AGP Executive Report

State Parks & Courts: A Grundy County grand jury indicted Charles Trost for allegedly cutting dozens of trees in Savage Gulf State Park, with a forestry estimate putting the damage at about $112,736; the vandalism charge carries up to 8–30 years if convicted. Public Safety: Tennessee’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service is set for Oct. 10 (4–6 p.m.) at the Fire and Codes Enforcement Academy in Bell Buckle, honoring more than 270 firefighters statewide. Energy & Regulation: Tennessee issued its first fusion-specific byproduct material license to Type One Energy, making the state the first to license fusion under a new regulatory framework. Business & Accountability: Tennessee ranked among the worst states for workers in Oxfam’s 2026 Best States to Work Index, while a new poll says if Marsha Blackburn becomes governor, GOP voters prefer U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett as her successor. Tennessee Politics: Sen. Ken Yager was named an Americans for Prosperity “Regulatory Freedom Champion” for backing the Regulatory Freedom Act of 2026. Sports (Nashville/UT): Tennessee opens at home vs. Furman on Sept. 5 with a new starting QB, Faizon Brandon, and a First Horizon Bank jersey patch—plus ESPN’s Jordan Rodgers says the opener has upset potential. Memphis: Repairs are underway at Mud Island Amphitheater after ADA compliance work was approved, with a comeback concert series planned for next April. Legal Fight Over Data Centers: A federal judge denied Entergy Arkansas’ bid to block publication of financial records tied to Google’s West Memphis data center.

Dolly Parton Tribute: Tennessee lawmakers and local leaders are moving to fully fund Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library starting in 2027, with state money covering the local share—while Parton’s legacy continues to ripple through schools and communities, including a Sam Houston Elementary student’s Parton essay gaining attention after her death. Heat & Safety: A heat advisory is in effect across the Mid-South through Saturday night, with dangerous heat and humidity pushing heat index readings near 100–110 degrees; officials also warn storm debris cleanup can raise fire risk as conditions dry out. Immigration Detention Protest: Protesters gathered outside a West Tennessee detention center in Tipton County, alleging hundreds of ICE detainees are on a hunger and work strike and demanding changes to conditions. Local Courts & Public Safety: A judge denied a new trial for convicted murderer Stanley Mossburg, keeping his life sentences on track while the case heads to Tennessee’s appeals court. Road & Travel Updates: TDOT will pause interstate and state-route lane closures for Labor Day travel, and a crash has closed I-40 westbound near Elm Hill Pike, snarling traffic. Sports: Middle Tennessee opens with Murray State, with coach Derek Mason warning the Racers will be “hungry,” and UT fans are bracing for new Neyland Stadium parking and tailgating rules tied to an entertainment district project.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy in Action: Tennessee leaders say the state will fully fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library starting in 2027, with House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Chairman Bo Watson pledging 100% of local costs. Sports & Local Life: Tennessee coach Josh Heupel says the NCAA cut linebacker Arion Carter’s suspension in half, so he’ll miss only the opener vs. Furman. Public Safety: Lifeline Blood Services is urging Tennesseans to donate as blood supplies run low heading into Labor Day, with Type O flagged as critical. Travel & Traffic: East Tennessee agencies are gearing up for heavy crowds for Tennessee’s home opener, with TDOT help trucks staged to respond to crashes. Boating Reminder: TWRA is warning boaters to wear life jackets and avoid boating under the influence during Labor Day weekend. Nashville Business: Flamin’ Feathers, a 100% halal late-night chain, is set to open in Over-the-Rhine. Crime & Courts: Parents of Saylor Hayes were arrested in Tennessee on South Carolina warrants tied to the child’s death.

Immigration Enforcement: DHS says ICE arrested more than 120 people at a Memphis nightclub during “Operation Corral Light,” with officials citing prior criminal histories. Local Public Safety: FOX13 toured the Shelby County Jail with Sheriff Anthony Buckner, highlighting repairs after past breakdowns and ongoing facility needs. Health Care Access: A new report/column spotlights Tennessee’s primary-care shortage and “systemic medical neglect,” urging changes as patients struggle to get timely help. Economy Watch: Tennessee unemployment rates fell across nearly all counties in July; Rhea County reported 4.5% and several counties hit 2.8% lows. Sports—NHL: The Predators traded Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils for 2028 draft picks, a move aimed at reshaping Nashville’s forward depth. Sports—Volleyball: Tennessee kept a perfect start by sweeping Illinois, led by setter Caroline Kerr’s 38 assists. Arts & Community: ETSU’s Martin Center announced its 2026-27 Broadway lineup in Johnson City.

