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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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Former President Jimmy Carter makes rare public appearance ahead of birthday

Politics & Policy

Pressure grows on Bob Menendez to resign from Senate after indictment

UAW strike scrambles political allegiances

Christie says McCarthy "doing the very best he can," as House speaker

Biden approval rating flashes warnings in two new polls

How a people-loving nerd became Nashville's mayor

Over two decades, Freddie O'Connell went from being a political footnote to a beacon of hope for Nashville progressives

Election

Map: When and where to see peak fall foliage

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places in the country to admire fall foliage.

Things to Do

The celebrity guide to Nashville

Where Hollywood types like to go in Nashville.

Komodo dragons take center stage at Nashville Zoo

The giant lizards are the new featured attraction at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.

Work-from-home trend continues in Nashville

Nearly 1 in 5 Nashville workers does their jobs remotely.

Business

Nearly 1 in 5 Nashville area workers did their jobs from home in 2022, according to new Census figures released last week.Why it matters: Although it was spurred out of necessity by the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home is proving to be more than a fad.

Metro picks firm to lead East Bank development

The East Bank has been underutilized for decades.

The company selected to lead construction of a new East Bank neighborhood has proposed transforming the industrial area by adding more than 1,000 affordable housing units, building four hotels and holding space for a new Tennessee Performing Arts Center.What&#x27;s happening: Metro tapped Boston-based The Fallon Company on Tuesday to serve as the city&#x27;s master developer of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Bank" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/08/23/nashville-east-bank-redevelopment-plan-renderings" data-vars-content-id="9dca63a3-6dbd-4f7d-ad72-ca7d174f4abc" data-vars-headline="Metro picks firm to lead East Bank development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/08/23/nashville-east-bank-redevelopment-plan-renderings" target="_self">East Bank</a> of the Cumberland River.

Tampa Bay Rays squash speculation they might relocate to Nashville

The Tampa Bay Rays reportedly have a deal to build a new stadium.

Sports

The Tampa Bay Rays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reportedly have a deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2023/09/18/stadium-gas-plant-district-2028-tropicana-field-stuart-sternberg/" data-vars-content-id="93b1694a-857b-48ac-b6f9-3411bd32f97b" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay Rays squash speculation they might relocate to Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2023/09/18/stadium-gas-plant-district-2028-tropicana-field-stuart-sternberg/" target="_blank">reportedly have a deal</a> in place to build a new stadium, slamming the door on speculation the team could relocate to Nashville.<ul><li>The news could, however, move Major League Baseball one step closer to expansion.</li></ul>

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MARCH 30: A general view during a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers on Opening Day at Tropicana Field on March 30, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. 

Tennessee Titans are underdogs against Saints in opening game

The Titans kick off their season in New Orleans on Sunday.

The Titans kick off their season against the Saints on Sunday in New Orleans.Why it matters: After last year&#x27;s frustrating, injury-plagued season ended without a playoff berth, the Titans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enter the new campaign as underdogs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/08/31/titans-roster-is-loaded-with-underdogs" data-vars-content-id="942e82a3-3d7a-411a-a0d2-f1bef4fff46b" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Titans are underdogs against Saints in opening game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/08/31/titans-roster-is-loaded-with-underdogs" target="_self">enter the new campaign as underdogs</a>.<ul><li>They have the 26th-best odds (out of 32 teams) to win the Super Bowl.</li></ul>

Photo illustration of Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel with blue and white stripes trailing behind him.

The Pharmacy brings back classic burgers from closed Nashville restaurants

The Pharmacy is reviving the Rotier's burger for September.

