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# Spilt Milk on Aisle 7
- URL: https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/spilt-milk-on-aisle-7/
- Published: 2026-10-13T20:15:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T20:15:16.000Z
- Description: 🗳 Sizing up D7 before early voting starts · 911 call shows delays in Pike execution response · Courthouse shooting video released · Much more!
- Author: The Pamphleteer
- Tags: Newsletter

****Good afternoon, everyone.** A look at the District 7 race before early voting for the state and federal general election begins... 911 call reveals delays in Christa Pike execution response... Video, photos of deadly Nashville federal courthouse shooting released... And much more!  
  
****Voting & TN U.S. Congressional District lookup** Early voting begins tomorrow. Use your address to find your new congressional district [here](https://tn-cot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=2bd3c9b349634d2ba7153410c0930d27&ref=pamphleteer.co) and find voting information and a sample ballot [here](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/Sample%5FBallot%5FNovember%5F3%5F2026%5FState%5FFed%5FGen%5FMun%5FElections.pdf?ct=1790110765&ref=pamphleteer.co).  
  
****ICE in Nashville, By the Numbers** Check out our new page that shows ICE arrests in Davidson County, including the 47 countries those people were deported to, how long they'd lived in the U.S., and a county-by-county map of the state. ([See all the charts](https://pamphleteer.co/nashville-ice/))  
  
****Big Council Watch Update.** Our council tracking tool is no longer just a campaign finance scorecard. Follow your councilmember, and we'll tell you what they actually do. ([Take a look](https://councilwatch.pamphleteer.co/?ref=pamphleteer.co))  
  
****Like what we do?** Forward us to a friend.

#### Republican incumbent Matt Van Epps faced no opposition in his August primary for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, but things quickly heated up during his general election campaign. 

*From [Megan Podsiedlik](https://pamphleteer.co/author/megan/)*

You may recall that Matt Van Epps won a special election last December to finish the rest of Mark Green’s term after Green resigned from the U.S. House. Less than a year into the job, Van Epps now faces Democratic nominee Darden Copeland. Sensing an opening, Democrats wasted no time going on the attack.

“Darden's heart is in this race,” said Dakota Galban, chair of the Davidson County Democratic Party, during the airing of [Nashville in Focus](https://fox17.com/features/nashville-in-focus/7-th-district-race-where-is-matt-van-epps?ref=pamphleteer.co) on September 20\. “And Matt Van Epps belongs on a milk carton because nobody can find this guy.”

Around the same time, Copeland [claimed](https://hoodline.com/2026/09/van-epps-goes-quiet-in-tennessee-s-7th-district-as-copeland-closes-the-gap/?ref=pamphleteer.co) the seat was within reach, saying his internal polling showed Van Epps’ lead down to single digits. A few weeks later, Van Epps faced another round of scrutiny when Copeland filed a [House ethics complaint](https://www.wsmv.com/2026/10/06/democrat-darden-copeland-files-ethics-complaint-accusing-gop-competitor-matt-van-epps-using-tax-dollars-campaign/?ref=pamphleteer.co) alleging that his former campaign manager Alex Joyner, now a senior advisor to Van Epps, received more than $61,000 in taxpayer-funded payments and about $12,500 from the campaign itself between January and June.

But Van Epps’ team isn’t crying over spilt milk. “This complaint is misleading, factually unsupported, and based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the law," reads a [statement](https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/darden-copeland-matt-van-epps-ethics-complaint-7th-district/article%5F259370de-05f0-5fc1-95a0-4abf76248aa5.html?ref=pamphleteer.co) from Van Epps' office. "It is a political attack from a partisan operative, not a serious ethics complaint.”

On Saturday, President Donald Trump, who has [endorsed](https://www.trumpstruth.org/statuses/40604?ref=pamphleteer.co) Van Epps in both his congressional races, visited Clarksville for a [statewide rally](https://clarksvillenow.com/local/hundreds-line-up-along-streets-ahead-of-trump-rally-in-clarksville/?ref=pamphleteer.co) where Van Epps spoke during the event.   
  
It’s worth noting that neither Copeland nor Van Epps has agreed to a [debate](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/countdown-to-mid-terms-candidates-clash-over-ideology-in-tennessees-7th-district-race?ref=pamphleteer.co), but that hasn’t stopped them from throwing some more shade.

“No. I’m not going to debate him,” said Copeland. “I think I could debate ChatGPT and learn more. This guy is sort of robotic.”

“I think that peddling in disinformation and deception is not something that I’m willing to give a platform to,” said Van Epps.

