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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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This year's Nashville marathon enjoys growth spurt

The marathon is growing after pandemic-era slump.

Things to Do

Runners will take over some of Nashville&#x27;s busiest streets this weekend as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the marathon returns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/24/nashville-marathon-25th-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="cc457ddc-a69a-4f93-92e1-d0da68b538d1" data-vars-headline="This year&#x27;s Nashville marathon enjoys growth spurt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/24/nashville-marathon-25th-anniversary" target="_self">the marathon returns</a> for the 26th year.Why it matters: The marathon is growing after pandemic-era slump in participation.

Scoop: House Majority PAC to spend big on unseating Ogles

The House Majority PAC is planning major spending in Nashville this election cycle.

Politics

The pro-Democrat House Majority PAC will pour an unprecedented amount of advertising dollars into the Nashville media market this year in hopes of flipping the U.S. House seat held by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican Rep. Andy Ogles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/22/ogles-faces-challengers-from-right-and-left-amid-money-woes" data-vars-content-id="ead44b84-0dc7-40f0-ab9f-f49f7ed14815" data-vars-headline="Scoop: House Majority PAC to spend big on unseating Ogles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/22/ogles-faces-challengers-from-right-and-left-amid-money-woes" target="_self">Republican Rep. Andy Ogles</a>.Why it matters: For decades, Nashville has been a political afterthought on the national stage, but all indications are that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Music City will be among the key battlegrounds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/13/democrats-strategy-win-south-ken-martin" data-vars-content-id="ead44b84-0dc7-40f0-ab9f-f49f7ed14815" data-vars-headline="Scoop: House Majority PAC to spend big on unseating Ogles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/13/democrats-strategy-win-south-ken-martin" target="_self">Music City will be among the key battlegrounds</a> for control of Congress this year.

Nashville judge throws out proposed petition to ban racing at fairgrounds

Order reverses the Charter Revision Commission's decision to allow an anti-auto racing measure on the ballot.

News

A Nashville judge on Friday rejected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a proposal to amend the Metro charter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/08/proposal-ban-auto-racing-nashville-fairgrounds" data-vars-content-id="1f1215e8-376f-4e01-9f2d-64860c3c928d" data-vars-headline="Nashville judge throws out proposed petition to ban racing at fairgrounds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/08/proposal-ban-auto-racing-nashville-fairgrounds" target="_self">a proposal to amend the Metro charter</a> to ban auto racing at the fairgrounds.Why it matters: The ruling by Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal is a victory for racing supporters who want Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell and Speedway Motorsports Inc. to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reach a deal to invest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/21/nashville-racetrack-debate-latest-developments" data-vars-content-id="1f1215e8-376f-4e01-9f2d-64860c3c928d" data-vars-headline="Nashville judge throws out proposed petition to ban racing at fairgrounds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/21/nashville-racetrack-debate-latest-developments" target="_self">reach a deal to invest</a> in the track and bring NASCAR races back to Nashville.

Nashville's Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option

Byron Stithem, the owner of Proper Saké, collaborated with his son on a new soda company.

Food and Drink

The brewing mind behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Proper Saké" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/15/proper-sake-rice-vice-bar-nashville" data-vars-content-id="69f5e15c-86f2-4a29-a496-4f08e582a19a" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/15/proper-sake-rice-vice-bar-nashville" target="_self">Proper Saké</a> is expanding his beverage business to include soda. And this time it&#x27;s a family affair.Driving the news: Byron Stithem and his 14-year-old son Booker Stithem partnered with Nashville&#x27;s kombucha kings the Walker Brothers, creating a new endeavor last year called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portal Cultured Soda" data-vars-click-url="https://portalsoda.com/" data-vars-content-id="69f5e15c-86f2-4a29-a496-4f08e582a19a" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s Portal Cultured Soda launches as a healthy soda option" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://portalsoda.com/" target="_blank">Portal Cultured Soda</a>.Why it matters: Portal is a healthy alternative to popular sodas. The Stithems use natural ingredients to create a cultured, probiotic soda.

Nashville gas prices are rising — here's how drivers are saving

Save up to $0.50 per gallon in Nashville.

Partners

Gas prices are up 31% nationwide since February — and for most Nashville drivers, there&#x27;s not really a solution other than to absorb the cost.<ul><li>But Flexcar members have a lifeline.</li></ul>What you need to know: The company known for its monthly car lease has a built-in Gas Saver benefit that helps members save cash at the pump.

