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Today’s newsletter is 986 words — a 3.5-minute read.

Middle Tennessee won't get an IndyCar race next year for the first time since 2020, ending a six-year run for the Music City Grand Prix.

Why it matters: The loss removes a high-profile sporting event from the Nashville area's calendar, with no plans announced for its return.

The latest: IndyCar unveiled its complete 17-race schedule for 2027 on Friday. The Music City Grand Prix wasn't on the list.

Catch up quick: The Grand Prix debuted on downtown Nashville streets in 2021, where it returned in 2022 and 2023.

• The races were thrilling and unconventional, with IndyCar drivers zooming through the heart of the city. But the downtown track required millions of dollars for preparation and repairs.
• The race moved to the Nashville Superspeedway in 2024 amid construction surrounding the new Titans stadium.

The intrigue: The Grand Prix website features a farewell message thanking fans and partners for their support. But there was no explanation for the race's disappearance or indication of whether it will return in the future.

• The statement says the event "will always be remembered fondly."

What he's saying: Music executive and race sponsor Scott Borchetta told racing publication RACER last week that he remains committed to bringing the event back downtown, with ambitions of creating the "Monaco of the South."

• There is no timetable for such a comeback.

What's next: Officials with IndyCar, Nashville Superspeedway and the Music City Grand Prix did not respond to requests for comment Monday.

Flu season appears to be getting an unusually early start in Tennessee and nationwide, according to multiple data points.

Why it matters: Health experts say the unusually high activity this early in the year underscores the urgency of getting a flu shot as soon as possible.

By the numbers: About 5.7% of flu tests nationwide came back positive during the week ending Oct. 17, according to the latest federal data. Last year at this time, the positive test rate was 0.5%.

Zoom in: Tennessee recorded 74 flu-related hospitalizations that week, up 42% from 52 during the comparable week last year, according to state health department data.

What they're saying: Vanderbilt infectious disease expert William Schaffner told WSMV last week that it's time to get vaccinated.

• "I would say, run, do not walk," he said.

Between the lines: Schaffner said the state usually sees a pickup in flu-related hospitalizations around December. But this year it is already happening in October.

Yes, but: The early uptick doesn't necessarily mean this flu season will be unusually severe. And flu rates are still relatively low compared to high points usually logged in January and February.

State of play: Nashville's health department offers free flu shots by appointment at its East Nashville, Lentz and Woodbine clinics.

• As of last Friday, the health department had administered 1,336 flu shots this year.

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Oracle will break ground on its River North corporate headquarters on Nov. 10, followed by a series of community events.

Why it matters: The Oracle corporate campus project is a vital part of the broader East Bank redevelopment. The project also promised to bring thousands of high-paying jobs to Nashville.

Driving the news: The groundbreaking will be followed by an open house on Nov. 12-13, during which time residents can explore 3D models of the new campus and learn about job opportunities.

• The open house will feature food trucks and live music.
• On Nov. 14, the company will host a community day with a Formula 1 racecar on display, activities for kids and hands-on experiences inside the Oracle showcase.

The latest: The first leg of the River North greenway, located along the river, opened in September. The greenway will eventually stretch south to Shelby Park.

• The project also calls for a pedestrian bridge over the Cumberland River connecting Oracle's campus to the Germantown neighborhood. That project will take years and is in the early phase of permitting.

State of play: The corporate campus project has been a source of consternation. Five years have passed since local leaders approved a $175 million incentive for the project, which promised 8,500 jobs.

• Earlier this year, Oracle laid off approximately 18% of its global workforce, prompting concerns about the status of the Nashville plans.
• According to a filing with the state prior to the layoffs, the company reported 901 Nashville jobs.

Go deeper for more information about Oracle's community events next month.

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Faith leaders are urging people to vote in the Bordeaux and Edge Hill neighborhoods. (WPLN)

The clam pie at Folk landed on a list of the 27 best pizzas in the U.S. (Food & Wine)

Thousands of people enrolled in the federal DACA program are being denied driver's license renewals thanks to a new Tennessee law. (Tennessean)

Yazoo Brewing Company will pour its final pints on Sunday, Nov. 8, founder Linus Hall announced this week.

Why it matters: Yazoo is an OG in Nashville brewing whose closing marks the end of another hospitality institution.

Driving the news: TailGate Brewery announced earlier this month it is purchasing Yazoo's Madison facility.

What he's saying: In a Facebook post, Hall encouraged Yazoo fans to visit one last time.

• "Come on out and have a pint with us," he said. "Celebrate old Nashville, and we'll see you there. Cheers."

Our picks:

🎹 Nate's song of the day is "It All Fell in the River - Live at Carnegie Hall" by Cameron Winter.

Adam used a mini food processor one time and now he feels like Ina Garten.

This newsletter was edited by Jen Burkett.