Food and Drink

If you&#x27;ve lived in Nashville for a while, you can probably close your eyes and conjure up the taste of the iconic burger at Rotier&#x27;s.Flashback: The hole-in-the-wall Elliston Place restaurant served juicy, hand-patted cheeseburgers on thick hunks of French bread. The family-run business <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed in 2021" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/dining/2021/02/05/rotiers-close-nashville-after-nearly-75-years-cheeseburgers/5864885002/" data-vars-content-id="bcc9753d-92cd-4725-8122-dba19776ea98" data-vars-headline="The Pharmacy brings back classic burgers from closed Nashville restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/dining/2021/02/05/rotiers-close-nashville-after-nearly-75-years-cheeseburgers/5864885002/" target="_blank">closed in 2021</a> after 75 years when new building owners wouldn&#x27;t renew their lease.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The " data-vars-click-url="https://usw2.nyl.as/t1/305/7q640rg6i256uuftutpgzyyyf/3/5990b5dd4cc2603fd5edbd94cd7b4153140a812c6abf8ae779347c3c8e5a80bb" data-vars-content-id="bcc9753d-92cd-4725-8122-dba19776ea98" data-vars-headline="The Pharmacy brings back classic burgers from closed Nashville restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://usw2.nyl.as/t1/305/7q640rg6i256uuftutpgzyyyf/3/5990b5dd4cc2603fd5edbd94cd7b4153140a812c6abf8ae779347c3c8e5a80bb" target="_blank">The </a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pharmacy" data-vars-click-url="https://usw2.nyl.as/t1/305/7q640rg6i256uuftutpgzyyyf/4/238ff21995ab94e2bbde08c33e7d41737e26d3dcfa56994d586a16ec560eaf59" data-vars-content-id="bcc9753d-92cd-4725-8122-dba19776ea98" data-vars-headline="The Pharmacy brings back classic burgers from closed Nashville restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://usw2.nyl.as/t1/305/7q640rg6i256uuftutpgzyyyf/4/238ff21995ab94e2bbde08c33e7d41737e26d3dcfa56994d586a16ec560eaf59" target="_blank">Pharmacy</a> is bringing the Rotier&#x27;s burger back for the month of September as part of a new special celebrating Nashville&#x27;s long-lost gems.<ul><li>The new series, called the &quot;Nashville Burger Time Machine,&quot; will revisit classic burgers from closed restaurants every month through February.</li></ul>

Arcade restaurant Manny's House of Pizza closes in Nashville

Manny's House of Pizza was a go-to lunch spot for 39 years.

Another slice of the city&#x27;s heart is gone.<ul><li>Manny&#x27;s House of Pizza, a go-to downtown lunch spot for 39 years, announced Monday that it was closing, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="effective immediately" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newschannel5.com/news/mannys-house-of-pizza-announces-itll-be-closing-its-doors-for-good" data-vars-content-id="8107e9bb-9211-4532-8937-ece689c9b0a0" data-vars-headline="Arcade restaurant Manny&#x27;s House of Pizza closes in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newschannel5.com/news/mannys-house-of-pizza-announces-itll-be-closing-its-doors-for-good" target="_blank">effective immediately</a>.</li></ul>

Lainey Wilson hauls in nine CMA Award nominations

Folk-rock legend Tracy Chapman also got a nod.

Music

Lainey Wilson further cemented herself as one of country music&#x27;s elite artists Thursday with the announcement that she is nominated for nine CMA Awards.<ul><li>That&#x27;s more than any other artist, and three more than the six nominations she got <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/09/08/cma-awards-nominations-lainey-wilson-morgan-wallen" data-vars-content-id="051a1a50-c63b-4e02-932f-91bdc014278e" data-vars-headline="Lainey Wilson hauls in nine CMA Award nominations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/09/08/cma-awards-nominations-lainey-wilson-morgan-wallen" target="_self">last year</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: Wilson has already proven to be a critical and commercial success.

Lainey Wilson performs during Lollapalooza at Grant Park on August 3, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

Remembering Jimmy Buffett, who got his musical start in Nashville

Buffett's family said he died peacefully surrounded by family members, friends, his music and his dogs.

News

Iconic singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who carved out a one-of-a-kind corner on the pop music landscape, melding escapist singalongs into a beach-themed business empire, died Friday at age 76.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="His family said" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/jimmybuffett/status/1697853740752179630?s=20" data-vars-content-id="a6e98104-f18d-4236-ac30-0e700f3cfb1d" data-vars-headline="Remembering Jimmy Buffett, who got his musical start in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/jimmybuffett/status/1697853740752179630?s=20" target="_blank">His family said</a> Buffett died peacefully surrounded by family members, friends, his music and his dogs.</li></ul>

An autumnal event guide

Break out your cardigans. It's time to plan for another autumn in Nashville.

Saturday marks the fall equinox, the official beginning of the coziest season.<ul><li>Break out your cardigans. It&#x27;s time to plan for another autumn in Nashville.</li></ul>