Mayor O'Connell touts new buses, service expansion

It's the latest round of investments from Mayor Freddie O'Connell's Choose How You Move program.

Transit

WeGo added 12 new buses and increased the frequency of service on several routes in the latest round of investments from Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Choose How You Move program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/07/mayor-oconnell-rolls-out-first-choose-how-you-move-projects" data-vars-content-id="aa49587e-ec8a-4f1d-95c3-da4087dcc6a5" data-vars-headline="Mayor O&#x27;Connell touts new buses, service expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/07/mayor-oconnell-rolls-out-first-choose-how-you-move-projects" target="_self">Choose How You Move program</a>.Zoom in: The 12 new buses cost $8.1 million, which was approved by the WeGo board.<ul><li>WeGo is increasing the frequency of service on routes 3 (West End), 7 (Hillsboro) and 52 (Nolensville).</li><li>The city is also expanding weekend and evening service to Opry Mills and the Golden Valley area.</li></ul>

Metro in negotiations to purchase land for East Bank Boulevard

The new boulevard is the most ambitious new road project undertaken by the city in decades.

Negotiations are underway between Metro officials and private property owners to purchase land needed to build the important East Bank Boulevard.Why it matters: It&#x27;s rare for a major city to build an entirely new major roadway. The boulevard, which would run north and south along the river, is the most ambitious new road project undertaken by the city in decades.<ul><li>It&#x27;s also the lynchpin of transportation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the revitalized East Bank neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/22/east-bank-redevelopment-had-a-breakthrough-year-in-2025" data-vars-content-id="81daaaf9-0114-4d03-8788-266540d60dc3" data-vars-headline="Metro in negotiations to purchase land for East Bank Boulevard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/22/east-bank-redevelopment-had-a-breakthrough-year-in-2025" target="_self">the revitalized East Bank neighborhood</a>, which includes a new Titans stadium, a performing arts venue for TPAC and the surrounding mixed-use development by The Fallon Company.</li></ul>

Nashville's free bus ride program off to strong start

A pass lasts for three years and provides free rides on WeGo buses.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/11/05/oconnell-celebrates-referendum-anniversary-with-2-new-bus-projects" data-vars-content-id="52e94c8b-a526-4abc-b457-c93b43dd14d3" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s free bus ride program off to strong start" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/11/05/oconnell-celebrates-referendum-anniversary-with-2-new-bus-projects" target="_self">new program</a> providing free bus rides for economically disadvantaged people has signed up 6,200 Nashville residents about a month after launching.Why it matters: The Journey Pass program is one of the first projects under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Choose How You Move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/11/06/nashville-voters-back-transportation-funding-plan" data-vars-content-id="52e94c8b-a526-4abc-b457-c93b43dd14d3" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s free bus ride program off to strong start" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/11/06/nashville-voters-back-transportation-funding-plan" target="_self">Choose How You Move</a>, Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s transportation improvement plan funded by a half-cent sales tax.

O'Connell celebrates referendum anniversary with 2 new bus projects

The mayor is eager to show residents that their support for the transportation funding is paying off.

On the first anniversary of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Choose How You Move referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/11/06/nashville-voters-back-transportation-funding-plan" data-vars-content-id="ddfa701e-3cff-45f3-9a59-a2123c4bd114" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Connell celebrates referendum anniversary with 2 new bus projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/11/06/nashville-voters-back-transportation-funding-plan" target="_self">the Choose How You Move referendum</a>, Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell cut the ribbon on two projects funded by the half-cent increase in sales tax.Why it matters: The mayor is eager to show residents that their support for the transportation funding is paying off.

