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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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Your go-to guide for 2026 summer fun in Nashville

Axios Nashville helps build out your summer schedule.

Things to Do

Summer 2026 will be a busy one in Nashville, with a full lineup of festivals, concerts and new adventures awaiting us.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CMA Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/25/cma-fest-2026-headliners-tim-mcgraw-keith-urban" data-vars-content-id="0e540e32-61c9-4ce0-8e9c-d967f8ae400a" data-vars-headline="Your go-to guide for 2026 summer fun in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/25/cma-fest-2026-headliners-tim-mcgraw-keith-urban" target="_self">CMA Fest</a> will bring tens of thousands of fans to town this week. Then <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bonnaroo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/02/bonnaroo-headliners-skrillex-strokes-noah-kahan" data-vars-content-id="0e540e32-61c9-4ce0-8e9c-d967f8ae400a" data-vars-headline="Your go-to guide for 2026 summer fun in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/02/bonnaroo-headliners-skrillex-strokes-noah-kahan" target="_self">Bonnaroo</a> will keep the party going after that. And then there&#x27;s a free Fourth of July party for the ages.<ul><li>Bookmark this calendar to keep tabs on the highlights and build out your summer schedule.</li></ul>

Stretch of Clarksville Pike to be renamed Sen. Thelma Harper Highway

Part of the North Nashville highway will honor of one of the city's most legendary politicians.

Politics

Thelma Harper, one of Nashville&#x27;s most legendary political leaders, will have a vital North Nashville road renamed in her honor at a ceremony this weekend.Why it matters: Harper, who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died in 2021" data-vars-click-url="https://wpln.org/post/thelma-harper-nashville-political-heavyweight-for-4-decades-dies-at-age-80/" data-vars-content-id="193b8765-6483-4b33-9d77-1abe6c20c939" data-vars-headline="Stretch of Clarksville Pike to be renamed Sen. Thelma Harper Highway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wpln.org/post/thelma-harper-nashville-political-heavyweight-for-4-decades-dies-at-age-80/" target="_blank">died in 2021</a>, was a trailblazing politician who served in the state Senate and on the Metro Council.<ul><li>She was the first Black woman elected to Tennessee&#x27;s Senate. When she retired in 2018, Harper was the longest-serving female senator in state history.</li></ul>

Nashville gas prices tick down, but remain higher than last year

Analysts see prices remaining above pre-war levels for a while.

News

Pain at the pump <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is easing a bit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/29/gas-prices-dropping-iran-summer" data-vars-content-id="8f72eb6f-9f26-4662-999c-24c6010e33fc" data-vars-headline="Nashville gas prices tick down, but remain higher than last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/29/gas-prices-dropping-iran-summer" target="_self">is easing a bit</a> in Nashville and beyond, but gas remains far more expensive heading into the summer than last year.Why it matters: High gas prices are the most visible economic effect of the Iran war for many Americans grappling with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inflation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/28/consumer-spending-income-pce" data-vars-content-id="8f72eb6f-9f26-4662-999c-24c6010e33fc" data-vars-headline="Nashville gas prices tick down, but remain higher than last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/28/consumer-spending-income-pce" target="_self">inflation</a>.

The ultimate guide to Nashville's independent bookstores

Independent bookstores are booming in Music City.

Nashville has a bevy of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="community events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/01/guide-2026-summer-events-nashville" data-vars-content-id="05bc23df-b0c6-44c5-ba62-91750fd4d6d1" data-vars-headline="The ultimate guide to Nashville&#x27;s independent bookstores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/01/guide-2026-summer-events-nashville" target="_self">community events</a> this summer. But for the introverts among us, a bookstore might be more inviting.<ul><li>Plus: They&#x27;re usually air-conditioned.</li></ul>Why it matters: Independent bookstores are booming in Music City, offering lots of options depending on your mood and interests.<ul><li>You can pick up used books at Rhino Booksellers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="McKay&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/28/mckays-bookstore-offers-big-rewards-for-big-road-trip" data-vars-content-id="05bc23df-b0c6-44c5-ba62-91750fd4d6d1" data-vars-headline="The ultimate guide to Nashville&#x27;s independent bookstores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/28/mckays-bookstore-offers-big-rewards-for-big-road-trip" target="_self">McKay&#x27;s</a>. But if it&#x27;s a brand-new book you&#x27;re after, we have some local shop recommendations.</li></ul>

Tennessee has the highest rate of opioid use disorder in the nation

The diagnosis rate has skyrocketed since 2021.

