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

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Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally won't seek reelection

Republicans and Democrats alike praised McNally.

News

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally surprisingly announced Thursday he won&#x27;t seek reelection in November, which will bring his 48-year legislative career to a close.Why it matters: McNally, a pharmacist by trade, helped usher in a fiscally conservative approach to the state budget and served as a steadying voice for Tennessee politics.<ul><li>Republicans and Democrats alike complimented McNally for being courteous and professional.</li></ul>

CMA Fest announces 2026 headliners: Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Ella Langley

Other headliners include Zach Top, Carly Pearce and Luke Bryan.

Music

Country music mainstays Tim McGraw and Blake Shelton will join forces with new hitmakers Ella Langley and Shaboozey to anchor this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CMA Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/10/global-fans-flock-to-nashville-for-cma-fest" data-vars-content-id="435c5d6c-e484-423e-9663-176aa24509dc" data-vars-headline="CMA Fest announces 2026 headliners: Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Ella Langley" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/10/global-fans-flock-to-nashville-for-cma-fest" target="_self">CMA Fest</a> at Nissan Stadium, organizers announced Wednesday.Why it matters: CMA Fest is Nashville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest and longest running" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/06/08/cma-fest-through-the-years" data-vars-content-id="435c5d6c-e484-423e-9663-176aa24509dc" data-vars-headline="CMA Fest announces 2026 headliners: Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Ella Langley" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/06/08/cma-fest-through-the-years" target="_self">biggest and longest running</a> music festival, and the nightly shows at Nissan Stadium are the centerpiece of the four-day event.

Banks still investing billions in branches despite years of closures

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

Business

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.

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.

Nashville's college-educated population surges

Nashville was one of the top 20 metros with the fastest-growing attainment rates.

Education

The share of Nashville adults <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with a bachelor&#x27;s degree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/19/tennessee-college-enrollment-high-school-seniors" data-vars-content-id="bd55175e-1054-4ecf-93ea-3400b02651aa" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s college-educated population surges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/19/tennessee-college-enrollment-high-school-seniors" target="_self">with a bachelor&#x27;s degree</a> or higher has surged in the last decade, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new census data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" data-vars-content-id="bd55175e-1054-4ecf-93ea-3400b02651aa" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s college-educated population surges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" target="_blank">new census data</a>.Why it matters: A rising share of college-educated adults can reshape the area&#x27;s workforce and build economic muscle. A highly educated population can also be attractive to companies looking to relocate.

Data shows a college education is tied to income growth in Nashville

Nashvillians with bachelor's or advanced degrees earn substantially more than those without

College remains a gateway to higher pay in Nashville and beyond, an analysis of federal data shows.Why it matters: The earnings data stands in stark contrast with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national polling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" data-vars-content-id="05074c6c-8e9c-4e94-bfa4-c29dbb689453" data-vars-headline="Data shows a college education is tied to income growth in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" target="_self">new national polling</a> that shows Americans of all political stripes are much less likely to think of higher education is &quot;very important.&quot;

Vanderbilt among nine universities asked to agree to Trump "compact"

Requirements include a five-year tuition freeze and caps on international student enrollment.

The White House is asking Vanderbilt University to embrace President Trump&#x27;s views on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gender" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/trump-funding-schools-transgender-children" data-vars-content-id="e3f6be8e-c5ae-4efd-b51a-ef7f3a3247c3" data-vars-headline="Vanderbilt among nine universities asked to agree to Trump &quot;compact&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/trump-funding-schools-transgender-children" target="_self">gender</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="admissions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/07/trump-expands-race-probe-college-admissions" data-vars-content-id="e3f6be8e-c5ae-4efd-b51a-ef7f3a3247c3" data-vars-headline="Vanderbilt among nine universities asked to agree to Trump &quot;compact&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/07/trump-expands-race-probe-college-admissions" target="_self">admissions</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/04/trump-campus-free-speech-gaza" data-vars-content-id="e3f6be8e-c5ae-4efd-b51a-ef7f3a3247c3" data-vars-headline="Vanderbilt among nine universities asked to agree to Trump &quot;compact&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/04/trump-campus-free-speech-gaza" target="_self">free speech</a> in exchange for federal funding benefits.Why it matters: Vanderbilt is one of nine institutions to get the request, which was reported by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wall Street Journal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/trump-universities-compact-federal-funds-agreement-df158493?st=XYXgWn&amp;reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink" data-vars-content-id="e3f6be8e-c5ae-4efd-b51a-ef7f3a3247c3" data-vars-headline="Vanderbilt among nine universities asked to agree to Trump &quot;compact&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/trump-universities-compact-federal-funds-agreement-df158493?st=XYXgWn&amp;reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> and other outlets. Ten-page letters sent to those colleges lay out a &quot;compact&quot; of policies institutions can adopt to get priority access to funding and officials.<ul><li>The requirements include a five-year tuition freeze, caps on international student enrollment, and strict definitions of gender for bathrooms and sports, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the AP" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/trump-political-agenda-colleges-federal-money-756407729a3b16c7bb51564d5056084c" data-vars-content-id="e3f6be8e-c5ae-4efd-b51a-ef7f3a3247c3" data-vars-headline="Vanderbilt among nine universities asked to agree to Trump &quot;compact&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-political-agenda-colleges-federal-money-756407729a3b16c7bb51564d5056084c" target="_blank">per the AP</a>.</li></ul>

Tennessee technical colleges getting $1.5 billion facelift

Construction projects are reshaping Tennessee's technical colleges.