O'Connell hires top aide to oversee new transportation plan

Sabrina Sussman was a senior adviser to former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/07/analysis-forget-the-noise-oconnell-is-poised-for-reelection" data-vars-content-id="cd2e2484-bcc9-4f59-8169-3ab16bf03db4" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Connell hires top aide to oversee new transportation plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/07/analysis-forget-the-noise-oconnell-is-poised-for-reelection" target="_self">Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell</a> hired former federal official Sabrina Sussman to lead the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Choose How You Move transportation plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/07/mayor-oconnell-rolls-out-first-choose-how-you-move-projects" data-vars-content-id="cd2e2484-bcc9-4f59-8169-3ab16bf03db4" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Connell hires top aide to oversee new transportation plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/07/mayor-oconnell-rolls-out-first-choose-how-you-move-projects" target="_self">Choose How You Move transportation plan</a>.Why it matters: Sussman will oversee the $3.1 billion project to improve bus service, modernize traffic signals, build sidewalks and make Nashville&#x27;s streets safer for pedestrians.<ul><li>O&#x27;Connell picked Sussman following a national search for what was considered one of his most important hires.</li></ul>

Mayor O'Connell's transportation plan clears another legal hurdle — mostly

A Tennessee Appeals Court upheld the bulk of Mayor Freddie O'Connell's $3.1 billion transportation plan.

A Tennessee appeals court upheld the vast majority of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s $3.1 billion transportation plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/04/22/oconnell-unveils-nashville-transportation-plan" data-vars-content-id="45639eec-83e2-4435-a6bc-c367cbcf6ed7" data-vars-headline="Mayor O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s transportation plan clears another legal hurdle — mostly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/04/22/oconnell-unveils-nashville-transportation-plan" target="_self">Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s $3.1 billion transportation plan</a>, but peeled off a small portion of the program dedicated to buying land for affordable housing and parks.Why it matters: The ruling means O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s plan to improve bus service, build new sidewalks and modernize traffic signals in Nashville can continue.

Mayor O'Connell rolls out first Choose How You Move projects

Mayor O'Connell announces first wave of new transportation projects.

Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell announced the first 11 projects to begin his Choose How You Move transportation program.Why it matters: Voted overwhelmingly backed a sales tax increase to fund a $3.1 billion plan for increased bus service, more sidewalks and modernized traffic management.

Nashville leaders celebrate federal funds for road safety projects

Nashville leaders celebrate federal funds for transit safety projects.

Metro leaders joined a top official from the U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday to celebrate two federal grants <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to make transportation safer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/11/15/traffic-improvement-plan" data-vars-content-id="e7090242-3afd-4a1b-9ef5-03b10db4a1f5" data-vars-headline="Nashville leaders celebrate federal funds for road safety projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/11/15/traffic-improvement-plan" target="_self">to make transportation safer</a> on Nashville&#x27;s busiest roads.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Creating safer roads and curbing pedestrian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/02/26/pedestrian-cyclist-deaths-calls-for-change" data-vars-content-id="e7090242-3afd-4a1b-9ef5-03b10db4a1f5" data-vars-headline="Nashville leaders celebrate federal funds for road safety projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/02/26/pedestrian-cyclist-deaths-calls-for-change" target="_self">Creating safer roads and curbing pedestrian</a> deaths has been a top priority for Nashville for several years, and leaders say the city is at a tipping point.<ul><li>Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell said the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently approved $3.1 billion transportation plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/11/06/nashville-voters-back-transportation-funding-plan" data-vars-content-id="e7090242-3afd-4a1b-9ef5-03b10db4a1f5" data-vars-headline="Nashville leaders celebrate federal funds for road safety projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/11/06/nashville-voters-back-transportation-funding-plan" target="_self">recently approved $3.1 billion transportation plan</a> could open the door to more federal funding that went untapped before.</li></ul>

Metro wins lawsuit over legality of O'Connell's transportation plan

Metro wins lawsuit over legality of Mayor O'Connell's transportation plan

Chancellor Anne Martin sided with Metro in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a legal challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/08/transportation-referendum-lawsuit-goes-to-court" data-vars-content-id="b2759996-aada-4c28-aa79-a66d7f5a4b3c" data-vars-headline="Metro wins lawsuit over legality of O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s transportation plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/08/transportation-referendum-lawsuit-goes-to-court" target="_self">a legal challenge</a> to Nashville Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s $3.1 billion transportation initiative, swatting down arguments from opponents.Why it matters: A lawsuit brought by opponents threatened O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s plan before it ever got off the ground.<ul><li>It was filed after voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase at the ballot in November by a wide margin.</li></ul>

Transit 🚗

Nashville gas prices are rising — here's how drivers are saving

Mayor O'Connell touts new buses, service expansion

Metro in negotiations to purchase land for East Bank Boulevard

Nashville's free bus ride program off to strong start

O'Connell celebrates referendum anniversary with 2 new bus projects