AGP Executive Report

College Football Rankings Shake-Up: Texas is the new No. 1 in the AP Top 25 after a 24-23 comeback over Ohio State, while Oregon tumbles after losing to Oklahoma State and Michigan returns to the poll. Tennessee Football: The Vols moved up in the US LBM Coaches Poll after beating Georgia Tech 45-24, now sitting at No. 14, but fans are focused on a penalty-heavy fourth quarter that coach Josh Heupel says needs cleaning up before SEC play ramps. Injury Update (Georgia Tech): Defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe was released from the hospital after a collision-related injury in the Tennessee loss. Local Justice (Nashville): Martesha Johnson was sworn in as the first African American Metropolitan Public Defender for Nashville-Davidson County. Memphis Music History: Overton Park Shell marks 90 years since its 1936 opening, with Elvis’s early performance still part of its legacy. Public Safety Tragedy (Memphis): A daycare worker and bus driver were arrested after a 6-year-old was left on a hot bus for hours and died. MLS (Nashville): Nashville SC earned a late draw with Inter Miami, with Sam Surridge scoring in stoppage time to cancel out Lionel Messi’s goal.

Data Centers & Local Politics: A Wells Fargo tracker says U.S. data-center moratoriums have surged to 374, with Tennessee among the states seeing the most local restrictions as residents push back over power, grid capacity, water use, and community impacts. Tennessee Health Watch: Doctors warn Mid-South families about Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a tick-borne allergy tied to the Lone Star tick that can make red meat trigger serious reactions. Memphis Culture & Sports: The Southern Heritage Classic filled Memphis with HBCU pride, music, and tradition, drawing thousands to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Vols Football: Tennessee rolled past Georgia Tech 45-24, leaning on a strong rushing attack and a steady start from freshman QB Faizon Brandon. College Football Shockwaves: No. 4 Texas stunned No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 with a 20-point fourth-quarter comeback led by Arch Manning. Group of Six Spotlight: Boise State rebounded with a 38-20 win over Memphis, powering a big second half with a 206-yard rushing day from Dylan Riley.

Nashville Airport Renaming: Metro Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously to begin the process of renaming BNA after Dolly Parton, a move already backed by local leaders across party lines and set to roll out through official steps. Tennessee Football Spotlight: The Vols honor Parton with a special helmet decal for the 2026 season, debuting it in their Week 1 win and bringing it to Georgia Tech this weekend. Local Crime Update: A Tennessee homicide suspect was arrested after an I-75 chase in Cobb County, Georgia, with authorities saying evidence tied to the Tennessee case was found in his vehicle. Public Safety: A 72-year-old man died after falling overboard from a pontoon boat on Watts Bar Lake; wildlife officials said he was not wearing a life jacket. Community & Environment: A public hearing on post-closure care for an Olin hazardous waste landfill drew almost no residents, with Olin and Tennessee environmental officials doing most of the talking. Tech & Politics: A Wells Fargo tracker says local data-center moratoriums have surged nationwide, with Tennessee among states seeing the most local restrictions. Sports Calendar: Austin Peay hosts Morehead State Saturday, while Tennessee’s big Week 2 matchup at Georgia Tech anchors the Vols’ slate.

Airport Renaming: Nashville International Airport’s board voted 6-0 to begin the process of renaming it after Dolly Parton, with a final name still to be set in coordination with the Dollywood Foundation. Public Safety & Budgets: A local op-ed warns that cutting police and fire funding as cities grow can mean slower response times and higher crime, pointing to past staffing collapses in other cities. Childcare Tragedy: In Memphis, a Shelby County grand jury indicted three Kid University employees in the death of 6-year-old Winter Jones after she was left in a hot daycare van. Local Philanthropy: ETSU’s Board of Trustees voted to name its College of Arts and Sciences for Phil and Martha Bachman after a $15 million gift. Community Support: Tennessee WIC continues to remind eligible families to apply for nutrition benefits, education, and referrals. Energy & Tech Backlash: A Wells Fargo tracker says local data-center moratoriums have surged to 374 nationwide, with Tennessee among states seeing the most restrictions. Sports: Tennessee soccer opened SEC play with a 3-1 road win over LSU; TSU won the Legacy Series men’s cross country title after a weather delay.