A new building taking shape on White Bridge Road is part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive effort" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/02/13/tennessee-technical-colleges-upgrade-billion" data-vars-content-id="6c01c1ce-c611-4914-8af5-1722f0b12efd" data-vars-headline="Tennessee technical colleges getting $1.5 billion facelift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/02/13/tennessee-technical-colleges-upgrade-billion" target="_self">massive effort</a> to revitalize Tennessee&#x27;s technical colleges.Why it matters: Technical colleges educate nurses, mechanics and electricians. But classes often take place in outdated buildings that were built in the 1960s and 1970s.<ul><li>Administrators say upgrades underway now will boost capacity and weave in technology that better prepares students for the workplace.</li></ul>

Tennessee college-going rate dips, but enrollment numbers vary widely

A closer look shows different realities in different parts of the state.

In Tennessee, the share of public high school seniors <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heading to college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/07/10/tennessee-college-enrollment-improves" data-vars-content-id="e184b5ae-70d4-4f01-bfc1-5ef58acaaa41" data-vars-headline="Tennessee college-going rate dips, but enrollment numbers vary widely" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/07/10/tennessee-college-enrollment-improves" target="_self">heading to college</a> last year varied widely depending on where they lived.Why it matters: The discrepancy in college enrollment across the state points to significant factors driving students&#x27; decisions, particularly family income.

Tennessee launches automatic college admission in 230 high schools

Tennessee is launching a first-of-its-kind college program this year that will send thousands of high school seniors automatic college admission letters along with personalized financial aid estimates.Why it matters: The &quot;direct admissions&quot; effort is meant to slash through the &quot;forest of red tape&quot; students face when navigating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college searches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/10/tennessee-college-enrollment-rebounds-post-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="a4e4e4bd-2b85-4bc1-bf01-a730f2ba69d6" data-vars-headline="Tennessee launches automatic college admission in 230 high schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/10/tennessee-college-enrollment-rebounds-post-pandemic" target="_self">college searches</a>, officials said. Participating students won&#x27;t even have to apply to understand their options at dozens of participating in-state colleges.<ul><li>&quot;No applications, no essays, no fees,&quot; said researcher <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taylor Odle" data-vars-click-url="https://eps.education.wisc.edu/fac-staff/odle-taylor/" data-vars-content-id="a4e4e4bd-2b85-4bc1-bf01-a730f2ba69d6" data-vars-headline="Tennessee launches automatic college admission in 230 high schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://eps.education.wisc.edu/fac-staff/odle-taylor/" target="_blank">Taylor Odle</a>, who is evaluating the experimental program to see how it improves college enrollment.</li></ul>

Nashville school system shows growth on year-end tests

Metro Nashville Public Schools showed across-the-board improvement on this year's standardized tests..

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Metro Nashville Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/26/metro-nashville-public-schools-testing-growth" data-vars-content-id="7792700e-d0c4-448c-ad4c-aa5ab11e8c65" data-vars-headline="Nashville school system shows growth on year-end tests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/26/metro-nashville-public-schools-testing-growth" target="_self">Metro Nashville Public Schools</a> showed across-the-board improvement on its year-end standardized test scores.Driving the news: The district touted results released this week as its best under the new TCAP testing standards.

Vanderbilt hosts U.S. education secretary amid battle over funding cuts

The chancellor said he was honored to share a "firsthand look at the incredible work happening at Vanderbilt."

Vanderbilt University hosted U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon on campus earlier this month, as the institution faces <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harrowing cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/29/federal-funding-freeze-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="2f2a37f3-8d81-4947-86fd-8c7cc954107d" data-vars-headline="Vanderbilt hosts U.S. education secretary amid battle over funding cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/29/federal-funding-freeze-tennessee" target="_self">harrowing cuts</a> to its scientific research.Why it matters: The Trump administration has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at odds with Vanderbilt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/17/trump-admin-targets-vanderbilt-diversity-efforts" data-vars-content-id="2f2a37f3-8d81-4947-86fd-8c7cc954107d" data-vars-headline="Vanderbilt hosts U.S. education secretary amid battle over funding cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/17/trump-admin-targets-vanderbilt-diversity-efforts" target="_self">at odds with Vanderbilt</a> and other prominent private universities for months. But McMahon and Vanderbilt cast a positive light on this visit.

Tennessee among the first states to require computer science for high schoolers

Business leaders are urging states to follow Tennessee's lead.

Starting with the class of 2028, Tennessee high school students must take at least one computer science course before they can graduate.Why it matters: The new policy, which state lawmakers approved unanimously in 2022, was designed to prepare students for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an influx of jobs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/12/03/tennessee-chronic-labor-shortage" data-vars-content-id="0960694b-ef66-4309-9e3f-bd237800d4b7" data-vars-headline="Tennessee among the first states to require computer science for high schoolers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/12/03/tennessee-chronic-labor-shortage" target="_self">an influx of jobs</a> that require a deeper understanding of technology and AI.

Dolly Parton is teaming up with more students at Belmont University

Four courses will offer a window into Parton's world.

Dolly Parton&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one-of-a-kind partnership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/28/dolly-parton-broadway-musical-world-premiere-belmont" data-vars-content-id="874e6943-418c-427d-a267-a7eef171effd" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton is teaming up with more students at Belmont University" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/28/dolly-parton-broadway-musical-world-premiere-belmont" target="_self">one-of-a-kind partnership</a> with Belmont University is expanding, giving more students hands-on experience in the music industry through explorations of her various projects.Why it matters: Students participating in the Dolly U program have already helped to develop Parton&#x27;s autobiographical musical. Now, new courses coming this fall will offer opportunities to work on market research and a behind-the-scenes documentary about the production.

Education 📚

Nashville's college-educated population surges

Vanderbilt plans to open San Francisco campus in 2027

Data shows a college education is tied to income growth in Nashville

Vanderbilt among nine universities asked to agree to Trump "compact"

Tennessee technical colleges getting $1.5 billion facelift