Dolly Parton in Tennessee: The Queen of Country was laid to rest beside her husband Carl Dean after a private family funeral in Nashville, and Tennessee football will honor her with a butterfly helmet sticker for every game this season. Public Safety & Crime: Memphis Safe Task Force reported 853 arrests and 118 illegal firearms recovered in August, while a new suspect was arrested in an OUTMemphis shooting. Courts & Tech: A federal appeals court revived a bid to block Tennessee’s social media age-verification law. Weather & Preparedness: The National Weather Service is scheduling free SKYWARN spotter classes across Middle Tennessee. Local Government & Grants: Dunlap won state funding for a new bicycle pump track park, and McMinn County fire departments received more than $600,000 in equipment and training grants. Education & Community: Sequatchie County Schools’ cafeterias earned perfect 100 scores on state health inspections. Sports & Campus: MTSU men’s ice hockey is aiming for a national title in 2026 after major roster turnover.

School Safety: Tennessee’s Threat Assessment Center is tracking an online “Cat in the Hat” trend using AI images and videos, with some posts naming specific schools and students and making threats; officials urge reporting through the #SafeTN app or the state’s suspicious activity site. Public Safety & Crime: A Memphis teacher was injured after an assault by a student at Kate Bond Middle School, SCSO says. In West Memphis, police are searching for a juvenile suspect after two people were killed in a shooting. Local Services: The Greene County Neighborhood Service Center has relocated to 1325 Kingsport Highway. Community & Cost of Living: AAA says Tennessee gas prices rose two cents to a state average of $3.66. Sports: Tennessee football will honor Dolly Parton with a helmet butterfly sticker; Tennessee State opens Sept. 5 vs. No. 3 Georgia after a close loss to Jackson State. Knox County: Commissioners voted to ban Flock cameras and fixed license plate readers. Grants & Education: TVA is accepting applications for up to $5,000 STEM awards for K-12 classrooms through Sept. 15. Dolly Parton: Her estate announced Dollyfest, a two-day celebration in Nashville and London in 2027.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy: The country icon, 80, was laid to rest in a private Nashville family funeral at Woodlawn Memorial Park alongside her late husband Carl Dean. Her estate says Dollyfest will return in 2027 with two-day events in Nashville and London, after an earlier January 2026 plan was reshaped. Sports & Culture: Tennessee football will honor Parton all season with a helmet sticker/patch. Local Government & Rights: A Nashville charter school removed LGBT-themed books after a teacher was disciplined for refusing to read one, a move framed as protecting parents’ constitutional rights. Transportation: I-64 near Nashville is being reduced to one lane each direction for major road and bridge work, with delays expected through late 2028. Public Safety: ICE detained 100+ people in a Memphis bar raid tied to alleged gambling and drug activity. Health & Consumer Watch: Tennessee American Water issued additional PFAS settlement bill credits; Consumer Reports found no detectable PFAS in tested baby wipes.

Dolly Parton: The music icon was laid to rest beside her husband Carl Dean in a private Nashville funeral at Woodlawn Memorial Park, with niece Lainey Parton sharing an emotional tribute. Local Government: Mt. Juliet is changing its U-turn rules, moving from a blanket ban to allowing U-turns unless signs prohibit them. Immigration Enforcement: Memphis saw a major ICE operation at a Berclair-area nightclub, with advocates saying more than 100 were detained and families left searching for answers. Public Safety: Metro Nashville released bodycam from a sword-wielding standoff that led to an officer shooting a man; the officer was decommissioned and TBI is investigating. Weather: Severe Weather Days were declared for Tuesday through Friday due to extreme heat risk, with ozone alerts also in effect for the Memphis metro. Sports: MTSU opened its season with a scoreless draw against Lipscomb, while the Titans set their initial 53-man roster after cutting Will Levis.

