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Axios Nashville
Metro Nashville Public Schools posts standardized testing growth
Metro Nashville Public Schools improved on annual standardized tests in every subject and across every grade level, according to district data released this week. Why it matters: Standardized tests are one piece of the puzzle in evaluating a school district's performance. MNPS demonstrated growth on both the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment...
Help build Nashville's ultimate happy hour guide
For our money, summer is the ideal time to seek out air-conditioned relief at the nearest happy hour. Bonus points if frozen drinks or refreshing fruity flavors are available. Zoom in: One new option, which opened last month in East Nashville, is the bright and airy Coral Club, partially backed by crowdfunding investors.
New Donelson library opens in Nashville
Musical performances, a puppet show and appearances from Nashville political leaders marked the long-awaited grand opening of the Donelson library branch Monday.Why it matters: The new library anchors an already-thriving corner of the city, putting a cherry on top of the Hip Donelson sundae.The big picture: The library joins popular eateries like Bagelshop, quirky independent retailers like Rick's Comic City and a newly finished apartment development inside the revitalized Donelson Plaza.What he's saying: "To put a true civic anchor inside the town center was just an extraordinary opportunity," Jeff Syracuse, the former Metro Council member who helped bring the library...
Tennessee wins first College World Series title
Tennessee baseball won its first World Series championship Monday night, powering past SEC rival Texas A&M 6-5 in the decisive third game.Why it matters: Winning a championship turns coaches and players into legends on Rocky Top.That's why names like Pat Summitt, Phillip Fulmer and Tee Martin are synonymous with UT athletics.Between the lines: Tennessee coach Tony Vitello had already put his program among the nation's elite with three World Series appearances in four years.Yes, but: Despite reaching the World Series six times, a championship had eluded UT. The program hadn't made it to the final since 1951.What they did: Dylan Dreiling was clutch once again for Tennessee in the championship game. He hit a homer and drove in three runs to lead the Volunteers' offense.Starting pitcher Zander Sechrist turned in a gritty performance, beguiling Texas A&M with a sweeping curveball that barely registered 70 miles per hour.Tennessee had to hold on for dear life at the end of the game. After trailing 6-1, the Aggies stormed back and brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth."This group is just special," Dreiling told ESPN after the game. "The bond we have is unbreakable. We're all just brothers."
Dangerous heat wave continues in Nashville
A stubborn heat wave is still scorching the Nashville area, with temperatures pushing toward three digits.The latest: The National Weather Service reports the heat index will exceed 100° Monday and Tuesday.Threat level: "This will put us at risk for heat-related illness," the NWS said.The Office of Emergency Management is urging Nashvillians to drink lots of water and limit outdoor activities.State of play: The city's Office of Homeless Services is offering bus passes and free rides to cool shelters Monday and Tuesday.What's next: The U.S. temperature outlook for July, typically the hottest month, isn't comforting.The outlook, issued last week, shows nearly all of the Lower 48 states experiencing above-average temperatures next month.
Metro moves forward with Hickory Hollow Mall redevelopment
Metro is advancing plans to redevelop the former Hickory Hollow Mall site — an undertaking that will likely rank second behind the East Bank as the most ambitious city government development project ever.Why it matters: The mall is located in Antioch, a part of town that has been overlooked for such investments.The project offers the city an opportunity to bring retail, housing, improved transportation options and cultural investments to southeast Davidson County.State of play: Recent moves by city departments underscore how the Hickory Hollow Mall project is moving up the priority list for Mayor Freddie O'Connell's administration.Last week, the Planning...
Nashville hospitality industry unveils new vision for tourism
Nashville's hospitality industry released a new strategic plan Thursday that eschews big-spending projects like a new convention center or sports venue in favor of looking inward.Why it matters: Nashville's hospitality sector is booming, but there are growing concerns about downtown safety underscored by high-profile incidents like the death of college student Riley Strain.At the same time, the industry's reputation could stand to improve as Nashvillians wrestle with the negative impacts associated with a crush of tourists.Flashback: Nashville tourism leaders went on the offense 21 years ago, creating a strategic moon mission that turned the city into a hospitality juggernaut.The Nashville...
