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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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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.

In their words: New Country Music Hall of Fame inductees react to the news

McGraw is joining the Country Music Hall of Fame this year along with Paul Overstreet and The Stanley Brothers.

Music

Tim McGraw wanted to skip the call that changed his life.<ul><li>Of course, he didn&#x27;t know what was about to happen.</li></ul>The big picture: McGraw is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="joining the Country Music Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/20/tim-mcgraw-country-music-hall-of-fame-inductees" data-vars-content-id="ec3dd0d3-5e10-4074-9b14-9951462a5da6" data-vars-headline="In their words: New Country Music Hall of Fame inductees react to the news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/20/tim-mcgraw-country-music-hall-of-fame-inductees" target="_self">joining the Country Music Hall of Fame</a> this year along with songwriter Paul Overstreet. The quintessential bluegrass duo The Stanley Brothers will be inducted posthumously.Behind the scenes: After the public announcement on Friday, McGraw told Axios about the moment he heard the news for the first time.

Tim McGraw leads the new class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees

Only 161 acts have joined the Country Music Hall of Fame since 1961.

The newest additions to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Country Music Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/19/new-inductees-country-music-hall-of-fame-watch" data-vars-content-id="0f25ec1d-1d21-431d-aa1f-2acdb0758af7" data-vars-headline="Tim McGraw leads the new class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/19/new-inductees-country-music-hall-of-fame-watch" target="_self">Country Music Hall of Fame</a> steered the genre through generations of change — from the tight harmonies that sent bluegrass soaring and the timeless love songs of the 1980s to the arena-ready anthems of today.Why it matters: The Hall of Fame is country music&#x27;s highest and most elusive honor. Only 161 acts have made the cut since 1961.<ul><li>On Friday, superstar Tim McGraw, hit songwriter Paul Overstreet and veteran duo The Stanley Brothers joined the circle.</li></ul>

New inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame coming soon

There is a massive backlog of legends waiting to join the elite hall.

The next group of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Country Music Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/03/19/toby-keith-john-anderson-james-burton-to-join-the-country-music-hall-of-fame" data-vars-content-id="e7eef608-2628-45ec-8e71-6b540ac3ad7a" data-vars-headline="New inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame coming soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/03/19/toby-keith-john-anderson-james-burton-to-join-the-country-music-hall-of-fame" target="_self">Country Music Hall of Fame</a> inductees will be unveiled Friday morning.<ul><li>You can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="watch the announcement live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZjwg_cUZDA" data-vars-content-id="e7eef608-2628-45ec-8e71-6b540ac3ad7a" data-vars-headline="New inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame coming soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZjwg_cUZDA" target="_blank">watch the announcement live</a> at 10am Central.</li></ul>Why it matters: There is a massive backlog of legends who seem destined to join the elite hall one day, but there are only three slots available every year.

The Truth music venue announces first concert lineup

Sting, Beck, Jo Dee Messina, Scotty McCreery and Glorilla are among headliners.

Things to Do

Pop music singer-songwriter Freya Skye will play the first-ever show at The Truth music venue in Wedgewood-Houston in October.Why it matters: The Truth announced its debut lineup Monday, representing a diverse array of genres.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

<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>

Nashville rock club The End raises money to stay open

Venue raises $25,000 through a Go Fund Me campaign

The End lives to rock another day.<ul><li>The venerable rock club, which opened in 1999, launched a successful <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go Fund Me campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-end-prevent-closure-after-27-years?attribution_id=sl:658809cc-39b5-458d-84d0-61ed54ebdc9a&amp;lang=en_US&amp;ts=1767908432&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp17_ta&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=copy_link" data-vars-content-id="084931c8-837f-44b4-8084-bfcd9e06c1e1" data-vars-headline="Nashville rock club The End raises money to stay open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-end-prevent-closure-after-27-years?attribution_id=sl:658809cc-39b5-458d-84d0-61ed54ebdc9a&amp;lang=en_US&amp;ts=1767908432&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp17_ta&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=copy_link" target="_blank">Go Fund Me campaign</a> to pay its back bills.</li></ul>Why it matters: The End is a gritty, claustrophobic space beloved by a swath of music fans in Nashville who like their music loud and their beer cheap.<ul><li>The club, located on the Rock Block across the street from Exit/In, booked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paramore&#x27;s first show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJJxosixU1F/" data-vars-content-id="084931c8-837f-44b4-8084-bfcd9e06c1e1" data-vars-headline="Nashville rock club The End raises money to stay open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJJxosixU1F/" target="_blank">Paramore&#x27;s first show</a>, and hosted punk legends like Fugazi.</li></ul>

Music

TPAC unveils design for East Bank center

High-wattage women dominate ACM nominations

Franklin Pilgrimage festival skips 2026

In their words: New Country Music Hall of Fame inductees react to the news

Tim McGraw leads the new class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees