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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 Lt. Gov. Randy McNally won't seek reelection

Republicans and Democrats alike praised McNally.

News

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally surprisingly announced Thursday he won&#x27;t seek reelection in November, which will bring his 48-year legislative career to a close.Why it matters: McNally, a pharmacist by trade, helped usher in a fiscally conservative approach to the state budget and served as a steadying voice for Tennessee politics.<ul><li>Republicans and Democrats alike complimented McNally for being courteous and professional.</li></ul>

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

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

Music

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.

Nashville's Fort Negley Park finally comes to fruition

At long last, a sacred Civil War site in Nashville is being converted to a park.

Nearly a decade after developers sought to turn the former Greer Stadium property into condos, retail and creative space, work is finally underway to preserve the area as a public park.Why it matters: The revitalized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fort Negley" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/18/nashville-to-commemorate-juneteenth-at-fort-negley" data-vars-content-id="57aa11aa-8bd7-4324-9c10-d628ae25837a" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s Fort Negley Park finally comes to fruition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/18/nashville-to-commemorate-juneteenth-at-fort-negley" target="_self">Fort Negley</a> serves as one of the most prominent recent victories for historic preservationists, who view the property as sacred land because of its Civil War history.

Banks still investing billions in branches despite years of closures

Brick-and-mortar branches are still a critical link between customers and banks.

Business

New bank branches opening in Nashville and around the country reflect a sea change that is reshaping the look and feel of modern banking.Why it matters: Cashing checks and other tasks that used to dominate branch business have become digital errands, but brick-and-mortar branches are still a critical link between customers and banks.

"Phantom," "Harry Potter" coming to Nashville during TPAC's 2026-27 season

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center revealed its 2026-27 lineup.

Things to Do

The Phantom is coming back to Music City.🎭 State of plays: The Tennessee Performing Arts Center announced its 2026-27 Broadway season Tuesday. The lineup features a slate of 10 shows, anchored by the classics &quot;The Phantom of the Opera&quot; and &quot;The Sound of Music.&quot;

Axios Nashville's holiday gift guide for shopping local

Using your purchasing power at locally owned stores helps small businesses.

Holiday shopping is off to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record start" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/black-friday-retail-sales" data-vars-content-id="28b88199-8d63-4bf3-a7cb-ede982a3590a" data-vars-headline="Axios Nashville&#x27;s holiday gift guide for shopping local" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/black-friday-retail-sales" target="_self">record start</a>, but there is still plenty of time to round out your gift list with the help of local merchants.Why it matters: Using your purchasing power at locally owned stores helps small businesses, and it has a hand in preserving Music City&#x27;s distinctive flavor.

615 Indie Live announces 2026 festival lineup

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The 615 Indie Live festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/31/an-inside-look-at-nashvilles-615-indie-live-festival" data-vars-content-id="ea15d443-fcfc-4b4a-9598-6f74c366857e" data-vars-headline="615 Indie Live announces 2026 festival lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/31/an-inside-look-at-nashvilles-615-indie-live-festival" target="_self">The 615 Indie Live festival</a>, celebrating Nashville&#x27;s independent music venues, will stage its second event on Feb. 7.Driving the news: The festival announced its initial lineup, which features artists ranging from Bluegrass to R&amp;B and everything in between.<ul><li>Nashville rock veteran Lily Hiatt, R&amp;B artist Charles &quot;Wigg&quot; Walker and the bombastic Bluegrass group Hogslop String Band are among the artists who will perform at this year&#x27;s 615 Indie Live.</li><li>Festival organizers partnered with local music scene insiders, including Bluegrass Nashville, LOVENOISE, DeeOhGee and Polychrome Ranch, to help curate next year&#x27;s event.</li></ul>

The Belcourt reaches new member milestone as it hits 100

Support for the celebrated theater has surged to record-setting levels.

At 100 years old, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Belcourt Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/03/the-belcourt-unveils-its-most-popular-films-of-2024" data-vars-content-id="247c0e56-deeb-4760-abaf-9f6add7357c0" data-vars-headline="The Belcourt reaches new member milestone as it hits 100" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/03/the-belcourt-unveils-its-most-popular-films-of-2024" target="_self">The Belcourt Theatre</a> is still scaling new heights.Why it matters: The Belcourt&#x27;s support has surged to record-setting levels since the pandemic.<ul><li>A sharp uptick in paid memberships is laying a foundation for the independent movie house&#x27;s second century.</li></ul>

New partnership in Nashville aims to help residents take care of codes violations

A public-private partnership will handle repairs for homeowners with cases in Environmental Court.

A creative partnership between city leaders and a Nashville nonprofit will help homeowners with cases in Environmental Court repair their properties.Why it matters: The program aims to assist elderly and economically disadvantaged residents, as well as military veterans, with fixing up their properties so they don&#x27;t face expensive fines and court cases.<ul><li>Once a property becomes distressed because of city codes violations and subsequent fines, it can pressure an owner to sell their home when they would rather not.</li></ul>

Halloween in Nashville: Choose your own adventure

Nashville offers something for all kinds of Halloween celebrations.

Ghosts and pumpkins are popping up in front lawns in Old Hickory, Richland-West End and Inglewood, and autumnal celebrations are spiking in every direction.The big picture: Nashville offers something for every style of Halloweener this year, and we want to help our readers choose their own adventures.

"The Outsiders" comes to Nashville with hometown star

The musical runs at TPAC through Oct. 19.

