nashville knowledge with these other weekly news quizzes:

What's the Nashville Zoo’s newest baby animal?

What’s the tallest building in Nashville?

How many hours a year do Nashvillians spend in traffic?

What was Nashville’s first hot chicken restaurant?

What was Dolly Parton’s first song to hit number one on the country music charts?

How many miles of sidewalks did Nashville add in 2025?

Which of these is NOT an In-N-Out Burger location?

Why can we sometimes see the northern lights in Nashville?

What's Nashville's most popular Halloween costume?

How well do you know Nashville's neighborhoods?

Which one of these celebrated Nashville authors has won a Pulitzer Prize?

What’s the average annual salary in Tennessee?

Which of these movies was NOT shot in Nashville?

What’s the average monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment in Nashville?

Before it was called the Speedway, what kind of races were held on the Fairgrounds’ track?

What's the oldest restaurant in Nashville?

What time does school start for Nashville high schoolers?

What's the most popular dog name in Tennessee?

How much is yearly infant child care in Nashville?

Which members-only gathering would you be most excited about?

Guess These Iconic Nashville Locations Based on Their One-Star Reviews

What is Jeni’s most popular ice cream flavor in Nashville?

How much does the average single-family home cost in Nashville?

Who was the first non-country music artist to perform at CMA Fest?

How many acres of park land does Nashville have?

Besides the Belcourt Theatre, what Nashville institution celebrates its 100th birthday this year?

Where did the Fisk Jubilee Singers first go on tour?

How many items were checked out from the Nashville Public Library last year?

What’s the name of Centennial Park’s lake?

What’s the most popular baby name in Tennessee?

How many speed bumps does Nashville have?

Which musician has yet to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame?

What's the farthest the Vanderbilt men's basketball team has ever advanced in the NCAA Tournament?

What's downtown Nashville's oldest building?

How many potholes have been repaired this year in Nashville?

Who performed opening night at The Pinnacle?

How many weddings happened in Nashville in 2023?

How many times have the Tennessee Titans played in the Super Bowl?

What famous Nashville stage did Dolly Parton first perform on?

What’s the coldest day on record in Nashville?

Which of these Civil Rights leaders lived in Nashville?

How Well Do You Know Nashville?: Streets Edition

If you like what you see, subscribe to the 

 newsletter below. We’ll send local news, things to do, and other Nashville essentials to your inbox every weekday morning — plus, a fresh news quiz every Friday ⬇️

The results are in for Vanderbilt’s annual Nashville poll, and most respondents feel like the city is on the wrong track. What do YOU think?

Take the Nashville Weekly Trivia Quiz!

Nashville Trivia: How Do You Feel About Nashville?

We’ve got a big voting year ahead of us, folks, with county, state, and federal elections. You’ll have the chance to cast your vote almost every month from now until November. Here’s your guide to key voting dates this year. We’ll be covering more specific information about candidates in the weeks and months ahead, though we have interviewed two gubernatorial candidates: 

 as soon as possible, or update your address if you’ve moved. Photo ID is required to vote in Tennessee. Here are the 

. Not sure where to vote, or what district you’re in? You can 

 for Berry Hill’s next city commissioners. Four people are running to fill two spots on the three-person commission.

 Vote for select county judges, school board members, county clerks, and more. Here’s the 

 Vote for your favorite party candidates in a slew of important state and federal elections, including governor, U.S. House and Senate seats, all state House seats, and select state Senate seats. Read 

. We’ll also be voting for the final candidates from the County Primary Election, and city commissioners in the Oak Hill Municipal Election.

 Vote for the final candidates for Tennessee governor, U.S. Senate and House, and state Senate and House. Nashville will also be voting in municipal elections for Belle Meade, Forest Hills, and Goodlettsville.

🗳️ More Election Info

Nashville has a big voting year ahead of us, with county, state, and federal elections. Here are key dates to remember.

Key Dates in Davidson County's 2026 Elections

Your Guide to Key Dates in Nashville’s 2026 Elections

St. Patrick’s Day is Tuesday, March 17, with lots of events starting this weekend. Irish folk have been 

, so it’s no surprise that we go all out for the holiday. From parades to sing-alongs, here are the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Nashville.

 kicks off this Saturday, March 14, in Five Points. The parade starts at 10 a.m., but get there early. Expect live music, kid-friendly activities, and lots of community members showing their green.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a pub that’s not celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but some go the extra mile. On Saturday, see if you can find the leprechaun at 

, then feast on shepherd's pie, Irish coffee cake, and green beer. There will also be plenty of activities for the kiddos.

 will have Irish dancing and green everything, and 

 will have live music, a best dressed competition, and drink specials. While kids are welcome at ENBW, Von Patrick’s Day is a 21+ event.

On St. Patrick’s Day (Tuesday, March 17), 

 is where it’s at. There will be live music all day, and classic Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage and Irish stew. It does get packed, as a warning!

 at Primitive Coffee. If listening is more your thing, Rosemary & Beauty Queen will have three stages set up for its 

 on Saturday, and on Sunday, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is 

. If you want to take a day trip, The Caverns is hosting a 

 on Saturday, with live music and dancing.

Eddie Ferrell St. Patrick's Music City Half Marathon

St Patrick's Day Celebration with Cheese and Beers

💚 More St. Patty’s Fun

From parades to sing-alongs, here are the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Nashville.

St. Patrick's Day Events in Nashville

How To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Nashville

District 13 Councilmember Russ Bradford is hosting 

 at Smith Springs Regional Community Center on March 25.

