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Axios Nashville
Early voting starts Friday for the Aug. 1 election
It's that time again. Early voting for the Aug. 1 election begins at 8am Friday.The big picture: The ballot includes state and federal primaries and local general election races.Twelve early voting locations are open in Davidson County. Voters can cast early ballots through July 27.Zoom in: Several high-profile races will determine our area's leaders.House District 60Nashville's most interesting legislative race is the District 60 Democratic primary to replace outgoing state Rep. Darren Jernigan.The race between first-time candidates Tyler Brasher and Shaundelle Brooks divides the local Democrats. Brasher and Brooks each boast endorsements from elected officials as they seek to win...
Swan Ball tied up in court
The Swan Ball is in limbo after a bitter battle over its finances wound up in federal court.Why it matters: The white-tie gala that benefits Cheekwood Estate and Gardens has been a premier event among Nashville's wealthiest residents since 1963.Lawyers for Cheekwood and a group of volunteer organizers are now fighting over who is in charge of the event and how its finances should be handled.State of play: A new lawsuit filed this week claims that Cheekwood "nefariously and covertly took complete control over accounting and bookkeeping services relating to the Swan Ball account" last year in the run-up to...
Study offers ideas to help Nashville music venues
Nashville's independent music venues are an endangered species, a new study says, and government and industry leaders must take an all-hands approach to ensure their survival.Why it matters: Corporatization, soaring real estate costs and financial losses during the pandemic combined to push independent music venues to the brink.In the last year, studies and surveys of music industry stakeholders have been conducted to get a handle on what can be done to save independently owned concert venues.Between the lines: The high-profile sale of Exit/In rock club in 2021 prompted then-Metro Councilmember Jeff Syracuse to sponsor legislation to fund the study. It...
Tennessee college enrollment improves for high school seniors
Data: Tennessee Higher Education Commission; Note: Includes public high school graduates who enroll at a post-secondary institution the summer or fall after graduation; Chart: Axios VisualsA growing share of Tennessee high school graduates went to college last year, although enrollment numbers still lag behind pre-pandemic levels.Why it matters: The state has worked for years to boost college-going through programs like Tennessee Promise, but there was a sharp drop in enrollment during the pandemic. Tennessee Higher Education Commission officials touted the latest data, released this month, as evidence that they are reversing the trend.The big picture: Higher education is an important...
Joe Bonsall of Oak Ridge Boys dead at 76
Joe Bonsall of the legendary country group the Oak Ridge Boys died Tuesday at the age of 76, the band announced.The cause was complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.Bonsall announced his retirement from the group earlier this year.Known for their soaring and complicated vocal harmonies, the Oak Ridge Boys' deep catalog is headlined by the smash 1981 hit "Elvira." The band was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.In addition to his gorgeous tenor singing voice, Bonsall brought a beaming positivity to the group."I've NEVER seen Joe when he wasn't smiling and completely full of life. He absolutely loved singing like no one I ever met," Blake Shelton said on X."For fifty years, Joe Bonsall was the Oak Ridge Boys' sparkplug," Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young said in a statement. "He was as exciting a performer as any who ever hit a gospel or country stage.""His tenor voice was high and clear, and his jovial spirit always provided a jolt of energy, immediately rousing audiences to come on in and take a load off. He certainly lightened our cares every time he sang."Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Nashville SC's Walker Zimmerman makes Olympic soccer team
Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was named to the U.S. men's Olympic soccer team Monday.Why it matters: Earning an Olympic roster spot is another career-defining accomplishment for one of Nashville SC's most popular players.The intrigue: Players generally must be under age 23 to qualify for the Olympic team, but Zimmerman, who is 31, earned one of three roster exceptions for older players.Zoom out: Zimmerman had a memorable run in the 2022 World Cup, but this will be his first appearance at the Olympics.What he's saying: At a press conference Monday, Zimmerman said he thought his opportunity to play in the Olympics had passed."It's something I've always watched growing up, something I've always wanted to participate in," he said, according to ESPN. "And again, I thought that was over and so I'm just excited and can't wait to get going in France."What's next: The men's soccer team will be the first to represent Team USA in a 2024 Olympics event when they compete against host country France on July 24, two days before the opening ceremony.Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Nashville heat waves have gotten longer, more frequent
