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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 has the worst quality of life in the U.S., per CNBC ranking

CNBC's rankings highlight some reasons businesses might stay away.

Business

Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the country, according to CNBC, which gave the Volunteer State an F for quality of life in its annual ranking of the best states for businesses.Why it matters: State leaders often pride themselves on making Tennessee <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="as business-friendly as possible" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/10/in-n-out-burger-expanding-corporate-office-restaurant-nashville-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="8a1428ed-7a85-4c6d-9944-7f70a0eb5124" data-vars-headline="Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the U.S., per CNBC ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/10/in-n-out-burger-expanding-corporate-office-restaurant-nashville-tennessee" target="_self">as business-friendly as possible</a>, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNBC&#x27;s closely watched rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" data-vars-content-id="8a1428ed-7a85-4c6d-9944-7f70a0eb5124" data-vars-headline="Tennessee has the worst quality of life in the U.S., per CNBC ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" target="_blank">CNBC&#x27;s closely watched rankings</a> highlight some reasons businesses might stay away.

Gut-wrecking stomach illness cyclosporiasis hits Tennessee

Tennessee has seen as many as 30 reported cases as of last week.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gut-wrecking parasite" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46522957.6255/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY3ljbG9zcG9yaWFzaXMtc3RvbWFjaC1idWctY2FzZXMtc3ltcHRvbXMtb3V0YnJlYWs_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9waGlsYWRlbHBoaWEmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/610c4e3224241d4f337f4dd3Bf2d3f76a" data-vars-content-id="1e077917-b136-449b-9748-a3868e0a2436" data-vars-headline="Gut-wrecking stomach illness cyclosporiasis hits Tennessee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46522957.6255/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY3ljbG9zcG9yaWFzaXMtc3RvbWFjaC1idWctY2FzZXMtc3ltcHRvbXMtb3V0YnJlYWs_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9waGlsYWRlbHBoaWEmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/610c4e3224241d4f337f4dd3Bf2d3f76a" target="_self">gut-wrecking parasite</a> surging in the U.S. is also spreading in Tennessee.

O'Connell, Blackburn spar with fortune cookies on social media

Mayor O'Connell and Sen. Blackburn spar via fortune cookies on social media.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/04/nashville-mayor-freddie-oconnell-reelection" data-vars-content-id="5077b1ea-fc46-4d6d-a40b-f6824cb49532" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Connell, Blackburn spar with fortune cookies on social media" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/04/nashville-mayor-freddie-oconnell-reelection" target="_self">Nashville Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/07/blackburn-reshapes-2026-race-for-tennessee-governor" data-vars-content-id="5077b1ea-fc46-4d6d-a40b-f6824cb49532" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Connell, Blackburn spar with fortune cookies on social media" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/07/blackburn-reshapes-2026-race-for-tennessee-governor" target="_self">U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn</a> engaged in a war of fortune cookies on social media over the weekend.Why it matters: The spat could blow over as typical partisan gamesmanship, or it could foreshadow a dysfunctional relationship ahead.

Tick bites are increasing in Middle Tennessee, doctors say

Doctors are urging residents to take precautions to avoid dangerous illnesses.

Ticks are sending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more people to emergency rooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/tick-bite-rate-lyme-disease-what-to-do" data-vars-content-id="30baa1ff-17a2-423d-861b-a016242388a6" data-vars-headline="Tick bites are increasing in Middle Tennessee, doctors say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/tick-bite-rate-lyme-disease-what-to-do" target="_self">more people to emergency rooms</a> this year, and Middle Tennessee doctors are urging residents to take precautions.Why it matters: Tick bites can transmit illnesses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. They can also trigger alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat and other mammal-derived products.

Nashville's video game music boom continues with EA Sports College Football 27

Nashville has quietly become a hub for video game soundtracks.

Video game lovers across the nation will get a taste of Music City on Thursday when the latest edition of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="EA Sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/ea-games-release-saudi-arabia-stock-buyout" data-vars-content-id="5b57ad77-5102-47ed-96a5-fad048bd1a33" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s video game music boom continues with EA Sports College Football 27" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/ea-games-release-saudi-arabia-stock-buyout" target="_self">EA Sports</a> College Football drops.Why it matters: More than 100 Nashville musicians came together to create the soundtrack for EA Sports College Football 27, which includes college fight songs and marching band-style arrangements of pop hits.<ul><li>The project is one of several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="video game projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/21/vanderbilt-composing-music-video-games" data-vars-content-id="5b57ad77-5102-47ed-96a5-fad048bd1a33" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s video game music boom continues with EA Sports College Football 27" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/21/vanderbilt-composing-music-video-games" target="_self">video game projects</a> expanding the definition of Music City.</li></ul>

