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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>

Players' cleats melted during Tennessee Titans game as turf hit 157 degrees

ESPN reports the temperature on the turf reached 157 degrees.

The Tennessee Titans haven&#x27;t had a red-hot start to the season, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nissan Stadium has." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/16/nashville-weather-record-setting-heat-wave" data-vars-content-id="1596fc70-6e4a-4913-9991-0cb0e13b3a89" data-vars-headline="Players&#x27; cleats melted during Tennessee Titans game as turf hit 157 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/16/nashville-weather-record-setting-heat-wave" target="_self">Nissan Stadium has.</a>State of play: For two straight weeks, players have faced dangerously hot conditions. Players&#x27; cleats <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="melted on the field" data-vars-click-url="https://people.com/eagles-cam-jurgens-says-titans-field-was-so-hot-his-cleats-melted-12131804" data-vars-content-id="1596fc70-6e4a-4913-9991-0cb0e13b3a89" data-vars-headline="Players&#x27; cleats melted during Tennessee Titans game as turf hit 157 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://people.com/eagles-cam-jurgens-says-titans-field-was-so-hot-his-cleats-melted-12131804" target="_blank">melted on the field</a> on Sunday. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ESPN reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49995389/turf-temps-157-f-nashville-melts-cleats" data-vars-content-id="1596fc70-6e4a-4913-9991-0cb0e13b3a89" data-vars-headline="Players&#x27; cleats melted during Tennessee Titans game as turf hit 157 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49995389/turf-temps-157-f-nashville-melts-cleats" target="_blank">ESPN reports</a> the temperature on the turf reached 157°.

Nashville SC's stellar season anchored by unbeaten streak at Geodis Park

Soccer is a much-needed silver lining for local sports fans.

Geodis Park is the biggest home-field advantage in Major League Soccer this year.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville SC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/20/nashville-sc-2026-season-preview" data-vars-content-id="b3dbaec3-c100-4179-b0ff-bbafc454c013" data-vars-headline="Nashville SC&#x27;s stellar season anchored by unbeaten streak at Geodis Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/20/nashville-sc-2026-season-preview" target="_self">Nashville SC</a> is in the midst of a potential <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;storybook season,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7588587/2026/09/12/messi-goal-inter-miami-nashville-draw/" data-vars-content-id="b3dbaec3-c100-4179-b0ff-bbafc454c013" data-vars-headline="Nashville SC&#x27;s stellar season anchored by unbeaten streak at Geodis Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7588587/2026/09/12/messi-goal-inter-miami-nashville-draw/" target="_blank">&quot;storybook season,&quot;</a> anchored by an unbeaten streak of MLS games at home.

Nashville's new women's pro hoops team unveils logo and nickname

The Nashville Vibe announced their team name in advance of debut season in UpShot League.

Our city&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="professional women&#x27;s basketball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/28/nancy-vanreece-nashville-new-pro-basketblal-women" data-vars-content-id="84cd4045-6c7e-47c8-bacd-947b7b56b13e" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s new women&#x27;s pro hoops team unveils logo and nickname" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/28/nancy-vanreece-nashville-new-pro-basketblal-women" target="_self">professional women&#x27;s basketball team</a> will be the Nashville Vibe.Driving the news: Executives unveiled the nickname and logo in an event on Tuesday at Vanderbilt Memorial Gymnasium.<ul><li>The Vibe will compete in the UpShot League beginning next year. Nashville is the sixth city to garner a franchise.</li></ul>

Robert Saleh begins Titans tenure against old team 

Robert Saleh's first game as Titans coach comes against his old team.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The 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="32871ed7-58af-483d-9e50-218fbc6be494" data-vars-headline="Robert Saleh begins Titans tenure against old team " 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">The Robert Saleh</a> era begins Sunday for the Titans as the team hosts the New York Jets at Nissan Stadium.Why it matters: The NFL schedule-makers had a sense of drama when they created this Week 1 matchup. Saleh&#x27;s first regular season game as the Titans coach comes against his old team.

Vandy soccer makes history with No. 1 ranking

Vanderbilt soccer looks like a powerhouse this season.

