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A new crosstown bus route could shave an hour off some trips through southeast Nashville, where decades of population growth are driving a wave of public investments.

Why it matters: The expansion, which was approved last week, is the first new crosstown route funded through the Choose How You Move transportation plan.

The big picture: Route 73 will serve a rapidly growing part of the city. Antioch's population nearly doubled between 2000 and 2020, climbing from roughly 51,000 to 99,000, according to Metro Planning.

A WeGo spokesperson tells Axios the crosstown connector was designed to link southeast Nashville's residential hubs more directly with nearby retail corridors, including the Tanger Outlet Mall.

Officials hope doing so will open up more employment and shopping opportunities for WeGo riders.

How it works: The new route will let riders travel across southeast Nashville without first heading toward downtown and doubling back.

Today, someone traveling from Nolensville Pike at Old Hickory Boulevard to Hickory Hollow must first ride into the city to transfer to another bus route that takes them back to the southeast.

Route 73 will cut out that back-and-forth. WeGo says it could trim the same trip from roughly 90 minutes to 30, including waiting and transfer times.

The intrigue: More direct crosstown routes like that are a significant factor in WeGo's growth. Ridership on existing crosstown and connector routes jumped 26% last fiscal year, compared with an 11% increase systemwide.

Zoom out: This is the latest in a series of Metro investments made to accommodate southeast Nashville's explosive growth.

The city opened the new Southeast Police Precinct last November and the 10-acre Mariposa Park in July.

Construction is underway on an expansion of Mill Ridge Park, while Mayor Freddie O'Connell has proposed additional funding for a new Antioch elementary school.

What's next: Route 73 begins service Jan. 3. Buses will run every 30 to 40 minutes.

What we're watching: WeGo says the next new crosstown route, already in the works, will likely connect to the planned Donelson Transit Center, although the exact path remains undecided.

New bus route could slash southeast Nashville travel times

The crosstown route cuts out time-consuming connections.

Illustration of a city bus that says "Next Stop." 

A new crosstown bus route could shave an hour off some trips through southeast Nashville, where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decades of population growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/06/lower-home-prices-drive-growth-antioch-madison" data-vars-content-id="076c29d3-ef91-4e14-a95c-6c274c17c4c3" data-vars-headline="New bus route could slash southeast Nashville travel times" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/06/lower-home-prices-drive-growth-antioch-madison" target="_self">decades of population growth</a> are driving a wave of public investments.Why it matters: The expansion, which was approved last week, is the first new crosstown route funded through the Choose How You Move transportation plan.

News

Flu season appears to be getting an unusually early start in Tennessee and nationwide, according to multiple data points.

Why it matters: Health experts say the unusually high activity this early in the year underscores the urgency of getting a flu shot as soon as possible.

By the numbers: About 5.7% of flu tests nationwide came back positive during the week ending Oct. 17, according to the latest federal data. Last year at this time, the positive test rate was 0.5%.

Zoom in: Tennessee recorded 74 flu-related hospitalizations that week, up 42% from 52 during the comparable week last year, according to state health department data.

What they're saying: Vanderbilt infectious disease expert William Schaffner told WSMV last week that it's time to get vaccinated.

"I would say, run, do not walk," he said.

Between the lines: Schaffner said the state usually sees a pickup in flu-related hospitalizations around December. But this year it is already happening in October.

Yes, but: The early uptick doesn't necessarily mean this flu season will be unusually severe. And flu rates are still relatively low compared to high points usually logged in January and February.

State of play: Nashville's health department offers free flu shots by appointment at its East Nashville, Lentz and Woodbine clinics.

As of last Friday, the health department had administered 1,336 flu shots this year.

Flu season off to early start in Tennessee and nationwide

Health experts say the unusually high activity this early in the year underscores the urgency of getting a flu shot.

Illustration of a store window sign that reads Sorry We're SICK

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flu season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/09/flu-cases-rise-shot" data-vars-content-id="19eb054c-f5ab-4e9b-b838-5a71f33e072e" data-vars-headline="Flu season off to early start in Tennessee and nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/09/flu-cases-rise-shot" target="_self">Flu season</a> appears to be getting an unusually early start in Tennessee and nationwide, according to multiple data points.Why it matters: Health experts say the unusually high activity this early in the year underscores the urgency of getting a flu shot as soon as possible.

Taylor Swift became the youngest inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame on Monday.

The intrigue: The 36-year-old superstar credited the Music Row songwriting community with teaching her the skills that made her 20-year career possible.

She has been able to "genre-hop" and work with artists across the musical spectrum, she said, because of "the fundamentals and the foundation that I learned here in Nashville."

The big picture: During her acceptance speech, Swift reminisced about learning her craft on Music Row alongside collaborators including Liz Rose and Nathan Chapman, whom she credited with helping shape her early career.

The bottom line: "There is no music community like this music community," Swift said. "I know. I checked all the communities."

Taylor Swift: "There is no music community" like Nashville

Swift said the Music Row songwriting community taught her skills that powered her career.

Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Kimberly Williams-Paisley attend the 56th Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gala at Music City Center on October 26, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Taylor Swift poses with Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley after her Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame induction. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TAS

Taylor Swift became the youngest inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame on Monday.The intrigue: The 36-year-old superstar credited the Music Row songwriting community with teaching her the skills that made her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="20-year career" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/23/taylor-swift-debut-album-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="1d11d17a-9f56-4c63-b96e-6bc00b62c549" data-vars-headline="Taylor Swift: &quot;There is no music community&quot; like Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/23/taylor-swift-debut-album-anniversary" target="_self">20-year career</a> possible.<ul><li>She has been able to &quot;genre-hop&quot; and work with artists across the musical spectrum, she said, because of &quot;the fundamentals and the foundation that I learned here in Nashville.&quot;</li></ul>

Music

Constitutional Amendment #1 on the Nov. 3 ballot could allow judges to deny bail for as many as 144 additional criminal offenses, according to a new report from the nonprofit ThinkTennessee.

