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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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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.

News

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.

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.

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>

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.

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>

Scoop: Trump endorses Rep. Matt Van Epps' reelection campaign

President Trump and more than 60 elected officials are backing Rep. Matt Van Epps for reelection.

Politics

President Trump headlines a list of more than 60 elected officials backing freshman <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/03/tennessee-election-results-trump-van-epps-wins-house-seat" data-vars-content-id="4325df2e-7c2d-4c70-93da-bf59ed33db37" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Trump endorses Rep. Matt Van Epps&#x27; reelection campaign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/03/tennessee-election-results-trump-van-epps-wins-house-seat" target="_self">U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps</a> for reelection.Why it matters: The large swath of endorsements announced Thursday shows strong support for Van Epps amid a last-minute map shakeup.

Judge allows Tennessee map favoring Republicans to move ahead

Judge allows Tennessee map favoring GOP to move ahead

Tennessee Democrats suffered a key setback in their lawsuit challenging the new map.

Politics & Policy

U.S. Chief District Judge Chip Campbell on Thursday rejected Tennessee Democrats&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="request for a temporary restraining order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/08/lawsuits-challenge-tennessee-gop-house-map" data-vars-content-id="eb3d5632-933f-466d-8df6-78b7cf216546" data-vars-headline="Judge allows Tennessee map favoring Republicans to move ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/08/lawsuits-challenge-tennessee-gop-house-map" target="_self">request for a temporary restraining order</a> to stop the state from implementing a new U.S. House map that favors Republicans.Why it matters: The legal challenges to the new map will press on, but Campbell&#x27;s ruling is a critical setback for opponents.

Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress

Former Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to possibly run for U.S. House again.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/28/megan-barry-congressional-race-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="ee47cd30-68aa-4e06-8330-72097284b1db" data-vars-headline="Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/28/megan-barry-congressional-race-tennessee" target="_self">Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry</a> pulled a petition this week to run for Tennessee&#x27;s newly redrawn District 6 U.S. House seat as candidates in both parties scramble to respond to the new congressional map.Why it matters: Potential candidates only have a few days to decide to run following the last-minute <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shakeup from Tennessee Republicans" 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="ee47cd30-68aa-4e06-8330-72097284b1db" data-vars-headline="Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress" 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">shakeup from Tennessee Republicans</a>.

Two lawsuits challenge Tennessee's new U.S. House map

The lawsuits seek to block Tennessee's new U.S. House map from taking effect.

Two lawsuits challenging Tennessee&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new congressional map" 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="b6ff50ad-8df5-4598-b8a9-cb25066bfc54" data-vars-headline="Two lawsuits challenge Tennessee&#x27;s new U.S. House map" 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">new congressional map</a> were filed hours after it was signed into law.Why it matters: The new map, which Republicans created to give themselves a clean sweep of the state&#x27;s nine U.S. House seats, must survive the immediate legal challenges to take effect for the midterm election.

Tennessee lawmakers pass new U.S. House map to give GOP a 9-0 advantage

Tennessee Republicans already had a stranglehold on all districts but one: the Black-majority ninth district representing Memphis.

Tennessee joined the partisan redistricting battle that&#x27;s sweeping the nation on Thursday, as Republicans passed a gerrymandered U.S. House map that they hope helps keep their party in control of Congress.Why it matters: From <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/27/texas-redistricting-map-ruling-supreme-court" data-vars-content-id="57aa69e8-af30-41d1-bf16-18cac171bc02" data-vars-headline="Tennessee lawmakers pass new U.S. House map to give GOP a 9-0 advantage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/27/texas-redistricting-map-ruling-supreme-court" target="_self">Texas</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/05/california-prop-50-passes-election-results-redistricting" data-vars-content-id="57aa69e8-af30-41d1-bf16-18cac171bc02" data-vars-headline="Tennessee lawmakers pass new U.S. House map to give GOP a 9-0 advantage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/05/california-prop-50-passes-election-results-redistricting" target="_self">California</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/07/tampa-bay-new-congressional-districts" data-vars-content-id="57aa69e8-af30-41d1-bf16-18cac171bc02" data-vars-headline="Tennessee lawmakers pass new U.S. House map to give GOP a 9-0 advantage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/07/tampa-bay-new-congressional-districts" target="_self">Florida</a>, state legislatures and voters are approving new House maps in advance of the bitterly fought midterm elections.

Tennessee Republicans propose gerrymandered U.S. House map

Tennessee GOP floats gerrymandered House map

TN Republicans released a proposed new U.S. House map that would give them a 9-0 advantage.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tennessee Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/29/blackburn-pitches-9-0-gop-map-for-tennessee-after-supreme-court-decision" data-vars-content-id="a6f6f38b-5a2c-493d-bfdb-81c17549e81e" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Republicans propose gerrymandered U.S. House map" 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/blackburn-pitches-9-0-gop-map-for-tennessee-after-supreme-court-decision" target="_self">Tennessee Republicans</a> released a gerrymandered U.S. House map on Wednesday that would carve up the Black-majority Democratic district in Memphis.Why it matters: The GOP wants to eliminate the state&#x27;s only blue congressional district to secure a 9-0 sweep of all of the state&#x27;s U.S. House seats.

Former Nashville Councilmember Sharon Hurt wins County Clerk race

Sharon Hurt wins the County Clerk race in Nashville's Democratic primary election.

Sharon Hurt, the former city council member and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayoral candidate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/07/25/mayoral-candidate-sharon-hurt-nashville" data-vars-content-id="98c2c0f1-d265-4940-8da1-c3e952211dd3" data-vars-headline="Former Nashville Councilmember Sharon Hurt wins County Clerk race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/07/25/mayoral-candidate-sharon-hurt-nashville" target="_self">mayoral candidate</a>, won a spirited Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/16/may-5-primary-election-candidates" data-vars-content-id="98c2c0f1-d265-4940-8da1-c3e952211dd3" data-vars-headline="Former Nashville Councilmember Sharon Hurt wins County Clerk race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/16/may-5-primary-election-candidates" target="_self">primary race</a> for the Davidson County Clerk.<ul><li>Hurt defeated Nashville school board chair Freda Player to win the seat.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Davidson County Clerk Clerk is an unheralded but important position that oversees marriage licenses and vehicle registration. It is one of the government offices that Nashvillians visit most often.

Tennessee Dems bash GOP over gerrymandering plan

Democrats say Republicans will disenfranchise Black voters and create election chaos.

Tennessee Democrats lambasted Republicans in the run-up to the special session to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redraw Tennessee&#x27;s U.S. House map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/01/tennessee-special-session-memphis-house-seat" data-vars-content-id="872bcb4e-0e8a-43b3-a931-5684d911be63" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Dems bash GOP over gerrymandering plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/01/tennessee-special-session-memphis-house-seat" target="_self">redraw Tennessee&#x27;s U.S. House map</a>, saying the supermajority was bowing to President Trump, marginalizing Black voters and creating election chaos.Why it matters: Tennessee appears to be on the brink of shifting from a congressional map that features eight Republicans and one Democrat to one that favors the GOP in all nine districts.<ul><li>Republicans have directly acknowledged that they want to split up the blue district in Memphis in order to gain ground in the midterms and maintain GOP control of Congress.</li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

Nashville picked to host Super Bowl in 2030

New poll tests Nashvillians' views of downtown safety and cleanliness

Scoop: Trump endorses Rep. Matt Van Epps' reelection campaign

Judge allows Tennessee map favoring Republicans to move ahead

Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress