Nashville bars step up to take on opioid overdoses

Summary

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.

Transcript

[David Brancaccio]

Hey there and thanks for listening. We want to know more about our audience. Stick around at the end of this episode to hear about how you can help, provide feedback and have a chance to walk away with a $75 gift card.

[Richard Karn]

Hi, I'm Richard Karn and you may have seen me on TV talking about the world's number one expandable garden hose. Well, the brand new pocket hose Copperhead with Pocket Pivot is here and it's a total game changer. Old fashioned hoses get kinks and creases at the spigot, but the Copperhead's Pocke Pivot swivels 360 degrees for full water flow and freedom to water with ease all around your home. When you're all done, this rustproof anti burst hose shrinks back down to pocket size for effortless handling and tidy storage. Plus your super light and ultra durable pocket hose Copperhead is backed with a 10 year warranty. What could be better than that? I'll tell you what an exciting exclusive offer just for you for a limited time. You can get a free pocket pivot and their 10 pattern sprayer with the purchase of any size Copperhead hose. Just text water to 64,000. That's water water to 64,000 for your two free gifts with purchase w a t e r to 64, 000.

[N/A]

By texting 64,000 you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from Pocket host. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply. Available at pockethost.com terms we're watching money.

[David Brancaccio]

Shifting in financial markets following Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear operations. I'm David Brancaccio in Los Angeles. With Israeli raids on Iranian military and nuclear research targets and Iran's attempts at retaliation, money is flowing out of stocks. In early trading, the dow is down 577 points, 1.4%. The S&P is down 8.10of a percent. The Nasdaq is down 0.9%. Iran is the seventh largest oil producer in the world and crude is up 7 and a half percent to $73 a barrel, the highest since January. Normally during open hostilities, US Government bonds are seen as a safe haven and rise, but but not this morning. Bonds are down, pushing for instance the 10 year interest rate higher to 4.39% for a number of reasons. Christopher Lowe is chief economist at FHN Financial in New York.

[Christopher Lowe]

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 thing is the fact that, you know, 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.

[David Brancaccio]

One other thing is if you're trying to do the math on whether the US Government will have to borrow more or less next year, you have to factor in the revenue that comes in from tariffs. But tariff policy, shall we say, is up in the air.

[Christopher Lowe]

Yeah, that's right. It puts calculating the budget on hold. It puts Fed policy, there's a meeting next week, on hold. It also makes the budget process more difficult because lawmakers don't know if that revenue will be there.

[David Brancaccio]

Christopher Lowe, Chief economist, FHN Financial LGBTQ Pride parades and festivals are set for this weekend in spots across the U.S. including Dallas, Boston, Indianapolis and Sacramento. These could look a bit different this year after a broad pullback in corporate sponsorship as companies impose smaller diversity, equity and inclusion budgets and react to political pressure from Republicans. Marketplaces Savannah Peters has more.

[Savannah Peters]

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.

[Richard Karn]

It simply was they didn't see value in the relationship anymore. And that's a quote.

[Savannah Peters]

That's pride St. Louis President Marty Zuniga. Anheuser Busch didn't respond to a request for comment. Zuniga says Pride St. Louis is accounting for a $150,000 shortfall.

[Richard Karn]

We've been a free event for 45 years and we are now charging $10 a ticket.

[Savannah Peters]

As corporate sponsors retreat, LGBTQ marketing expert Joanna Schwartz says Pride organizers are leaning on their communities. Prides are becoming a little more homegrown. She says local fundraising can narrow but not close the corporate gap. That's true for Seattle Pride. It shaved a $350,000 shortfall down to 120 with a grassroots campaign. But President Ramon Meyers says the community wanted stronger vetting of sponsors anyway.

[Lauren Morales]

They wanted to make sure that the.

[Benton McDonough]

Corporations that are parting with us really.

[Lauren Morales]

Do care about us as human beings.

[Savannah Peters]

Meyers says this year's event will be short a few bells and whistles, but in this anti LGBTQ political environment, one line item organizers won't touch is security. I'm Savannah Peters for Marketplace.

[Richard Karn]

Foreign. Hi, I'm Richard Karn, and you may have seen me on TV talking about the world's number one expandable garden hose. Well, the brand new pocket hose Copperhead with pocket pivot is here and it's a total game changer. Old fashioned hoses get kinks and creases at the spigot, but the Copperhead's pocket pivot swivels 360 degrees for full water flow and freedom to water with ease all around your home. When you're all done, this rust proof anti burst hose shrinks back down to pocket size for effortless handling and tidy storage. Plus your super light and ultra durable pocket hose. Copperhead is backed with a 10 year warranty. What could be better than that? I'll tell you what an exciting radio exclusive offer just for you for a limited time. You can get a free pocket pivot and their 10 pattern sprayer with the purchase of any size Copperhead hose. Just Text water to 64,000 that's water to 64,000 for your two free gifts with purchase W A T E R to 64,000.

[N/A]

By texting 64,000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from Pocket Host. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply. Available@pocket host.com terms there's been a rise.

[David Brancaccio]

In drug overdoses among people who didn't think they were using opioids. Experts say this is in part because makers of street drugs sometimes add the opioid fentanyl into other drugs like narcotic cocaine, a blending typically not disclosed to users in Nashville. When overdoses rose among tourists who came to party, the city worked to get antidote drugs into downtown bars and music venues there. But some businesses were slow to participate. WLRN's Catherine Sweeney reports.

[Lauren Morales]

Acme Feed and Seed is a hotspot for both locals and tourists within the entertainment district in Nashville. Named for the old farm supply store that used to occupy the space, the venue fills up for country music performances like this one. Lauren Morales is a co owner.

[Benton McDonough]

My parents started in 1986 here in Nashville. I started as pouring teas and lemonades and now I'm running the company.

[Lauren Morales]

Morales has 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]

Obviously, there is a link between partying and having fun and the potential for a mistake.

[Lauren Morales]

She'd heard of a citywide initiative to provide Narcan and overdose response training for entertainment venues.

[Benton McDonough]

When we saw there was a way that we could safely participate in the solution, I mean immediately we wanted to.

[Lauren Morales]

Sergeant Mike Hotts oversees the police department's opioid unit, and he says 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.

[David Brancaccio]

There are unscrupulous drug dealers selling powdered substances on the street.

[Lauren Morales]

The city got a million dollar donation of overdose kits from the charity arm of Gibson Guitars, but it was a slow start. Hot says, I'm not joking when I say this.

[David Brancaccio]

I had zero percent success.

[Lauren Morales]

Business owners said they were afraid of getting sued for giving patrons a medication if something went wrong. The city's nightlife office helped convince businesses that having Narcan on site is the right move. The city's nightlife director, yes, that's an actual job, says Nashville's reputation as a safe destination is important. Here's Benton McDonough. A lot of our revenue comes in from visitors and allows us to provide a lot of services that otherwise we would not be able to provide. Now, he says, There are nearly 100 overdose kits available in the entertainment district, and about a dozen have been deployed to help save lives. In Nashville, I'm Katherine Sweeney for Marketplace.

[David Brancaccio]

And in Los Angeles, I'm David Brancaccio. You're listening to the Marketplace Morning Report.

[Richard Karn]

Foreign.

[David Brancaccio]

Public Media Add a little curiosity.

[N/A]

Into your routine with TED Talks Daily, the podcast that brings you a new TED Talk every weekday. In less than 15 minutes a day, you'll go beyond the headlines and learn about the big ideas shaping your future. Coming up how AI will change the way we communicate, how to be a better leader and more. Listen to TED Talks Daily. Wherever you get your podcasts.