Stephen Elliott
@stelliott.bsky.social
Journalist in Nashville, from Alabama
https://nashvillebanner.com/newsletters/?utm_source=social-media&utm_medium=staff&utm_campaign=newsletter-fall-25
https://nashvillebanner.com/newsletters/?utm_source=social-media&utm_medium=staff&utm_campaign=newsletter-fall-25
Pinned
Stephen Elliott
@stelliott.bsky.social
· Jan 28
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
If you have a story idea here’s how you can reach me:
Email: selliott@nashvillepublicmedia.com
Signal: stephen.81
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
Pretty nice little podcast chat with @sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social about the return of the Tennessee legislature which you can listen to here or in your podcast app. nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/16/d...
LISTEN: Tennessee's Legislature is back in session
The Banner’s Steven Hale and Sarah Grace Taylor talk about the return of the Tennessee legislature, what they’ve done so far and what to expect in the coming months. Sarah Grace discusses bills relate...
nashvillebanner.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:37 PM
Pretty nice little podcast chat with @sarahgracetaylor.bsky.social about the return of the Tennessee legislature which you can listen to here or in your podcast app. nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/16/d...
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
Four incumbent school board members and three challengers are poised to run in the MNPS board primary election this year for Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8. Candidates have until Feb. 19 to gather petition signatures and join the race.
📝: Lillian Avedian
📝: Lillian Avedian
MNPS Board Primary Election: Four Incumbents, three challengers - Nashville Banner
The Metro Nashville Public Schools board primary election is heating up with four seats up for election and challengers already lined up for three.
nashvillebanner.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Four incumbent school board members and three challengers are poised to run in the MNPS board primary election this year for Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8. Candidates have until Feb. 19 to gather petition signatures and join the race.
📝: Lillian Avedian
📝: Lillian Avedian
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
MNPS is gathering feedback on three proposed models for adjusting school start and dismissal times. During a week of community meetings, families and staff expressed diverse perspectives, with no one proposal emerging as a clear favorite.
✏️: Lillian Avedian
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/12/m...
✏️: Lillian Avedian
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/12/m...
Nashville school start times: No consensus after feedback - Nashville Banner
Metro Nashville Public Schools continues to seek public opinion on proposed changes to school start and dismissal times as no consensus is apparent from early efforts.
nashvillebanner.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:09 PM
MNPS is gathering feedback on three proposed models for adjusting school start and dismissal times. During a week of community meetings, families and staff expressed diverse perspectives, with no one proposal emerging as a clear favorite.
✏️: Lillian Avedian
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/12/m...
✏️: Lillian Avedian
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/12/m...
Department of Emergency Communications director Stephen Martini has been placed on leave after the mayor asked for his resignation and he declined.
January 9, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Department of Emergency Communications director Stephen Martini has been placed on leave after the mayor asked for his resignation and he declined.
So many people showed up for the public hearing about this overlay for North Nashville’s Buchanan Street that the fire marshal had to get involved.
Metro Planning Commission defers Buchanan Street business bill - Nashville Banner
Metro Councilmember Brandon Taylor's bill to restrict certain businesses on Buchanan Street in North Nashville is delayed after public debate.
nashvillebanner.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:41 PM
So many people showed up for the public hearing about this overlay for North Nashville’s Buchanan Street that the fire marshal had to get involved.
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
Hundreds of people at another vigil and demonstration this evening in Nashville’s Centennial Park in response to the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis yesterday.
January 9, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Hundreds of people at another vigil and demonstration this evening in Nashville’s Centennial Park in response to the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis yesterday.
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
Homicides fell to their lowest level in a decade in Nashville last year, while robberies and burglaries were as rare as they’ve been since the 1960s.
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/07/n...
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/07/n...
Nashville sees historic drop in crime rates for 2025 - Nashville Banner
Violent crime in Nashville dropped significantly in 2025, with homicides, assaults, and robberies decreasing. Property crime also saw a decrease.
nashvillebanner.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Homicides fell to their lowest level in a decade in Nashville last year, while robberies and burglaries were as rare as they’ve been since the 1960s.
