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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Nashville. Written by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

Axios Nashville Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Majority of residents say Nashville is "on the wrong track" after ice storm

That's a stark reversal from last year's Vanderbilt Poll.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Optimism in Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/04/optimism-right-direction-vanderbilt-poll" data-vars-content-id="284ea409-d087-4f99-803e-9e208b3ce827" data-vars-headline="Majority of residents say Nashville is &quot;on the wrong track&quot; after ice storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/04/optimism-right-direction-vanderbilt-poll" target="_self">Optimism in Nashville</a> cratered in a new Vanderbilt University poll released Thursday, with a majority of respondents saying the city is on the wrong track.Why it matters: Music City&#x27;s mood has soured in the aftermath of the devastating ice storm that left <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly half the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/25/nashville-electricity-power-outages-ice-storm" data-vars-content-id="284ea409-d087-4f99-803e-9e208b3ce827" data-vars-headline="Majority of residents say Nashville is &quot;on the wrong track&quot; after ice storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/25/nashville-electricity-power-outages-ice-storm" target="_self">nearly half the city</a> without power at its peak.<ul><li>Approval for city leaders sank in the following weeks, according to the poll results.</li></ul>

Analysis: Nashville could be in for a competitive mayor's race

Contradicting polling data gives a mixed sense of where things stand for Mayor O'Connell.

Politics

Four years ago at this time, a slate of serious candidates surveyed the political lay of the land in Nashville and decided to challenge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor John Cooper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/31/mayor-john-cooper-nashville-wont-seek-reelection" data-vars-content-id="0135be9f-d739-4d90-bf62-55618a3e7cb3" data-vars-headline="Analysis: Nashville could be in for a competitive mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/31/mayor-john-cooper-nashville-wont-seek-reelection" target="_self">Mayor John Cooper</a> for the city&#x27;s top job.Why it matters: There&#x27;s increasing chatter among Metro insiders that another hotly contested mayoral election could be coming in 2027.

82% of Nashvillians say they can't afford to buy a house in Nashville

A growing share of Nashvillians are pushing for progress on affordability.

Real Estate

The vast majority of people who live in Nashville say they can&#x27;t afford to buy a house in the city, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new poll from Vanderbilt University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/26/vanderbilt-poll-majority-nashville-wrong-track" data-vars-content-id="a165775d-23c4-467d-9764-bc192956e735" data-vars-headline="82% of Nashvillians say they can&#x27;t afford to buy a house in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/26/vanderbilt-poll-majority-nashville-wrong-track" target="_self">a new poll from Vanderbilt University</a>.Why it matters: Affordability remains a deep concern across the city, the poll shows, and residents want to see leaders do more to ease the cost of housing.

Nashville Zoo stops plastic water bottle sales to avoid waste

The move is expected to reduce plastic waste by about 1 metric ton per year.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Nashville Zoo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/12/nashville-zoo-welcomes-southern-pudu-fawn" data-vars-content-id="4bdbc35f-c72c-4036-ba29-35ab2fe1c4ca" data-vars-headline="Nashville Zoo stops plastic water bottle sales to avoid waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/12/nashville-zoo-welcomes-southern-pudu-fawn" target="_self">The Nashville Zoo</a> announced this week it would no longer sell one-time use plastic water bottles at its concession stands, switching instead to aluminum cans of water.Why it matters: The zoo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/nashville-zoo-eliminates-single-use-plastic-water-bottles" data-vars-content-id="4bdbc35f-c72c-4036-ba29-35ab2fe1c4ca" data-vars-headline="Nashville Zoo stops plastic water bottle sales to avoid waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/nashville-zoo-eliminates-single-use-plastic-water-bottles" target="_blank">reports</a> the move is expected to reduce plastic waste by about 1 metric ton per year.

Predators surge toward playoffs despite trade deadline selloff

The Preds are still positioned to keep their season going. You can thank an influx of scrappy young players.