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center was the backdrop of Nolan White&#x27;s first memories of live theater, and this week he&#x27;s returning there as the star of a Broadway-caliber musical.State of play: White, a Nashville-area native who graduated from Ensworth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in 2024" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ensworth.com/post-details-dbpp/~board/alumni-news/post/nolan-white-24" data-vars-content-id="7ff1a832-6465-413a-8cab-72da19ae418d" data-vars-headline="&quot;The Outsiders&quot; comes to Nashville with hometown star" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ensworth.com/post-details-dbpp/~board/alumni-news/post/nolan-white-24" target="_blank">in 2024</a>, plays the lead role of Ponyboy Curtis in the touring production of &quot;The Outsiders.&quot; <ul><li>The show is at TPAC Tuesday through Sunday.</li></ul>

"9-1-1: Nashville" makes Music City the backdrop for drama, outlandish emergencies

The show filmed on-location, using real-life backdrops.

Music City is returning to primetime Thursday with the series premiere of &quot;9-1-1: Nashville,&quot; a drama featuring first responders contending with soapy drama and over-the-top emergencies.Why it matters: Nashville&#x27;s previous turn in a network drama (the country-tinged &quot;Nashville&quot;) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="supercharged city tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/08/23/nashville-reunion-tour-charles-esten-clare-bowen-ryman-auditorium" data-vars-content-id="b790643b-44b1-46af-97d5-69e5e127df8d" data-vars-headline="&quot;9-1-1: Nashville&quot; makes Music City the backdrop for drama, outlandish emergencies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/08/23/nashville-reunion-tour-charles-esten-clare-bowen-ryman-auditorium" target="_self">supercharged city tourism</a>. State and local officials hope the new show will be similarly successful.

Predators lean into music-themed promotions for new season

Nashville Predators offer unique home game promotions as puck drops on 2025-26 season

Sports

If you&#x27;re trying to decide which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville Predators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/01/centennial-sportsplex-ice-rink-upgrades" data-vars-content-id="08f3efa0-7d97-413f-8061-9b6ba329f0a0" data-vars-headline="Predators lean into music-themed promotions for new season" 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/centennial-sportsplex-ice-rink-upgrades" target="_self">Nashville Predators</a> home game to attend this season, maybe a bobblehead of country music star Dierks Bentley could be the deciding factor.Why it matters: The Predators lean into being a hockey team in Music City. The team lined up a series of music-themed promotions for its home games this season, including bobbleheads of Nashville entertainers.<ul><li>The Preds open the season at home Thursday night against Columbus. Players will participate in the pregame &quot;gold walk&quot; and every fan will receive an opening game T-shirt.</li></ul>Driving the news: In addition to Bentley, there will also be bobblehead giveaways of country artist Luke Bryan and comedian Nate Bargatze. In a hockey-country music mashup, country star Carrie Underwood and her husband, former Predators player Mike Fisher, will also be featured in a bobblehead giveaway.<ul><li>Beyond bobbleheads, the team is also bringing back its music heritage nights, which celebrate the &quot;diverse musical and cultural influences that make Nashville unique.&quot;</li><li>Early-arriving fans will receive a collectible poster on each themed night. Hispanic musical heritage will be Oct. 25, Asian Pacific Islander musical heritage is Dec. 9 and Black music heritage will take place Jan. 20.</li></ul>The intrigue: In an effort to preserve the raucous atmosphere Bridgestone Arena is known for, the Predators are restricting ticket sales to fans who reside in the Nashville television viewing area for 11 &quot;gold games.&quot;<ul><li>The team offers ticket packages and future single-game sales to Nashville area fans to ensure the arena is heavy on Predators fans and not aggravating visitors from, say Chicago, for the Jan. 10 game against the Blackhawks.</li></ul><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go deeper for the full list of Predators home game promotions, including the &quot;gold games.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/nashville-predators-announce-single-game-on-sale-and-theme-nights-for-2025-26-season-2025-09-04" data-vars-content-id="08f3efa0-7d97-413f-8061-9b6ba329f0a0" data-vars-headline="Predators lean into music-themed promotions for new season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/nashville-predators-announce-single-game-on-sale-and-theme-nights-for-2025-26-season-2025-09-04" target="_blank">Go deeper for the full list of Predators home game promotions, including the &quot;gold games.&quot;</a>

Alan Jackson to play his final show at Nissan Stadium in 2026

Nissan Stadium hosts Alan Jackson's final performance.

Country music Hall of Famer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alan Jackson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/20/alan-jackson-announces-nashville-retirement-show" data-vars-content-id="86f8a661-be10-4520-af05-1020da2dd2eb" data-vars-headline="Alan Jackson to play his final show at Nissan Stadium in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/20/alan-jackson-announces-nashville-retirement-show" target="_self">Alan Jackson</a> will make his final curtain call at Nissan Stadium, where he will headline a concert featuring a star-packed supporting cast.Why it matters: Jackson&#x27;s last concert will cap a career spanning four decades and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="35 chart-topping songs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/Site/inductee?entry_id=789" data-vars-content-id="86f8a661-be10-4520-af05-1020da2dd2eb" data-vars-headline="Alan Jackson to play his final show at Nissan Stadium in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/Site/inductee?entry_id=789" target="_blank">35 chart-topping songs</a>.

Things to Do 🗓

"Phantom," "Harry Potter" coming to Nashville during TPAC's 2026-27 season

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Nashville's 615 Indie Live festival unveils final lineup

Booker finalist brings story to Nashville