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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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Sen. Marsha Blackburn could appoint her own replacement in the Senate

If Marsha Blackburn wins the Tennessee governor's race, she wants to appoint her own Senate replacement.tktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktkktktktktk

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/07/tennessee-governor-marsha-blackburn-jerri-green" data-vars-content-id="b7f73d62-7165-4a2c-9d4c-97606c9388f6" data-vars-headline="Sen. Marsha Blackburn could appoint her own replacement in the Senate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/07/tennessee-governor-marsha-blackburn-jerri-green" target="_self">U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn</a> plans to appoint her successor to the Senate if she wins the Tennessee governor&#x27;s race in November.Why it matters: The unusual political dynamic adds a layer of intrigue to the governor&#x27;s race.

Alan Jackson remembers 9/11 anthem "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)"

Jackson captured the sadness and vulnerability of the period after 9/11.

Music

In the weeks after Sept. 11, 2001, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alan Jackson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/30/alan-jacksons-concert-was-the-summers-biggest-draw-for-downtown-hotels" data-vars-content-id="efc037a4-1dce-4e17-abf6-e1edbe9a4df0" data-vars-headline="Alan Jackson remembers 9/11 anthem &quot;Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/30/alan-jacksons-concert-was-the-summers-biggest-draw-for-downtown-hotels" target="_self">Alan Jackson</a>, like many Americans, was restless. He woke before dawn one day in October with lyrics and a melody that captured the heart-rending aftermath of the terrorist attacks.<ul><li>The song, which he finished the same day, would become an enduring reminder of a period of grief and resilience that reshaped American life.</li></ul>The latest: Twenty-five years later, on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Jackson is releasing a new version of &quot;Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).&quot;

Home health care jobs expected to skyrocket amid "critical" need in Tennessee

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a surge of new home health and personal care aide jobs.

News

Jobs in health care and social assistance are projected to see the most growth over the next decade, according to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Why it matters: The explosive growth in these sectors gels with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urgent need for home health care workers in Tennessee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/24/tennessee-elder-care-home-care-workers" data-vars-content-id="5c6167a2-0daa-4195-8269-f66bc4ef8068" data-vars-headline="Home health care jobs expected to skyrocket amid &quot;critical&quot; need in Tennessee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/24/tennessee-elder-care-home-care-workers" target="_self">urgent need for home health care workers in Tennessee</a> as the population continues to age.

Lyft expands its Waymo robotaxi partnership in Nashville

Nashville is the first city where riders can call a Waymo on the Lyft app.

Starting this week, Lyft riders in Nashville can be matched with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo robotaxi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/25/waymo-expansion-robotaxis-nashville" data-vars-content-id="50942e78-8bd6-4c10-87e8-19caae19d149" data-vars-headline="Lyft expands its Waymo robotaxi partnership in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/06/25/waymo-expansion-robotaxis-nashville" target="_self">Waymo robotaxi</a> as they crisscross the city.Why it matters: If you use the Lyft app to catch a ride to concerts downtown, restaurants in Germantown or coffee shops in East Nashville, you might automatically get a Waymo that arrives empty and shuttles you to your destination without a driver.<ul><li>Nashville is the testing ground for the Waymo-Lyft partnership — the first city where riders can call a Waymo on the Lyft app.</li></ul>

Right-turn ban legislation tweaked to take a more targeted approach

New tweaks to right-turn ban proposal focus on downtown, school zones, transit corridors.

Right turns would be banned at red lights in downtown, in school zones and on busy transit corridors under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an amended plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/30/council-proposal-ban-right-turns-at-red-lights" data-vars-content-id="4a83bf8c-6250-4983-ae7e-4c62df7e0749" data-vars-headline="Right-turn ban legislation tweaked to take a more targeted approach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/30/council-proposal-ban-right-turns-at-red-lights" target="_self">an amended plan</a> from Metro Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda.Why it matters: Sepulveda plans to tweak her legislation, which initially proposed a wider-reaching ban on right turns.

Metro expands eligibility for free bus ride program

Nearly 12,500 people have signed up for Journey Pass so far, representing 2.2 million bus rides.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Journey Pass," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/14/nashville-hits-10-000-free-bus-passes" data-vars-content-id="bfae4ceb-45b8-4035-b24a-c95798a621f1" data-vars-headline="Metro expands eligibility for free bus ride program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/14/nashville-hits-10-000-free-bus-passes" target="_self">Journey Pass,</a> which provides free bus passes to economically disadvantaged residents, is expanding who&#x27;s eligible for the program.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Journey Pass initiative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/05/nashville-free-bus-ride-program-registration" data-vars-content-id="bfae4ceb-45b8-4035-b24a-c95798a621f1" data-vars-headline="Metro expands eligibility for free bus ride program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/05/nashville-free-bus-ride-program-registration" target="_self">The Journey Pass initiative</a> is funded with tax dollars from the Choose How You Move transportation campaign.

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.

Transit 🚗

Right-turn ban legislation tweaked to take a more targeted approach

Metro expands eligibility for free bus ride program

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