Tennessee had the highest rate of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opioid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/08/01/opioid-fight-new-laws-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="2c23f17f-b78c-486a-9e3f-3a1afc8addce" data-vars-headline="Tennessee has the highest rate of opioid use disorder in the nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/08/01/opioid-fight-new-laws-tennessee" target="_self">opioid</a> use disorder diagnoses last year, according to data from FAIR Health&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opioid Tracker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fairhealth.org/fh-trackers/opioid-abuse-map" data-vars-content-id="2c23f17f-b78c-486a-9e3f-3a1afc8addce" data-vars-headline="Tennessee has the highest rate of opioid use disorder in the nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fairhealth.org/fh-trackers/opioid-abuse-map" target="_blank">Opioid Tracker</a>.Why it matters: The ongoing opioid epidemic has ravaged Tennessee for years, and the new data shows that the challenge has continued to snowball.

Williamson County tops Tennessee health rankings again

That gels with Williamson's status as the wealthiest county in the state.

Williamson County retained its crown as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="healthiest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/health" data-vars-content-id="8504fc94-14b1-4c52-bafd-a53b0f57548e" data-vars-headline="Williamson County tops Tennessee health rankings again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/health" target="_self">healthiest</a> place in Tennessee in an annual data review.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="County Health Rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/tennessee?year=2025&amp;measure=Community+Conditions" data-vars-content-id="8504fc94-14b1-4c52-bafd-a53b0f57548e" data-vars-headline="Williamson County tops Tennessee health rankings again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/tennessee?year=2025&amp;measure=Community+Conditions" target="_blank">County Health Rankings</a> analysis offers a broad check-up on key quality-of-life metrics like housing affordability, air quality, income inequality and child care cost burden — essential drivers of long-term health.

Mental health crisis in music industry inspires new initiative

It's the "furiously fastest growing need" in the music industry.

Health

There is a mental health crisis in the music industry, many insiders agree. A Nashville nonprofit is teaming up with Universal Music Group to deal with it.Why it matters: The crisis touches everyone from aspiring young musicians in the tumultuous early stages of their careers to top Music Row executives navigating high-stress jobs.

Tennessee sees big drop in flu shots for kids

Flu shots can help prevent kids from getting sick.

Childhood flu <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccination" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/37859372.2191/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMTIvMTIvdHJ1bXAtcmZrLWNoaWxkaG9vZC12YWNjaW5hdGlvbi1wcm9ncmFtcy1hdXRpc20_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9ib3N0b24mc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/610c4e3224241d4f337f4dd3Bab31397c" data-vars-content-id="5287b88d-9f31-49c9-9843-b46fa0dfbc7e" data-vars-headline="Tennessee sees big drop in flu shots for kids" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/37859372.2191/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMTIvMTIvdHJ1bXAtcmZrLWNoaWxkaG9vZC12YWNjaW5hdGlvbi1wcm9ncmFtcy1hdXRpc20_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9ib3N0b24mc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/610c4e3224241d4f337f4dd3Bab31397c" target="_self">vaccination</a> is down so far this season in every state but Iowa, per new CDC data.<ul><li>Tennessee ranks near the bottom of the pack, with a 15-point drop this season.</li></ul>

VUMC logs record year for transplants

VUMC completed 809 organ transplants during its fiscal year.

It takes about 150 people to work on a single <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="organ transplant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/09/14/million-organ-transplant-milestone-tennessee-impact" data-vars-content-id="41a94180-5653-4350-8d89-88de8411540d" data-vars-headline="VUMC logs record year for transplants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/09/14/million-organ-transplant-milestone-tennessee-impact" target="_self">organ transplant</a>, and the Vanderbilt Transplant Center performed a record number in fiscal year 2024.

Report: Illinois top abortion destination for Tennesseans

Illinois was the top state where Tennesseans traveled for abortions in 2023, according to a new estimate by an abortion rights group.

<figure><img alt="A bar chart illustrating the estimated number of Tennessee patients traveling for abortions in 2023. Illinois received the most patients at 7,120, followed by North Carolina with 1,280. Georgia and Virginia had 950 and 880 respectively, while California and South Carolina had the fewest, at 220 and " height="900" id="9c0ad396-cde3-4dd7-81f4-efd70aff1d8c" src="https://images.axios.com/0KQn5pw-d8_mWVKTI7jT9fYdx-Q=/2024/06/18/1718739198852.png" width="1600"/><figcaption>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 Visuals</figcaption></figure>Illinois 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.<ul><li>Illinois led the way with 7,120 followed by North Carolina with 1,280.</li></ul>

CDC director promotes mental health support in Nashville visit

She met with Tennessee health officials and toured a mental health clinic during her stop.

