Nashville

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Nashville with Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

Axios Nashville

Standard

Axios Nashville Partners

Nashville Alerts

Alert

Nashville Members

Membership

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Nashville. Written by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

Axios Nashville Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Following layoffs, Oracle pursues zoning change for East Bank campus

Five years removed from its government incentive deal, Oracle laid off workers, creating questions about its plans for Nashville.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oracle told Nashville leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/04/23/oracle-ceo-announces-nashville-hq" data-vars-content-id="987fb316-a91e-4ef2-95fe-c8e11cef6e7a" data-vars-headline="Following layoffs, Oracle pursues zoning change for East Bank campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/04/23/oracle-ceo-announces-nashville-hq" target="_self">Oracle told Nashville leaders</a> that it is moving forward with a grandiose East Bank development project, despite creeping doubts on the heels of the company&#x27;s large-scale corporate layoffs.Why it matters: The multibillion-dollar Oracle headquarters and surrounding campus are seen as integral to revitalizing the East Bank of the Cumberland River.<ul><li>But the layoffs, the disruption from AI and the sheer amount of time since the project was announced have generated whispers in Nashville political circles about the status of the tech giant&#x27;s ambitious plans.</li></ul>

Adding 1,700 steps per day could reduce your disease risk, study finds

Even modest bursts of activity can boost your long-term health.

News

Research powered by Vanderbilt Health has found that adding as little as 1,700 to your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="daily step count" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/16/walking-americans-declines-map" data-vars-content-id="987ae350-9993-428d-96ea-98475817718c" data-vars-headline="Adding 1,700 steps per day could reduce your disease risk, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/16/walking-americans-declines-map" target="_self">daily step count</a> could reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.Why it matters: The research, published this month, shows encouraging signs that even modest bursts of activity can boost your long-term health.

Procrastinators rejoice: Nashville has a tax deadline extension

The IRS announced the extension earlier this month.

Nashville-area residents get a special extension on their tax deadline this year due to disruptions caused by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Storm Fern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/28/nashville-ice-storm-0-42-inches-recorded" data-vars-content-id="ea68c2ed-d700-4091-8a3c-0cc0e39c3563" data-vars-headline="Procrastinators rejoice: Nashville has a tax deadline extension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/28/nashville-ice-storm-0-42-inches-recorded" target="_self">Winter Storm Fern</a>.Why it matters: Individuals and businesses in Davidson County and the surrounding area will have until May 22 to file returns and pay taxes that would normally be due April 15.

TPAC unveils design for East Bank center

Backers envision the new facility as a cultural landmark for Nashville.

The new skyline-altering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tennessee Performing Arts Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/new-details-show-metros-infrastructure-bill-for-new-tpac-facility" data-vars-content-id="57453073-40a9-4842-8cc5-d9dd07330f51" data-vars-headline="TPAC unveils design for East Bank center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/new-details-show-metros-infrastructure-bill-for-new-tpac-facility" target="_self">Tennessee Performing Arts Center</a> will be perfectly framed by Lower Broadway as you look east across the Cumberland River from downtown, according to new design renderings released Thursday.Why it matters: TPAC unveiled the new comprehensive design plans for its $600 million facility on the East Bank, marking an important update for the project that has been in the works for years.<ul><li>TPAC&#x27;s backers envision the new facility as a cultural landmark for Nashville.</li></ul>Zoom in: The renderings show how the new TPAC will fit into the East Bank. Located along the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, the facility will be the main structure people see from Broadway.<ul><li>The building was designed by world-renowned architect Bjarke Ingels and his firm, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.</li><li>The new renderings also show what the inside of the main performance hall will look like.</li></ul>By the numbers: The 307,000-square-foot facility features four performance venues, which range in size from the large Broadway Hall to a small cabaret theater.<ul><li>The new center will also include a dance and opera hall and a flexible black box theater.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Public plaza featuring a dramatic, wavy ribbed metal building; glass towers rise in the background as people walk among trees and planters at dusk." height="2812" id="19a57cc6-c63d-4283-93ca-bb2533100fa8" src="https://images.axios.com/B0YGHgjsOZ2BNPhnnYq10gABUwU=/2026/04/15/1776285796976.jpeg" width="5000"/><figcaption>A rendering of the exterior of the new TPAC facility. Image: courtesy of TPAC</figcaption></figure>State of play: TPAC received $500 million in state funding for the project and is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to raise the rest of the money.<ul><li>Metro contributed the land. After months of negotiation, TPAC and Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell finalized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an infrastructure agreement last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/new-details-show-metros-infrastructure-bill-for-new-tpac-facility" data-vars-content-id="57453073-40a9-4842-8cc5-d9dd07330f51" data-vars-headline="TPAC unveils design for East Bank center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/new-details-show-metros-infrastructure-bill-for-new-tpac-facility" target="_self">an infrastructure agreement last year</a>.</li></ul>What she&#x27;s saying: &quot;This new center represents the future of the performing arts in Nashville and across our state,&quot; TPAC president and CEO Jennifer Turner said in a statement.