On March 5, District 28 Councilmember David Benton invites community feedback on 

Join a virtual meeting on March 5 to discuss 

Participate in free activities, grab some grub, and hang out with the community at the 

 on March 21, at the Shelby Community Center.

On March 10, join Councilmember Jennifer Frensley-Webb for a 

zoning meeting concerning two Dickerson Road parcels

On March 4, District 18 Councilmember Tom Cash will be hosting a community meeting about the 

Vanderbilt University Innovation Neighborhood Plan

Here's your community bulletin board for discussions happening in your Nashville neighborhood March 2026.

What's Happening in Your Nashville Neighborhood This March 2026

Nashville Neighborhood Conversations for March 2026

Terry Vo

Chúc mừng năm mới! Happy Lunar New Year!

Nearly two billion people around the world will celebrate Lunar New Year on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with festivities lasting three to 15 days. Though customs vary across cultures, shared themes include honoring ancestors, celebrating family, welcoming good fortune, and embracing renewal. This year, we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing rapid transformation, strength, prosperity, and bold energy. After Winter Storm Fern, many of us are ready to embrace that renewed sense of momentum, optimism, and power.

While Lunar New Year is often associated with East and Southeast Asia, it’s also deeply meaningful in Middle Tennessee, where Asian American communities continue to grow, thrive, and shape the cultural fabric of our region.

 in the late 1870s, with a documented community established by 1878. Early businesses like Shing Lee Laundry and Wah Lee Laundry operated on what was then Cedar and North Cherry Streets — present-day Fourth Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Their presence laid the groundwork for generations to come. 

Growing up in a Vietnamese household, we celebrated Tết every year. Tết Nguyên Đán marks the arrival of spring and is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture. It’s a time to honor our ancestors, gather with family, reflect on the past year, and set intentions for the year ahead. From receiving lì xì — lucky money tucked inside red envelopes — from elders, to wearing new clothes and sharing traditional meals, this season was always about connection. I cherished the bonding with my parents, siblings, and our wider Vietnamese community. Tết made me proud to be Vietnamese and grounded me in my heritage.

One of my favorite traditions is eating bánh tét, a log-shaped savory cake wrapped in green banana leaves and filled with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork belly. Its cylindrical shape symbolizes the sky and the yang principle. You might also see its square counterpart, bánh chưng, made with the same ingredients but representing the Earth and the yin principle. Together, these dishes reflect harmony and balance — values deeply woven into Lunar New Year traditions. Around town, you can often find them at Asian supermarkets like 

, though you’ll want to shop early. They sell out quickly.

When I moved to Nashville in 2009 to work at the Consulate-General of Japan, I didn’t see many visible Asian Pacific Islander community members, despite our longstanding roots here. Today, our community is larger, more organized, and more vocal — particularly among younger generations. Even as we confront anti-Asian hate and persistent stereotypes, we are building power, deepening cultural pride, and showing up boldly across civic, nonprofit, and business spaces. The recent openings of 

 in Chinatown are proof that Asian-owned businesses — local and national alike — believe in Nashville and are investing in its future.

Whether you’re part of the Asian diaspora or simply want to celebrate alongside us, there are many opportunities this year to experience the joy, food, traditions, and stories that make Lunar New Year so special.

Moon Hunter: Wu Fei, Master of the Guzheng

Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 | 2-5 p.m. | Ingram Hall | Free

 at 3 p.m., enjoy Chinese drumming, and Lunar New Year cultural exhibits and activity booths.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with the Metro Council

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 | 5:45 p.m. | City Hall | Free

Watch the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville perform a lion dance on the 2nd floor of City Hall in the Mezzanine, prior to a Metro Council meeting.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with API Middle TN

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 | 5-8 p.m. | ELEVEN11 | Free with registration

API Middle TN’s Third Thursday will celebrate Lunar New Year, featuring the Nashville Symphony. A Lunar New Year ensemble will perform music celebrating the cultures of China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Korea, and beyond.

Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year Celebration with CAAN

Saturday, Feb. 21 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Centennial Park | Free

This family-friendly event will have live performances, a Chinese tongue twister competition, and more.

Greater Nashville Chinese Association Chinese New Year Gala

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 | 4-8:30 p.m. | Father Ryan High School | $15+

Enjoy live music, performances, and snacks. Proceeds benefit the Greater Nashville Chinese Association.

Chúc mừng năm mới. Gong hei fat choy. Saehae bok mani badeuseyo. Happy Lunar New Year.

🍽️ Terry’s favorite international restaurants

Metro Councilmember Terry Vo discusses Nashville's Asian American history and Lunar New Year activities.

Nashville's Lunar New Year Celebrations

How To Celebrate Lunar New Year in Nashville

While big corporations can recover swiftly from being out of business for a week or more, it can be 

Winter Storm Fern has devastated many local businesses in Nashville. Here's how to help.

Nashville, Explained

Could You Pass the Third-Grade TCAP Test?

Your Guide to the May 5 Davidson County Primary Election

Nashville Neighborhood Conversations for April 2026

Latest articles

Nashville Trivia: How Do You Feel About Nashville?

Your Guide to Key Dates in Nashville’s 2026 Elections

How To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Nashville

Nashville Neighborhood Conversations for March 2026

How To Celebrate Lunar New Year in Nashville

How To Support Local Nashville Businesses After Winter Storm Fern

Photos of Winter Storm Fern in Nashville