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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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Sources: Sphere Entertainment considers venue in Nashville

Multiple sources tell Axios that Sphere reps have held talks with local executives.

News

Representatives of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/08/sphere-las-vegas-venue-shows" data-vars-content-id="bfc72032-c326-4d87-a619-45e3b1e43236" data-vars-headline="Sources: Sphere Entertainment considers venue in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/08/sphere-las-vegas-venue-shows" target="_self">the Sphere</a> music venue in Las Vegas and local business people have discussed the possibility of bringing a smaller version of the venue to Nashville.Why it matters: Nashville would gain a unique concert hall that is known for hosting the world&#x27;s most popular artists for extended residencies — something the local live music ecosystem currently lacks.

Starbucks to establish corporate office in Nashville this year

Starbucks said the Nashville office would anchor its expansion plans.

Business

Starbucks announced Tuesday that it would open a new corporate hub this year in Nashville.Why it matters: The coffee giant said the corporate operations office in Nashville would anchor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upcoming expansion plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/starbucks-menu-update-2026-new-drinks-food" data-vars-content-id="29774c6e-47bf-456d-a821-2fa596eaa814" data-vars-headline="Starbucks to establish corporate office in Nashville this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/starbucks-menu-update-2026-new-drinks-food" target="_self">upcoming expansion plans</a>.

Nashville gas prices surge after Iran strikes

In December, local prices hit a low point of $2.58.

Nashville <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/03/09/nashville-gas-prices-cool-market-stabilizes" data-vars-content-id="6ddc9dc1-6ffd-4747-8781-07e23ab12ba2" data-vars-headline="Nashville gas prices surge after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/03/09/nashville-gas-prices-cool-market-stabilizes" target="_self">gas prices</a> are rocketing up following the U.S. and Israel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strikes on Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" data-vars-content-id="6ddc9dc1-6ffd-4747-8781-07e23ab12ba2" data-vars-headline="Nashville gas prices surge after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" target="_self">strikes on Iran</a> and oil market fears of extended geopolitical upheaval.Why it matters: The increases have an immediate effect on motorists&#x27; pocketbooks and their mood about the economy.

Tennessee Republicans target same-sex marriage, LGBTQ+ job protections

Some measures have already cleared significant hurdles.

Politics

Tennessee Republicans have worked for years to advance policies <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="targeting the LGBTQ+ community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/03/03/tennessee-bills-targeting-lgbtq-advance" data-vars-content-id="3cdfb8f4-77a9-4ecf-8464-79a6e94172de" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Republicans target same-sex marriage, LGBTQ+ job protections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/03/03/tennessee-bills-targeting-lgbtq-advance" target="_self">targeting the LGBTQ+ community</a>, and 2026 is no exception.Why it matters: Conservative lawmakers are pushing bills this year that would undermine same-sex marriages, scale back LGBTQ+ employment protections and further restrict Pride celebrations.<ul><li>Some of those measures have already cleared significant hurdles in the legislature.</li></ul>

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>

Transportation referendum lawsuit goes to court

A lawsuit seeks to throw out Metro's $3.1 billion transportation funding plan.

A Nashville judge will hear arguments Wednesday morning in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s transportation funding plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/11/06/nashville-voters-back-transportation-funding-plan" data-vars-content-id="7263b5ad-9788-464f-8384-cb5af9fef40c" data-vars-headline="Transportation referendum lawsuit goes to court" 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">city&#x27;s transportation funding plan</a>.Why it matters: Voters overwhelmingly passed a half-cent sales-tax increase to pay for the $3.1 billion plan, but opponents say Metro did not follow the state law that made the dedicated funding possible.

Transit 🚗

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

O'Connell hires top aide to oversee new transportation plan