Stephen Elliott

28 Jan 2025

I cover government and politics in Nashville and Tennessee. If you have a story idea here’s how you can reach me: Email: selliott@nashvillepublicmedia.com Signal: stephen.81

nashvillebanner.comJerri Green, two independents to debate on Tuesday - Nashville BannerJerri Green, David Hatley, and Lauren Pinkston are set to debate Tuesday. Watch the livestream from MTSU hosted by the Tennessee Press Association.

12h

The Tennessee gubernatorial debate (minus frontrunner Marsha Blackburn) will be streaming live here at 7:

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nashvillebanner.comICE detains a Lyft driver at Nashville International Airport - Nashville BannerICE detained Lyft driver Salin Ramos at Nashville International Airport and labeled him a suspected Venezuelan gang member, which friends dispute.

18h

I talked to the woman who rode in a Lyft to the Nashville airport and was getting out of the car when ICE agents appeared and seized the driver.

Nashville Banner@nashvillebanner.bsky.social

Salin Ramos Alvarez drove a passenger in a Lyft to BNA, where ICE grabbed him, saying he was part of a Venezuelan gang. Friends and family say he was a barber hustling to support family back home. ✍️ @iamstevenhale.bsky.social

nashvillebanner.comBill to restrict right on red light will be withdrawn - Nashville BannerNashville Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda will withdraw her right-on-red legislation following talks with NDOT. The council also will vote on capital spending.

The "no right on red" legislation is being withdrawn after its sponsor had a "very productive" convo with Nashville Department of Transportation leadership:

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nashvillebanner.comData center lawsuit, a big retirement and more from Metro CouncilDC Blox was dealt a setback in court, the longtime sherrif is retiring, and right on red legislation got pushed again

On this week’s episode of After Deadline, @iamstevenhale.bsky.social and @stelliott.bsky.social talk about DC Blox, Daron Hall, the Metro Council and the streamside salamander.

nashvillebanner.comDismissal of claims a win for Metro in data center battle - Nashville BannerA judge dismissed DC Blox's claims in a lawsuit against Metro regarding the city's efforts to stop construction of a data center near the Nashville Zoo.

Federal judge dismisses DC Blox’s claims. The company, which is seeking to build a data center at a site adjacent to the Nashville Zoo, had alleged that Metro’s “relentless efforts” to block the development illegally singled out the company.

nashvillebanner.comChrista Pike is awake, talking days after botched execution - Nashville BannerChrista Pike is conscious and speaking following a failed lethal injection execution attempt last week, lawyers say. Her long-term prognosis remains unclear.

Christa Pike is conscious and speaking less than a week after surviving her scheduled execution, her attorneys said Tuesday. @iamstevenhale.bsky.social @nashvillebanner.bsky.social

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In a release to media, Christa Pike’s attorneys say she is now “conscious and speaking” almost a week after the state of Tennessee failed to execute her by lethal injection.

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nashvillebanner.comFrances Edwards, 96, doesn't take voting for granted - Nashville BannerA 96-year-old resident at a Green Hills senior living facility makes voting a priority, pushes for increased registration and participation from others.

Frances Edwards, a 96-year-old Nashvillian, plans to vote right when early voting begins. “I might die” before Election Day, she reasons. ✍️ @stelliott.bsky.social

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nashvillebanner.comChrista Pike survives botched Tennessee execution attempt - Nashville BannerChrista Pike survives a botched execution attempt in Tennessee; lawyers report she is in critical condition and are unsure of her prognosis.

Christa Pike’s attorneys said she was alive and in critical condition at a Nashville hospital Thursday afternoon, less than 24 hours after she survived the state of Tennessee’s attempt to execute her. nashvillebanner.com/2026/10/01/c...

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At an ongoing press conference, Christa Pike’s attorneys say she is alive right now although they don’t know her prognosis. @nashvillebanner.bsky.social

nashvillebanner.comChrista Pike survives botched lethal injection attempt - Nashville BannerTennessee attempted to execute Christa Pike for a 1995 murder, but the lethal injection failed. Pike survives and was moved to a medical facility.

