The nominations for this year's CMA Awards, which were released by the Country Music Association yesterday, are a familiar run-down of the genre's biggest bold-faced names, including Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson.

• What's most noteworthy might be a name that's missing.

Why it matters: Beyoncé, who earlier this year became the first Black woman ever to top the country singles and album charts, was snubbed.

• Her exclusion has already reignited the long-standing debate over diversity and racism in country music.

The big picture: The music icon's latest album "Cowboy Carter" carved her own path through country music, mixing in elements of R&B, rap and hip-hop alongside Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton cameos.

• In a rare statement explaining the album, Beyoncé framed the project as an effort to break down barriers between genres for all artists.
• Many country artists have publicly welcomed Beyoncé, but she has faced resistance.

State of play: While much of the album defies genre, there are several moments of pure country, including a take on Parton's classic "Jolene" and the single "Texas Hold 'Em," which seems destined to become a honky tonk staple.

• "Texas Hold 'Em" initially faced some friction at county radio after its release earlier this year before being more broadly embraced.

Zoom in: Beyoncé's duet with Post Malone on "Levii's Jeans" would be at home on country radio.

• Meanwhile, the lead single from Post Malone's separate country crossover project, which is a duet with Wallen, earned four CMA nominations.

Driving the news: Beyoncé's history at the CMA Awards is already fraught. In 2016, she appeared on the show to sing her country-inflected song "Daddy Lessons" with The Chicks. It got a frosty reception from some in the audience.

• The singer suggested that "Cowboy Carter" was inspired by that pushback, saying "the criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me."
• She subsequently researched the Black artists who helped shape country music.

What she's saying: "I feel honored to be the first Black woman with the number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart," she said in March. "My hope is that years from now, the mention of an artist's race, as it relates to releasing genres of music, will be irrelevant."

The intrigue: "Cowboy Carter" featured multiple up-and-coming Black country artists in supporting roles. One of those artists, Shaboozey, did score CMA nominations this year.

• He's up for best new artist and his hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" is nominated for best single.

See the nominees

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Meharry Medical College announced another massive financial infusion yesterday, saying an anonymous donor had given $20 million to support scholarships and academic programming at the historically Black medical school.

Why it matters: Meharry, which has struggled to make ends meet for much of its 148-year history, is in the midst of a hot streak.

• Just a month ago, Meharry celebrated a historic $175 million gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The big picture: Meharry president James Hildreth told U.S. senators last year that underfunding at the institution limits its progress. In a statement yesterday, he said the new infusion of cash could help clear those financial hurdles.

What they're saying: "The effects of this gift will extend far beyond our campus, touching the lives of countless individuals and families worldwide," Hildreth said.

• "This donation will allow us to continue strengthening our educational programs and financially assisting more students who wish to attend Meharry with the goal of providing care to those who need it the most."

💭 Adam's thought bubble: Over the years, I've talked to college boosters who say financial problems scare donors off. Big donations, on the other hand, can inspire more big donations.

• Right now, Meharry's on the money train.

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🥇 Kisser, the Japanese comfort food lunch spot in East Nashville, was named one of the country's best new restaurants by Bon Appétit.

• Kisser is one of Nashville's most critically acclaimed restaurants. (Bon Appétit)

🛫 Discover Airlines selected Nashville International Airport for a nonstop flight to Germany. (Nashville Business Journal, subscription)

The state ethics commission dismissed a complaint against Tennessee education commissioner Lizzette Reynolds. (Tennessean)

Nashville bus ridership surpassed its pre-pandemic levels during the quarter ending June 30, WeGo announced last week.

Why it matters: The rising use of the bus system coincides with Mayor Freddie O'Connell's push to raise the sales tax to fund a $3.1 billion transportation plan.

By the numbers: There were 2.16 million total rides from April 1 through June 30, slightly eclipsing the numbers for that timeframe in 2019.

• That represents a 6% increase over 2023.

Zoom in: The routes experiencing the most growth were Murfreesboro Pike, Dickerson Pike, Nolensville Pike and the airport line.

• The seven bus routes connecting to the new North Nashville transit center saw a 36% increase.

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