Data: EPA; Note: Includes 50 most populated metros; New York City, Houston, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Denver were excluded for incomplete data in this period; Chart: Axios VisualsNew data shows heat waves are happening more often and lasting longer in Nashville and nationwide.Why it matters: Intense heat is dangerous and poses serious health risks.State of play: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data included in a wider new report on climate metrics tracked heat trends in the 50 largest U.S. metro areas.How it works: The EPA tracked events of two or more consecutive days when daily, humidity-adjusted temps topped the 85th percentile of historical July-August temps in 1981-2010.Zoom in: In Nashville, heat waves got nearly one day longer. On average, the number of heat waves in Nashville increased by three per year compared to the 1960s.Full EPA analysisSign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Nashville home sales dip in June
Nashville-area home sales took a dive in June compared to last year but remained steady for the first half of 2024, according to new data.The median price for a single-family home rose to $505,000 compared to $474,900 a year ago.Why it matters: Nashville home sales remain below their pre-pandemic levels as potential buyers wait for interest rates to come down.By the numbers: Overall sales fell by 13% in June compared to 2023, according to new data from the Greater Nashville Realtors.Despite the poor month, overall sales are only slightly down, with 16,518 closings this year compared to 16,773 in 2023.There were 11,255 active listings in June compared to 9,594 the same month last year.What he's saying: "This decrease is attributed to robust property values in the region combined with the Fed's current monetary policy," Greater Nashville Realtors president Kevin Wilson said in a press release. "Notably, sales prices have risen by 6% year over year, which is a positive indicator of a healthy real estate market."Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Scoop: Courtney Johnston builds fundraising war chest
Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston raked in $715,000 in the last three months to fuel her Republican primary challenge of U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, her campaign tells Axios.Why it matters: The race is a political rarity for a Republican primary: an incumbent backed by former President Trump facing a legitimate, well-financed challenger.The big picture: Johnston's fundraising haul this quarter shows there's an appetite to get rid of Ogles, the freshman House member who's been embroiled in controversy.By the numbers: Johnston now has over $500,000 cash on hand to bankroll her campaign for the stretch run. In addition to her own fundraising...
City House is one of the top pizza places in the U.S.
City House, the Germantown neighborhood mainstay that helped put Nashville on the culinary map a decade ago, was named one of the nation's 22 best pizza places last month by the New York Times.Why it matters: Since City House opened in 2007, Nashville's pizza offerings and its overall culinary scene have exploded. In a sea of ever-opening new and noteworthy restaurants, it's nice to see a Nashville OG get its flowers.What they're saying: "The restaurant, opened by the chef Tandy Wilson in 2007, helped trailblaze the pizzeria-as-Italian-American-trattoria. At the same time, it showed how well Southern ingredients and recipes take...
Judge orders Covenant school shooter writings can't be released to the public
The writings of The Covenant School shooter Audrey Hale will not be released to the public, after a Nashville judge ruled early Friday they are protected by federal copyright laws.The latest: Chancellor I'Ashea Myles' order, issued at midnight Friday morning, says that the majority of police records from last year's school shooting must be released, but not until the investigation is complete. She ruled that elements of the investigation file related to school security will not be released.Why it matters: The Tennessean newspaper and other plaintiffs sued for access to the records, including Hale's journal entry and other writings, arguing...
Music City Hot Chicken Festival celebrates 18th year
If you want to chase the extreme heat with extreme heat, the Music City Hot Chicken Festival goes down tomorrow at East Park.Why it matters: The festival, which is in its 18th year, is a celebration of Nashville's trademark dish.If you go: The Music City Hot Chicken Festival features local vendors selling their spins on hot chicken, Yazoo beer, live music and an amateur cooking competition.This year's vendors are Prince's, Smack Ya Momma Chicken Shack Express, Party Fowl, Hurt's, Eugene's, Nashville Chicken & Waffles, Momma Joy's, Hattie B's and Slow Burn.All proceeds from the festival benefit Metro parks.Go deeper: Read about how former Mayor Bill Purcell came up with the idea for the festival.Visit the festival's website for more details on this year's event.Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
The new Tennessee laws going into effect on July 1
Dozens of new laws took effect in Tennessee this week. Here are some of the measures with the highest profiles.Jillian's Law: Criminal defendants who are deemed incompetent to stand trial because of their mental state will now be involuntarily committed for treatment. Those defendants are also blocked from buying or owning a gun.The law is named after Belmont University student Jillian Ludwig, who died in Nashville last year after a stray bullet hit her while she was walking in a park near campus.The suspect in the shooting was previously deemed incompetent to stand trial on other charges. But he was...