**The New Map** In May, state lawmakers convened a special session to redraw Tennessee’s congressional districts. As a result, about half of the voters now in District 7 lived outside its boundaries when Van Epps won the seat during the special election. That said, the overall Republican lean of the district [barely changed](https://www.cookpolitical.com/house/race/485206?ref=pamphleteer.co). 

**Early Voting Starts Tomorrow** Early voting begins Wednesday, October 14, and continues through Thursday, October 29\. Election day is Tuesday, November 3.

*Use your address to find your new congressional district* [*here*](https://tn-cot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=2bd3c9b349634d2ba7153410c0930d27&ref=pamphleteer.co) *and find voting information and a sample ballot* [*here*](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/Sample%5FBallot%5FNovember%5F3%5F2026%5FState%5FFed%5FGen%5FMun%5FElections.pdf?ct=1790110765&ref=pamphleteer.co)*.*

✰ ✰ ✰

#### ✹ **PAMPHLETEER TOOLS**

![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2026/09/Metro-in-english.png)

**Pamphleteer Tools** [Council Watch](https://councilwatch.pamphleteer.co/?ref=pamphleteer.co) tells you who funds your councilmember and how they vote. The [Property Tax Calculator](https://tax.pamphleteer.co/?ref=pamphleteer.co) tells you what that cost you.

✰ ✰ ✰

#### HEADLINES 

- 🚑 **911 call reveals delays in Christa Pike execution response.** A state corrections official waited more than 30 minutes after Christa Pike’s failed execution to call 911, according to NewsChannel 5’s review of 911 records and media witness accounts. The caller didn’t have the security code Metro dispatch requires for calls from the prison, and at one point dispatchers radioed that it was a “false call.” Fire and ambulance crews waited at the gate for the code and an escort, and Pike’s ambulance didn’t leave the prison until 9:28 p.m., 48 minutes after the first call. A TDOC spokesperson said she was unable to comment. ([NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/christa-pike-execution-911-call-reveals-major-delays-confusion-in-getting-an-ambulance-to-prison?ref=pamphleteer.co))
- 🏛️ **Video, photos of deadly Nashville federal courthouse shooting released**. Prosecutors released video and stills showing Jack Gregory Henson II pointing a .22-caliber revolver and a knife at officers at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse on October 8\. Prosecutors say a court security officer shot him as he came close enough to strike with the knife. No motive has been identified. The TBI is still investigating and will send its findings to the DA. ([Fox 17](https://fox17.com/news/local/prosecutors-describe-video-of-deadly-nashville-federal-courthouse-shooting?ref=pamphleteer.co))
- 🏈 **Vanderbilt wide receiver removed from team after alleged chokehold assault**. Sophomore receiver Kayleb Barnett is charged with aggravated assault by strangulation. An officer working downtown says he saw Barnett holding a man in a chokehold near the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge early Saturday until the man passed out. Barnett told police the other man started the fight, but officers determined Barnett was the primary aggressor. Vanderbilt says he broke team and university standards and is no longer with the program. ([WSMV](https://www.wsmv.com/2026/10/12/vanderbilt-wide-receiver-removed-team-after-alleged-chokehold-assault-near-nashville-pedestrian-bridge/?ref=pamphleteer.co))

✰ ✰ ✰

#### DEVELOPMENT

- Work starts on Bellevue-area townhome project ([Post](https://www.nashvillepost.com/work-starts-on-bellevue-area-townhome-project/article%5F4b586472-a1c6-492d-b563-987ab966f35f.html?ref=pamphleteer.co))
- 7-story Germantown mixed-use development advances ([City Now Next](https://citynownext.com/2026/10/12/7-story-germantown-mixed-use-development-advances-in-nashville/?ref=pamphleteer.co))
- TailGate Brewery purchases Yazoo Brewing Company's Madison facility ([Scene](https://www.nashvillescene.com/food%5Fdrink/bites/tailgate-purchases-yazoo-madison-brewery-news/article%5F80fd2181-54be-41a5-99de-51a95dffa955.html?ref=pamphleteer.co))
- Spice-focused cocktail bar Bar Ena opens in Chestnut Hill ([NBJ](https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2026/10/12/restaurant-roundup-new-bar-opens-in-chestnut-hill.html?ref=pamphleteer.co))

![Entertainment](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2022/01/Group-27.png) 

#### THINGS TO DO

*View our calendar for the week* [*here*](https://pamphleteer.co/calendar/events-for-the-week-of-october-12th/)*.* 

📅 Visit our [On The Radar](https://pamphleteer.co/post/on-the-radar/) list to find upcoming events around Nashville.

