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

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Judge allows Tennessee map favoring Republicans to move ahead

Judge allows Tennessee map favoring GOP to move ahead

Tennessee Democrats suffered a key setback in their lawsuit challenging the new map.

Politics & Policy

U.S. Chief District Judge Chip Campbell on Thursday rejected Tennessee Democrats&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="request for a temporary restraining order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/08/lawsuits-challenge-tennessee-gop-house-map" data-vars-content-id="eb3d5632-933f-466d-8df6-78b7cf216546" data-vars-headline="Judge allows Tennessee map favoring Republicans to move ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/08/lawsuits-challenge-tennessee-gop-house-map" target="_self">request for a temporary restraining order</a> to stop the state from implementing a new U.S. House map that favors Republicans.Why it matters: The legal challenges to the new map will press on, but Campbell&#x27;s ruling is a critical setback for opponents.

Starbucks set to get $30 million in state incentives for Nashville move

The incentives come in exchange for the coffee giant creating a corporate hub in Nashville.

Business

Tennessee is preparing to give Starbucks $30 million in state government incentives in exchange for the coffee giant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="creating a corporate hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/03/starbucks-to-establish-corporate-office-in-nashville-this-year" data-vars-content-id="76067453-5867-4440-a54c-c71a4986fbe2" data-vars-headline="Starbucks set to get $30 million in state incentives for Nashville move" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/03/starbucks-to-establish-corporate-office-in-nashville-this-year" target="_self">creating a corporate hub</a> in downtown Nashville.Why it matters: New information in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Funding Board agenda" data-vars-click-url="https://comptroller.tn.gov/content/dam/cot/tsfb/documents/agendas/2026/SFBAgenda2026.05.20.pdf" data-vars-content-id="76067453-5867-4440-a54c-c71a4986fbe2" data-vars-headline="Starbucks set to get $30 million in state incentives for Nashville move" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://comptroller.tn.gov/content/dam/cot/tsfb/documents/agendas/2026/SFBAgenda2026.05.20.pdf" target="_blank">State Funding Board agenda</a> is the first indication of the cost of bringing Starbucks&#x27; corporate offices to town.

New Nashville foundation connects music community to philanthropy

A new foundation seeks to be a hub for music-driven philanthrophy.

Music Community Foundation, a Nashville-based initiative connecting music artists to philanthropic resources, announced its launch today.Why it matters: The new foundation will be a hub for music-driven philanthropy.<ul><li>The intersection of nonprofit work and the music industry is uniquely Nashville, but organizers hope to expand the Music Community Foundation&#x27;s reach across the country.</li></ul>

Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress

Former Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to possibly run for U.S. House again.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/28/megan-barry-congressional-race-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="ee47cd30-68aa-4e06-8330-72097284b1db" data-vars-headline="Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/28/megan-barry-congressional-race-tennessee" target="_self">Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry</a> pulled a petition this week to run for Tennessee&#x27;s newly redrawn District 6 U.S. House seat as candidates in both parties scramble to respond to the new congressional map.Why it matters: Potential candidates only have a few days to decide to run following the last-minute <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shakeup from Tennessee Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/07/tennessee-lawmakers-pass-new-us-house-map-to-give-gop-a-9-0-advantage" data-vars-content-id="ee47cd30-68aa-4e06-8330-72097284b1db" data-vars-headline="Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulls papers to run for Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/07/tennessee-lawmakers-pass-new-us-house-map-to-give-gop-a-9-0-advantage" target="_self">shakeup from Tennessee Republicans</a>.

Titans begin Nissan Stadium's final season against Jets

Titans open the 2026 season at home against the Jets.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Titans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/20/tennessee-titans-robert-saleh-head-coach" data-vars-content-id="61be5d10-bc17-4030-bb9e-23b84c077def" data-vars-headline="Titans begin Nissan Stadium&#x27;s final season against Jets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/20/tennessee-titans-robert-saleh-head-coach" target="_self">The Titans</a> will begin their first season under coach Robert Saleh with a home game against the New York Jets.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the final home opener at the old Nissan Stadium. The new stadium is expected to open in time for the 2027 season.

Nashville SC spends $23 million on player payroll

Nashville SC spends nearly $23 million on player compensation.

Nashville SC spends nearly $23 million on compensation for its players, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="salary guide" data-vars-click-url="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" data-vars-content-id="40876c31-41ed-4a28-b43f-266cb174fa8c" data-vars-headline="Nashville SC spends $23 million on player payroll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" target="_blank">salary guide</a>. But that total still pales in comparison to the league&#x27;s top-paid player.Stunning stat: Inter Miami&#x27;s Lionel Messi is getting a whopping $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation during the 2026 season, per the new guide released Tuesday.<ul><li>That tops the total payroll for all but two of the league&#x27;s 30 teams.</li></ul>

In surprising move, Titans select WR Carnell Tate

The Titans drafted Ohio State's Carnell Tate in the first round on Thursday.

