Breaking news: A Nashville judge has blocked the state of TN from requiring an excuse for those under 60 to vote by mail. Any TN voter may request an absentee ballot for the Aug and Nov elections. Story posting shortly.
I just spoke to Olivia Hill (
@Oliviafornash
), who has apparently made history as the first transgender person ever elected to public office in Tennessee.
“It feels like every horrible thing that people have said about trans folks has just washed away," Hill says.
This headline is completely inaccurate. They literally turned over the numbers. A story was published. "A lie can travel halfway around the world, while the truth is putting on its shoes."
A Nashville judge rebuked the state's top election officials and ordered them to post a new absentee request form allowing for the pandemic as a reason to vote by mail by noon tomorrow or face contempt of court.
I am thrilled to announce that today is my first day at
@axios
local covering Nashville.
And I'm even more thrilled to be working alongside the talented
@tamburintweets
.
Hit me up with tips, story ideas, etc. and please subscribe to our newsletter!
If you're looking for a shot of positivity regarding the vaccine impact in Nashville, the Metro Health Dept told me on Friday they have seen just two cases of fully vaccinated people needing to be hospitalized. Two patients over 75 y/o, neither died or ended up in the ICU.
Also its not a revelation and the mayor's office didn't keep it secret. We reported the number of cases from bars on Aug. 4. Bizarre and inaccurate story by Fox 17.
After 17 years as a journalist in Nashville, including the last 10 at the Tennessean, I am moving on soon to a new challenge. The last non-journalism job I had was delivering pizza. 1/4
Members of the beloved pop rock duo Hall & Oates are locked in mysterious litigation.
Daryl Hall filed a lawsuit yesterday against John Oates in Nashville Chancery Court. At least for now, all of the filings in the litigation are under seal.
Welp this whole covid among kids thing isn't just a storyline. Our 10 y/o is sick and tested positive.
Miraculously, since our family of 4 does literally everything together all of the time, none of the rest of us have symptoms so far.
Attorneys representing Dr. Michelle Fiscus, Tennessee's fired top vaccine official, submitted a series of records requests related to the administrative name-clearing hearing she sought. The state's quoted cost for producing those records? $654,241.95.
We know Nashville will get through this but the images coming out of East Nashville and Germantown, two beloved parts of our great city, are heartbreaking. At least two close friends of mine lost their homes. Much love to all as we go through this together in the days ahead.
The
@TNLookout
is doing a story about the ad in this week's
@Tennessean
. We have asked editor Mike Anistasi a series of questions about the ad and will post a story after he responds.
Listening to our son's first grade teacher lead a lesson on phonics this morning. Utterly amazing. She is so positive, in command, patient, encouraging, engaging. I do not think people understand how challenging this is and how well teachers are doing.
As of 2:30 pm, 9,264 people have voted on the first day of early voting in Davidson County. The busiest precinct has been the Bordeaux library, with 986 voters.
For the night owls... With positive cases skyrocketing and bars/large gatherings primarily to blame, multiple sources tell me they expect Mayor Cooper to revert tomorrow to phase 2 of the city's reopening plan.
The Metro Courthouse, a historically significant Civil Rights landmark for peaceful protest and home to the most progressive city government I have ever covered, is being lit on fire by protestors.
Courthouse intrigue! Former Councilmember Bob Mendes is being hired as a top adviser to new Mayor Freddie O'Connell, sources say.
Mendes has been a point person in transition meetings. He endorsed O'Connell in the race.
Mendes was the most vocal opponent of the Titans stadium.
Breaking news... the building home to Exit/In, Nashville's oldest rock club, is under contract to be sold to AJ Capital Partners, the developer behind the Graduate Hotel chain, according to sources. This leaves the 50-year-old club's future uncertain.
Nashville is famous for its distinct neighborhoods, and Ray Hensler is chipping away at a new one: LoDo. He shared his vision for the area surrounding his Peabody Union project, including updated renderings, in an exclusive interview.
Nashville's independent music venues are headed for a cliff. Without govt help all but 1 will be closed in the next 13 weeks. How the pandemic has destroyed the city's entire music ecosystem, and the solutions that could offer a lifeline: via
@tnlookout
I am excited to return to journalism on a great team and for a great nonprofit news organization
@statesnewsroom
. I am especially thrilled to once again work alongside my longtime colleague and one of the state's most respected reporters
@anitawadhwani
Breaking: Mayor John Cooper's administration continues to fight back against new state laws singling out Nashville.
Metro sued this morning to block the state takeover of the airport board:
Let's review how Metro spent the money so far: mass $51M in mass testing/first responder/PPE purchase, laptops for students remote learning, rent/mortgage assistance to fight homelessness, nonprofit/small biz relief, food bank funding to prevent hunger. Which one's problematic?
BREAKING: TN House Leadership has requested
@TNCOT
Comptroller Justin Wilson to conduct a “thorough review” of the City of Nashville’s use of $121 million in federal relief funding.