More Nashvillians are riding electric bikes and scooters

Spin has introduced a new fleet of rental vehicles in recent weeks, including seated scooters and more e-bikes.

When electric scooters first arrived in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville" data-vars-content-id="cbf34b2b-24db-4aa3-a02c-5b5d121a3e28" data-vars-headline="More Nashvillians are riding electric bikes and scooters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville" target="_self">Nashville</a> nearly a decade ago, they were neck-and-neck with pedal taverns and bachelorette party houses as the most annoying tourism feature in the city.<ul><li>As Metro scrambled to regulate scooters, the issue helped define the 2019 mayor&#x27;s race.</li></ul>Catch up quick: Metro now has a positive working relationship with the scooter rental companies, which have expanded their strategy in recent years to include more electric bike rentals.

DOJ settles Live Nation suit, but Tennessee presses forward

"Our resolve has not wavered," the Tennessee AG said.

The U.S. government settled its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="antitrust lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/23/ticketmaster-live-nation-doj-lawsuit?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_newslettertest_business&amp;stream=top#_ga=2.48209762.475651668.1772985909-1654547271.1754425924" data-vars-content-id="5283bf26-1b40-4745-83d0-081c7e06a883" data-vars-headline="DOJ settles Live Nation suit, but Tennessee presses forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/23/ticketmaster-live-nation-doj-lawsuit?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_newslettertest_business&amp;stream=top#_ga=2.48209762.475651668.1772985909-1654547271.1754425924" target="_self">antitrust lawsuit</a> against Live Nation, but Tennessee is one of the states pushing forward with the legal fight against the ticketing giant.

Sources: Sphere Entertainment considers venue in Nashville

Multiple sources tell Axios that Sphere reps have held talks with local executives.

Representatives of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/08/sphere-las-vegas-venue-shows" data-vars-content-id="bfc72032-c326-4d87-a619-45e3b1e43236" data-vars-headline="Sources: Sphere Entertainment considers venue in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/08/sphere-las-vegas-venue-shows" target="_self">the Sphere</a> music venue in Las Vegas and local business people have discussed the possibility of bringing a smaller version of the venue to Nashville.Why it matters: Nashville would gain a unique concert hall that is known for hosting the world&#x27;s most popular artists for extended residencies — something the local live music ecosystem currently lacks.

Starbucks to establish corporate office in Nashville this year

Starbucks said the Nashville office would anchor its expansion plans.

Starbucks announced Tuesday that it would open a new corporate hub this year in Nashville.Why it matters: The coffee giant said the corporate operations office in Nashville would anchor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upcoming expansion plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/starbucks-menu-update-2026-new-drinks-food" data-vars-content-id="29774c6e-47bf-456d-a821-2fa596eaa814" data-vars-headline="Starbucks to establish corporate office in Nashville this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/starbucks-menu-update-2026-new-drinks-food" target="_self">upcoming expansion plans</a>.

