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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>

Georgia congressman questions federal funding for TN Choice Lanes

U.S. Rep. Clay Fuller questions the use of a record federal loan for Tennessee's Choice Lanes project.

Politics

A Georgia congressman sent a letter to the top U.S. transportation official this week, expressing concerns about federal funding for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tennessee&#x27;s I-24 toll lane project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/12/19/nashville-new-optional-toll-lanes" data-vars-content-id="65eb1884-137d-4671-9242-2bf0cb0e070f" data-vars-headline="Georgia congressman questions federal funding for TN Choice Lanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/12/19/nashville-new-optional-toll-lanes" target="_self">Tennessee&#x27;s I-24 toll lane project</a>.Why it matters: The toll lanes are supposed to bring in billions of dollars for Tennessee&#x27;s transportation funding and help ease congestion on the busy I-24 corridor between Nashville and Rutherford County.

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>

Organizers turn in enough signatures to put fairgrounds racing ban on the ballot

Organizers turned in thousands of petitions to trigger a referendum in Nashville over banning racing at the fairgrounds.

The fate of Nashville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="publicly owned fairgrounds racetrack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/08/proposal-ban-auto-racing-nashville-fairgrounds" data-vars-content-id="551be313-567f-4c20-86a6-da497d25fc6f" data-vars-headline="Organizers turn in enough signatures to put fairgrounds racing ban on the ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/08/proposal-ban-auto-racing-nashville-fairgrounds" target="_self">publicly owned fairgrounds racetrack</a> will likely be in the hands of voters next year after organizers on Friday turned in enough petition signatures to put the issue on the ballot.Why it matters: The racetrack has been the source of political intrigue, activism and debate for more than 15 years.<ul><li>A plan from the group Restore Our Fairgrounds would permanently ban auto racing at the fairgrounds and replace it with affordable or workforce housing on the list of required programming there.</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.

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.

Scoop: Councilmember Burkley Allen enters race for vice mayor

CM Burkley Allen confirms she's running for vice mayor next year.

Metro Councilmember Burkley Allen is running for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vice mayor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/16/nashville-vice-mayors-race-heats-up-with-two-candidates-entering-the-running" data-vars-content-id="b58bee17-1ba8-43e4-832a-442cfa26f01c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Councilmember Burkley Allen enters race for vice mayor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/16/nashville-vice-mayors-race-heats-up-with-two-candidates-entering-the-running" target="_self">vice mayor</a> next year, adding another accomplished and viable candidate to the already competitive race.Why it matters: The 2027 vice mayor&#x27;s race is shaping up to be the most intriguing on the ballot.

New River North greenway foreshadows Nashville's East Bank parks plan 

New River North greenway has wide walking paths, plenty of places to sit and a cool view of the river.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The River North" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/search?q=axios+nashville+and+river+north&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=axios+nashville+and+river+north&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigATIHCAYQIRifBTIHCAcQIRifBTIHCAgQIRiPAjIHCAkQIRiPAtIBCDMwMzlqMGo0qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;source=chrome.ob&amp;ie=UTF-8" data-vars-content-id="befb7403-30fc-4616-a078-b8214df39fe4" data-vars-headline="New River North greenway foreshadows Nashville&#x27;s East Bank parks plan " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=axios+nashville+and+river+north&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=axios+nashville+and+river+north&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigATIHCAYQIRifBTIHCAcQIRifBTIHCAgQIRiPAjIHCAkQIRiPAtIBCDMwMzlqMGo0qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;source=chrome.ob&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">The River North</a> greenway opened to the public last week, offering a friendly walking path with a picturesque view on the East Bank of the Cumberland River.Why it matters: River North is the first leg of a more ambitious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="greenway plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/20/plan-to-play-update-tests-how-much-nashville-wants-to-spend-on-parks" data-vars-content-id="befb7403-30fc-4616-a078-b8214df39fe4" data-vars-headline="New River North greenway foreshadows Nashville&#x27;s East Bank parks plan " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/20/plan-to-play-update-tests-how-much-nashville-wants-to-spend-on-parks" target="_self">greenway plan</a> that will connect the Oracle campus all the way to Shelby Bottoms Park.<ul><li>The project sits along the river, which has historically been sealed off to the public on the underdeveloped East Bank.</li></ul>

Sen. Marsha Blackburn could appoint her own replacement in the Senate

If Marsha Blackburn wins the Tennessee governor's race, she wants to appoint her own Senate replacement.tktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktktkktktktktk

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/07/tennessee-governor-marsha-blackburn-jerri-green" data-vars-content-id="b7f73d62-7165-4a2c-9d4c-97606c9388f6" data-vars-headline="Sen. Marsha Blackburn could appoint her own replacement in the Senate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/07/tennessee-governor-marsha-blackburn-jerri-green" target="_self">U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn</a> plans to appoint her successor to the Senate if she wins the Tennessee governor&#x27;s race in November.Why it matters: The unusual political dynamic adds a layer of intrigue to the governor&#x27;s race.

Top Tennessee lawmakers commit to funding Dolly Parton's Imagination Library statewide

Speaker Cameron Sexton and Sen. Bo Watson commit to funding Dolly's Imagination Library

Top Republican lawmakers vowed Tuesday to fund the local costs of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolly Parton&#x27;s Imagination Library" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-imagination-library-legacy-death" data-vars-content-id="6ec69b2b-c082-425a-b64f-f4c7f28e68f8" data-vars-headline="Top Tennessee lawmakers commit to funding Dolly Parton&#x27;s Imagination Library statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-imagination-library-legacy-death" target="_self">Dolly Parton&#x27;s Imagination Library</a> in the 2027 state budget.Why it matters: The commitment from House Speaker Cameron Sexton and state Sen. Bo Watson ensures the already successful program will have funding available in every corner of Tennessee.

Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Hatley bashes data centers in campaign ad

David Hatley's first general election ad takes aim at data centers and surveillance cameras.

Independent gubernatorial candidate David Hatley kicked off his general election campaign with a statewide TV ad that taps into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the anti-data center uproar." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/01/what-to-know-about-nashvilles-data-center-debate" data-vars-content-id="e56b883a-6472-4d4b-b16e-52c804613ac6" data-vars-headline="Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Hatley bashes data centers in campaign ad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/01/what-to-know-about-nashvilles-data-center-debate" target="_self">the anti-data center uproar.</a>Why it matters: From Memphis to Knoxville, regulating data centers has become a hot-button issue in Tennessee.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hatley" data-vars-click-url="https://hatleyforgovernor.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=24028543877&amp;gbraid=0AAAABEEuNjCoCq3bGRxbQPFX1HLVoCMVa&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka35seW7_kOuUWKZRfj1rTZxbraZjI_AtFrwHSL0CGiBY42sf1rxziIaAnCCEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="e56b883a-6472-4d4b-b16e-52c804613ac6" data-vars-headline="Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Hatley bashes data centers in campaign ad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hatleyforgovernor.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=24028543877&amp;gbraid=0AAAABEEuNjCoCq3bGRxbQPFX1HLVoCMVa&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka35seW7_kOuUWKZRfj1rTZxbraZjI_AtFrwHSL0CGiBY42sf1rxziIaAnCCEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Hatley</a>, an entrepreneur with a successful manufacturing business, is running as an underdog against Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the Republican favorite, and Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green, the Democrat.

Politics 🇺🇸

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

Georgia congressman questions federal funding for TN Choice Lanes

Metro officials concerned after East Bank hotel delay

Organizers turn in enough signatures to put fairgrounds racing ban on the ballot

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