Sports

When the Nashville Predators traded away a slate of veteran players at the deadline earlier this month, it seemed reasonable to conclude the season was effectively over.Yes, but: Out of nowhere, an influx of scrappy young players has the Preds surging toward the playoffs in the beleaguered Western Conference.<ul><li>If the season were to end today, the Preds would have the final playoff spot.</li></ul>

Vanderbilt women pursue March Madness history at home

The Vanderbilt women's hoops team gets the home court advantage for the early rounds of March Madness.

It&#x27;s already been a dream season for the Vanderbilt women&#x27;s basketball team, and now hoops history is within reach.Why it matters: Vanderbilt will host the NCAA tournament this weekend, giving the No. 2-seeded Commodores a highly valuable home court advantage.

Tennessee Titans unveil new uniform designs for 2026-27 season

The new uniforms are the latest attempt to spark fan excitement.

The Tennessee Titans spent the week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rebuilding their roster," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/10/tennessee-titans-spend-big-first-day-free-agency" data-vars-content-id="406f74ba-c7ce-41bd-9f11-b82810f02d43" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Titans unveil new uniform designs for 2026-27 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/10/tennessee-titans-spend-big-first-day-free-agency" target="_self">rebuilding their roster,</a> and on Thursday night the team continued its quest for a fresh beginning by unveiling a newly redesigned wardrobe.Why it matters: The Titans are desperate to get their groove back after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grueling stretch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/07/tennessee-titans-losing-season-coach" data-vars-content-id="406f74ba-c7ce-41bd-9f11-b82810f02d43" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Titans unveil new uniform designs for 2026-27 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/07/tennessee-titans-losing-season-coach" target="_self">grueling stretch</a> of losses and false starts. The buzzy uniform rollout is the latest attempt to spark some excitement for the future.

Titans spend big on first day of free agency

The Titans added three defensive starters on a busy first day of free agency.

The Titans agreed to contracts with the top free agent defensive linemen, two starting cornerbacks and two new weapons for quarterback Cam Ward on the first day of NFL free agency.Why it matters: Titans general manager <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Borgonzi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/21/the-setlist-titans-pick-a-new-gm" data-vars-content-id="ec840d0d-987f-4f5a-9d0c-30878435f264" data-vars-headline="Titans spend big on first day of free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/21/the-setlist-titans-pick-a-new-gm" target="_self">Mike Borgonzi</a> is spending big to bulk up a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lackluster roster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/titans-tumble-again" data-vars-content-id="ec840d0d-987f-4f5a-9d0c-30878435f264" data-vars-headline="Titans spend big on first day of free agency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/01/titans-tumble-again" target="_self">lackluster roster</a>.

Titans hint at new uniforms

The Tennessee Titans seem to be on the brink of announcing new uniforms.Driving the news: More than 20 mysterious billboards with the Tennessee tri-star logo and the date March 12, 2026 appeared around Nashville this week.

Nashville SC enters 2026 season with championship expectations

Team leaders have projected confidence that this could be a breakthrough year.

Nashville SC is starting the 2026 season with great expectations.Why it matters: Heading into the home opener Saturday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="team leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/07/05/the-setlist-nashville-sc-hires-new-coach" data-vars-content-id="36f3f36b-2c13-400b-9f5f-3f309fdd94bf" data-vars-headline="Nashville SC enters 2026 season with championship expectations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/07/05/the-setlist-nashville-sc-hires-new-coach" target="_self">team leaders</a> have projected confidence that this could be a breakthrough year.

Vanderbilt launches $50 million fundraiser for women's athletics

Fundraising will go toward scholarships for female athletes and endowed coaching positions.