CDC director Mandy Cohen visited Nashville Monday to see how Tennessee organizations work to bolster mental health and prevent suicides.Why it matters: More than 1,200 people died by suicide in Tennessee in 2021, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CDC data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/suicide-mortality/suicide.htm" data-vars-content-id="315c0408-11ca-420a-8f7a-b8c966b09d44" data-vars-headline="CDC director promotes mental health support in Nashville visit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/suicide-mortality/suicide.htm" target="_blank">CDC data</a>.

Your guide to Pilates studios in Nashville

Axios Nashville readers are Pilates enthusiasts.

It appears Axios Nashville readers are a bunch of rabid Pilates enthusiasts.The intrigue: A few weeks ago, we <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported on how Pilates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/03/14/pilates-popularity-nashville-studio-bodyrok" data-vars-content-id="ee8eed9e-57ad-4f2a-80aa-f1b6cdea7bbe" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Pilates studios in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/03/14/pilates-popularity-nashville-studio-bodyrok" target="_self">reported on how Pilates</a> is surpassing high-impact workouts like CrossFit as the most popular exercise trend.<ul><li>We asked readers to explain why they like Pilates, as well as their favorite Nashville-area studios.</li><li>Readers responded in droves. We haven&#x27;t gotten this many comments since Nate asked readers to help convince Axios Nashville coauthor Adam Tamburin to watch &quot;The Office.&quot;</li></ul>

Tennessee organizations get nearly $81 million to fight opioid crisis

The funds support addiction treatment, recovery work and prevention efforts.

Tennessee is distributing nearly $81 million in grant funding to fight the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opioid epidemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/08/01/opioid-fight-new-laws-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="479730e1-e976-41c4-ab62-2d8b3cbaba00" data-vars-headline="Tennessee organizations get nearly $81 million to fight opioid crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/08/01/opioid-fight-new-laws-tennessee" target="_self">opioid epidemic</a>.Why it matters: The funds will go to organizations that support addiction treatment, recovery work and prevention efforts.

Nashvillians living with hearing loss

More than 9% of Davidson County residents experience at least mild hearing loss.

More than 9% of Davidson County residents experience at least mild <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hearing loss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/07/americans-hearing-cdc-rural-urban-areas" data-vars-content-id="10761f85-251e-498d-9b7f-81de7a8f294a" data-vars-headline="Nashvillians living with hearing loss" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/07/americans-hearing-cdc-rural-urban-areas" target="_self">hearing loss</a>.<ul><li>That&#x27;s an estimated 63,118 people, based on a recent study seeking to estimate the condition&#x27;s prevalence down to the county level.</li></ul>Why it matters: The findings have important implications for public health officials, policymakers and more.

A choropleth map of U.S. states showing the rate of opioid use disorder diagnoses per 100k patients in 2024. Tennessee has the highest rate at 1,447 diagnoses per 100k, while D.C. has the lowest at 219. Appalachian states have higher rates than states in the Great Plains.

Opioid use disorder diagnoses per 100k patients in 2024

A choropleth map of North Carolina counties showing 2025 County Health Rankings. Counties were ranked by the quality of community conditions that affect local health outcomes, such as social and economic factors, physical environment and health infrastructure. Orange County, N.C. ranked the highest in the state, while Robeson County, N.C. ranked the lowest.

2025 County Health Rankings

Data: County Health Rankings; Note: Community conditions include social and economic factors, physical environment and health infrastructure; Map: Axios Visuals

Axios What's Next

A choropleth map of the U.S. showing the difference in childhood flu vaccination rates in the 2024-25 season compared to the same period in 2023-24, as of 11/30/24. Iowa has the biggest gain at +6.5 percentage points, while Idaho has the biggest drop at -18.8pp. The national change is -7.1pp.

Health 🩺

Tennessee has the highest rate of opioid use disorder in the nation

Williamson County tops Tennessee health rankings again

Mental health crisis in music industry inspires new initiative

Tennessee sees big drop in flu shots for kids

VUMC logs record year for transplants