GOP pitches new state authority to oversee Music City Loop project

State Sen. Jack Johnson proposed creating a state agency to oversee underground projects.

State Sen. Jack Johnson introduced legislation this week to create a state authority that would oversee subterranean transportation projects like the Boring Company&#x27;s controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Music City Loop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/07/28/musk-boring-company-unveils-music-city-loop-tunnel-project-nashville" data-vars-content-id="b14a907a-1631-4c63-a8a9-78911707420e" data-vars-headline="GOP pitches new state authority to oversee Music City Loop project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/07/28/musk-boring-company-unveils-music-city-loop-tunnel-project-nashville" target="_self">Music City Loop</a>.Why it matters: The proposal, which already cleared a key Senate committee, could usurp the limited local approval power that Metro currently holds over the Music City Loop project.

Banks still investing billions in branches despite years of closures

Brick-and-mortar branches are still a critical link between customers and banks.

New bank branches opening in Nashville and around the country reflect a sea change that is reshaping the look and feel of modern banking.Why it matters: Cashing checks and other tasks that used to dominate branch business have become digital errands, but brick-and-mortar branches are still a critical link between customers and banks.

TN legislation would create license to sell tobacco, vaping products

Tennessee lawmakers are pitching a plan to crack down on youth vaping.

State lawmakers introduced a plan this week to crack down on illegal vape sales to kids.Why it matters: Tennessee is chock full of vape shops, but the industry is loosely regulated.<ul><li>Anti-addiction groups and health advocacy organizations say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/23/how-to-stop-vaping" data-vars-content-id="f2ad4562-417b-4963-beee-c161b0e893d7" data-vars-headline="TN legislation would create license to sell tobacco, vaping products" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/23/how-to-stop-vaping" target="_self">vaping</a> is a gateway to harder drug use and substance abuse.</li></ul>

Blackburn presses Live Nation about ticket bots at Senate hearing

The Tennessee senator and Kid Rock pressured Live Nation to fight online ticket scalpers.

Politics

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn led a panel of federal lawmakers Wednesday in pressuring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="corporate concert giant Live Nation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/18/ftc-ticketmaster-live-nation-ticket-brokers" data-vars-content-id="d4eeda11-9ed0-4765-9e0c-897191974aeb" data-vars-headline="Blackburn presses Live Nation about ticket bots at Senate hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/18/ftc-ticketmaster-live-nation-ticket-brokers" target="_self">corporate concert giant Live Nation</a> to do more to address online ticket scalping.Why it matters: Advocates who spoke during a Senate hearing argued the secondhand ticket market makes concerts too expensive for fans and hampers an artist&#x27;s ability to make a living.

CMA chief Sarah Trahern to retire

After 12 years on the job, Sarah Trahern will retire from leading the CMA.

Music

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sarah Trahern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/12/10/power-players-nashville-adrienne-battle-sean-brock" data-vars-content-id="da56744a-97e0-46a8-adb2-ed857b3416a6" data-vars-headline="CMA chief Sarah Trahern to retire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/12/10/power-players-nashville-adrienne-battle-sean-brock" target="_self">Sarah Trahern</a>, the longtime CEO of the Country Music Association, will retire from influential post at the end of the year.Why it matters: Heading the CMA is one of the most vital jobs in country music.<ul><li>In 12 years on the job, Trahern oversaw explosive growth of the genre and the steady success of institutions such as the CMA Awards and CMA Fest.</li></ul>

Business 🏦

Following layoffs, Oracle pursues zoning change for East Bank campus

More Nashvillians are riding electric bikes and scooters

DOJ settles Live Nation suit, but Tennessee presses forward

Sources: Sphere Entertainment considers venue in Nashville

Starbucks to establish corporate office in Nashville this year