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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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Dolly Parton is opening a new roadside travel stop next month

Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop opens next month along I-65.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolly Parton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/13/dolly-parton-first-public-appearance-in-months" data-vars-content-id="e05267b3-a18e-4371-a94c-19437d5c27c2" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton is opening a new roadside travel stop next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/13/dolly-parton-first-public-appearance-in-months" target="_self">Dolly Parton</a>&#x27;s rapidly expanding hospitality empire will add its first roadside travel stop this summer.Why it matters: Soon, you&#x27;ll be able to craft a completely Dolly-dominated road trip across Tennessee.

Inside Nashville's new pro basketball franchise with Nancy VanReece

She talks about her journey to becoming president and CEO of Nashville's new UpShot basketball franchise.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nancy VanReece" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/03/07/funding-pitched-for-womens-pro-sports-efforts-nashville" data-vars-content-id="e0c8e46c-752d-4002-a253-6ed36788dee0" data-vars-headline="Inside Nashville&#x27;s new pro basketball franchise with Nancy VanReece" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/03/07/funding-pitched-for-womens-pro-sports-efforts-nashville" target="_self">Nancy VanReece</a>&#x27;s journey to her dream job as president and CEO of Nashville&#x27;s new minor league women&#x27;s hoops franchise began on a basketball court in Oklahoma.<ul><li>When she played six-on-six high school basketball in Oklahoma in the early 1980s, girls teams had wonky rules that limited them to playing on half the court.</li></ul>Why it matters: Times have changed. From the college level to the WNBA, women&#x27;s basketball is exploding in popularity.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville missed out on" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/30/nashvilles-wnba-effort-suffers-a-setback" data-vars-content-id="e0c8e46c-752d-4002-a253-6ed36788dee0" data-vars-headline="Inside Nashville&#x27;s new pro basketball franchise with Nancy VanReece" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/30/nashvilles-wnba-effort-suffers-a-setback" target="_self">Nashville missed out on</a> a WNBA expansion franchise in 2025, but this year, the city was awarded a new franchise in the fledgling UpShot League.</li></ul>

How Nashville residents build community with their neighbors

Nashvillians offer a how-to guide for anyone looking to expand their social circle.

After we shared <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="f3c1b2c2-00b9-449f-a062-f7ab084ee988" data-vars-headline="How Nashville residents build community with their neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">new national data</a> showing Americans are talking with their neighbors far less than they used to, we asked you how you&#x27;ve bucked that trend and built community here in Nashville.<ul><li>Your responses are the perfect how-to guide for anyone looking to expand their social circle.</li></ul>Why it matters: Casual neighborhood ties are quietly disappearing, and the health consequences run deeper than most people realize.

Nashville's next big public project could be an affordable housing bond

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell put $7 million in this year's budget for affordable housing loans.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="44c70e81-8b71-473c-94ff-08ed96bd3117" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s next big public project could be an affordable housing bond" 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">Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell</a> earmarked $7 million in his budget proposal for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an affordable housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/29/metro-unveils-10-year-strategy-to-ease-nashvilles-housing-crunch" data-vars-content-id="44c70e81-8b71-473c-94ff-08ed96bd3117" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s next big public project could be an affordable housing bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/29/metro-unveils-10-year-strategy-to-ease-nashvilles-housing-crunch" target="_self">an affordable housing</a> initiative that could evolve into the city&#x27;s next big public project.Why it matters: For years, advocates have pushed for Metro to put the full force of its spending powers into addressing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s affordable housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/30/nashville-housing-affordability-poll" data-vars-content-id="44c70e81-8b71-473c-94ff-08ed96bd3117" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s next big public project could be an affordable housing bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/30/nashville-housing-affordability-poll" target="_self">city&#x27;s affordable housing crisis</a>.

Tennessee safety officials laud a drop in Memorial Day road deaths

State safety officials tied the trend to an uptick in simple precautions.

News

Traffic fatalities in Tennessee were down dramatically during the long <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/19/nearly-1-million-tennesseans-to-hit-the-road-for-memorial-day" data-vars-content-id="ac25e8bf-23d9-4b73-a51d-49303c199551" data-vars-headline="Tennessee safety officials laud a drop in Memorial Day road deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/19/nearly-1-million-tennesseans-to-hit-the-road-for-memorial-day" target="_self">Memorial Day weekend</a>, offering a potent example of the power of road safety measures.Why it matters: State safety officials tied the trend with an uptick in simple life-saving precautions including fastening seatbelts and putting down smartphones.