Nashville fall coffee guide 2023: Push past the pumpkin spice

A key fall tradition for many of the basic bros out there is the pumpkin spice latte.<ul><li>We assure you there are more options: Nate and Adam spent the better part of Thursday exploring the tasty fall-themed drinks popping up on Nashville coffee shop menus.</li></ul>Zoom in: Let&#x27;s start at Beck&#x27;s Farmhouse Coffee in Joelton, an Axios Nashville favorite.<ul><li>Nate ordered the Happy Camper, an impossibly delicious s&#x27;mores latte served with the coffee shop&#x27;s homemade marshmallow syrup and chocolate. The latte is topped with graham cracker crumbles and whipped cream.</li><li>Beck&#x27;s also makes a hazelnut and clove latte and, yes, a pumpkin spice latte on its fall menu.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Nate ventured into the bowels of East Nashville with a visit to Weak Coffee Company, located inside a drum shop off of Riverside Drive. Its ever-changing menu is anchored by creative takes on lattes.<ul><li>Weak Coffee&#x27;s fall drink is called School Supplies. It&#x27;s a latte made with molasses, orange, clove and fresh ginger.</li><li>That&#x27;s two fall drinks that featured clove, perhaps signaling an heir to pumpkin spice&#x27;s autumnal throne.</li></ul>Adam stopped by 8th &amp; Roast for the seasonal We Were in Paris latte, which has roasted hazelnut, cinnamon and brown sugar simple syrup. It was even better when he popped off the to-go lid to smell the warm cinnamon sprinkled on top.<ul><li>Other 8th &amp; Roast <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fall menu items" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwz8YXUuxVT/" data-vars-content-id="ed4cb92d-d630-4f3c-ac7b-275c9f264bd2" data-vars-headline="Nashville fall coffee guide 2023: Push past the pumpkin spice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwz8YXUuxVT/" target="_blank">fall menu items</a> evoke an apple pie, pumpkin pie and rich butter pecan.</li></ul>Check out last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fall coffee guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/09/30/nashville-tn-fall-coffee-drinks" data-vars-content-id="ed4cb92d-d630-4f3c-ac7b-275c9f264bd2" data-vars-headline="Nashville fall coffee guide 2023: Push past the pumpkin spice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/09/30/nashville-tn-fall-coffee-drinks" target="_self">fall coffee guide</a> for more options

Tennessee Democrats back Biden's gun violence office

The Biden administration is forming a new federal office focusing on gun violence prevention.

Three Tennessee lawmakers will be on hand Friday for President Biden&#x27;s official announcement about forming a new federal office focusing on gun violence prevention.Details: State Sen. Raumesh Akbari, state Rep. Karen Camper and state Rep. Harold Love will attend the announcement, according to a press release from Senate Democrats.

TSU president weighs in on funding shortfall

The Biden administration says it found a "severe financial gap" in state funding for TSU over the last 30 years.

Tennessee State University president <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Glenda Glover" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/08/15/tsu-president-glenda-glover-to-retire-2024" data-vars-content-id="88ff0de5-5b53-4fb6-9827-77571c6d227d" data-vars-headline="TSU president weighs in on funding shortfall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/08/15/tsu-president-glenda-glover-to-retire-2024" target="_self">Glenda Glover</a> is calling on the state to &quot;do what&#x27;s right&quot; by addressing a $2.1 billion shortfall in funding for the institution that the Biden administration identified.Driving the news: Top officials with the federal departments of Education and Agriculture sent a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="letter" data-vars-click-url="https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/files/2023/09/Secretary-letter-1890.pdf" data-vars-content-id="88ff0de5-5b53-4fb6-9827-77571c6d227d" data-vars-headline="TSU president weighs in on funding shortfall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/files/2023/09/Secretary-letter-1890.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a> to Gov. Bill Lee this week that found the &quot;severe financial gap&quot; in state funding for TSU over the last 30 years.

Maren Morris feels "very distanced" from country music

The decorated country singer reflects on taking a "step back" from the Music Row ecosystem.

Decorated country singer Maren Morris says she needs a break from the genre.<ul><li>In an interview <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with the Los Angeles Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-09-15/maren-morris-the-bridge-nashville-country-music-leaving" data-vars-content-id="9d85d938-36b2-47af-a7e2-43899b823b3a" data-vars-headline="Maren Morris feels &quot;very distanced&quot; from country music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-09-15/maren-morris-the-bridge-nashville-country-music-leaving" target="_blank">with the Los Angeles Times</a> this month, Morris reflected on taking a &quot;step back&quot; from the Music Row ecosystem.</li></ul>Flashback: Last year, Morris floated the idea of not attending the CMA Awards following a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dispute" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/20/entertainment/maren-morris-cmas-country-music-culture/index.html" data-vars-content-id="9d85d938-36b2-47af-a7e2-43899b823b3a" data-vars-headline="Maren Morris feels &quot;very distanced&quot; from country music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/20/entertainment/maren-morris-cmas-country-music-culture/index.html" target="_blank">dispute</a> with Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany.

