Columbus
Axios Nashville
Southern Baptist Convention group rescinds firing of executive
The Southern Baptist Convention's public policy arm announced it was firing its president Monday night before abruptly reversing course hours later, saying he was still on the job.State of play: Brent Leatherwood remains the president of the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the group's executive committee announced early Tuesday morning."[We] formally retract the press release which was sent yesterday," their statement read. "There was not an authorized meeting, vote, or action taken by the Executive Committee."The chair of the executive committee resigned and apologized in a statement to the Baptist Press for moving to oust Leatherwood...
Nashville mayor's transportation campaign revs up
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell celebrated Metro Council's approval of his $3.1 billion transportation plan in an event Monday at First Horizon Park.Why it matters: The gathering serves as the unofficial starting point for the campaign to win voter approval for a November ballot measure.The intrigue: O'Connell enters the campaign with high approval ratings and a vast political network that includes elected officials, business leaders and grassroots organizers.The pro-transportation political group is led by two former O'Connell campaign aides. The group says it wants to raise around $5 million to support the campaign.Stakes are high for mass transit activists, whose 2018...
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell endorses Kamala Harris
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell on Monday joined the ranks of Democratic elected officials backing Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential bid.Driving the news: More than 250 Democratic mayors and former mayors co-signed an open letter supporting Harris.Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who is running for Congress, also signed the letter.What they're saying: "With just over 100 days until the Election, Democratic Mayors remain fully committed to doing everything in our power to continue the momentum and legacy that President Joe Biden created," the mayors wrote in their letter."We are fully confident that this progress will continue under the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris."Go deeper: In addition to consolidating support, Harris set a fundraising record after announcing her bid.Read the full letter and list of co-signers.Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Goo Goo Cluster teams with Frothy Monkey for coffee-themed treat
The Nashville candy giant Goo Goo Cluster is teaming up with Frothy Monkey coffee shops for a new latte-themed dessert.State of plate: The specialty Goo Goo treat, which will debut online and at Frothy Monkey locations starting Friday, is inspired by the coffee shop's Havana Latte.The candy includes espresso shortbread, nougat made with Frothy's coffee concentrate and ganache made from the same sauce used in the Havana Latte.It's covered in milk chocolate on the top and white chocolate on the bottom.The big picture: The candy collab marks Frothy Monkey's 20th anniversary. An anniversary party is planned for Aug. 3 at Frothy's 12 South location.Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Tennessee officials react after Biden drops out, endorses Harris
President Biden announced Sunday that he is stepping aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential contest and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party's nominee.Why it matters: The eleventh-hour change introduces a seismic and historic shift in the 2024 presidential race less than a month before the Democratic National Convention, set to start Aug. 19."It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden wrote in the letter posted on his X account announcing his decision."And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in...
Marsha Blackburn, Bill Hagerty floated as possible Trump cabinet picks
Three members of Tennessee's congressional delegation are possibilities for cabinet posts should former President Trump win in November, according to a new report.State of play: Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Sen. Bill Hagerty and U.S. Rep. Mark Green were mentioned by Punchbowl News as potential appointees.Why it matters: The trio are unabashedly pro-Trump and two were appointed to administration positions during his first term.Flashback: Trump appointed Hagerty as ambassador to Japan. Green was appointed secretary of the Army, although he subsequently withdrew from the nomination after controversy emerged over his previous statements about the LGBTQ+ community and Muslims.What they're saying: Gathering fodder...
Appeals court tosses lawsuit challenging Tennessee drag restrictions law
A federal appeals court on Thursday threw out a lawsuit challenging the 2023 Tennessee law designed to restrict drag performances.Why it matters: The ruling overturns a lower court opinion that had blocked the law on First Amendment grounds.State of play: The appeals court said the Memphis theater company that filed the suit did not have standing to sue.Zoom in: The law makes it a crime to perform "adult cabaret" in public or anywhere minors could see it.It defined such a performance as "adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors" under the state's obscenity code. The law said those performances might...
Tennessee's number of honeybee colonies is growing
Data: USDA Census of Agriculture; Note: Farms include places that produce/sell at least $1,000 of agricultural products; Map: Axios VisualsHoneybees have made a big comeback since the colony collapse crisis of the early 2000s. Now, these tiny creatures are the fastest-growing type of livestock in the country.By the numbers: In Tennessee, the number of farms with honeybee colonies grew 7% in five years, from 2,674 in 2017 to 2,862 in 2022, per the USDA Census of Agriculture.Growth was even faster nationwide, growing by more than 21%.Zoom in: The number of Tennessee farm colonies themselves grew from 18,663 in 2017 to 24,212 in 2022.Yes, but: Research also suggests that despite recent increases in honeybee populations, honey yields in the U.S. have been decreasing since the 1990s because of changing climates and decreased soil productivity.Go deeper: U.S. bee farms are buzzingSign up for Axios Austin for free.
Ingrid Andress heads to rehab after botched national anthem
Country singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress says she is going to rehab for drinking following a disastrous rendition of the national anthem before the MLB Home Run Derby on Monday.Driving the news: Andress, a four-time Grammy nominee, had the honor of performing the anthem during the nationally televised event in Arlington, Texas.Her singing slowed to a whisper during parts of the anthem and seemed out of pitch for most of the performance. The television broadcast showed baseball players snickering as Andress sang.Catch up quick: The rendition went viral on social media, and led to Andress announcing Tuesday she was drunk when she sang.Andress is an accomplished country artist with hits like "More Hearts Than Mine" and "Wishful Drinking," which featured Sam Hunt.What she's saying: "I'm checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need," she wrote on X. "That was not me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition."Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Marsha Blackburn criticizes Biden's economy, inflation in primetime speech at RNC
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn used her speech Monday night at the Republican National Convention to hammer President Biden's economic record on inflation, taxes and business regulations.Why it matters: Blackburn has emerged as a leading conservative voice. Her role in shaping the latest Republican platform — which she presented to the convention crowd earlier in the day — as well as her prime speaking slot could position her as a key ally if former President Trump is re-elected.Zoom in: Her speech in Milwaukee did not reference the assassination attempt against Trump. Instead, she criticized Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and focused on the economic theme of night one of the convention.The six-minute speech was packed with conservative red meat. Blackburn blasted diversity and inclusion requirements and said Trump would reverse Biden's energy policies, fire scores of new IRS employees and chop regulations for small businesses.What she's saying: Blackburn said the Republican platform was "dedicated to the forgotten men and women of America.""You know who will return us to an era of prosperity: Donald Trump."What's next: RNC programming will continue throughout the week. Trump is scheduled to speak Thursday.Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Marsha Blackburn has starring role at RNC this week
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn will have a leading role at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week with a primetime speaking slot.Blackburn is scheduled to speak Monday evening. A spokesperson for Blackburn confirmed to Axios on Sunday that those plans haven't changed in light of the attempted assassination of former President Trump.Why it matters: Blackburn's clout within the Republican Party is on full display. She is fresh off serving as chairperson for the Republican National Committee's official party platform, which was released last week.Prior to her evening appearance, Blackburn will present the national platform in a Monday afternoon speech.Blackburn...
Axios Nashville
1K+
Posts
2M+
Views
Axios Nashville, anchored by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.