Nashville

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Nashville with Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

Axios Nashville

Standard

Axios Nashville Partners

Nashville Alerts

Alert

Nashville Members

Membership

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Nashville. Written by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

Axios Nashville Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

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.

Tennessee is renaming an I-40 bridge for President Trump

It's a local example of a broader effort by Republicans to honor Trump while he's still in office.

Politics

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and a slate of elected officials will attend a ceremony in East Tennessee on Thursday to rename a bridge on Interstate 40 in honor of President Trump.Why it matters: The newly named bridge is a local example of a broader effort <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="by Republicans to honor Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/trump-name-kennedy-center-photos" data-vars-content-id="dceec33e-a76e-4889-a885-edcb9e95c8be" data-vars-headline="Tennessee is renaming an I-40 bridge for President Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/trump-name-kennedy-center-photos" target="_self">by Republicans to honor Trump</a> while he&#x27;s still in office.<ul><li>The bridge on I-40 near Douglas Lake in Dandridge was renamed by the legislature last year.</li></ul>State of play: In addition to Bessent, members of the Trump family, Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and state Rep. Jeremy Faison are expected to attend.Flashback: Lawmakers kicked the tires last year on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renaming the Nashville airport for Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/17/nashville-airport-renamed-donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="dceec33e-a76e-4889-a885-edcb9e95c8be" data-vars-headline="Tennessee is renaming an I-40 bridge for President Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/17/nashville-airport-renamed-donald-trump" target="_self">renaming the Nashville airport for Trump</a>.

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

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

<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.

Indoor activities for Nashvillians looking to escape the rain

A flood watch for Middle Tennessee is in effect through Sunday.

Things to Do

You might have noticed a recurring theme at the top of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Nashville newsletters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-nashville" data-vars-content-id="93ea1b57-92a8-4a22-b6d9-d80e9bf3ac51" data-vars-headline="Indoor activities for Nashvillians looking to escape the rain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-nashville" target="_self">Axios Nashville newsletters</a> lately: rain.Why it matters: Nashville has been inundated with summer showers and thunderstorms over the last couple of weeks. That&#x27;s had benefits after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an extended period of drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/05/nashville-rain-offers-limited-drought-relief" data-vars-content-id="93ea1b57-92a8-4a22-b6d9-d80e9bf3ac51" data-vars-headline="Indoor activities for Nashvillians looking to escape the rain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/05/nashville-rain-offers-limited-drought-relief" target="_self">an extended period of drought</a>, but it is also raising some safety concerns.

Dolly Parton reveals Broadway dates for autobiographical musical

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>

How Nashville is embracing another round of World Cup mania

Several events are planned Wednesday as Team USA enters the knockout round.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup mania" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/01/bay-area-2026-world-cup-plans" data-vars-content-id="0cb84e7e-7103-46de-b0a0-e33b1ca0d20c" data-vars-headline="How Nashville is embracing another round of World Cup mania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/01/bay-area-2026-world-cup-plans" target="_self">World Cup mania</a> remains at a fever pitch, and Nashville is not immune.The latest: Several events are planned Wednesday as Team USA enters the knockout round.

Homegrown musical gives young performers a big-league debut at TPAC

"One Step at a Time" features a cast of 27 performers.

An original musical developed in Nashville is debuting this week at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tennessee Performing Arts Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/24/phantom-harry-potter-nashville-tpac-2026-27-season" data-vars-content-id="d7582ab8-54c7-4b43-bd18-569afbb28599" data-vars-headline="Homegrown musical gives young performers a big-league debut at TPAC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/24/phantom-harry-potter-nashville-tpac-2026-27-season" target="_self">Tennessee Performing Arts Center</a>, complete with a cast of local talent.Why it matters: &quot;One Step at a Time,&quot; which opens its two-night run at TPAC on Tuesday, is giving many of its youngest cast members their first experience with a professional, paying stage production.

Nashville Pride returns after turbulent year, loss of corporate sponsors

The parade and festival take place Saturday.