Maren Morris performs onstage during Day 1 of the 2022 Stagecoach Festival at the Empire Polo Field on April 29, 2022 in Indio, California.

Axios Nashville looks back on two years of newsletters

Nashville's bright spots are our city's burger joints.

Two years ago Wednesday, we sent our first-ever Axios Nashville newsletter.Why it matters: Since then, we&#x27;ve written relentlessly about a city at a crossroads.<ul><li>It&#x27;s been a tumultuous journey, but time and time again, we have found bright spots from a surprising source: our city&#x27;s burger joints.</li></ul>

Illustration of the Axios logo as a gold balloon. 

Nashville median salaries are dropping as cost of living rises

Statewide, the median income rose ever-so-slightly.

The median household income across the Nashville metro area has fallen since the onset of the pandemic, per new Census Bureau data.Why it matters: This decline in household income happened at the same time the cost of living rose with inflation.

Vanderbilt calls U.S. News ranking flawed

The university stayed in the top 20 but dropped five spots.

Vanderbilt University remains the state&#x27;s highest-ranked college in the latest list released by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News and World Report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/us-news-ranks-best-colleges" data-vars-content-id="988e8c41-ed44-4121-8cbb-8af51167d5ab" data-vars-headline="Vanderbilt calls U.S. News ranking flawed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/us-news-ranks-best-colleges" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a>, but university officials are criticizing changes that caused the school to drop five spots this year.<ul><li>The university fell to 18 after an overhaul of the ranking methodology.</li></ul>

Nashville Mayor-elect Freddie O'Connell prepares for office

The transition to a new mayor occurs at a breakneck speed.

Mayor-elect Freddie O&#x27;Connell unveiled the team of advisers who will set the course for his early weeks in office.Why it matters: In Nashville, the transition to a new mayor occurs at a breakneck speed. The city charter leaves just a few weeks between the runoff election and an inauguration.

Tennessee tourism spending soared in 2022

Visitor spending generated $2.9 billion in state and local tax revenue.

Visitors to Tennessee spent $29 billion while traveling through the state last year, according to a new state report measuring the financial impact of tourism.<ul><li>That&#x27;s a 19% increase over 2021.</li></ul>Why it matters: Tourism is one of Tennessee&#x27;s top industries. The visitor spending generated $2.9 billion in state and local tax revenue.

Mural reading Greetings from Nashville Tennessee

Sean Brock opening vinyl-themed bar

The concept is inspired by inspired by Japanese "kissa" lounges.

Celebrity chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sean Brock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/13/chef-sean-brock-new-nashville-restaurant-june" data-vars-content-id="3c3345f6-956a-4151-ab10-96d406f5cc89" data-vars-headline="Sean Brock opening vinyl-themed bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/13/chef-sean-brock-new-nashville-restaurant-june" target="_self">Sean Brock</a> is opening a music-themed bar and lounge this fall at the Grand Hyatt that he says will celebrate &quot;the pursuit of sonic excellence.&quot;<ul><li>The Bar Continental will play music from a collection of more than 5,000 vinyl records, all on high-end, audiophile-approved equipment.</li></ul>

Tyler Childers adds two Nashville dates to 2024 tour

Childers will play Bridgestone April 18-19. The verified fans presale begins Sept. 13.

Singer-songwriter Tyler Childers included a pair of Bridgestone Arena shows for his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 tour" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/TTChilders/status/1699422615109054510?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" data-vars-content-id="9a874245-4da0-4a8d-9040-c4175fc4f01c" data-vars-headline="Tyler Childers adds two Nashville dates to 2024 tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/TTChilders/status/1699422615109054510?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" target="_blank">2024 tour</a>, the latest evidence of his soaring popularity in Nashville.Details: Childers will play Bridgestone April 18-19. The verified fans presale begins Sept. 13.

Labor Day weekend events in Nashville

Here are some options as you fill out your schedule.

Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the grand finale of summertime fun, and with sunny skies in our forecast, we should have plenty of ways to celebrate.<ul><li>Here are some options as you fill out your schedule.</li></ul>

Illustration of a beach scene inside of a briefcase.

September concerts in Nashville: AmericanaFest, Lana del Rey, SZA

The Nashville Symphony kicks off its latest season, and one of The Beatles visits.

This month in Nashville: AmericanaFest takes over Music City, the Nashville Symphony kicks off its latest season and one-quarter of The Beatles performs at the Ryman.

Lana Del Rey performs on stage at L'Olympia on July 10, 2023 in Paris, France.

New eating options landing at BNA

Also opening soon: the fast-casual concept Kitty Hawk.

