Nashville Public Notice: Health Advisory and Downtown Infrastructure Updates

Public Health Alert: Histoplasmosis Outbreak in Middle Tennessee

Tennessee health officials have issued an urgent public health advisory following a confirmed outbreak of histoplasmosis in Middle Tennessee, specifically impacting the neighboring Williamson and Maury counties. As of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, health authorities report that dozens of individuals have been sickened, with at least one confirmed fatality linked to the infection. Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease caused by inhaling microscopic spores commonly found in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings.

Health departments are currently investigating the specific sources of the infections but emphasize that the fungus is endemic to the region. Residents are advised to take precautions when disturbing soil or cleaning areas where birds or bats have roosted, such as old buildings or chicken coops. Use of specialized respiratory protection, such as N95 masks, is strongly recommended for high-risk activities. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, and fatigue, and individuals experiencing these signs should consult a healthcare provider.

Public Meeting: Tennessee Inmate Disciplinary Oversight Board

The Tennessee Inmate Disciplinary Oversight Board is holding its scheduled January public meeting today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The session is being conducted at the Tennessee Tower in downtown Nashville from 10:00 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m. This autonomous state agency is tasked with the review, granting, and removal of state inmate sentence credits based on institutional behavior and major infractions.

The board’s agenda for today includes a review of Class A disciplinary offenses and sentence credit adjustments for the previous quarter. While the period for submitting written public comments has passed, the meeting remains open for public observation. This oversight is a critical component of the state's efforts to ensure transparency and accountability within the Department of Correction.

Infrastructure Notice: Nashville International Airport (BNA) Roadway Closure

Travelers and commuters at Nashville International Airport (BNA) should be aware of significant roadway shifts currently in effect. A single-lane closure is active on the outbound road connecting Terminal Drive to I-40. This closure, which began earlier this week, is part of the ongoing "New Horizon" expansion project designed to enhance terminal roadway capacity and traffic flow.

The right-lane closure is scheduled to remain in place through the end of April 2026. Although access to both I-40 eastbound and westbound remains available, motorists are encouraged to plan for extra travel time or utilize Donelson Pike as an alternative route to avoid congestion during peak departure hours. Construction will occur continuously, including weekends, except for a brief scheduled pause during the spring break travel window in March.

Regional Regulatory and Traffic Updates

• Board of Medical Examiners: The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners is convening today, January 21, for a scheduled session at state health facilities to discuss licensing and regulatory standards for medical professionals.
• State Route 26 Construction: The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has issued a notice for potential delays on State Route 26 in Wilson County due to construction activities that are expected to conclude by the end of the day on January 21.
• Downtown District Public Inquiry: Official notices for the week of January 21 indicate an open period for public comments regarding proposed projects in the Nashville Downtown District. Residents are encouraged to review the latest development bids and zoning requests.