Tennessee stopped execution after problem with lethal injection

Gov. Bill Lee gave inmate Tony Von Carruthers a one-year reprieve.

Tennessee prison officials abruptly stopped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the execution of a death row inmate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/15/death-row-inmate-tony-carruthers-execution-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="2f48b89d-8c52-44da-af49-0491870a2cdd" data-vars-headline="Tennessee stopped execution after problem with lethal injection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/15/death-row-inmate-tony-carruthers-execution-tennessee" target="_self">the execution of a death row inmate</a> Thursday morning after difficulties finding a vein for the lethal injection.The latest: Gov. Bill Lee gave inmate Tony Von Carruthers a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one-year reprieve" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aclu-tn.org/app/uploads/2026/05/CarruthersTony20260521.pdf" data-vars-content-id="2f48b89d-8c52-44da-af49-0491870a2cdd" data-vars-headline="Tennessee stopped execution after problem with lethal injection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aclu-tn.org/app/uploads/2026/05/CarruthersTony20260521.pdf" target="_blank">one-year reprieve</a> following the failed attempt to execute him.The big picture: Critics of the death penalty quickly seized on the news as evidence that lethal injections are unconstitutional and unreliable.

After decades on the brink, Fisk University bets big on reinvention with $1B master plan

"You can't continue doing the same things over and over again," Fisk president Agenia Walker Clark says.

Fisk University has lurched from one financial crisis to another for decades, but university president Agenia Walker Clark tells Axios a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly announced overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/14/fisk-university-1-billion-campus-plan-data-center-electricity" data-vars-content-id="b4e902b7-1fba-4044-830c-f7e72aadb3c1" data-vars-headline="After decades on the brink, Fisk University bets big on reinvention with $1B master plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/14/fisk-university-1-billion-campus-plan-data-center-electricity" target="_self">newly announced overhaul</a>, which calls for an on-campus data center, may be the beginning of a new era.Why it matters: In an interview, Clark says the $1 billion &quot;Quantum Leap&quot; plan, which has board approval and buy-in from city leaders, is intended to shift the historically Black university from survival mode into a period of growth.

Economic angst is prevalent in Tennessee, new poll finds

Voters reported serious concerns over the rising cost of necessities.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Economic anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/11/tennessee-affordability-crisis-vanderbilt-poll" data-vars-content-id="9e5a93d4-6ab7-4e6b-a8a2-ed577d3464a2" data-vars-headline="Economic angst is prevalent in Tennessee, new poll finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/11/tennessee-affordability-crisis-vanderbilt-poll" target="_self">Economic anxiety</a> is widespread among Tennesseans of all political stripes and income levels, according to a new poll released Wednesday by Vanderbilt University.Why it matters: Registered voters reported serious concerns over the rising cost of basic necessities such as groceries and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/09/nashville-gas-prices-surge-after-iran-strikes" data-vars-content-id="9e5a93d4-6ab7-4e6b-a8a2-ed577d3464a2" data-vars-headline="Economic angst is prevalent in Tennessee, new poll finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/09/nashville-gas-prices-surge-after-iran-strikes" target="_self">gas</a>. They are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urging public officials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/29/freddie-oconnell-state-of-metro-speech" data-vars-content-id="9e5a93d4-6ab7-4e6b-a8a2-ed577d3464a2" data-vars-headline="Economic angst is prevalent in Tennessee, new poll finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/29/freddie-oconnell-state-of-metro-speech" target="_self">urging public officials</a> to address the growing crisis, a dynamic that is already shaping the midterm elections.

Nashville picked to host Super Bowl in 2030

Nashville is finally awarded the Super Bowl after years of effort.

Sports

The Super Bowl, the football-fueled pop culture phenomenon without equals, is coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/18/reports-nashville-will-be-named-super-bowl-host-tuesday" data-vars-content-id="768ba5ef-ffa3-46b3-b173-fa4dbe1e5767" data-vars-headline="Nashville picked to host Super Bowl in 2030" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/18/reports-nashville-will-be-named-super-bowl-host-tuesday" target="_self">Nashville</a> in 2030.<ul><li>NFL owners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voted to award the game" data-vars-click-url="https://media.nfl.com/news-and-releases/corporate-communications/nashville-to-host-super-bowl-lxiv-in-2030" data-vars-content-id="768ba5ef-ffa3-46b3-b173-fa4dbe1e5767" data-vars-headline="Nashville picked to host Super Bowl in 2030" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://media.nfl.com/news-and-releases/corporate-communications/nashville-to-host-super-bowl-lxiv-in-2030" target="_blank">voted to award the game</a> to Nashville at their meeting in Orlando on Tuesday.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville has gradually climbed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/10/17/scoop-cooper-titans-reach-nashville-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="768ba5ef-ffa3-46b3-b173-fa4dbe1e5767" data-vars-headline="Nashville picked to host Super Bowl in 2030" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/10/17/scoop-cooper-titans-reach-nashville-stadium-deal" target="_self">Nashville has gradually climbed</a> the tourism ladder over the last decade-plus, expanding from a country music town to an international tourist destination.<ul><li>Hosting the Super Bowl will be a crowning achievement for the city&#x27;s hospitality industry. </li></ul>

