Nearly a decade after developers sought to turn the former Greer Stadium property into condos, retail and creative space, work is finally underway to preserve the area as a public park.

Why it matters: The revitalized Fort Negley serves as one of the most prominent recent victories for historic preservationists, who view the property as sacred land because of its Civil War history.

The big picture: The project adds much-needed park space near the booming Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood.

Driving the news: Mayor Freddie O'Connell led a groundbreaking ceremony last week for Phase 1 of Fort Negley Park.

• The project was mired in bureaucratic neverland for the last nine years.
• Fueled by an $11 million investment during former Mayor John Cooper's term, the new park is expected to open in early 2027.

Flashback: The Sounds played their home games at Greer Stadium for decades before leaving the old ballpark for a new stadium in Germantown in 2015.

• Metro leaders debated what to do with a prime piece of real estate located just off Eighth Avenue South.
• A development team led by music producer T Bone Burnett won a bid to raze the old ballpark and replace it with a project called Cloud Hill, which would include housing, retail, creative studios and park space.
• Preservationists opposed that plan and pushed the city to honor its rich history.

Flash further back: Enslaved people and freed people built nearby Fort Negley for the Union military.

• After the fort's construction, workers and their families settled nearby areas, which became Nashville's earliest Black neighborhoods: Bass Street, Rocktown and Edgehill.
• The fort itself was preserved through the Work Projects Administration in the 1930s and has undergone several renovations since then. The neighborhoods were replaced by the construction of Interstate 65 and other urban renewal projects.

Friction point: The debate over the property's future rekindled during Mayor Megan Barry's administration, and preservationists viewed the situation as an opportunity to undo earlier mistakes and actually honor the site's history.

• An archaeology report in 2017 found a "high likelihood" of human remains on a portion of the property. After that revelation, the Cloud Hill plan was abandoned.

What's next: Phase 1 includes removing the old stadium parking lot, restoring the eastern hillside and constructing a memorial lawn that will highlight the area's history.

• The fort will also receive significant enhancements, including accessible walking paths and a new overlook structure.
• Metro also commissioned an archaeological investigation of the former Bass Street community, along with a public history component and a large mural by a local artist.

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Tennessee importers paid $3.5 billion in tariffs that are now in limbo after the Supreme Court struck down a swath of President Trump's trade levies on Friday.

Why it matters: Roughly $126 billion nationwide could be subject to refunds. But it's unclear who would get the money, or when.

Catch up quick: The overturned tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) likely made a few things more expensive — from clothes and medical supplies for hospitals to fruits, vegetables and liquor.

Yes, but: They were only one piece of Trump's broader tariff agenda.

By the numbers: Tennessee's tariff costs heavily trail some larger states, according to economic research firm Trade Partnership Worldwide.

• California paid $28 billion from February to December 2025, followed by Texas ($12 billion) and Georgia ($7.7 billion).

What we're watching: Trump said he'd move to impose a global 15% tariff under a separate authority.

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🛫 At the same time BNA pursues ambitious long-term expansion plans, the airport is grappling with short-term gridlock due to construction. (Tennessean)

🛠 Three Nashville parks facilities suffered serious structural damage in last month's ice storm.

• City leaders want the buildings repaired quickly because they are important community hubs, especially for young people after school. (Nashville Banner)

🐘 Republican lawmakers are pushing for Tennessee to take federal funds to provide summer food aid to children. (WPLN)

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Monday it is backing Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder in its national "red to blue" program.

Why it matters: The designation gives Molder a boost in his bid to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles.

• The DCCC's red to blue campaign gives candidates organizing and fundraising help. National Democrats identified Ogles' seat as a priority last year.

State of play: Ogles easily won election in 2022 and reelection in 2024, but he's viewed by some as susceptible in an election cycle where Democrats have the momentum.

• Ogles has been mired in a campaign finance controversy and his fundraising has been lackluster.
• The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections continue to give Ogles the edge overall, but have shifted the race's odds toward Democrats.

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