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/07/n...
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/07/n...
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
Nashville labor union LiUNA Local 386 is wading into the ongoing debate over the future of the Fairgrounds Nashville and its Fairgrounds Speedway, opposing a charter amendment referendum push aimed at ending racing at the fairgrounds.
✏️: @stelliott.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/05/l...
✏️: @stelliott.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/05/l...
Fairgrounds Speedway: LiUNA seeks guarantees for local labor - Nashville Banner
LiUNA Local 386 launches campaign to preserve Fairgrounds Nashville and Fairgrounds Speedway, seeking labor guarantees and opposing anti-racing referendum.
nashvillebanner.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Nashville labor union LiUNA Local 386 is wading into the ongoing debate over the future of the Fairgrounds Nashville and its Fairgrounds Speedway, opposing a charter amendment referendum push aimed at ending racing at the fairgrounds.
✏️: @stelliott.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/05/l...
✏️: @stelliott.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com/2026/01/05/l...
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
We took some of your questions straight to Nashville Mayor @freddieoconnell.bsky.social. He reflects on reaching the midpoint of his term, public safety, housing and reelection.
✏️ : @stelliott.bsky.social
✏️ : @stelliott.bsky.social
nashvillebanner.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:30 PM
We took some of your questions straight to Nashville Mayor @freddieoconnell.bsky.social. He reflects on reaching the midpoint of his term, public safety, housing and reelection.
✏️ : @stelliott.bsky.social
✏️ : @stelliott.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
Look back at 2025 through the lens of Banner staff photographer Martin B. Cherry.
The Banner's Best Photos of 2025 - Nashville Banner
Staff photojournalist Martin B. Cherry selected his favorite photos from the year, including notable figures, community gatherings and more
nashvillebanner.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Look back at 2025 through the lens of Banner staff photographer Martin B. Cherry.
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
More than 18 months later, an outside law firm's report on their investigation into wide-ranging allegations against the Metro Nashville Police Department is out. It essentially clears the department. nashvillebanner.com/2025/12/22/n...
Butler Snow report clears MNPD of misconduct allegations - Nashville Banner
An investigation clears the Metro Nashville Police Department of misconduct allegations. Report finds no evidence of wrongdoing or policy violations.
nashvillebanner.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:36 PM
More than 18 months later, an outside law firm's report on their investigation into wide-ranging allegations against the Metro Nashville Police Department is out. It essentially clears the department. nashvillebanner.com/2025/12/22/n...
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
Breaking: Independent investigation into scathing whistleblower complaint against Metro Nashville Police Dept concludes in most cases there was no evidence of alleged misconduct – that includes claim that top Nashville police lobbied to eliminate police oversight.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/12/22/n...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/12/22/n...
Butler Snow report clears MNPD of misconduct allegations - Nashville Banner
An investigation clears the Metro Nashville Police Department of misconduct allegations. Report finds no evidence of wrongdoing or policy violations.
nashvillebanner.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Breaking: Independent investigation into scathing whistleblower complaint against Metro Nashville Police Dept concludes in most cases there was no evidence of alleged misconduct – that includes claim that top Nashville police lobbied to eliminate police oversight.
nashvillebanner.com/2025/12/22/n...
nashvillebanner.com/2025/12/22/n...
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
As an AI-generated song zooms up the country charts, Nashville’s music industry begins grappling with the increasing use of artificial songmaking
AI in music: A challenge for Nashville songwriters and artists - Nashville Banner
AI is a growing tool in music production, threatening the livelihoods of the Nashville music industry, and raising the issue of authenticity in art.
nashvillebanner.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:08 PM
As an AI-generated song zooms up the country charts, Nashville’s music industry begins grappling with the increasing use of artificial songmaking
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
It's the final day of the @nashvillebanner.bsky.social year-end campaign. Thanks to everyone who's helped get us this far, and if you're able to give or even become a member, it would mean a lot. Help us reach our new stretch goal of $55k!
