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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.

Nashville man gets a surprise star turn in "Company Retreat"

A Nashville resident unwittingly got cast in a comedy series that is part prank show.

Things to Do

An everyday Nashvillian got the starring role in a major streaming series and he didn&#x27;t even know it.Zoom in: Anthony Norman is at the center of &quot;Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat,&quot; a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prime Video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/new-movies-tv-prime-video-netflix-tubi" data-vars-content-id="7f2544ec-3399-4be5-8592-94dc50dfa901" data-vars-headline="Nashville man gets a surprise star turn in &quot;Company Retreat&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/new-movies-tv-prime-video-netflix-tubi" target="_self">Prime Video</a> comedy that is part prank show and part mockumentary.

Great Smoky Mountains still the nation's top park

More than 11.5 million visitors passed through Great Smoky Mountains National Park last year.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great Smoky Mountains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/05/smoky-mountains-natchez-trace-fired-employees" data-vars-content-id="3e2a8b67-12fc-4abf-8197-301b1b35c4f9" data-vars-headline="Great Smoky Mountains still the nation&#x27;s top park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/05/smoky-mountains-natchez-trace-fired-employees" target="_self">Great Smoky Mountains</a> still tower over the rest of the country&#x27;s parks, according to new attendance <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tallies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm" data-vars-content-id="3e2a8b67-12fc-4abf-8197-301b1b35c4f9" data-vars-headline="Great Smoky Mountains still the nation&#x27;s top park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm" target="_blank">tallies</a> from the National Park Service.Why it matters: The Smokies are a cultural and financial cornerstone in Tennessee. Visits there <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boost the state&#x27;s economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/20/national-parks-bring-870-million-to-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="3e2a8b67-12fc-4abf-8197-301b1b35c4f9" data-vars-headline="Great Smoky Mountains still the nation&#x27;s top park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/20/national-parks-bring-870-million-to-tennessee" target="_self">boost the state&#x27;s economy</a> and reflect the splendor of our natural surroundings.

The Truth music venue announces first concert lineup

Sting, Beck, Jo Dee Messina, Scotty McCreery and Glorilla are among headliners.

Pop music singer-songwriter Freya Skye will play the first-ever show at The Truth music venue in Wedgewood-Houston in October.Why it matters: The Truth announced its debut lineup Monday, representing a diverse array of genres.

Nashville Public Library releases new video production of "Goldilocks" puppet show

You can stream a video of the Nashville Public Library's award-winning take on "Goldilocks."

A creative spin on the classic tale of &quot;Goldilocks&quot; is available to stream online starting Thursday through the Nashville Public Library and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville Education, Community and Arts Television" data-vars-click-url="https://necatnetwork.org/series/1136_goldilocks/" data-vars-content-id="c48118e2-d228-4008-96bc-551a28f2c602" data-vars-headline="Nashville Public Library releases new video production of &quot;Goldilocks&quot; puppet show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://necatnetwork.org/series/1136_goldilocks/" target="_blank">Nashville Education, Community and Arts Television</a> (NECAT).Why it matters: &quot;Goldilocks&quot; is wholesome and free content for kids and puppet enthusiasts of all ages.

Nashville downtown library sets reopening date

The downtown library hopes to reopen on March 30.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The downtown library," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/13/nashvilles-downtown-library-closed-following-fire" data-vars-content-id="f793776e-0240-4c46-aa6e-b63d78eed279" data-vars-headline="Nashville downtown library sets reopening date" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/13/nashvilles-downtown-library-closed-following-fire" target="_self">The downtown library,</a> which has been closed since last June, is tentatively scheduled to reopen on March 30.Why it matters: The downtown library is a vital civic hub for Nashville.

Tennessee's role in women's suffrage commemorated in Broadway musical

The Tony-winning musical "Suffs" revisits Tennessee history.

Tennessee&#x27;s starring role in the fight for women&#x27;s suffrage is getting the Broadway treatment <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Nashville this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/02/11/tpac-broadway-shows-season" data-vars-content-id="2a8c0e28-d069-4d8b-8620-d151f52d1aa0" data-vars-headline="Tennessee&#x27;s role in women&#x27;s suffrage commemorated in Broadway musical" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/02/11/tpac-broadway-shows-season" target="_self">in Nashville this week</a>.The big picture: The Tony-winning musical &quot;Suffs,&quot; which is touring in Nashville through Sunday, revisits the summer of 1920, when Tennessee lawmakers cast the deciding vote to ratify the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.

"Phantom," "Harry Potter" coming to Nashville during TPAC's 2026-27 season

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center revealed its 2026-27 lineup.

The Phantom is coming back to Music City.🎭 State of plays: The Tennessee Performing Arts Center announced its 2026-27 Broadway season Tuesday. The lineup features a slate of 10 shows, anchored by the classics &quot;The Phantom of the Opera&quot; and &quot;The Sound of Music.&quot;

Axios Nashville's holiday gift guide for shopping local

Using your purchasing power at locally owned stores helps small businesses.

Holiday shopping is off to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record start" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/black-friday-retail-sales" data-vars-content-id="28b88199-8d63-4bf3-a7cb-ede982a3590a" data-vars-headline="Axios Nashville&#x27;s holiday gift guide for shopping local" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/black-friday-retail-sales" target="_self">record start</a>, but there is still plenty of time to round out your gift list with the help of local merchants.Why it matters: Using your purchasing power at locally owned stores helps small businesses, and it has a hand in preserving Music City&#x27;s distinctive flavor.

615 Indie Live announces 2026 festival lineup

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The 615 Indie Live festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/31/an-inside-look-at-nashvilles-615-indie-live-festival" data-vars-content-id="ea15d443-fcfc-4b4a-9598-6f74c366857e" data-vars-headline="615 Indie Live announces 2026 festival lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/31/an-inside-look-at-nashvilles-615-indie-live-festival" target="_self">The 615 Indie Live festival</a>, celebrating Nashville&#x27;s independent music venues, will stage its second event on Feb. 7.Driving the news: The festival announced its initial lineup, which features artists ranging from Bluegrass to R&amp;B and everything in between.<ul><li>Nashville rock veteran Lily Hiatt, R&amp;B artist Charles &quot;Wigg&quot; Walker and the bombastic Bluegrass group Hogslop String Band are among the artists who will perform at this year&#x27;s 615 Indie Live.</li><li>Festival organizers partnered with local music scene insiders, including Bluegrass Nashville, LOVENOISE, DeeOhGee and Polychrome Ranch, to help curate next year&#x27;s event.</li></ul>

The Belcourt reaches new member milestone as it hits 100

Support for the celebrated theater has surged to record-setting levels.

At 100 years old, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Belcourt Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/03/the-belcourt-unveils-its-most-popular-films-of-2024" data-vars-content-id="247c0e56-deeb-4760-abaf-9f6add7357c0" data-vars-headline="The Belcourt reaches new member milestone as it hits 100" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/01/03/the-belcourt-unveils-its-most-popular-films-of-2024" target="_self">The Belcourt Theatre</a> is still scaling new heights.Why it matters: The Belcourt&#x27;s support has surged to record-setting levels since the pandemic.<ul><li>A sharp uptick in paid memberships is laying a foundation for the independent movie house&#x27;s second century.</li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

Best Nashville patios for dog lovers

Nashville man gets a surprise star turn in "Company Retreat"

Great Smoky Mountains still the nation's top park

The Truth music venue announces first concert lineup

Nashville Public Library releases new video production of "Goldilocks" puppet show