Airport Renaming Push: Nashville International Airport is one step closer to becoming “Dolly Parton International Airport” after the Metro Nashville Airport Authority voted 6-0 to start the process, with a final name still to be set and FAA approval required. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA says the multi-state Cyclospora outbreak is over, though it’s still investigating infections tied to recalled lettuce; confirmed cases reached 12,883 across 21 states including Tennessee. Local Services: Tennessee WIC is reminding eligible families to apply, highlighting benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and the WICShopper app. Community Support: Comfort Zone Camp will launch in Middle Tennessee this October, offering grief and loss counseling for kids and teens. Local Business & Growth: Oak Grove Farms in Gallatin opened its first year-round grocery store with 60+ local vendors. Crime & Accountability: A TBI report shows clearance rates fell in most McMinn County departments in 2025. Sports & Culture: A 9/11 tribute concert at Black Oak Amphitheater in Missouri is headlined by Big & Rich, with Nashville ties and first-responder remembrance.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Tennessee, will get $500 checks after Biden-era Obamacare “user fees” allegedly drove up premiums. Local Accountability: Memphis Shelby County Commissioner District 8 winner Will Richardson was arrested on sales tax fraud allegations tied to falsified returns for his business, with missing annual reports also flagged. Community Tensions: In Westwood and Boxtown, residents packed a meeting over xAI-related funds still “on hold,” arguing over blight removal, home repairs, and who should control the spending plan. Public Safety & Preparedness: TEMA launched ReadyTN Connect to help trusted local groups share verified emergency info; Lipscomb students are also using real-time pedestrian and traffic data to reduce Lower Broadway crash risks. Health & Food Safety: Tennessee health inspectors posted Memphis/Shelby County restaurant updates, including improvements at some sites and low scores tied to cold-holding, cross-contamination, and temperature-control issues. Culture & Education: Tusculum University will host the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum for free, hands-on U.S. history learning. Sports: MTSU women’s soccer beat Evansville 3-1, and Newark Charter opened its season with a 45-6 win.

Local Governance & Public Safety: Shelby County Commissioner Will Richardson was arrested on felony charges tied to falsified tax returns and sales-tax issues for his Downtown Memphis bar, with bond set at $40,000. Transportation & Community Input: TDOT is asking drivers for feedback as it builds its 2055 Long Range Transportation Plan, using a public survey to shape future priorities. Elections & Local Rules: A public hearing in Roane County put Rockwood mayoral candidate Chevis Cox under scrutiny over residency requirements, with the state’s top elections official attending. Public Works & Animal Services: Gibson County’s council added animal shelter positions to its salary ordinance, converting part-time shelter staff to county employees and setting up an advisory board. Culture & Tourism: Nashville Zoo canceled its Zoolumination lantern festival after visa denials for Chinese artisans, echoing similar cancellations elsewhere. Arts & Community: Chattanooga Christian School partnered with a local food rescue to turn food waste into weekly community meals. Weather & Earth Science: Two small earthquakes rattled eastern Tennessee near Tellico Village; USGS says they were too weak to cause damage. Sports: Week 2 college football spotlights Ohio State vs. Texas, a rare repeat matchup with national title stakes.

Shelby County Accountability: Shelby County Commissioner Will Richardson was arrested on two felony charges tied to falsifying state revenue/tax, court records show, with bond set at $40,000. Public Safety & Weather: A small plane crash in Ohio’s Miami County left three hurt, including two juveniles, and federal investigators are expected to respond. Local Economy at the Pump: Tennessee gas prices rose 13 cents over the past week; AAA puts the state average at about $3.80, with volatility tied to crude oil and holiday travel demand. Agriculture Under Strain: In Shelby County, drought and extreme heat are stressing crops as harvest ramps up, with irrigation access making the difference between saving and losing fields. County Services Backlog: Newly elected Shelby County Clerk LaSonya Hall says her office found unprocessed dealer paperwork for thousands of car titles/registrations, leaving drivers waiting on tags. Community Education Push: Frayser organizers are seeking a new charter high school for ages 16–21 to help opportunity youth earn diplomas and career certifications. Nuclear Energy Debate: West Virginia has joined Tennessee and other states in consideration for a federal nuclear lifecycle innovation campus, raising questions about spent-fuel handling and community impacts. Sports & Entertainment: Toronto snapped Nashville’s unbeaten MLS run with a 2-1 win; and Knoxville’s Flying Biscuit Café opens downtown Sept. 12.