Join | Nashville Public Media
Nashville Public Media is supported by people like you. Support Nashville Public Media today.
nashville-public-media.fundjournalism.org
December 15, 2025 at 9:14 PM
It's the final day of the @nashvillebanner.bsky.social year-end campaign. Thanks to everyone who's helped get us this far, and if you're able to give or even become a member, it would mean a lot. Help us reach our new stretch goal of $55k!
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
Nashville councilmembers are weighing a lease and cost-sharing agreement that would allow the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to relocate to city-owned land on the East Bank.
✏️ @stelliott.bsky.social
✏️ @stelliott.bsky.social
Metro Council committee updated on East Bank plans - Nashville Banner
The mayor's office updated a Metro Council committee on the East Bank development in Nashville, including the TPAC agreement, capital spending plan, and proposed boulevard design.
nashvillebanner.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Nashville councilmembers are weighing a lease and cost-sharing agreement that would allow the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to relocate to city-owned land on the East Bank.
✏️ @stelliott.bsky.social
✏️ @stelliott.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
“To the people I’ve harmed, I’m sorry.” Thirty-seven years after he was sentenced to death for the 1988 rape and murder of Karen Pulley, Harold Wayne Nichols was executed by the state of Tennessee on Thursday morning.
✏️ @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
✏️ @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
Execution of Harold Wayne Nichols in Tennessee - Nashville Banner
Harold Wayne Nichols was executed for the 1988 rape and murder in 198of Karen Pulley. His final statement offered remorse and love for his family.
nashvillebanner.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:31 PM
“To the people I’ve harmed, I’m sorry.” Thirty-seven years after he was sentenced to death for the 1988 rape and murder of Karen Pulley, Harold Wayne Nichols was executed by the state of Tennessee on Thursday morning.
✏️ @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
✏️ @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
As ICE activity appeared to ramp up around Nashville on Wednesday, local rapid response groups raced to keep up with incoming messages.
Getting clear information about what had happened or was happening — who was taken and by whom — was complicated, given the federal agency’s tactics.
Getting clear information about what had happened or was happening — who was taken and by whom — was complicated, given the federal agency’s tactics.
Reports of renewed ICE activity in Nashville raise concerns - Nashville Banner
Multiple reports of ICE activity, with people taken in unmarked vehicles, in Nashville cause alarm and uncertainty among immigrant communities.
nashvillebanner.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
As ICE activity appeared to ramp up around Nashville on Wednesday, local rapid response groups raced to keep up with incoming messages.
Getting clear information about what had happened or was happening — who was taken and by whom — was complicated, given the federal agency’s tactics.
Getting clear information about what had happened or was happening — who was taken and by whom — was complicated, given the federal agency’s tactics.
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
We’re keeping tabs on/trying to verify ICE encounters in Nashville. If you see something, let us know.
I’m on signal at sgtaylor.01, email sgtaylor@nashvillepublicmedia.com or you can DM me.
@iamstevenhale.bsky.social is at iamstevenhale.88
@stelliott.bsky.social is stephen.81
I’m on signal at sgtaylor.01, email sgtaylor@nashvillepublicmedia.com or you can DM me.
@iamstevenhale.bsky.social is at iamstevenhale.88
@stelliott.bsky.social is stephen.81
December 11, 2025 at 12:03 AM
We’re keeping tabs on/trying to verify ICE encounters in Nashville. If you see something, let us know.
I’m on signal at sgtaylor.01, email sgtaylor@nashvillepublicmedia.com or you can DM me.
@iamstevenhale.bsky.social is at iamstevenhale.88
@stelliott.bsky.social is stephen.81
I’m on signal at sgtaylor.01, email sgtaylor@nashvillepublicmedia.com or you can DM me.