🎧 On Spotify: [Pamphleteer's Picks](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46Yds4VbS47NzRa4blrWUY?si=2040311a7d7f403f&ref=pamphleteer.co), a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week.

👨🏻‍🌾 Check out our Nashville [farmer's market guide](https://pamphleteer.co/post/nashville-farmers-market-guide/). 

#### TONIGHT

🎸 Foster The People @ The Truth, 8p, $58, [Info](https://www.ticketmaster.com/foster-the-people-good-mourning-sunshine-nashville-tennessee-10-13-2026/event/1B00649BA0CDC2A7?ref=pamphleteer.co)

🎸 Sienna Spiro @ Ryman Auditorium, 8p, [Info](https://www.axs.com/events/1479537/sienna-spiro-tickets?skin=ryman&ref=pamphleteer.co)

🎸 Hooked @ The Eighth Room, 6:30p, Free, [Info](https://hookedsessions.com/tickets?ref=pamphleteer.co)  
+ *lively open mic competition with rotating guest panel*

🎸 Twang Tuesday @ Acme Feed & Seed, 7p, Free, [Info](https://www.acmefeedandseed.com/calendar1?%5Fgl=1%2Abf6r9a%2A%5Fup%2AMQ..%2A%5Fga%2AMzU1Mjc0MjExLjE3ODM4NzA2MTc.%2A%5Fga%5FBCZPTYVEEB%2AczE3ODM4NzA2MTckbzEkZzAkdDE3ODM4NzA2MTckajYwJGwwJGgxOTA4NTUwMjc4&ref=pamphleteer.co)  
  
🎸 Honky Tonk Tuesday @ Eastside Bowl, 8p, $10, [Info](https://shows.eastsidebowl.com/?%5Fgl=1%2A18c2y8o%2A%5Fga%2ANzQ1OTQ3Nzg4LjE3ODIwODA5MDE.%2A%5Fga%5FT3873YBDYT%2AczE3ODM4NzA3OTUkbzQkZzAkdDE3ODM4NzA3OTUkajYwJGwwJGgw&ref=pamphleteer.co)  
+ *two-step lessons @ 7p, The Cowpokes @ 8p*

![In case you missed it...](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2023/01/Group-20.png) 

📰 *Check out the full newsletter archive [here](https://pamphleteer.co/tag/newsletter/)*. 

[Dropping the Glass Ball🏈 O’Connell administration fumbles a critical contract · TN Charter Commission overturns MNPS on two prospective charter schools · Christa Pike discharged from hospital · Much more!![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/icon/square-ico-7f20ea62-a1d1-4c9b-8ab5-dac624a5ee34.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1577999623684-48757868db27-575f5df5-8b5b-42d5-ae6f-910e7a6c3301.jpg)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/dropping-the-glass-ball/)

[A Ministerial Task🏎 Referendum language to ban racing clears hurdle · Armed man fatally shot by security outside Nashville federal courthouse · TN DACA recipients report driver’s license renewal denials · Much more!![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/icon/square-ico-f3313a95-4e85-4dee-97fb-4cebfa25566b.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1649287710140-95a0dadf3a9b-4d2c4f5c-79b0-4c27-a539-4254d304fb3c.jpg)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/correction-a-ministerial-task/)

[BLOX Dumped🗑 DC BLOX gets data dumped by judge · Nashville’s Sheriff to step down · Pedestrian allegedly struck by WeGo bus files lawsuit · Much more!![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/icon/square-ico-51a62fd6-3777-4df8-b56e-8b3c81c9c14f.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1591345273435-5c178b4b69bb-895408a6-e47d-4d5e-adad-3d2c067d14d4)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/blox-dumped/)

[More is More?📜 Will No Right Turn on Red actually prevent pedestrian deaths? · TN farmers allowed to use untaxed diesel · Pike regains consciousness, victim’s mother says justice wasn’t served · Much more!![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/icon/square-ico-2b76e35b-7dba-417c-ae08-ebc70ccde5e3.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/thumbnail/more-41c1eccc-20c8-4269-ba93-c47f3c1b0ed2.jpg)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/more-is-more/)

*Today's newsletter is brought to you by* [*Davis Hunt*](https://pamphleteer.co/author/davis/)*,* [*Megan Podsiedlik*](https://pamphleteer.co/author/megan/)*, and* [*Camelia Brennan*](https://pamphleteer.co/author/camelia/)*.*