Axios Nashville

June 12, 2024
Good morning, dearest gentle readers. Wednesday is here to greet us.
- Today's weather: Partly sunny with a high of 86.
Today's newsletter is 765 words — a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: Courtney Johnston's fundraising pitch
Nashville Councilmember Courtney Johnston has quickly seized on U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles' campaign finance snafu and turned it into fodder for a fundraising drive.
Why it matters: Ogles entered the race with the incumbent's advantage over primary opponent Johnston in terms of name recognition, as well as the endorsement of former President Trump.
Driving the news: Johnston tapped prominent Republican fundraiser Kim Kaegi to raise money for her primary challenge of Ogles. Kaegi previously handled fundraising for top Republicans such as Gov. Bill Lee, former Gov. Bill Haslam and former Sen. Bob Corker.
The intrigue: Johnston could emerge as the rare primary challenger who outraises the incumbent despite not having the personal wealth to bankroll a campaign.
- Based on the wealthy donors known to be backing Johnston, she seems poised for strong fundraising numbers.
Catch up quick: Ogles amended 11 financial disclosures last month by removing a $300,000 personal loan he'd reported on earlier filings.
- In addition to receiving criticism for the inaccurate filings, Ogles' most recent disclosure showed he had just $95,348.95 on hand.
Between the lines: One week after news broke about Ogles' messy finances, Kaegi sent out her first communication on behalf of Johnston. The email, obtained by Axios, asked potential donors to support Johnston in the primary race.
- Kaegi said voters "have the opportunity to elect a Republican who will offer Respectable Conservative Representation and remove the George Santos of our Congressional delegation."
- Kaegi pointed out that Ogles won the 10-way 2022 primary for the newly drawn District 5 with "less than 35% of the vote." She told donors Ogles has "continuously promoted chaos" since being elected.
- Kaegi also reminded donors of NewsChannel 5's coverage of Ogles' apparently embellished resume.
Zoom in: Kaegi called Johnston a "very viable candidate" and "a conservative Republican." She highlighted Johnston's council votes against the 2020 property tax increase and in favor of police using license plate readers.
- Kaegi also said prominent Nashville businesspeople Marty Dickens, Jimmy Granbery, John Ingram and Colin Reed are backing Johnston.
- Ogles' campaign declined to comment.
What's next: The Republican congressional primary election in Tennessee will take place Aug. 1.
Future events
📆 Start planning your days ahead.
- Hellbender on the River at Neuhoff River Terrace on June 21: The Cumberland River Compact's annual musical benefit supports water conservation work across the Cumberland River basin. Enjoy the music of The Tennessee Warblers, food, beer and spirits distilled across the basin. All proceeds benefit the Cumberland River Compact.
- Father's Day Crafting Event at Diskin Cider on Sunday: From decorating ceramic mugs to creating personalized Father's Day cards, it's an opportunity for kids to showcase their artistic talents and create unique gifts for Dad.
Hosting an event? Email [email protected].
2. Nashville interior designer makes waves
Nashville-based designer Brad Ramsey was recently announced as a member of House Beautiful's Next Wave Class of 2024.
Why it matters: The list highlights the big up-and-coming names in interiors across the U.S. There are only 13 spots nationwide, and Nashville received a nod.
Ramsey's fresh approach to design is all about feeling at ease in your space — whether you prefer minimalist, function-forward design or crave an endless buffet of home decor eye candy.
Zoom in: We caught up with this designer you're about to see everywhere and asked him a few questions about his work.
What's one home design trend you're loving right now?
"Small and large curves are in. Whether they are on a furniture silhouette or in the actual architecture, they are back in a big way and softening our living experiences."
What's one trend past its prime?
"Unless it's a vintage find, I would say that impulse buying of immediately available furniture is out. Even retail furniture stores are trending toward custom selections. Too many impulse purchases end up being tossed because it doesn't retain its value."
Best local spot for home decor or furniture?
"We love shopping one-of-a-kind finds from Patina & Co. and we drop into Providence Interiors for those last-minute coffee table books and accessories needed for an install."
Go deeper to check out our full Q&A and see some of Ramsey's designs
3. The Setlist: Opryland's big renovation plans
🚧 A multiphase renovation project is underway at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Plans call for a 550-seat sports bar, new event spaces and upgrades throughout the campus. (Nashville Business Journal, subscription)
Nearly 19,000 unaccompanied migrant children have arrived in Tennessee since 2015. Most of them ended up with a parent, sibling or other relative. (Tennessee Lookout)
🏈 The Titans will host the Seattle Seahawks this summer for joint training camp practices and workouts. (Tennessean)
4. Nashville SC's jerseys ranked
Two of the top-selling jerseys in Major League Soccer come from Nashville.
Driving the news: The league named the top 25 jerseys of 2024 based on MLS online store sales.
- Nashville star Hany Mukhtar ranked No. 8, and Jacob Shaffelburg was No. 13.
Flashback: That's a bit of a tumble for the team compared to last year, when Mukhtar was No. 2 and Walker Zimmerman came in at No. 3.
The big picture: Soccer legend Lionel Messi, who plays for Miami, took the top spot for 2024.
- Inter Miami CF had five entries in this year's top 25.
Our picks:
Nate's song of the day is "If It's Gone" by Good Looks.
💗 Adam loves a Julia Louis-Dreyfus press tour.
This newsletter was edited by Jen Ashley and copy edited by Katie Lewis.
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