The Vanderbilt women&#x27;s soccer team stormed into SEC play on Thursday ranked No. 1 in the entire country.Why it matters: The Commodores seem to be positioned to contend for a national title.

Titans say goodbye to Will Levis

Titans cut former starter Will Levis, add four new players to roster.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Titans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/28/titans-training-camp-draws-attention-to-saleh-and-ward" data-vars-content-id="5451bdd8-7635-4d84-8aa4-42a15855f092" data-vars-headline="Titans say goodbye to Will Levis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/07/28/titans-training-camp-draws-attention-to-saleh-and-ward" target="_self">The Titans</a>&#x27; 53-man roster featured one fall from grace and one training camp Cinderella story.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="General manager Mike Borgonzi" 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="5451bdd8-7635-4d84-8aa4-42a15855f092" data-vars-headline="Titans say goodbye to Will Levis" 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">General manager Mike Borgonzi</a> made a wave of cuts and waiver claims in recent days as he fine-tuned the roster in advance of the team&#x27;s opening game against the Jets.

Titans training camp draws attention to Saleh and Ward

Titans begin training camp looking for stability.

For NFL fans, training camp is supposed to be a time for hope, but Titans fans have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seen this movie before" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/07/11/tennessee-titans-training-camp-test-cam-ward" data-vars-content-id="1f692f12-04db-4661-a336-675d55c9dde0" data-vars-headline="Titans training camp draws attention to Saleh and Ward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/07/11/tennessee-titans-training-camp-test-cam-ward" target="_self">seen this movie before</a>.<ul><li>Since Steve McNair left the franchise in 2005, the team has had 16 starting quarterbacks.</li><li>After 17 years of stability provided by Jeff Fisher, the Titans have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="employed seven head coaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/10/14/tennessee-titans-callahan-fired-mike-mccoy-interim" data-vars-content-id="1f692f12-04db-4661-a336-675d55c9dde0" data-vars-headline="Titans training camp draws attention to Saleh and Ward" 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">employed seven head coaches</a> in the last 16 years.</li></ul>Why it matters: This year&#x27;s training camp boils down to the same old questions: can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new coach Robert Saleh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/20/tennessee-titans-robert-saleh-head-coach" data-vars-content-id="1f692f12-04db-4661-a336-675d55c9dde0" data-vars-headline="Titans training camp draws attention to Saleh and Ward" 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">new coach Robert Saleh</a> and second-year quarterback <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cam Ward" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/05/craving-a-winner-titans-fans-look-to-cam-wards-debut" data-vars-content-id="1f692f12-04db-4661-a336-675d55c9dde0" data-vars-headline="Titans training camp draws attention to Saleh and Ward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/05/craving-a-winner-titans-fans-look-to-cam-wards-debut" target="_self">Cam Ward</a> stabilize the franchise.

How Nashville is embracing another round of World Cup mania

Several events are planned Wednesday as Team USA enters the knockout round.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup mania" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/01/bay-area-2026-world-cup-plans" data-vars-content-id="0cb84e7e-7103-46de-b0a0-e33b1ca0d20c" data-vars-headline="How Nashville is embracing another round of World Cup mania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/01/bay-area-2026-world-cup-plans" target="_self">World Cup mania</a> remains at a fever pitch, and Nashville is not immune.The latest: Several events are planned Wednesday as Team USA enters the knockout round.

Former Titans star Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis

The 40-year-old football star made the announcement on "Good Morning America"

Former Titans star Chris Johnson revealed in an emotional interview with &quot;Good Morning America&quot; today that he was diagnosed with ALS.The big picture: Johnson, 40, told interviewer Michael Strahan, who is also a former NFL standout, he intends to fight the devastating disease with no known cure.<ul><li>&quot;Honestly, I don&#x27;t know if you ever fully process it,&quot; Johnson said, speaking with the help of a computerized device. &quot;At first you&#x27;re in shock, then you realize you have two choices. You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.&quot;</li></ul>

Sports 🏅

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

Players' cleats melted during Tennessee Titans game as turf hit 157 degrees

Nashville SC's stellar season anchored by unbeaten streak at Geodis Park

Nashville's new women's pro hoops team unveils logo and nickname

Robert Saleh begins Titans tenure against old team