Your Daily Guide

👄 The Untold History of Nashville’s Sex Workers

Did you know prostitution was once legal in Nashville? On today’s podcast, local historian Betsy Phillips tells the fascinating story of sex work in Music City. From Rebecca Higgins, a savvy 19th-century madam, to Jack Bender, whose story raises questions about gender that the historical record can’t answer, we explore the often overlooked people who helped shape Nashville. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏘️ Nashville Voters Want More Affordable Housing

Nashville voters list affordable housing as one of their top concerns, but gubernatorial candidates differ on potential solutions. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (Republican) says she would simplify housing permits, while Jerri Green (Democrat) would increase funding for homeowner assistance programs. In the last decade, housing costs in Nashville have risen 160%, while salaries have only increased by 84%. [Nashville Banner]

• Voter turnout in Nashville is 15 times higher than in 2022’s midterm election. Here’s our guide to voting. [WPLN; 📰 City Cast Nashville]
• Not sure how to vote on the three constitutional amendments? Here’s a breakdown. [Nashville Scene]
• Blackburn’s AI video recreating Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show might violate Tennessee’s ELVIS Act protecting musicians’ voices and likeness from unauthorized AI use, a law Blackburn advocated for. [X; WKRN]

📉 Is This Metro Office Spinning Numbers?

While nationally rates of homelessness are dropping, Nashville’s has steadily increased by 20% since 2022, including a 5.46% jump over the past year. However, according to an analysis by local advocate Judith Tackett, Metro’s Office of Homeless Services often depicts our homeless numbers in the best possible light, belying actual statistics. “This type of public relations spin is exactly what feeds the already existing distrust between the community providers who work in the homelessness field … and OHS leadership,” said Tackett. [The Contributor]

• Listen to our interview with Tackett after going on The Contributor’s Unseen Nashville tour, which centers the experiences of unhoused people. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

💸 What Can Neighborhoods Learn From 12 South?

12 South is at the forefront of Nashville’s growth as large national brands clamor for retail space, prompting locally owned businesses to either close or relocate to another neighborhood. But despite its growth, some see the writing on the wall. “There’s not enough tourism to support the street. Eventually, it will crash because locals don’t come here anymore,” said Andrew Fawaz, chief financial officer of Siege Hospitality. Local business owners recommend other neighborhoods invest in parking, collaborate with residents, and create a strong merchants’ association if they want to avoid 12 South’s path. [🔐 Nashville Business Journal]

• Check out our guide to the local businesses still hanging on in 12 South. [📰 City Cast Nashville]

Halloween is just around the corner, and several of Nashville’s bars are conjuring the spooky spirit all month long. Here are five of our favorite eerily good Halloween pop-ups.

🍻 The Black Flame Beer Works

Do you love “Hocus Pocus”? East Nashville Beer Works has transformed into an homage to the Halloween classic, with witchy vibes, themed cocktails, and a special menu that includes Winifred’s Pie!

👽 East Nashville Invasion

East Nashville’s outdoor gathering spot Lost & Found has an out-of-this-world alien pop-up. Their cocktail bar, Fortunate Sun, will be serving themed cocktails like Ted the Alien and Mars Marg in collectible mugs.

👻 The Spookeasy

Holston House’s Bar TENN has a haunting pop-up with flickering portraits and eerie encounters. Summon your future at tarot card readings every Saturday, and sip from spooky cocktails like The Covenant and The Great Pumpkin.

✨ Impractical Magic

For a more cozy vibe, head to Noelle’s Hidden Bar with your coven for themed cocktails by candlelight. Snack on Midnight Grapes while sipping Love Potion No. 9 or the zero-proof Witch’s Kiss.

☠️ Black Lagoon

Find this dark metal Halloween pop-up at Germantown’s Barrel Proof, featuring cocktails like Abyssa’s Obsession and Bone Temple. Renowned bartenders Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage are bringing this cinematic pop-up to 34 bars across the U.S.