Marketplace Morning Report: Nashville Bars Step Up to Take on Opioid Overdoses
Released on June 13, 2025

In this episode of the Marketplace Morning Report, hosted by David Brancaccio, listeners are provided with a comprehensive overview of recent developments in business, economics, and public health. The episode navigates through fluctuating financial markets influenced by geopolitical tensions, the evolving landscape of corporate sponsorship for LGBTQ Pride events, and a focused report on Nashville’s innovative response to rising opioid overdoses in its nightlife scene.

1. Navigating Turbulent Financial Markets Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Timestamp: 01:18 - 03:10

David Brancaccio opens the episode by discussing the immediate impact of Israeli military actions against Iran’s nuclear operations on global financial markets. The tensions have led to significant capital flight from stocks, with notable declines:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Down 577 points (1.4%)
• S&P 500: Down 8.10%
• Nasdaq: Down 0.9%

Additionally, crude oil prices have surged by 7.5%, reaching $73 per barrel, the highest since January, partly because Iran stands as the seventh-largest oil producer globally.

Brancaccio highlights an unusual trend where U.S. Government bonds, typically viewed as a safe haven during conflicts, are declining. The 10-year interest rate has risen to 4.39%. To shed light on these developments, Brancaccio interviews Christopher Lowe, Chief Economist at FHN Financial:

Christopher Lowe (02:09): "The first and most important is the budget and obviously there's a lot of sentiment in the bond market that the deficit and funding needs are already too big. Second, the US is a staunch ally of Israel, and so there might be worry about blowback risk. And then the third is the inflationary implications of one of the biggest oil producers in the world being involved in a military conflict."

Lowe elaborates on the complexities introduced by tariff policies and their uncertainty, which complicates budget calculations and Federal Reserve policies imminently.

2. Corporate Sponsorships in Pride Events Face Challenges

Timestamp: 03:10 - 05:05

Shifting focus to social events, Brancaccio reports on the diminishing corporate sponsorships for LGBTQ Pride parades and festivals across major U.S. cities, including Dallas, Boston, Indianapolis, and Sacramento. With corporations scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) budgets amid political pressures, Pride events are experiencing financial strain.

Marketplace’s Savannah Peters delves deeper into the issue:

Savannah Peters (03:37): "This year, longtime corporate sponsors of Pride St. Louis committed historically low dollar amounts, or in the case of beer company Anheuser Busch, stepped away altogether."

Marty Zuniga, President of Pride St. Louis, points out the financial repercussions:

Marty Zuniga (03:52): "That's pride St. Louis President Marty Zuniga. Anheuser Busch didn't respond to a request for comment... We've been a free event for 45 years and we are now charging $10 a ticket."

With corporate funding dwindling, organizers are increasingly relying on community-led fundraising efforts. LGBTQ marketing expert Joanna Schwartz notes that while local initiatives can mitigate some financial gaps, they cannot entirely replace corporate contributions.

In Seattle, for instance, a grassroots campaign reduced a $350,000 shortfall to $120,000, as stated by President Ramon Meyers:

Ramon Meyers (04:38): "They wanted to make sure that the corporations that are parting with us really do care about us as human beings."

Despite budget cuts affecting certain event features, security remains a non-negotiable priority to ensure the safety and reputation of Nashville as a welcoming destination.

3. Nashville Bars Combat Opioid Overdoses with Innovative Measures

Timestamp: 06:12 - 09:06

The highlight of the episode is an in-depth report by Catherine Sweeney on Nashville’s proactive stance against the rising tide of opioid overdoses, particularly among individuals unaware they are consuming opioids. The surge is attributed to the illicit mixing of fentanyl into other street drugs like cocaine, often without users' knowledge.

Catherine Sweeney outlines the city’s strategic response:

David Brancaccio (06:12): "In drug overdoses among people who didn't think they were using opioids... Nashville worked to get antidote drugs into downtown bars and music venues there. But some businesses were slow to participate."

Lauren Morales, co-owner of Acme Feed and Seed—a popular entertainment venue in Nashville—shares insights into the city’s transformation and the challenges faced:

Lauren Morales (07:10): "I've seen Nashville change from a small town for aspiring musicians to a destination for bachelorette parties and boys weekends, and now it's a hotspot for opioid overdoses."

Benton McDonough, Morales’ partner, emphasizes the inherent risks associated with the city’s booming nightlife:

Benton McDonough (07:24): "Obviously, there is a link between partying and having fun and the potential for a mistake."

Initial efforts to distribute Narcan and provide overdose response training met with resistance from business owners concerned about legal repercussions. Sergeant Mike Hotts of the police department notes:

Sergeant Mike Hotts (07:39): "The people overdosing in the District typically aren't addicted to opioids. They think they're buying cocaine or other stimulants, but it's fentanyl or laced with fentanyl."

A critical turning point came with a $1 million donation of overdose kits from Gibson Guitars’ charity arm. Despite early challenges, including zero successful interventions (as recounted by Hotts at [08:17]), persistent outreach by Nashville’s nightlife office helped reassure businesses about the safety and legality of administering Narcan.

Benton McDonough (07:45): "When we saw there was a way that we could safely participate in the solution, we wanted to."

The collective efforts have since made nearly 100 overdose kits available in the entertainment district, successfully deploying around a dozen to save lives. Nashville's approach underscores the importance of community collaboration in addressing public health crises within the nightlife economy.

Conclusion

In this episode, Marketplace Morning Report effectively bridges the gap between complex economic issues and pressing public health concerns. From the volatility induced by international conflicts impacting global markets to the resilience of community-driven initiatives in the face of reduced corporate support, and finally, to Nashville’s commendable efforts in mitigating opioid overdoses, the report offers a multifaceted perspective on how various sectors adapt and respond to emerging challenges.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with such critical developments shaping the economic and social landscapes.

Notable Quotes:

• Christopher Lowe (02:09): "The US is a staunch ally of Israel, and so there might be worry about blowback risk."

• Marty Zuniga (03:52): "We've been a free event for 45 years and we are now charging $10 a ticket."

• Benton McDonough (07:24): "There is a link between partying and having fun and the potential for a mistake."

• Sergeant Mike Hotts (07:39): "The people overdosing in the District typically aren't addicted to opioids. They think they're buying cocaine or other stimulants, but it's fentanyl or laced with fentanyl."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners and readers alike with valuable insights into the interplay between economic forces, corporate responsibilities, and public health initiatives in today’s dynamic environment.