New poll tests Nashvillians' views of downtown safety and cleanliness

Downtown scored strong marks for being clean and safe according to a new poll of Nashville voters.

Nashvillians give downtown high marks for cleanliness, with many of them telling a pollster recently the city&#x27;s center is cleaner than their own neighborhoods.<ul><li>The poll of registered voters was commissioned by the Nashville Downtown Partnership, which oversees the Central Business Improvement District (CBID).</li></ul>Why it matters: The survey comes during a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broader public debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/12/nashville-convention-and-visitors-corp-campaign-preaches-tourism-respect" data-vars-content-id="dfab4296-6a02-4370-a67e-490f8326d560" data-vars-headline="New poll tests Nashvillians&#x27; views of downtown safety and cleanliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/12/nashville-convention-and-visitors-corp-campaign-preaches-tourism-respect" target="_self">broader public debate</a> about the state of downtown, where residents and tourists collide.<ul><li>The Metro Council is also scrutinizing the CBID&#x27;s budget for the first time in recent memory, especially for its investments in public safety. They are scheduled to debate the issue Tuesday.</li></ul>

Reports: Nashville will be named Super Bowl host Tuesday

Analysts expect the NFL to award Nashville the 2030 Super Bowl.

The NFL owners are expected to vote Tuesday to award Nashville <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Super Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/21/nashville-super-bowl-announcement-could-be-on-the-horizon" data-vars-content-id="5a60e8a6-ffa5-4b18-a065-b6a6a7af4c60" data-vars-headline="Reports: Nashville will be named Super Bowl host Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/21/nashville-super-bowl-announcement-could-be-on-the-horizon" target="_self">the Super Bowl</a> in 2030, according to multiple <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national media reports" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2056332443167183119?s=20" data-vars-content-id="5a60e8a6-ffa5-4b18-a065-b6a6a7af4c60" data-vars-headline="Reports: Nashville will be named Super Bowl host Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2056332443167183119?s=20" target="_blank">national media reports</a>.Why it matters: The Super Bowl would be the biggest tourism and media event ever held in Nashville.

After filing deadline passes, Nashville has new U.S. House candidates in three districts

After redistricting, a slate of new candidates are running to represent Nashville.

The stage is set — at least for now — in the races to represent Nashville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three new U.S. House districts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/07/tennessee-lawmakers-pass-new-us-house-map-to-give-gop-a-9-0-advantage" data-vars-content-id="e3dd2153-4988-4032-bf33-f13a50a969c7" data-vars-headline="After filing deadline passes, Nashville has new U.S. House candidates in three districts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/07/tennessee-lawmakers-pass-new-us-house-map-to-give-gop-a-9-0-advantage" target="_self">three new U.S. House districts</a>.Why it matters: Following redistricting, many of the city&#x27;s voters were drawn into new districts. Candidates had days to decide if they wanted to run in the Aug. 6 primary.

Advocates say death-row inmate facing execution may be innocent

Tony Von Carruthers will be executed Thursday if Gov. Bill Lee does not intervene.

A coalition of faith leaders, legal experts and exonerated death-row inmates is urging Gov. Bill Lee to stop the execution of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tony Von Carruthers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/01/execution-date-christa-pike-tennessee-death-row" data-vars-content-id="3a74e254-fe6b-42e4-9fc7-c48f410bcb3b" data-vars-headline="Advocates say death-row inmate facing execution may be innocent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/01/execution-date-christa-pike-tennessee-death-row" target="_self">Tony Von Carruthers</a>.<ul><li>They say untested DNA evidence from the 1994 crime scene could prove Carruthers is innocent.</li></ul>The latest: Carruthers will be executed Thursday if Lee does not intervene.

News 🗞

Tennessee safety officials laud a drop in Memorial Day road deaths

Nashville's next big public project could be an affordable housing bond

Last chance for to see Frist's Impressionists exhibit in Nashville

Tennessee stopped execution after problem with lethal injection

Nashville hopes to "reinvent" the Super Bowl