The iconic Portland-based sweets purveyor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Voodoo Doughnut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/" data-vars-content-id="e9dd0389-1fcb-416e-8a89-91316da55b04" data-vars-headline="New eating options landing at BNA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/" target="_blank">Voodoo Doughnut</a> is coming to the Nashville airport along with other new offerings from the Strategic Hospitality team.<ul><li>If you&#x27;ve ever wanted to grab a bacon-blasted donut before catching your flight, take note.</li></ul>

New exhibit on Dolly Parton's fashion features 25 looks

Twenty-five of Dolly Parton&#x27;s favorite fashions are heading to Lipscomb University this fall for an art exhibit celebrating the fine craftsmanship that helps the country queen shimmer on stage.Zoom in: &quot;Dolly Parton and the Makers: My Life in Rhinestones&quot; will examine the iconic, rhinestone-studded style Parton has developed throughout her one-of-a-kind career.

An interview with Nashville Councilmember Zulfat Suara

We interviewed Suara about her first term on the council and her thoughts on what the next four years could look like.

In the competition for Metro Council at-large seats, there&#x27;s always been a race within <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/08/04/henderson-vice-mayor-progressives-metro-council-nashville" data-vars-content-id="14124392-8c28-4780-992d-ce9d49077199" data-vars-headline="An interview with Nashville Councilmember Zulfat Suara" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/08/04/henderson-vice-mayor-progressives-metro-council-nashville" target="_self">the race</a>.Of course, each candidate wants to reach one of the five seats representing all of Davidson County.<ul><li>But the top prize is the first chair, which goes to the candidate who earns the most votes.</li></ul>

Freddie O'Connell sets fundraising record

O'Connell raised $1.2 million for the runoff, according to his campaign disclosure filed Friday.

Freddie O&#x27;Connell, whose mayoral chances many Metro insiders initially dismissed because they didn&#x27;t think he could raise enough money, set a Nashville mayor&#x27;s race fundraising record for runoffs.

Tennessee Three member Gloria Johnson to challenge Sen. Marsha Blackburn in 2024

Johnson is harnessing her newly enhanced national profile to challenge the Republican incumbent.

State Rep. Gloria Johnson, one of the Tennessee Three lawmakers who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republicans sought to expel from office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/04/two-expelled-democrats-tennessee-special-election-win" data-vars-content-id="d73f789f-5b22-470b-bd27-da10a90977f8" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Three member Gloria Johnson to challenge Sen. Marsha Blackburn in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/04/two-expelled-democrats-tennessee-special-election-win" target="_self">Republicans sought to expel from office</a>, announced Tuesday she is running for the U.S. Senate.Why it matters: Johnson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is harnessing her newly enhanced national profile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/24/biden-tennessee-three-white-house" data-vars-content-id="d73f789f-5b22-470b-bd27-da10a90977f8" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Three member Gloria Johnson to challenge Sen. Marsha Blackburn in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/24/biden-tennessee-three-white-house" target="_self">is harnessing her newly enhanced national profile</a> to challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a pro-Trump conservative firebrand, in 2024.

Gloria Johnson surrounded by reporters with microphones.

House, Senate spar as Tennessee's special session continues

Republican leaders in the House are aggressively criticizing senators.

As the special session responding to The Covenant School shooting enters week two, feuding among lawmakers has boiled over.<ul><li>Republican leaders in the House are aggressively criticizing senators for setting aside most of the legislation filed for the session.</li></ul>

Illustration of a clock face with fountain pens for hands, with ink drops scattered around.

Debate over signs in the statehouse heads to court

A Nashville judge has stopped the Tennessee House from banning handheld signs in its galleries.

A Nashville judge has stopped the Tennessee House from banning handheld signs in its galleries.Driving the news: The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee sued over the House&#x27;s new anti-sign rule after members of the public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="were forced out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/08/23/covenant-school-parents-ousted-special-session-nashville" data-vars-content-id="261506d5-4ed6-4fd9-bbfa-17f3b23ed7de" data-vars-headline="Debate over signs in the statehouse heads 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/2023/08/23/covenant-school-parents-ousted-special-session-nashville" target="_self">were forced out</a> of a legislative meeting Tuesday because they were holding signs advocating for gun control.

Senate, House at odds over special session

There has been sparring between the chambers.

The Senate and House are taking different approaches to the special session.State of play: The Senate has only advanced four bills total, significantly limiting the session&#x27;s scope.

Illustration of the Tennessee State Capitol building with lines radiating from it.

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