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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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Lawyers: Pike getting "life-saving care" after failed execution

State and federal elected officials are pressing for public accountability.

News

Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike&#x27;s attorneys said she was &quot;in critical condition&quot; and &quot;receiving life-saving care&quot; Thursday, a day after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="she survived an execution attempt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/01/chaos-questions-christa-pike-execution-attempt" data-vars-content-id="5846c647-a88b-4072-aeb2-def79cf89669" data-vars-headline="Lawyers: Pike getting &quot;life-saving care&quot; after failed execution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/01/chaos-questions-christa-pike-execution-attempt" target="_self">she survived an execution attempt</a> during which the state administered two doses of the lethal injection drug.<ul><li>A death penalty expert <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told the Associated Press" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/christa-pike-failed-botched-execution-5638e4f7d25d5490b402ae53cfa2626d" data-vars-content-id="5846c647-a88b-4072-aeb2-def79cf89669" data-vars-headline="Lawyers: Pike getting &quot;life-saving care&quot; after failed execution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/christa-pike-failed-botched-execution-5638e4f7d25d5490b402ae53cfa2626d" target="_blank">told the Associated Press</a> that Pike&#x27;s survival after receiving the execution drug was unprecedented.</li></ul>The latest: State and federal elected officials are pressing for public accountability after the second failed execution this year. Gov. Bill Lee halted further executions for the rest of the year and ordered a independent review of the Pike execution attempt.<ul><li>On Thursday morning, he told reporters there were &quot;very few answers&quot; about what had gone wrong.</li></ul>

Predators offer gravy boats, bobbleheads and romance for theme nights this season

Nashville Predators' promotions for 2026 season include bobbleheads of Billy Strings and Ryan O'Reilly.

Sports

If your Thanksgiving arrangement fell short in terms of expressing your hockey fandom, well, the Nashville Predators have you covered.<ul><li>The Preds partnered with Cracker Barrel on a catfish gravy boat giveaway for the team&#x27;s Nov. 7 home game against the St. Louis Blues.</li></ul>The big picture: Predators fans really want a playoff hockey team this season. <ul><li>That remains to be seen, but attending games is sure to be fun either way, as the team&#x27;s marketing department once again packed their home schedule full of creative promotions and theme nights.</li></ul>Here are some of our favorites:

Tennessee contributes to national uptick in executions

Forty-seven people were executed last year, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Three of them were in Tennessee.

Tennessee is contributing to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national surge in executions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/02/death-penalty-executions-surging-florida" data-vars-content-id="9fe7d76c-9b59-462f-9ac2-1d1737260f86" data-vars-headline="Tennessee contributes to national uptick in executions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/02/death-penalty-executions-surging-florida" target="_self">national surge in executions</a>, and the Republican candidate for governor wants the state to go further in the coming years.The big picture: Forty-seven people were executed in the United States last year, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.<ul><li>Three of them were in Tennessee.</li></ul>

Christa Pike hospitalized after failed execution attempt

Christa Pike hospitalized after failed TN execution attempt

"We have a lot of questions about what we saw and what we did not see."

Death row inmate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christa Pike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/30/christa-pike-execution-stayed-appeals-court" data-vars-content-id="061853ae-993b-49c7-96fb-c56817325e58" data-vars-headline="Christa Pike hospitalized after failed execution attempt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/30/christa-pike-execution-stayed-appeals-court" target="_self">Christa Pike</a> was still alive after getting two rounds of lethal injection drugs at a Nashville prison Wednesday night, her attorneys said in court filings.<ul><li>Media witnesses who watched the lethal injection process said Pike was still breathing when the warden told them to leave at 8:53pm.</li><li>An ambulance left the prison grounds while they were describing their experience at a press conference outside. Sirens wailed while they talked.</li></ul>

Mayor O'Connell touts Nashville's business longevity record in recent speeches

He wants to shed light on the positive side of Nashville's economy at a time when high-profile hospitality businesses have closed.

Business

Armed with a newly released study, Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell has been touting Nashville&#x27;s friendly climate for business longevity in recent speeches.Why it matters: O&#x27;Connell wants to shed light on the positive side of Nashville&#x27;s economy at a time when high-profile hospitality businesses have shuttered.<ul><li>Critics blame some of the closures on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s rising property tax bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/20/a-closer-look-at-nashvilles-proposed-property-tax-increase" data-vars-content-id="aabb2494-3f06-40a4-9044-c7cc102ed453" data-vars-headline="Mayor O&#x27;Connell touts Nashville&#x27;s business longevity record in recent speeches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/20/a-closer-look-at-nashvilles-proposed-property-tax-increase" target="_self">city&#x27;s rising property tax bills</a> following last year&#x27;s reappraisals and rate increase.</li></ul>

Exclusive: Nashville's Jackalope Brewing Co. posts strong growth numbers

Jackalope turned in excellent sales in recent months following its acquisition of Black Abbey.

Against the backdrop of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a troublesome time for the craft beer industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/02/nashville-craft-beer-industry-ownership-changes" data-vars-content-id="af641e71-7b11-4b69-8423-9600be0e0014" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Nashville&#x27;s Jackalope Brewing Co. posts strong growth numbers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/02/nashville-craft-beer-industry-ownership-changes" target="_self">a troublesome time for the craft beer industry</a>, Nashville-based Jackalope Brewing Company turned in excellent sales numbers in recent months.Why it matters: Jackalope&#x27;s surge offers a bright light on the heels of closures and declining sales.

Metro officials concerned after East Bank hotel delay

Metro officials are worried after the Fallon Company said its timeline for an East Bank hotel is running slower than expected.