Nashville pitmaster Shaticka Robinson to compete on Netflix BBQ show
Shaticka Robinson, executive chef, owner and pitmaster of Coley's Jook Junt food truck, is a contestant on the upcoming season of the Netflix competition series "Barbecue Showdown."Why it matters: The series spotlights Robinson, who is a rising star in the barbecue world.It also scores another win for Nashville's barbecue scene. In the last year, Peg Leg Porker was named one of the best joints in the south by Southern Living magazine, and Pat Martin launched a docuseries showcasing barbecue methods from across the country.Zoom in: Robinson takes an elevated approach to barbecue, leading to an eclectic menu at Coley's.Smoked oxtail, fried cabbage and smoked crab cake sliders are a few of the items you won't see at many barbecue joints.What she's saying: "I'm on this journey with some amazing pitmasters, and I love those pitmasters from the bottom of my heart. Just like I love them, I love you guys from the bottom of my heart," Robinson said in a post on Instagram.What's next: "Barbecue Showdown" pits nine pitmasters from across the country against each other in a series of cooking challenges with a $50,000 grand prize on the line.The new season drops July 4.
Nashville Pride festival taking place this weekend
Nashville's LGBTQ+ Pride festival returns this weekend with a parade, music and dancing.The big picture: Dozens of musicians and about 50 drag performers will take the stage during the two-day festival.Tinashe, Icona Pop and Billy Porter are among the acts scheduled to perform.Between the lines: Advocates say Pride festivities have taken on added importance in the face of state legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. New episodes of the HBO show "We're Here" put a spotlight on those issues.Flashback: The Pride festival traces its roots back to 1988.What they're saying: "[T]hey were really building the groundwork for an important space that...
Report: Illinois top abortion destination for Tennesseans
Data: Guttmacher Institute; Note: Includes procedural and medication abortions provided at brick-and-mortar health facilities as well as medication abortions via telehealth and virtual providers in 2023. Counts less than 100 not shown.; Chart: Axios VisualsIllinois was the top state where Tennesseans traveled for abortions in 2023, according to a new estimate by an abortion rights group.By the numbers: Tennessee residents obtained 10,570 out-of-state abortions, according to estimates from the Guttmacher Institute.Illinois led the way with 7,120 followed by North Carolina with 1,280.Out-of-state travel for abortions, including for the procedure or to obtain abortion pills, more than doubled from 2020 to 2023, Axios' Sareen Habeshian reports.State of play: Tennessee imposed an abortion ban after the U.S. Supreme Court's Dodd ruling.The legislature has also passed laws to curb out-of-state abortions.Go deeper: Read Habeshian's full story.
An early look at Tennessee's 2026 governor's race
If the 2026 governor's race were a concert, we'd be at the part where the lights are turned down and the opener is about to take the stage. Why it matters: With Gov. Bill Lee term-limited and Republicans enjoying a stranglehold on state politics, the GOP primary in two years figures to become an old-school mosh pit.
Metro Council to decide on city budget
Metro Council will meet Tuesday to tackle perhaps its most consequential night of work since last year's election, headlined by a deciding vote on the city budget.The big picture: In addition to a final vote on the budget, council will get its first crack at Mayor Freddie O'Connell's transportation improvement plan.Council will also tackle Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda's construction worker safety legislation and decide whether to approve the police department's Taser contract.Budget: Metro Councilmember Delishia Porterfield, who chairs the budget and finance committee, unveiled her budget amendments last week, committing more funds for employee raises, mental health services and combating youth...