Thank you to @iamstevenhale.bsky.social, @mikeiereiland.bsky.social and Martin Cherry for their work at Riverbend on an impossibly difficult day:

Nashville Banner@nashvillebanner.bsky.social

Christa Pike, who was supposed to be the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years, is still alive after the state tried and failed to execute her on Wednesday. TDOC officials refused to comment after the state’s second failed execution this year. nashvillebanner.com/2026/09/30/c...

penguinrandomhouse.comDeath Row Welcomes You by Steven Hale: 9781612199283 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books"An eye-opening journey to a place that’s hard to access, rarely seen and shrouded by myths of monsters and abominations. ... Death Row Welcomes You demands that we not look away."- New York Times...

People who are coming to this story and interested in learning more should check out Steven's book about Tennessee's death row: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676743...

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nashvillebanner.comPilot program helps educators cover childcare costs - Nashville BannerA $400,000 pilot program from the Nashville Early Education Coalition helps local childcare workers cover the costs of childcare for their own children.

In a relatively low-pay industry, childcare workers can struggle to afford care for their own kids. A new pilot program in Nashville aims to reduce that burden. ✍️ @stelliott.bsky.social

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Christa Pike’s attorneys say the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a stay of execution. News spreading now outside Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, where the execution is scheduled for 10am.

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nashvillebanner.comAs Christa Pike execution's draws near, lawyers point to her past - Nashville BannerTennessee is set to execute Christa Pike on Sept. 30 for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, which would be the state's first female execution in over 200 years.

The Tennessee Supreme Court denied a stay this evening for Christa Pike, the woman Tennessee is set to execute on Sept. 30. I wrote about her childhood, the murder that sent her to death row, and who she and her victim’s family are today: nashvillebanner.com/2026/09/14/c...

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nashvillebanner.comRefugee services deal with Trump administration cuts - Nashville BannerMore than 40,000 migrants chose to live in Middle Tennessee from 2018-25, according to federal data, but federal funding cuts have limited the support they received.

17 Sept

New data obtained by @apnews.com shows more than 40,000 people who crossed the southern border from 2018-2025 set their sights on Nashville. But since Trump took office, resettlement resources have started to run dry. ✍️ @ejturner02.bsky.social and @stelliott.bsky.social

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nashvillebanner.comMetro Council defers Nashville right turn on red vote - Nashville BannerMetro Council deferred second reading of a bill to restrict right on red, pending a community meeting. Convention Center Authority appointees were approved.

16 Sept

Nashville’s Metro Council voted Tuesday to delay a vote on “no right on red” legislation until a community meeting can be held later this month. ✍️ @stelliott.bsky.social

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nashvillebanner.comMetro Council will debate Nashville right turn restrictions - Nashville BannerMetro Council meets Tuesday to discuss restricting right turns on red, new small business grants, opioid settlement oversight and more.

15 Sept

A much-discussed proposal to restrict right turns on red lights in Nashville is back up for debate at the Metro Council meeting Tuesday. See what else is on the agenda: ✍️ @stelliott.bsky.social

nashvillebanner.comMetro employee placed on leave amid federal investigation - Nashville BannerFederal authorities executed a search warrant involving a Metro employee. A spokesman for the mayor says the person has been advised to retain private counsel.

It all started with the breaking story that the FBI had executed a search warrant involving a Metro employee back in July. We identified that employee as John Honeysucker, a well-known senior official at Metro Water.

nashvillebanner.comRecords reveal Metro's charges against former MWS official - Nashville BannerDocuments detail allegations that former Metro Water official John Honeysucker misused his role to aid developers currently under federal investigation, others.

Nobody has been charged with anything. Maybe they never will. But Honeysucker retired from Metro in advance of a disciplinary hearing.

open.spotify.comA top city official’s shady dealsBanner & Company · Episode

It's a complicated story of cozy relationships between industry and a Metro official. @iamstevenhale.bsky.social and I discuss it in the latest @nashvillebanner.bsky.social podcast. Listen here or Wherever You Get Your Podcasts™️:

nashvillebanner.comMen under federal investigation tied to emergency trash deal - Nashville BannerDocuments show that the central figures in an emergency contract Metro quickly executed in 2022 are the same ones facing a federal investigation.