Why it matters: The amendment would alter a constitutional protection that has existed in Tennessee since 1796, potentially allowing more people to be kept in jail while awaiting trial.

Friction point: Supporters, including Tennessee prosecutors and top Republicans, say it would give judges additional tools to protect the public from people accused of serious crimes.

Opponents, including the ACLU of Tennessee, warn that expanding pretrial detention would weaken protections for people who have not been convicted and could increase pressure on local jails.

How it works: Tennessee's constitution currently guarantees the right to bail except in capital cases when the evidence meets a high threshold.

The amendment would expand judges' discretion to deny bail on charges including second-degree murder, terrorism and aggravated rape. It would also cover a suite of other offenses that require convicted defendants to serve at least 85% of their sentences.

Judges would have to explain their decisions on the record.

The big picture: The amendment could put additional pressure on Tennessee's already strained county jails.

As of June, jails in 21 of the state's 95 counties were operating at or above capacity, according to ThinkTennessee.

Follow the money: Counties spend an average of $69.20 housing an inmate per day. It's unclear how many additional people might be detained if the amendment passes.

WPLN reported that Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) said he does not expect a significant increase in detention costs, because he anticipates relatively few additional bail denials.

new report from the nonprofit ThinkTennessee

Tenn. bail amendment could affect 144 additional offenses, report finds

The amendment would alter a constitutional protection that has existed in Tennessee since 1796.

Illustration of a gavel sticking through the bars of a jail door.

Constitutional Amendment #1 on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nov. 3 ballot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/14/early-voting-2026-midterms-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="471869b0-77ea-4661-abdc-c7136738c52a" data-vars-headline="Tenn. bail amendment could affect 144 additional offenses, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/14/early-voting-2026-midterms-tennessee" target="_self">Nov. 3 ballot</a> could allow judges to deny bail for as many as 144 additional criminal offenses, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report from the nonprofit ThinkTennessee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thinktennessee.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/bail-on-the-ballot-report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="471869b0-77ea-4661-abdc-c7136738c52a" data-vars-headline="Tenn. bail amendment could affect 144 additional offenses, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thinktennessee.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/bail-on-the-ballot-report.pdf" target="_blank">new report from the nonprofit ThinkTennessee</a>.Why it matters: The amendment would alter a constitutional protection that has existed in Tennessee since 1796, potentially allowing more people to be kept in jail while awaiting trial.

Middle Tennessee won't get an IndyCar race next year for the first time since 2020, ending a six-year run for the Music City Grand Prix.

Why it matters: The loss removes a high-profile sporting event from the Nashville area's calendar, with no plans announced for its return.

The latest: IndyCar unveiled its complete 17-race schedule for 2027 on Friday. The Music City Grand Prix wasn't on the list.

Catch up quick: The Grand Prix debuted on downtown Nashville streets in 2021, where it returned in 2022 and 2023.

The races were thrilling and unconventional, with IndyCar drivers zooming through the heart of the city. But the downtown track required millions of dollars for preparation and repairs.

The race moved to the Nashville Superspeedway in 2024 amid construction surrounding the new Titans stadium.

The intrigue: The Grand Prix website features a farewell message thanking fans and partners for their support. But there was no explanation for the race's disappearance or indication of whether it will return in the future.

The statement says the event "will always be remembered fondly." 

What he's saying: Music executive and race sponsor Scott Borchetta told racing publication RACER last week that he remains committed to bringing the event back downtown, with ambitions of creating the "Monaco of the South."

There is no timetable for such a comeback.

What's next: Officials with IndyCar, Nashville Superspeedway and the Music City Grand Prix did not respond to requests for comment Monday.

millions of dollars for preparation and repairs

IndyCar is skipping over Middle Tennessee in 2027

The Music City Grand Prix was a staple on the schedule for six years.

Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda during the INTT INDYCAR Series Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway on July 18, 2026 in Lebanon, Tennessee.

The Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in 2026. Photo: Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images

Middle Tennessee won&#x27;t get an IndyCar race next year for the first time since 2020, ending a six-year run for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Music City Grand Prix" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/07/05/josef-newgarden-music-city-grand-prix-homecoming-nashville" data-vars-content-id="ac75a831-8d86-41e9-b333-242b1ed7737f" data-vars-headline="IndyCar is skipping over Middle Tennessee in 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/07/05/josef-newgarden-music-city-grand-prix-homecoming-nashville" target="_self">Music City Grand Prix</a>.Why it matters: The loss removes a high-profile sporting event from the Nashville area&#x27;s calendar, with no plans announced for its return.

Sports

A five-line chart titled "Positive flu tests rising earlier this fall" shows the percentage of positive of respiratory tests for the influenza virus from the fall of 2022 to 2026. The line for 2026 rises the most by the 38th week of the year to 3.4%.

Adam Tamburin

Featured stories

New bus route could slash southeast Nashville travel times

Taylor Swift: "There is no music community" like Nashville

Flu season off to early start in Tennessee and nationwide

IndyCar is skipping over Middle Tennessee in 2027

Tenn. bail amendment could affect 144 additional offenses, report finds