By making a confusing, bureaucratic process spanning four government offices simpler, Nashville Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry’s office has helped hundreds of felons restore their voting rights: via
@tnlookout
The Senate has re-added $500M in funding for an enclosed Titans stadium to the budget one day after a committee removed the funds. A vital piece of the puzzle for a new Titans stadium is secured.
I have been covering Nashville politics since 2007... I have never fielded the crush of gossipy phone calls like have poured in since Mayor Cooper's announcement. It's bonkers out there folks.
The news is out that I'm leaving
@TNLookout
after 15 very satisfying months. Thank you to
@statesnewsroom
and especially my friend
@jhollymc
for the opportunity. I do feel we made a difference. Two more stories to file then onto my next challenge!!
For those breathlessly tweeting at me about another reporter's "bombshell" and the "disturbing" COVID-19 emails from Mayor Cooper, the emails do NOT say what the reporter implied. There is nothing about "how to keep it from the public." 1/
Metro is opening a second permanent covid testing site off Charlotte Ave at the intersection with 28th Ave/31st Ave connector. The testing site will be in an unused HCA parking lot. This is in addition to the permanent site on Murfreesboro Pk. It should be open this week.
A panel of chancellors issued an injunction today blocking implementation the newly drawn state Senate district lines.
The court ordered the General Assembly to revisit the maps within 15 days. If they can't fix the map, the panel will put an interim map in place.
Mayor-elect Freddie O'Connell unveiled his transition team advisers this am. They are Alex Jahangir, David Esquivel and Christy Pruitt-Haynes.
In addition, former Councilmember Bob Mendes, PR executive Katy Varney and lawyer Junaid Odubeko will be providing advice.
State Rep. Tim Rudd, a Republican, has filed legislation to remove Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle, one of Nashville's most respected judges. Lyle ruled last year the pandemic was an adequate excuse to vote by mail but was reversed by the GOP majority Supreme Court
Rep. Brandon Ogles, a Republican from Franklin, has filed a bill that would make it a new crime to assault a sports referee while they're officiating a game. The bill comes after Rep. Jeremy Faison apparently tried to pants a ref at a basketball game:
@IanKenyonNFL
The Packers have the No 22 offense and No 28 defense. They've won six games in which they've been outgained.
Why are they overcoming these deficiencies? Because the quarterback almost never turns it over.
Elementary school newsletter from principal... The kids are gonna dress up like crayons for a whacky day next Friday.
Middle school newsletter from principal... Please ask your kids not to assault the staff for Tik Tok content.
In my time covering Metro, perhaps no bill filed by GOP lawmakers aimed at Nashville has received the universal backlash of Rep. Rudd's proposal to remove Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle. My texts are blowing up this morning and the legislation was filed 2 days ago. People are livid.
The Nashville Christmas Bombing is incredibly unusual for a few reasons. The facts we think we know so far — and things may change as new information emerges — paint a picture that is different than any other attack on U.S. soil.
It raises some serious questions.
A thread 1/x
Councilmember Freddie O'Connell says he was underestimated throughout this race. Now he's among the favorites. "There was a narrative of 'Oh, he can't raise money. He can't win.' But... we listened to voters not armchair analysts. "
Great story about a vital new Nashville band (dude refined his musical talent while on tour in Iraq): The War and Treaty: Forged in battle, duo's music heals via
@JuliThanki
JOE BIDEN DEFEATS PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
The Associated Press declares Joe Biden the winner of a grueling campaign for the American presidency. He will lead a polarized nation through a historic collision of health, economic and social crises.
#APracecall
More signs of a progressive domination tonight: Terry Vo is ahead of the threshold for a runoff in Dist 17.
Incumbent CN Ginny Welsch, who was a target of pro-business groups, is also ahead after early vote
Aftyn Behn is leading in early vote in the Dist 51 Democratic primary.
In the at large race, CM Delishia Porterfield is in an impressive second place after early voting.
Between O'Connell's strong early vote numbers and Porterfield's performance, it is shaping up to be a strong night for Nashville progressives.
There’s so much going on in Nashville politics and media, but I want to take a moment to tout the excellent podcast The Promise by
@meribah
and
@wpln
. After tackling the issue of public housing and poverty in the first season, the second installment focuses on education. 1/
In the at large race, CM Delishia Porterfield is in an impressive second place after early voting.
Between O'Connell's strong early vote numbers and Porterfield's performance, it is shaping up to be a strong night for Nashville progressives.
Thanks. I just made some personal history by asking my first question at a White House press briefing.
Pressed by me about Speaker Pelosi expressing confidence today that a COVID-19 bill can pass by March 15,
@PressSec
would not give a timeline favored by the administration.
My key takeaway on tonight's election: Progressive candidates excelled. Obviously O'Connell is in the pole position in the mayor's race.
Of the 15 candidates backed by the Justice League, 10 won outright, three at-large advanced to the runoff. Just two candidates lost.