@iamstevenhale.bsky.social is at iamstevenhale.88
@stelliott.bsky.social is stephen.81
From the story: Legislation is in the works to codify Eviction Right to Counsel in Metro law
In Nashville, more than 1,000 people face losing their home each month. Getting evicted can be a huge blow to safety and mental health, especially if you are young when it happens. But the city is working harder than most to fight it.
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
✏️: @mikeiereiland.bsky.social
Evictions on the rise as Nashville addresses a housing crisis - Nashville Banner
A mother and daughter in Nashville know first-hand the challenges that come with evictions. They made it through, and there are assets available to help others.
nashvillebanner.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
From the story: Legislation is in the works to codify Eviction Right to Counsel in Metro law
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
ICYMI: Follow along with
@stelliott.bsky.social for a look at a day in the life of a Metro reporter. ⬇️
@stelliott.bsky.social for a look at a day in the life of a Metro reporter. ⬇️
Ever wondered what a Nashville Metro Council meeting actually looks like? Follow along with @stelliott.bsky.social for a day in the life of the Banner’s Metro reporter. Watch as he navigates late-night debates, tracks big decisions, and keeps Nashville informed –– all fueled by kiwi guava Celsius.
December 5, 2025 at 6:51 PM
ICYMI: Follow along with
@stelliott.bsky.social for a look at a day in the life of a Metro reporter. ⬇️
@stelliott.bsky.social for a look at a day in the life of a Metro reporter. ⬇️
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
The Metro Council’s penultimate 2025 meeting on Thursday will feature discussion of zoning changes, TPAC’s move to the East Bank, the mayor’s latest capital spending plan, and a surveillance and security grant for downtown.
✏️: @stelliott.bsky.social
✏️: @stelliott.bsky.social
Nashville Metro Council continues to weigh zoning codes updates - Nashville Banner
Nashville's Metro Council to debate two zoning code bills on third reading, two others not as far along while skeptical members push related legislation.
nashvillebanner.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:28 PM
The Metro Council’s penultimate 2025 meeting on Thursday will feature discussion of zoning changes, TPAC’s move to the East Bank, the mayor’s latest capital spending plan, and a surveillance and security grant for downtown.
✏️: @stelliott.bsky.social
✏️: @stelliott.bsky.social
Here at the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville as Matt Van Epps and Tennessee Republicans await special election results
December 3, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Here at the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville as Matt Van Epps and Tennessee Republicans await special election results
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
Ever wondered what a Nashville Metro Council meeting actually looks like? Follow along with @stelliott.bsky.social for a day in the life of the Banner’s Metro reporter. Watch as he navigates late-night debates, tracks big decisions, and keeps Nashville informed –– all fueled by kiwi guava Celsius.
December 2, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Ever wondered what a Nashville Metro Council meeting actually looks like? Follow along with @stelliott.bsky.social for a day in the life of the Banner’s Metro reporter. Watch as he navigates late-night debates, tracks big decisions, and keeps Nashville informed –– all fueled by kiwi guava Celsius.
Reposted by Stephen Elliott
A proposed agreement quietly filed before the Thanksgiving holiday could bring increased police capabilities and surveillance technology to downtown Nashville. The Metro Council is set to consider it this week.
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
Metro Council to consider Downtown Partnership security grant - Nashville Banner
Timing of Mayor Freddie O'Connell's proposal for increased police capabilities and surveillance in downtown Nashville sparks backlash.
nashvillebanner.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:07 PM
A proposed agreement quietly filed before the Thanksgiving holiday could bring increased police capabilities and surveillance technology to downtown Nashville. The Metro Council is set to consider it this week.
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
✏️: @iamstevenhale.bsky.social
Metro Councilmember Zulfat Suara filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against her former employer, Meharry Medical College, shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Metro Councilmember Zulfat Suara sues Meharry Medical College - Nashville Banner
Metro Councilmember Zulfat Suara files a civil rights lawsuit against Meharry Medical College, alleging discrimination based on religion and ethnicity.
nashvillebanner.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Metro Councilmember Zulfat Suara filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against her former employer, Meharry Medical College, shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday.