nathan t. baker

The National Conference of State Legislatures labels Tennessee as one of the top ten battleground states for legislative elections in November. The NCSL calls the state’s Republican controlled Senate and Democratic controlled House within “striking distance for the minority party.” Alex Johnson directs the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee. He says he doesn’t expect his party […]

Perennial favorite Alison Krauss and Union Station received 11 nominations, including Vocal Group and Instrumental Group of the Year, from the International Bluegrass Music Awards today. The group Blue Highway was close behind with 10 nominations, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year for “Marbletown.” [“Marbletown” sample] Bluegrass veterans Doyle Lawson and […]

Today Tennessee became the 24th state to have a state-wide 511 phone number for traffic and weather updates. The system is voice automated. “To hear up to date traffic information, say traffic conditions, or press one.” TDOT Motorist Information Coordinator John Hall is the voice of 511. He says callers can name a specific route […]

Margaritaville‘s Jimmy Buffett and Jimmy Weatherly, who wrote “Midnight Train To Georgia” were among the 15 people nominated for possible induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall Fame yesterday. Only three of the nominees—two songwriters and one songwriter/artist—will gain entrance into the Hall of Fame in October. As a camera flashed, Tony Joe White, who wrote […]

Nashville will now honor its musical heritage with a Music City Walk of Fame. Permanent sidewalk medallions featuring the names of musicians, singers, songwriters, producers and music industry executives, will line a section of Demonbreun Street from the Schermerhorn Symphony Center to Music Row. The Walk of Fame is part of an effort by the […]

Nashville’s International Airport experienced an increase in delays this afternoon after the security level increased for all flights. This morning, travelers waited in line for nearly half an hour, more than twice the usual amount of time. By midday lines were near normal. The Transportation Security Administration is prohibiting liquids to be carried onto planes. […]

The County Music Marathon will hit the streets again next year as organizers continue to look for a title sponsor for the event. This year, in the most successful year to date, more than 22,000 participants registered for the half marathon and marathon. Event manger Adam Zocks says they expect even more participants in 2007, […]

Volunteers turned in a petition today that could give Nashville voters a say in property tax increases. The Davidson County Election Commission is currently reviewing the over 15 thousand names on the petition. If enough of the names are verified, then the amendment will appear on this November’s ballot. Organizer Ben Cunningham says the number […]

Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell wants parents to join their kids as they walk through their school doors on the first day of school next Monday. He praises Nashville businesses that have adopted policies to allow employees with kindergarten to high school-aged kids a couple hours off the clock to be there on opening day. “We […]

Middle Tennesseans can simply dial 2-1-1 to find volunteer opportunities, find an after school program, or be connected to an agency or crisis line, but around 22 rural counties still lack the service. United Way and the Tennessee Alliance of Information and Referral Systems hoped to reach border to border 211 coverage last month, but […]