When the tornado hit last year
@yihyun_jeong
was among first reporters on the scene. Same after the bombing on 2nd Ave. She broke the major story of the Titans nearing a new stadium deal with the city. And on top of being a great reporter she's a better friend. Happy bday buddy!
In my 18 years as a journalist,
@joeygarrison
is the most passionate, conscientious and hardest working reporter I’ve seen. He’s also one of my best friends. We landed some memorable scoops together. It’s a huge loss for 1100 and Nashville. Congrats Boston.
AJ Capital Partners the development firm that purchased the Exit/In property has broken its silence. The firm vowed to preserve the music venue and offered to refund anyone who donated to a GoFundMe by the current operators who hoped to buy it.
Full statement attached
Organizers seeking to recall Mayor Cooper announced in an email to supporters tonight their effort has failed: "It is over and dead. This is a tough moment for our team."
Recall backers had volunteers gathering signatures at early vote sites, but they are giving up.
Get excited political nerds. We have at-large polling!
Delishia Porterfield (40%) and Quin Evans-Segall (38%) are well ahead in the field of eight candidates.
The next tier is Burkley Allen by herself at 31%.
The remaining 5 candidates are clustered together in a virtual tie.
After a clumsy and bewildering debate over a motion to reconsider failed, it is now official: council approved the $2.1B financing plan for a new Titans stadium by a margin of 26-12.
Regarding the District 5 Democratic primary: Keeda Haynes, an under the radar candidate most hadn't heard of, raised a modest $102K and is running at about 41%. Gotta wonder if this puts blood in the water for the 2022 primary.
Supreme Court ruling allows TN voters with certain pre-existing conditions to vote by mail. The state was supposed to spread the word about this, but to date they've only updated one FAQ section of their website: via
@tnlookout
This is purely anecdotal, but it's clear Metro's contact tracing effort is not keeping up. My best friend got his positive test result 20 days ago. He was called by a tracer for the first time today. The tracer told him they are way behind and still making calls from June.
“Governor Lee asked what he could do to help, and Dr. Battle requested he assist us in protecting our staff and supporting a safer return of our students by ensuring we start receiving direct allocations of vaccine by next week, but he would not commit to doing so.”
Now the Nashville Bar Association has come out forcefully against the resolution to remove Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle. The NBA pointed out Lyle was handpicked to preside over the state's first ever business court pilot project.
The TN Bar Association just sent out a lengthy statement outlining its opposition to Rep. Rudd's legislation to remove Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle. The influential bar association says the proposal would have a chilling effect on the courts and threaten the separation of powers.
Metro Councilmember and Nashville mayoral candidate Freddie O'Connell has tested positive for covid.
He's one of at least 8 members who tested positive in recent days since Tuesday's final meeting of the term.
O'Connell will be in quarantine until Thur his spokesperson says.
The news media didn't lie through its teeth. The Tennessean and its award winning, nationally recognized religion reporter
@HollyAMeyer
quoted the pastor directly. If you don't like the way your comments look in black and white, maybe don't say crazy stuff!
This video –– disclaiming the news media for covering Steve Berger in what he actually said in a video –– is now under review by Facebook.
This is
@GovBillLee
's pastor.
I got several texts yesterday warning me this had happened live from the pulpit.
The normal process calls for a four-week period after the vice mayor announces a vacancy. But if council chooses to suspend its rules, then Jones could be reappointed that day. So Jones could be back in the state House by COB on Monday.
The budget problems. The political environment. The commitment to the Sounds. The trouble launching the Nashville SC. The environment could not be worse for bringing a fourth big league team to Nashville. Also tearing up Cumberland Park for a baseball stadium is a terrible idea.
The clubs will not be made whole, but the government stepped up to help Nashville's music venues. Metro committed some of its CARES Act money to venues, and the latest stimulus includes more safety net funding. Now let's all go to tons of concerts next year.
Council is supposed to vote tonight on an agreement to possibly host the RNC, but odds are that doesn't happen. The legislation is VERY likely to be withdrawn or deferred indefinitely, leaving the city's chances of hosting the convention in doubt.
Pretty weird scene. In a chancery court hearing being held remotely because the pandemic is too dangerous to do it in person, the state of TN is arguing the pandemic is not a good enough reason to expand absentee voting to people under 60. Background:
This story has been updated with a comment from Woodrow Johnston, who says he was not fired.
He says he resigned on Saturday, and provided Axios with his resignation email.
Johnston says he discussed the Nevada protest controversy with Rolli the first day they talked.
After 3 straight bruising budget fights, Metro Council passed this year's $2.6B operating budget with an anticlimactic voice vote. A notable political win for budget chair Kyonzte Toombs
@toombsfortwo
. The budget included a record pay raise for MNPS teachers.
Members of Nashville's legislative delegation hand delivered a letter today to Gov. Bill Lee asking him to veto the bill that gives the state control of the city's Airport Authority board.
Email from MNPS Director Dr Adrienne Battle basically says a return to virtual school is likely after Thanksgiving as virus spread continues to get worse in Nashville.