Nashville Pride will be back this weekend after a tumultuous year that pushed organizers to launch an emergency fundraiser to stay afloat.Why it matters: After several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="corporate sponsors pulled their funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/20/nashville-pride-budget-corporate-sponsors" data-vars-content-id="7d8027b7-909c-418c-9033-152775dcbcce" data-vars-headline="Nashville Pride returns after turbulent year, loss of corporate sponsors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/20/nashville-pride-budget-corporate-sponsors" target="_self">corporate sponsors pulled their funding</a> in 2025, organizers were initially unsure if they&#x27;d be able to host an LGBTQ+ Pride festival this year.<ul><li>The reimagined parade and festival taking place Saturday was largely bankrolled by individual donations to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Save Nashville Pride.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/07/nashville-pride-festival-planning-fundraiser" data-vars-content-id="7d8027b7-909c-418c-9033-152775dcbcce" data-vars-headline="Nashville Pride returns after turbulent year, loss of corporate sponsors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/07/nashville-pride-festival-planning-fundraiser" target="_self">&quot;Save Nashville Pride.&quot;</a></li></ul>

Sprawling July 4th concert lineup includes All-American Rejects, Ne-Yo, Sublime

The cross-genre lineup will anchor a three-hour primetime TV special

Nashville is beefing up its annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July 4th concert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/01/guide-2026-summer-events-nashville" data-vars-content-id="5efbeaaa-a214-4db4-95a9-5558751a8717" data-vars-headline="Sprawling July 4th concert lineup includes All-American Rejects, Ne-Yo, Sublime" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/01/guide-2026-summer-events-nashville" target="_self">July 4th concert</a> with a wide-ranging roster that includes The All-American Rejects, Boyz II Men, Clint Black, Lauren Daigle, Ne-Yo, Nick Jonas and Sublime.Why it matters: The cross-genre lineup will anchor a three-hour primetime TV special airing live from Music City.

Team Japan calls Nashville home during World Cup

Japan's national soccer team will reside and train in Nashville for the World Cup tournament.

Japan will provide Nashville soccer fans with a second hometown team, of sorts, during the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament.The big picture: Japan selected Nashville SC&#x27;s training center in Antioch to be its base camp and practice facility.<ul><li>Hosting Japan is a good fit for Nashville, because state and city leaders have worked to develop tourism and economic development ties with the country.</li></ul>

The ultimate guide to Nashville's independent bookstores

Independent bookstores are booming in Music City.

Nashville has a bevy of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="community events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/01/guide-2026-summer-events-nashville" data-vars-content-id="05bc23df-b0c6-44c5-ba62-91750fd4d6d1" data-vars-headline="The ultimate guide to Nashville&#x27;s independent bookstores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/01/guide-2026-summer-events-nashville" target="_self">community events</a> this summer. But for the introverts among us, a bookstore might be more inviting.<ul><li>Plus: They&#x27;re usually air-conditioned.</li></ul>Why it matters: Independent bookstores are booming in Music City, offering lots of options depending on your mood and interests.<ul><li>You can pick up used books at Rhino Booksellers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="McKay&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/28/mckays-bookstore-offers-big-rewards-for-big-road-trip" data-vars-content-id="05bc23df-b0c6-44c5-ba62-91750fd4d6d1" data-vars-headline="The ultimate guide to Nashville&#x27;s independent bookstores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/28/mckays-bookstore-offers-big-rewards-for-big-road-trip" target="_self">McKay&#x27;s</a>. But if it&#x27;s a brand-new book you&#x27;re after, we have some local shop recommendations.</li></ul>

Book recommendations for Nashville house-hunters, beach readers and more

It might not be June 21, but summer is here, and so is peak reading season.The big picture: Whether you&#x27;re slathered in sunscreen at the beach or sitting near an oscillating fan indoors, there&#x27;s a book out there that perfectly fits your situation.<ul><li>Here are some stories we can vouch for:</li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

Indoor activities for Nashvillians looking to escape the rain

Dolly Parton reveals Broadway dates for autobiographical musical

Nashville draws 400,000 for July 4 show

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

How Nashville is embracing another round of World Cup mania