Tennessee could see record-setting July 4th travel
Nearly 1.6 million Tennessee residents are expected to hit the road for the July 4th holiday.Why it matters: This should be a record-setting year for Independence Day travel in Tennessee and nationwide, according to AAA estimates.Nashville's downtown fireworks display is sure to be a draw for out-of-state travelers.Zoom in: More than 1.4 million of the Tennesseans traveling more than 50 miles away from home this week will be driving, per AAA. That exceeds last year's record-setting driving total by 63,500.Meanwhile, more than 71,800 Tennesseans are expected to fly.State of play: Tennessee's average gas price stands at about $3.16 per gallon.The big picture: AAA expects more than 70.9 million people across the U.S. to travel this week.📣 Tell us: We're looking for vacation inspiration. Reply to this email to let us know if you're traveling for the holiday.Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Nashville Predators spend big in free agency
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz stormed into free agency Monday, signing three accomplished veteran players to high-priced contracts.Why it matters: Trotz signaled to fans the Predators are committed to vying for a Stanley Cup this season.The Predators also announced a $61.92 million contract extension for goalie Juuse Saros.The busy day in free agency turned the Predators into an "instant contender," according to FullPressHockey.com.Zoom in: In the early hours of free agency, the Predators struck free-agent deals with forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei. The three contracts total $108.5 million, according to multiple media reports.Stamkos signed...
Metro Council meeting preview: transportation plan on the agenda
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell's transportation improvement program will be up for a critical vote at Tuesday's Metro Council meeting.State of play: Council will vote on sending O'Connell's transportation plan and a half-cent sales tax increase to the Davidson County Election Commission, bringing it one step closer to the November ballot.The sales tax increase requires voter approval.Why it matters: The council has boisterously supported the $3.1 billion plan so far. It's expected to pass the second reading at Tuesday's meeting. A final vote would take place later this month.The intrigue: The transportation program isn't the only ballot measure the council is...
TPAC's deal with Metro needs "additional time"
The Tennessee Performing Arts Center's negotiations with Mayor Freddie O'Connell's administration for a new venue on the East Bank have hit an apparent hiccup.A sticking point is how to divide millions of dollars in infrastructure costs.State of play: O'Connell's administration is already offering to give TPAC the property adjacent to the new Titans stadium for free and charge the arts nonprofit virtually nothing in annual rent.O'Connell's top development aide Bob Mendes told the Metro Council earlier this year the infrastructure costs would be divided among Metro, TPAC and chief developer The Fallon Company.Zoom in: The estimated long-term infrastructure costs for...
Def Leppard, New Kids on the Block, Alabama coming to Nashville
Lean into nostalgia as you're planning out your month of live music. Several acts coming through Nashville in July have been making music for decades.🎤 July 2: Natalie Merchant at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center👕 July 6-7: Ben Platt at the Ryman Auditorium (with opener Brandy Clark)🎹 July 7-8: John Legend at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center🎸 July 12: Styx & Foreigner with John Waite at Ascend Amphitheater🕺 July 16-17: New Kids on the Block at FirstBank Amphitheater❤️ July 19: Alabama at Bridgestone Arena🏟️ July 20: Def Leppard & Journey at Nissan Stadium🤘 July 25: Sleater-Kinney at Brooklyn Bowl🐟 July 27: Hootie & The Blowfish at Bridgestone Arena🪩 July 29: Donny Osmond at the Ryman Auditorium🎻 July 31: AJR at Bridgestone ArenaSign up for Axios Nashville for free.
Trash pickups shift earlier
Extreme heat is pushing Metro trash pickups an hour earlier.State of play: Starting Monday, the city's curbside trash and recycling pickups will begin at 6am rather than 7am to allow crews to shift more of their work outside of the hottest times of the day.Metro Waste Services is urging residents to make sure their bins are in place the night before.The big picture: Dangerous heat has pummeled the nation for weeks now, and hot conditions aren't going anywhere. July, which is typically the hottest month of the year, could be even hotter than usual, according to an outlook from the National Weather Service.Sign up for Axios Nashville for free.
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