Metro ultimately paid more than $16 million for the trucks, after initially budgeting less than half that. Metro bought all 14 at the end of the deal even though they only wanted to keep four.

There are invoices about the trucks, too, where McClung agreed to pay $375 per truck per month to Dale, who shared the discussion with Honeysucker. Dale said Honeysucker could pick the check up from McClung's accountant. nashvillebanner.com/2026/09/09/m...

There's also the trash truck story. Honeysucker and McClung, with Dale involved on the margins, came up with a plan for the city to lease trash trucks from McClung when Metro was desperate for more trash trucks.

The city got and used the trash trucks, but there were a few problems along the way: the ballooning cost as Honeysucker kept approving trucks beyond the original budget, and a "not sound" agreement that made it hard for Metro to get out of it.

That's where the invoices come in. We can't say exactly what they mean, but I can show you that the services rendered on these invoices appear to line up with actions Honeysucker took on behalf of McClung.

Invoice says: obtaining a letter from Metro Codes confirming unusual setup of Vastland condo/hotel. We have emails showing Honeysucker doing that. Invoice says: extension of U&O permit for Vastland hotel. We have emails showing Honeysucker doing that. nashvillebanner.com/2026/09/08/n...

None of the developers in the charge was McClung, though, but we got a lot of emails showing that the Honeysucker-McClung relationship was similar to the others. Lots and lots of favors and support, including some that went far beyond Honeysucker's role at Metro.

But Honeysucker is known for helping people out. Many councilmembers have commented in recent weeks about how helpful he was when they encountered a problem with Metro's vast bureaucracy. “My role with Metro was to work with everyone and to help problem-solve to the best of my ability," he told me.

nashvillebanner.comFederal law enforcement investigating two local businessmen - Nashville BannerFederal law enforcement's investigation into a matter in which Metro is considered a "victim" includes two Nashville businessmen. One confirms he is cooperating.

Still no real public information about what the feds were looking into, but we were able to find some real estate deals by Honeysucker, including one directly involving Dale.

Fast forward six weeks and we get a bunch of new information, mostly from public records requests at Metro. The city had charged Honeysucker with "sustained misuse" of his position by using his role to help developers with whom he had undisclosed side business.

Obviously, we wanted to learn more, but the feds do not share information about ongoing investigations. A source (and a digital crumb) was able to confirm that the investigation also included some local real estate guys, Mack McClung and Roy Dale.

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9 Sept

Five years ago, Nashville’s main trash collection company went bankrupt and missed pickups around the city. Metro rushed to fill the gap, including by enlisting an unknown company in a deal involving local individuals now being investigated by federal agents. ✍️ @stelliott.bsky.social

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8 Sept

A new charge letter alleges that John Honeysucker, a top Metro official under federal investigation, traded favors with Nashville developers with whom he had sustained personal and financial relationships. Honeysucker retired ahead of a disciplinary hearing in the matter. ✍️ @stelliott.bsky.social

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nashvillebanner.comLive on the Green returns to Ascend Amphitheater in October - Nashville BannerLightning 100 will bring back its Live on the Green music series at Ascend Amphitheater, starting with an Oct. 18 show that features Grace Potter and Guster.

25 Aug

Nashville radio station Lightning 100 is bringing back its Live on the Green concert series at a new location. Though 1,000 tickets will be available for free, the event will not be primarily free as it had been in the past. ✍️ @stelliott.bsky.social

vote.nashvillescene.comBest of Nashville 2026Best of Nashville Ballot 2026

24 Aug

Best of Nashville voting is open for two more days. I'm voting Banner & Company best podcast, Sindoore for best Indian and Vinyl Tap for everything else. vote.nashvillescene.com @nashvillescene.com @nashvillebanner.bsky.social

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nashvillebanner.comNashville churches adapt to changing neighborhoods - Nashville BannerChurches and faith communities across Nashville adapt to gentrification by tailoring community outreach programs to their changing neighborhoods.