Public Safety: Tennessee officials are urging college students to take fire safety seriously this September, spotlighting safe cooking and lithium-ion battery care as move-in season ramps up. Local Economy & Community: WalletHub ranks Tennessee 41st happiest overall, with lower marks in physical well-being and community factors, even as it scores higher for work environment. Education & Access: UT Knoxville reports record retention and graduation gains, with 93.1% of first-year students returning and 71.4% graduating within four years. Workforce & Jobs: A Sycamore Institute report says Tennessee’s labor force participation lags the national average and reviews how workforce programs—from K-12 to adult training—are (and aren’t) meeting needs. Tech & Policy: Nash County adopts a temporary moratorium on data centers and similar high-impact uses in unincorporated areas, citing electricity, water, noise, and environmental concerns. Business Closures: Nashville-based O’Charley’s is shutting down its remaining locations nationwide, including eight in Middle Tennessee. Sports: Tennessee’s early-season buzz continues after Faizon Brandon’s debut, with the Vols set to host Georgia Tech next. Law Enforcement Leadership: Sheriff Michael Van Dyke is sworn in as president of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association.

College Access Push: Tennessee marks College Application and Exploration Month with THEC naming 34 schools for its Regional College Access Support Initiative, adding college access coordinators to help with applications, FAFSA, TN Promise and planning. School Meals at Risk: SNAP cuts tied to federal changes could ripple into Tennessee classrooms nationwide, threatening free breakfast and lunch for millions of children. State Tax Policy: Nashville-area Rep. Aftyn Behn proposes a three-year pause on new data center tax exemption certificates, demanding better reporting on the cost and who benefits. Local Public Safety: Metro Nashville police investigate a stray-bullet shooting at a Sam’s Club that killed Murfreesboro Frito-Lay worker Paris Carlock after a dispute near a nearby lounge. Sports—Vols Return: Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter is back for the Georgia Tech game after a $427 payment tied to his draft exploration, and he’s donating $427 per tackle for cancer research. Health & Community: A beloved Newport, Tenn. family practice doctor, Michael Hood, died in a small-plane crash in Florida; friends and patients remember his decades of care. Arts & Culture: Lainey Wilson confirmed she’ll host the 60th CMA Awards again, with nominees set to be revealed Friday.

Titans & Health: Ring of Honor running back Chris Johnson is set to be inducted as he continues raising awareness after his ALS diagnosis, describing major limits on speech and movement and urging more research. NFL Injury Update: Titans linebacker Cedric Gray is in concussion protocol after a UTV crash, putting his season opener status in question. College Football (Tennessee): Tennessee stayed No. 18 in the US LBM Coaches Poll after a 56-9 win over Furman, and the Vols’ wide receivers are using eye patches in practice to sharpen focus and catching. Local Government: Davidson County Register of Deeds Karen Johnson was sworn in for a third term, highlighting expanded services and a stronger Property Alert program. Civic & Elections: A municipal election primer outlines races in Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, and Watertown ahead of Tennessee’s Nov. 3 general election. Public Safety: A Chattanooga woman was arrested in Alabama after a hit-and-run and chase in a stolen truck, with police alleging reckless driving over 100 mph. State Policy Fight: Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly says the city will keep fighting a lawsuit over the locally appointed airport board. Health Disparities: A new study reports Tennessee has the highest maternal mortality rate among states with published data, nearly four times California’s.

Public Safety: A Frito-Lay worker, Paris Carlock, 55, was killed after a stray bullet pierced the wall of a Sam’s Club in southeast Nashville during an altercation nearby; police say detectives are pursuing leads. NFL: Titans linebacker Cedric Gray is in concussion protocol after a UTV accident; his status for the season opener vs. the Jets is uncertain. Local Sports (MTSU/Murray State): Murray State’s football opener vs. Middle Tennessee was delayed repeatedly by lightning, ending 38-14; in soccer, the Racers earned their first win of the season, beating Austin Peay 3-0. College Basketball Recruiting: Murray State landed Memphis-area point guard Justin Frison, a four-star from Houston High School. Education: Middle Tennessee State released its summer 2026 graduate list, including Bailey Lowe, who also made the Dean’s List. Culture/Music: Ray LaMontagne collapsed during a Nashville Ryman show, later treated for heat-related dehydration.