The Titans bypassed highly regarded defensive prospects to select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL Draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/22/titans-loaded-with-needs-heading-into-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="4c0640d4-e39c-4a8e-9cac-2a610c4c47b5" data-vars-headline="In surprising move, Titans select WR Carnell Tate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/04/22/titans-loaded-with-needs-heading-into-nfl-draft" target="_self">NFL Draft</a> on Thursday night.Why it matters: Tate provides a badly needed playmaker for young quarterback Cam Ward.Yes, but: The selection was a surprise with linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles still on the board.<ul><li>The Athletic&#x27;s draft expert Dane Brugler ranked Tate the No. 10 overall prospect. Reese was Brugler&#x27;s No. 1 prospect.</li></ul>The intrigue: The Titans made another surprising move by trading back into the first round to select Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk at pick No. 31.<ul><li>Faulk is one of the youngest players in the draft class at just 20 years old.</li><li>Although he&#x27;s regarded as an athletic freak, Faulk only had two sacks in his final season at Auburn.</li></ul>By the numbers: Tate caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns for the Buckeyes last season.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;He projects as an immediate NFL starting (wide receiver) with Pro Bowl upside,&quot; Brugler said in his scouting report of Tate.Editor&#x27;s note: This story was updated with additional information about the Titans&#x27; draft.

NBA Commissioner suggests Grizzlies could play some games in Nashville

NBA commissioner Adam Silver suggests Grizzlies should expand their Nashville presence.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" likes the idea" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7219505/2026/04/22/adam-silver-nashville-memphis-grizzlies-lebron/" data-vars-content-id="35d18789-29e0-4580-be48-7b5c6f22ba58" data-vars-headline="NBA Commissioner suggests Grizzlies could play some games in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7219505/2026/04/22/adam-silver-nashville-memphis-grizzlies-lebron/" target="_blank"> likes the idea</a> of the NBA&#x27;s Memphis Grizzlies playing some of their home games in Nashville.Why it matters: Spearheaded by LeBron James, there&#x27;s been talk of the Grizzlies relocating to Nashville.

Titans are loaded with needs heading into NFL Draft

The Titans could select an offensive weapon for young QB Cam Ward.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi is faced with the choice of either helping his new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="defense-minded head coach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/26/titans-hire-saleh-to-rebuild-team-identity" data-vars-content-id="d65bc82e-9713-4f32-9882-d53fcdaf1045" data-vars-headline="Titans are loaded with needs heading into NFL Draft" 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">defense-minded head coach</a> or his talented young quarterback with the team&#x27;s first pick in Thursday&#x27;s NFL Draft.Why it matters: The Titans are coming off a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disastrous season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/14/tennessee-titans-callahan-fired-mike-mccoy-interim" data-vars-content-id="d65bc82e-9713-4f32-9882-d53fcdaf1045" data-vars-headline="Titans are loaded with needs heading into NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/14/tennessee-titans-callahan-fired-mike-mccoy-interim" target="_self">disastrous season</a> in which they fired coach Brian Callahan and finished in last place in their division.

Nashville Super Bowl announcement could be on the horizon

Nashville's Super Bowl odds seem to be increasing after a report by Dan Patrick.

It&#x27;s time for Nashville to be on alert for an announcement that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Super Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/11/24/nashville-edges-closer-to-hosting-super-bowl" data-vars-content-id="511dad0e-02a6-483f-ad69-1289dbbdd36e" data-vars-headline="Nashville Super Bowl announcement could be on the horizon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/11/24/nashville-edges-closer-to-hosting-super-bowl" target="_self">the Super Bowl</a> is coming to town, likely in 2030.Why it matters: Hosting marquee events like the Super Bowl was a major selling point for state and city officials to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approve funding for the new Nissan Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/10/17/scoop-cooper-titans-reach-nashville-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="511dad0e-02a6-483f-ad69-1289dbbdd36e" data-vars-headline="Nashville Super Bowl announcement could be on the horizon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/10/17/scoop-cooper-titans-reach-nashville-stadium-deal" target="_self">approve funding for the new Nissan Stadium</a>, which opens next 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.

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>.

A bar chart that compares 2026 MLS team guaranteed compensation as of April 16. Inter Miami leads at $54.6 million, far ahead of LAFC at $32.6 million. Atlanta United ranks third at $27.9 million. Among the 10 teams shown, Chicago Fire is lowest at $21.7 million.

Total guaranteed compensation, by MLS team

Data: MLS Players Association; Note: List includes the 10 teams spending the most on compensation. Guaranteed compensation includes a player's base salary, agent's fees, and all signing, marketing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player's contract, including option years. Chart: Adam Tamburin/Axios

Sports 🏅

Titans begin Nissan Stadium's final season against Jets

Nashville SC spends $23 million on player payroll

In surprising move, Titans select WR Carnell Tate

NBA Commissioner suggests Grizzlies could play some games in Nashville

Titans are loaded with needs heading into NFL Draft