Vanderbilt University launched a $50 million &quot;Anchored for Her&quot; fundraising campaign this month dedicated to bolstering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/14/nashville-joins-the-women-s-sports-boom" data-vars-content-id="c18333f4-91f4-449d-ba78-41964090fba6" data-vars-headline="Vanderbilt launches $50 million fundraiser for women&#x27;s athletics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/14/nashville-joins-the-women-s-sports-boom" target="_self">women&#x27;s sports</a> on campus.Why it matters: Fundraising will go toward scholarships for female athletes, endowed coaching positions, facility upgrades and the &quot;financial realities of the new revenue-sharing model in college athletics.&quot;

Nashville to host Olympic soccer in 2028

It's too soon to know what teams will head to Geodis Park.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/team-usa-2026-winter-olympics-milano-cortina" data-vars-content-id="7eb560bf-d0e5-411c-9ff4-7d66277e4179" data-vars-headline="Nashville to host Olympic soccer in 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/team-usa-2026-winter-olympics-milano-cortina" target="_self">The Olympics</a> are coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville" data-vars-content-id="7eb560bf-d0e5-411c-9ff4-7d66277e4179" data-vars-headline="Nashville to host Olympic soccer in 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville" target="_self">Nashville</a> in 2028.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Geodis Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/03/11/nashville-sc-names-new-stadium-mls" data-vars-content-id="7eb560bf-d0e5-411c-9ff4-7d66277e4179" data-vars-headline="Nashville to host Olympic soccer in 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/03/11/nashville-sc-names-new-stadium-mls" target="_self">Geodis Park</a> was one of six stadiums announced on Tuesday to host soccer matches for the 2028 Olympics.</li></ul>Why it matters: Hosting the Olympics is another gold medal for Nashville&#x27;s status as a soccer city.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Since Geodis opened in 2022" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sixonefivesoccer.com/10-biggest-games-nashville-sc-2025/" data-vars-content-id="7eb560bf-d0e5-411c-9ff4-7d66277e4179" data-vars-headline="Nashville to host Olympic soccer in 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sixonefivesoccer.com/10-biggest-games-nashville-sc-2025/" target="_blank">Since Geodis opened in 2022</a>, the fairgrounds stadium has hosted MLS playoff games, the FIFA World Club Cup and the Leagues Cup Final.</li></ul>

Report: Titans tap Brian Daboll to lead offense

Titans to hire Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator, reports say.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Titans coach Robert Saleh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/26/titans-hire-saleh-to-rebuild-team-identity" data-vars-content-id="81630920-4250-4f8e-ab37-970096d9609d" data-vars-headline="Report: Titans tap Brian Daboll to lead offense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/26/titans-hire-saleh-to-rebuild-team-identity" target="_self">New Titans coach Robert Saleh</a> picked Brian Daboll to lead the team&#x27;s offense.Why it matters: Daboll, the former New York Giants coach, has the challenging task of fixing one of the NFL&#x27;s worst offenses.<ul><li>Selecting an offensive coordinator was one of the most crucial early decisions for Saleh, whose background is on the defensive side of the ball.</li></ul>

Tennessee Titans move to hire Robert Saleh as head coach

The Titans cast a wide net in their coaching search.

Nashville, meet Robert Saleh.Why it matters: After an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exhaustive search" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/09/titans-high-stakes-coaching-search" data-vars-content-id="ce57fc1d-5d6e-4cf0-87da-4afd99f77a43" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Titans move to hire Robert Saleh as head coach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/09/titans-high-stakes-coaching-search" target="_self">exhaustive search</a>, the Tennessee Titans have tapped Saleh, 46, to serve as head coach, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nfl.com/news/titans-expected-to-hire-49ers-defensive-coordinator-robert-saleh-as-head-coach" data-vars-content-id="ce57fc1d-5d6e-4cf0-87da-4afd99f77a43" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Titans move to hire Robert Saleh as head coach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nfl.com/news/titans-expected-to-hire-49ers-defensive-coordinator-robert-saleh-as-head-coach" target="_blank">multiple reports</a>.

Sports 🏅

Predators surge toward playoffs despite trade deadline selloff

Vanderbilt women pursue March Madness history at home

Tennessee Titans unveil new uniform designs for 2026-27 season

Titans spend big on first day of free agency

Titans hint at new uniforms