Nashville to commemorate Juneteenth at Fort Negley
Nashville's celebration of the Juneteenth holiday takes place Wednesday at Fort Negley Park.What to expect: The event, called Juneteenth615, will feature food trucks, fireworks, African drummers, live music, a proclamation ceremony and an appearance from Mayor Freddie O'Connell.Organizers say the event will be a time for reflection and rejoicing.Zoom in: The celebration of Juneteenth at Fort Negley carries historical significance for Nashville.What he's saying: "The event Wednesday at Fort Negley is at a site that tells an important Nashville story. More than 2,700 free and escaped black people built Fort Negley for the Union," O'Connell spokesperson Alex Apple said in a statement. "[The fort] played a key role in defending it at the Battle of Nashville - the largest participation of black soldiers in the Civil War."Decades later, the city restored Fort Negley - the largest expenditure of city funds in the nation for the preservation of a Civil War site," Apple said.Go deeper: Learn more about Nashville's Juneteenth615 celebration.
McQueen's fashion legacy celebrated in Nashville
Fashion visionary Lee Alexander McQueen is the subject of a new exhibit this summer at the Frist Art Museum.Why it matters: McQueen, who died by suicide in 2010, is one of the most celebrated and influential fashion designers in recent history. The Frist exhibit gives Nashville fashionistas the opportunity to see his work up close while also offering a more personal glimpse of the man himself.Zoom in: The exhibit presents McQueen's fashions alongside behind-the-scenes pictures taken by his friend, the French photographer Ann Ray.Ray's photographs, captured over 13 years, provide an intimate peek into McQueen's life and creative process, from...
Tips for eating at red-hot lunch spot Kisser
Kisser, the Japanese comfort food lunch spot in East Nashville, took its place among the country's best new restaurants last week. Driving the news: Even though Kisser didn't take home the James Beard Award for best new restaurant, the buzz figures to ratchet up its already high popularity. I visited...
Filing singles out MNPD whistleblower in Covenant records leak
A new legal filing connects the former Nashville police lieutenant who filed a sweeping whistleblower complaint against the department to recent records leaks from The Covenant School shooting investigation.Why it matters: A sworn declaration filed Friday morning puts Lt. Garet Davidson at the center of two high-profile issues facing the police department.It does not explicitly state that Davidson leaked the records.Driving the news: Davidson was tasked with storing a hard drive containing the shooting investigation file in a safe last year, according to the declaration from one of his former colleagues. Davidson was the only person with access to that...
Audit finds array of problems at Metro Arts
An audit of the embattled Metro Arts Commission, released Wednesday, found a cavalcade of financial, human resources and contracting problems. Why it matters: Charged with handing out grants to arts organizations, Metro Arts has been the subject of discrimination investigations, harassment allegations, ethics complaints and reports of financial problems over the last year.
Tennessee baseball seeks first title
For the third time in four seasons, Tennessee baseball is on the precipice of a national title. The intrigue: Tennessee coach Tony Vitello has supercharged the program to be one of the best in the country. The only unrealized accomplishment is a national title. Flashback: This is the seventh time...
Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival returns
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is back, and throngs of music fans are once again headed to Middle Tennessee for a four-day celebration on The Farm.Why it matters: The festival, majority-owned by Live Nation, remains one of the state's biggest annual tourism draws and regularly attracts big-name performers. This year's lineup includes Post Malone and Red Hot Chili Peppers.State of play: Travelers will crowd the Nashville airport and Interstate 24 as they make their way to Manchester. The Tennessee Department of Transportation reports more than 65,000 people are expected to attend this year's festival.Zoom in: As usual, many artists...
Councilmember Porterfield proposes more employee raises in alternative budget
Metro Councilmember Delishia Porterfield unveiled her proposed changes on Wednesday to Mayor Freddie O'Connell's budget, headlined by more money for employee pay raises.Why it matters: Metro insiders eagerly awaited the budget alternative Porterfield would offer in her first year as chair of the important budget and finance committee.State of play: The city faced a tight budget this year due to flat revenues and no appetite to raise property taxes.Perhaps the greatest source of discussion centered around employee pay raises.Driving the news: O'Connell offered 3.5% cost-of-living raises for most Metro workers in his $3.28 billion budget. Worker union representatives made the...
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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.
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