24 Aug

Under economic and demographic pressures, some of Nashville’s faith communities are staying committed to serving their neighbors by adopting and improving outreach efforts. ✍️ Anna Blubaugh

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nashvillebanner.comA zoning win for Cheekwood as legal battles continue - Nashville BannerThe Board of Zoning Appeals upheld a permit for Cheekwood's parking garage amid ongoing legal battles with Belle Meade Highlands neighbors the project.

21 Aug

The Metro Board of Zoning Appeals ruled in favor of Cheekwood on a narrow issue in its battle with neighborhood residents. The battle is far from over, as a zoning investigation is underway and a lawsuit is pending in Chancery Court. ✍️ @mikeiereiland.bsky.social

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Nashville Scene

@nashvillescene.com

20 Aug

This week’s cover story: Generative AI is part of the Nashville government. How are real-life employees keeping these tools safe and accurate? https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/coverstory/metro-nashville-ai-use-cover-story/article_8cb2d478-39bd-4ceb-a42f-efd51e5ed261.html

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nashvillebanner.comWaymo vehicles' surveillance does not stop between rides - Nashville BannerWaymo vehicles continue to record their surroundings when they are parked in Nashville neighborhoods and near businesses, sparking privacy concerns among some.

20 Aug

The robot cars are watching us. @sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social has been watching them. nashvillebanner.com/2026/08/20/w...

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nashvillebanner.comFriends mourn unhoused Nashvillian killed by semi-truck - Nashville BannerA 46-year-old unhoused Nashville woman was fatally run over by a semi-truck while sleeping under its trailer Monday. Friends recall her life, struggles.

19 Aug

I went to the Nashville gas station where a woman was killed Monday after the semi-truck she was sleeping under ran her over. Some people who have been surviving on the street alongside her were there. They told me her name was Tasha. nashvillebanner.com/2026/08/19/n...

nashvillebanner.comKyonzté Toombs and Zulfat Suara to run for vice mayor - Nashville BannerCouncilmembers Kyonzté Toombs and Zulfat Suara will run for vice mayor in 2027. Current vice mayor Angie Henderson will weigh her options before deciding.

17 Aug

Kyonzté Toombs and Zulfat Suara are running for vice mayor. Incumbent Angie Henderson says she is open to "stepping back" but "if I choose to run for reelection, I do not intend to lose."

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nashvillebanner.comTennessee 2026 primary elections: Marsha, Ogles and all the restMarsha Blackburn won the Republican nomination for governor, but that's just the tip of the primary iceberg — Banner staff break it down

10 Aug

On a special election episode of the podcast, @iamstevenhale.bsky.social, @scavendish.bsky.social and @sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social break down all of Thursday nights’ primary results, from Marsha Blackburn’s victory to Andy Ogles’ upset defeat and more.

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nashvillebanner.comCharlie Hatcher unseats Andy Ogles in TN 5th District primary - Nashville BannerRepublican Charlie Hatcher unseated incumbent Andy Ogles in the redrawn 5th District primary. Hatcher will face Democrat Chaz Molder in November.

Charlie Hatcher won the Republican nomination in the redrawn 5th Congressional District, defeating Trump-endorsed incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles. Hatcher will face Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who won in the Democratic primary, in the November general election. ✍️ @stelliott.bsky.social

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Decision Desk HQ

@decisiondeskhq.bsky.social

Decision Desk HQ projects Charlie Hatcher wins the Tennessee US House 5 Republican Primary #DecisionMade: 9:36 PM EDT

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nashvillebanner.comMarsha Blackburn, Jerri Green win gubernatorial primaries - Nashville BannerRepublican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Jerri Green won their primaries and will face off to be the next Governor of Tennessee in November.

Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Democratic Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green won their respective primary elections on Thursday night, setting the stage for November’s election to replace outgoing Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. ✍️ @sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social

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Sarah Grace Taylor

@sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social