The Axios Nashville team at the Ryman Auditorium in 2022. From left to right: Michael Graff, Adam Tamburin, Jen Ashley and Nate Rau. Photo: courtesy of Axios
👋 Hi. Michael Graff here.
I've been the Southern bureau chief at Axios for three years, and one of the great pleasures of the job has been working with your local duo of Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.
Why it matters: Friday was my last day at Axios, so I thought I'd offer up my hottest cold takes on your city and this newsletter.
Adam and Nate are a gift to your city. They're two of the best reporters and humans in our nationwide newsroom. Their depth of knowledge about Middle Tennessee — its politics, its culture, its justice system, its civic leaders — is unmatched. The word I use to describe them: "pros."
I'd like to meet Freddie O'Connell. It has nothing to do with his politics, but more this: My father's name was Fred, and he went by Fearless Freddie in his skydiving days. Freddies are characters, and every great city needs great characters. Your mayor reminds me of all the people-loving nerds I see riding bikes in my own neighborhood of NoDa, in Charlotte, NC.
Unlikely to happen, but I could live in Nashville. Lots of Charlotte folks move back and forth between the cities: say hello to my old friend Drew Dodd at LIttle Hats Market for me.
Nate and Adam make your big city feel small. I'll never forget their coverage of the Covenant shooting. They weren't just writing words on a page; they were spilling hearts and tears.