A vital <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Bank hotel project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/06/new-renderings-show-plan-for-nashville-s-east-bank" data-vars-content-id="f2852cc9-7f39-4775-bd0b-8f48de2877af" data-vars-headline="Metro officials concerned after East Bank hotel delay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/06/new-renderings-show-plan-for-nashville-s-east-bank" target="_self">East Bank hotel project</a> won&#x27;t be finished in time for the Super Bowl in Nashville in 2030, creating consternation among city leaders.Why it matters: The situation illustrates a frayed relationship between Metro and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Fallon Company," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/09/12/metro-east-bank-development-firm-fallon-company" data-vars-content-id="f2852cc9-7f39-4775-bd0b-8f48de2877af" data-vars-headline="Metro officials concerned after East Bank hotel delay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/09/12/metro-east-bank-development-firm-fallon-company" target="_self">the Fallon Company,</a> which is the city&#x27;s chosen master developer for the land around the new Titans stadium.<ul><li>City officials are worried about the optics and logistics of having a major construction site next to Nissan Stadium when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Super Bowl is in town" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/19/nashville-picked-to-host-super-bowl-in-2030" data-vars-content-id="f2852cc9-7f39-4775-bd0b-8f48de2877af" data-vars-headline="Metro officials concerned after East Bank hotel delay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/19/nashville-picked-to-host-super-bowl-in-2030" target="_self">the Super Bowl is in town</a>.</li></ul>

Tennessee creates advisory council to boost state's music ecosystem

Gov. Bill Lee launches a new advisory council to help the state's music ecosystem.

Gov. Bill Lee&#x27;s administration announced Thursday the creation of the Tennessee Music Advisory Council.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a gritty time for professionals and music businesses.<ul><li>The rising cost of living is making it harder for young musicians and songwriters in the aspiring phase of their career to make ends meet.</li><li>Independent music businesses, especially concert venues, are under constant threat of closing.</li></ul>

 Mayor O'Connell attends gathering in support of Starbucks workers unionizing effort

Mayor Freddie O'Connell attended a union event last week in support of Starbucks workers seeking to organize for better benefits.

Politics

Nashville Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell attended a union event last week in support of Starbucks baristas organizing for better pay and benefits.Why it matters: O&#x27;Connell is trying to thread the needle politically when it comes to Starbucks by supporting both the union organizing effort and the company&#x27;s massive corporate investment in Nashville.

Officials begin renaming Nashville airport for Dolly Parton

The Airport Authority took the first step in renaming BNA for Dolly Parton.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board unanimously voted Friday to support renaming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the airport after Dolly Parton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/28/nashville-airport-rename-dolly-parton" data-vars-content-id="989713f0-554f-488f-b6e5-cf5cf892df65" data-vars-headline="Officials begin renaming Nashville airport for Dolly Parton" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/28/nashville-airport-rename-dolly-parton" target="_self">the airport after Dolly Parton</a>.Why it matters: Renaming an airport is reserved for the likes of presidents, astronauts, war heroes, or in Nashville&#x27;s case, a country music icon.<ul><li>The grandiose honor is proof of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Parton&#x27;s status as Nashville royalty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" data-vars-content-id="989713f0-554f-488f-b6e5-cf5cf892df65" data-vars-headline="Officials begin renaming Nashville airport for Dolly Parton" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" target="_self">Parton&#x27;s status as Nashville royalty</a>.</li></ul>

Nashville airport adds flight to Guadalajara, a major hub in Mexico

The Volaris Airlines flights begin Oct. 15.

The Nashville airport is adding a new international flight to Mexico next month.Why it matters: The new route to Guadalajara will offer travelers a significant gateway to more destinations in Mexico.

Coca-Cola Consolidated deepens its investment in Nashville

Coca-Cola Consolidated's Nashville scale supports local jobs, businesses and community programs.

Partners

Coca-Cola Consolidated continues to provide refreshing beverages to its customer network and expand its community partnerships to serve the Nashville area.<ul><li>The company employs 714 teammates who serve the Nashville area and supplies nearly 8,800 business customers across the city.</li></ul>Why it&#x27;s important: Nashville&#x27;s growth creates opportunity while putting greater demand on the institutions, infrastructure and community organizations that support daily life.

312 Pizza thought it was going to close, but the community rallied

312 Pizza stays open after fearing it had to close.

312 Pizza Co., a Germantown neighborhood staple specializing in Chicago-style deep dish, planned to close its doors on Monday.<ul><li>Yes, but: An outpouring of community support, including from Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell, provided 312 at least a temporary reprieve.</li></ul>Why it matters: Instead of another locally owned small business shuttering, 312 is a beacon of hope during a gritty time for Nashville&#x27;s independent restaurant community.

Inside Clarksville's record growth: Big deals, and a population surge

From an ambitious economic development project to affordable housing, Clarksville is booming.

For generations, Tennesseans have referred to the state&#x27;s big four cities: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga.<ul><li>Yes, but: It&#x27;s time to start thinking in terms of the Big Five.</li></ul>Why it matters: Clarksville is at a tipping point after decades of meteoric growth.<ul><li>The once-sleepy Middle Tennessee town an hour away on Interstate 24 is attracting massive mixed-use developments that are on par with Nashville&#x27;s current East Bank overhaul.</li></ul>

Business 🏦

Mayor O'Connell touts Nashville's business longevity record in recent speeches

Exclusive: Nashville's Jackalope Brewing Co. posts strong growth numbers

Metro officials concerned after East Bank hotel delay

Tennessee creates advisory council to boost state's music ecosystem

Mayor O'Connell attends gathering in support of Starbucks workers unionizing effort