Country Music Association taps new CEO

Brittany Schaffer will replace outgoing CEO Sarah Trahern.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Country Music Association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/15/country-music-association-cma-sarah-trahern-retire" data-vars-content-id="fa413a43-a64c-44bb-bf59-69ab495ad1fc" data-vars-headline="Country Music Association taps new CEO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/15/country-music-association-cma-sarah-trahern-retire" target="_self">Country Music Association</a> announced Wednesday that it has selected Belmont University official Brittany Schaffer to serve as its next CEO.Why it matters: The CMA is one of the most powerful institutions on Music Row. The organization&#x27;s leaders oversee Country Music Hall of Fame inductions, the CMA Awards and CMA Fest.

Dolly Parton reveals Broadway dates for autobiographical musical

Things to Do

Dolly Parton&#x27;s autobiographical musical finally set its Broadway opening date after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years of behind-the-scenes tinkering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/07/dolly-partons-musical-is-heading-to-broadway" data-vars-content-id="178c5fab-e348-4959-be36-9e94ff21a565" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton reveals Broadway dates for autobiographical musical" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/07/dolly-partons-musical-is-heading-to-broadway" target="_self">years of behind-the-scenes tinkering</a>.🎭 State of play: &quot;Dolly: A True Original Musical&quot; will arrive in New York City on Dec. 7. The production will begin with a few weeks of preview performances, when creatives test out new musicals and make tweaks.<ul><li>The official opening night, when the finalized show will be unveiled, is Jan. 19, Parton&#x27;s 81st birthday.</li></ul>

How Nashville's July 4 celebration evolved into a primetime spectacle

The event has ballooned into one of the best-attended and most highly regarded July 4 events in the country.

When the Nashville Convention &amp; Visitors Corp. took over production of the city&#x27;s July 4 celebration in 2004, country artists like Phil Vassar performed on top of a barge on the Cumberland River. A tasteful fireworks display brought the festivities to a close.Why it matters: From there, the event has ballooned into one of the best-attended and most highly regarded July 4 events in the country. It is headlined by artists representing a wide variety of genres, and the fireworks show puts most other cities&#x27; to shame.<ul><li>July 4 planners took things to another level for the nation&#x27;s 250th anniversary, turning the party into a two-day event that will culminate in a live national broadcast on ABC.</li></ul>

Unpacking the clues about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding

Clues have coalesced around a possible event during the July 4 holiday weekend at Madison Square Garden.

Music

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce haven&#x27;t said much about their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wedding plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engagement-ring-photos" data-vars-content-id="3be6c79c-c25e-45bb-8a3b-82314b445b90" data-vars-headline="Unpacking the clues about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce&#x27;s wedding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engagement-ring-photos" target="_self">wedding plans</a>, but that hasn&#x27;t stopped fans — or reporters — from speculating about the mysterious event.The latest: Hopes that she would stick closer to home for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville wedding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/26/these-nashville-wedding-venues-would-be-a-good-fit-for-taylor-swift-and-travis-kelce" data-vars-content-id="3be6c79c-c25e-45bb-8a3b-82314b445b90" data-vars-headline="Unpacking the clues about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce&#x27;s wedding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/26/these-nashville-wedding-venues-would-be-a-good-fit-for-taylor-swift-and-travis-kelce" target="_self">Nashville wedding</a> are crumbling. Instead, clues have coalesced around a possible event during the July Fourth holiday weekend at Madison Square Garden.

Remembering Reba McEntire's Broadway star turn 25 years later

The country queen dropped two songs from the vault that were pulled from her legendary run on Broadway in the musical "Annie Get Your Gun."

Fans have had to wait 25 years for Reba McEntire&#x27;s newest release.The intrigue: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The country queen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/01/19/reba-mcentire-national-anthem-super-bowl-lviii" data-vars-content-id="ddad381a-9555-4ead-b875-45e486605a98" data-vars-headline="Remembering Reba McEntire&#x27;s Broadway star turn 25 years later" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/01/19/reba-mcentire-national-anthem-super-bowl-lviii" target="_self">The country queen</a> dropped two songs from the vault that were pulled from her legendary run on Broadway in the musical &quot;Annie Get Your Gun.&quot; She took her final bow in the show 25 years ago this week.