College Football Injury Update: Tennessee WR Joakim Dodson is out for the rest of the 2026 season after a season-ending leg injury in the Vols’ 56-9 opener vs. Furman. SEC Week 1 Spotlight (Nashville): No. 9 Ole Miss survived a wild finish to beat No. 24 Louisville 41-38 in the Music City Kickoff, with Trinidad Chambliss exploding after halftime and Lucas Carneiro drilling a 48-yard field goal as time expired. Vols on the Field (Sportsmanship/Community): Tennessee LB Arion Carter is turning his NCAA suspension into a cancer-fundraiser, pledging donations tied to his season stats for patients’ medical bills. Public Safety (TBI Review): TBI is conducting an independent review of a deadly officer-involved shooting near the Coffee–Rutherford County line, after a machete attack on a sergeant during an arrest-warrant attempt. State Economy/Industry: Wacker’s polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee, faces potential closure risk as trade rules may not create enough incentive for U.S. manufacturers to buy domestic material. Drugs & Crime: Indiana State Police seized 277 pounds of cocaine worth about $3.8 million during a traffic stop involving a trailer route from Memphis to Indianapolis. Nuclear Policy Debate: Tennessee is a finalist to host a DOE Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, but lawmakers and residents are already raising concerns about nuclear waste and siting.

Data Center Fight in Nashville: A proposed 69,000-square-foot data center next to the Nashville Zoo has sparked a massive backlash, with nearly 600,000 people signing a Change.org petition. The zoo warns about 24/7 noise, artificial light, and impacts on animals and conservation efforts, and city officials have moved to restrict large data centers and take steps that could allow the city to acquire the property. Public Safety: A bullet fired on Antioch Pike early Sunday went through a metal wall at a Sam’s Club and fatally injured 55-year-old Paris Carlock, a Frito-Lay employee, during inventory work; police say the shooting followed an argument at a nearby lounge. Labor Day, Tennessee Roots: A local Labor Day feature revisits how Murfreesboro’s “Heart of Tennessee” nickname traces back to a 19th-century geographic center calculation—and how the labor movement shaped the holiday. Sports—Nashville Spotlight: Ole Miss escaped Nashville with a 41-38 win over Louisville on Lucas Carneiro’s 48-yard game-ending field goal. Women’s Sports: The Lady Vols closed nonconference play with a 1-0 win over Northwestern, and Tennessee volleyball kept rolling with a sweep of No. 21 Indiana in Nashville. Health & Community: ETSU Health’s Johnson City Community Health Center will host a free Community Health Fair Sept. 12 with screenings, flu shots, and family activities. Tourism: Northeast Tennessee hit $1B+ in visitor spending in 2025, up 8.9% year over year.

College Football (Tennessee): Freshman QB Faizon Brandon exploded in his debut, throwing for 226 yards and 3 TDs and adding 68 rushing yards and 2 more scores as Tennessee routed Furman 56-9. SEC/Local Rivalry: In Nashville, No. 9 Ole Miss opens its post-Lane Kiffin era vs No. 24 Louisville at Nissan Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC), with Ole Miss favored by 6.5. College Football (Regional): Boise State pushed No. 2 Oregon to the limit but fell 34-27, a result that keeps the Broncos’ CFP hopes alive heading into a matchup with Memphis. Nashville Sports Events: The city hosts a women’s volleyball Broadway Block Party at Bridgestone Arena and a major season-opening college football kickoff the same day. Local Education Data: Rutherford County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for students of two or more races was 42.4% by 2024. Memphis Community & Safety: A Southeast Memphis shooting left one man dead and a woman critically hurt; police reported no suspect info. Sports Culture: Memphis wrestling legend “Superstar” Bill Dundee died at 82, prompting tributes across the wrestling world.

Tennessee Football: Freshman QB Faizon Brandon starred in his debut, throwing for 226 yards and three TDs and running for two more as No. 20 Tennessee beat Furman 56-9, while Penn State transfer Xavier Gilliam recorded three sacks and the Vols rolled to a 42-0 lead early. Neyland Stadium Culture: Before kickoff, Tennessee fans and Furman supporters joined a massive Dolly Parton singalong—101,915 voices for “I Will Always Love You.” Memphis Football: At the renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis opened at home with a 42-24 win over Arkansas State, powered by Jaylin Carter’s four rushing TDs and a second-half defensive surge with four interceptions. Vanderbilt Football: Vanderbilt beat Austin Peay 28-9, with a wild special-teams moment turning into a Josiah Broxton touchdown. Local Sports & Community: Tennessee Tech’s win over Chattanooga featured an onside-kick gamble and a defensive interception; and Tennessee’s TDCI is hosting a film and Q&A at TN Tech on financial influencers and investing vs. gambling.