Clive Davis was inspired by country music's songwriting model

Clive Davis said Nashville's music industry approach inspired his own career.

Nashville&#x27;s music industry was closely linked to the career of iconic record executive Clive Davis, who died Monday at the age of 94.Flashback: In a 2017 interview Nate conducted when he was at The Tennessean, Davis described how the Music Row machine influenced his approach.<ul><li>Earlier in his career, when he was in the rock world, most of the artists Davis worked with wrote their own songs.</li><li>But in Nashville&#x27;s country music industry, most artists were be paired with well-written songs from professional songwriters.</li></ul>

Remembering the Emmylou Harris record that helped revive the Ryman

The Ryman was a vacant and dilapidated relic in the early 1990s.

On this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="615 Day" data-vars-click-url="https://do615.com/p/615-day" data-vars-content-id="7d38a1fb-450d-4f2e-ac13-5fbf02cc4025" data-vars-headline="Remembering the Emmylou Harris record that helped revive the Ryman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://do615.com/p/615-day" target="_blank">615 Day</a>, we want to revisit a moment in Nashville history when an Emmylou Harris album helped revive a cherished city landmark.Flashback: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Ryman Auditorium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/01/21/the-ryman-turns-130?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDTrmrOdAoNEpu_ShsBceMl5n&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwuanRBhBSEiwAY5y6V8o-FbSfCNSkfCASzyKPhG_l8jaCvxGyyxU0MmBV97DYW6XMX-WAcBoC9rkQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="7d38a1fb-450d-4f2e-ac13-5fbf02cc4025" data-vars-headline="Remembering the Emmylou Harris record that helped revive the Ryman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/01/21/the-ryman-turns-130?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDTrmrOdAoNEpu_ShsBceMl5n&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwuanRBhBSEiwAY5y6V8o-FbSfCNSkfCASzyKPhG_l8jaCvxGyyxU0MmBV97DYW6XMX-WAcBoC9rkQAvD_BwE" target="_self">The Ryman Auditorium</a>, known as the Mother Church of Country Music, was a vacant and dilapidated relic in the early 1990s.

Bonnaroo looks to bounce back

Bonnaroo looks to rebound after last year's cancellation.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/27/bonnaroo-turns-to-fans-to-help-decide-festivals-future" data-vars-content-id="719805ad-e120-422e-afc6-478107e132a5" data-vars-headline="Bonnaroo looks to bounce back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/27/bonnaroo-turns-to-fans-to-help-decide-festivals-future" target="_self">The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival</a> returns to the Farm Thursday, one year after torrential rain <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ruined the event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/16/bonnaroo-ends-early-after-heavy-rain-hits" data-vars-content-id="719805ad-e120-422e-afc6-478107e132a5" data-vars-headline="Bonnaroo looks to bounce back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/16/bonnaroo-ends-early-after-heavy-rain-hits" target="_self">ruined the event</a>.Why it matters: Bonnaroo remains a crucial economic engine for Middle Tennessee and a unique concert experience, but the event is facing headwinds from recent cancellations and increasing festival competition.

Remembering Opry announcer Bill Cody in his own words

"It was a romance," Cody said of his journey to WSM and the Opry.

Beloved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grand Ole Opry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/18/grand-ole-opry-100th-anniversary-nbc-special" data-vars-content-id="ae088328-8cb7-4a49-87ce-f48c3a8c158b" data-vars-headline="Remembering Opry announcer Bill Cody in his own words" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/18/grand-ole-opry-100th-anniversary-nbc-special" target="_self">Grand Ole Opry</a> announcer and WSM host Bill Cody died Tuesday following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="kidney and heart failure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/06/05/bill-cody-health-heart-kidney-failure-double-transplant/90418145007/" data-vars-content-id="ae088328-8cb7-4a49-87ce-f48c3a8c158b" data-vars-headline="Remembering Opry announcer Bill Cody in his own words" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/06/05/bill-cody-health-heart-kidney-failure-double-transplant/90418145007/" target="_blank">kidney and heart failure</a>. He was 67.The big picture: If country music had a speaking voice, it would be Cody&#x27;s. He narrated the genre&#x27;s most memorable moments for decades from the studio and the Opry stage.

Music

Thomas Rhett joins Nashville Walk of Fame

Nashville's video game music boom continues with EA Sports College Football 27

Country Music Association taps new CEO

Dolly Parton reveals Broadway dates for autobiographical musical

How Nashville's July 4 celebration evolved into a primetime spectacle