Metro Nashville Police: MNPD decommissioned an officer after a preliminary review of Saturday’s fatal shooting of a sword-wielding man, with TBI investigating. Dolly Parton in Tennessee: The Grand Ole Opry held a sold-out tribute featuring Carly Pearce, Jelly Roll and others, ending with Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” from 2020; meanwhile, MTSU will honor Parton with a special jersey patch and the governor is pushing to rename Nashville’s airport for her. Sports—Memphis & Nashville: Memphis opened its season with a 27-21 comeback win over UNLV in Charles Huff’s debut, while Nashville SC kept rolling with a 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati. Sports—Bears: Chicago’s preseason finale featured Zavion Thomas’ 97-yard TD catch and a 24-15 win over the Titans; NFL fans are already buzzing. Public health: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce added Georgia, Tennessee and Texas, bringing confirmed illnesses to 11,458. Weather: Another round of triple-digit heat is expected across Middle Tennessee, with the hottest stretch midweek.

Sports (Titans/Preseason Cuts): The Tennessee Titans wrapped preseason with a 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears, resting most starters as the focus shifts to roster cutdown day. Coach Robert Saleh said the team will improve, while the Bears’ Tyson Bagent and rookie Zavion Thomas stood out in a 97-yard TD connection. Roster Deadline: Both teams must trim to 53 players by 5 p.m. CT Aug. 30, with waivers and practice-squad moves following. Sports (College Football): Tennessee State blew a late chance in the John A. Merritt Classic, falling 26-24 to Jackson State after a botched field-goal snap. Sports (Tech Football): Tennessee Tech opened its season with a 38-14 win over Monmouth, powered by Jax Leatherwood’s four TD passes. Local News (Public Safety): Metro Nashville Police are investigating whether a 5-year-old’s fatal shooting was accidental. Nashville Arts/Music: Dolly Parton tributes continued with a Grand Ole Opry event, as Gov. Bill Lee pushed to rename Nashville International Airport in her honor. Weather: Heat and humidity are building again, with next week’s heat index possibly topping 100–105.

Dolly Parton Tribute: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says Nashville International Airport could be renamed “Dolly Parton International Airport,” with a proposal headed to the Metro Nashville Airport Authority meeting Sept. 17 after talks with Parton’s team and a surge in public support. Criminal Justice: A Middle Tennessee youth soccer coach, Camilo Campos-Hurtado, was sentenced to 30 years after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting children and recording the abuse, according to HSI. Memphis Accountability: An autopsy report says Tyrin Johnson was shot in the back, raising questions about earlier accounts from authorities after he was killed during a National Guard pursuit. Public Safety: TBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Coffee County after deputies tried to serve an arrest warrant; a suspect was killed and a deputy was treated for injuries. Sports (Local): Titans rest most starters in the preseason finale vs. the Bears, while Memphis opens the 2026 season at UNLV on FOX. Education/Value: Time’s first “America’s Best Colleges” list includes eight Tennessee schools, with Vanderbilt among the top picks.

Dolly Parton Tribute: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville airport officials say they plan to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton, with the proposal heading to the Metro Nashville Airport Authority meeting Sept. 17; a fan petition has surged past 160,000 signatures and travelers are reacting with excitement. Education Planning: TSBA is rolling out MyTNPath in September, with districts getting access in October, to help students map courses and track progress toward Tennessee’s 22-credit graduation requirement. Public Safety & Justice: ICE says a convicted illegal alien soccer coach who drugged and sexually abused Nashville children kept fake immigration documents on the same device as abuse videos. Health Care Accountability: A new 80-page report details a Nashville hospital pharmacy mix-up that left multiple patients paralyzed after potassium was given instead of anesthesia. Storm Recovery: MLGW reports power is restored for nearly all Memphis customers after a weekend bow echo, with only a small number still waiting due to property damage. Local Crime: A West Tennessee mother faces first-degree murder charges after a 2-year-old died in a shooting incident in Humboldt. Sports: Week 2 high school football scores rolled in statewide, while Memphis opens its season at UNLV in Week 0.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy in Tennessee: Fans are pushing to rename Nashville International Airport as “Dolly Parton International Airport,” with a Change.org petition surging past 150,000 signatures after her Aug. 25 death. Tributes Across the State: Regal and AMC are bringing Parton films back to Tennessee theaters this weekend, with $9.25 tickets at Regal benefiting her Imagination Library. Local Public Safety: Memphis Police are searching for 21-year-old Tekiya Worthey, who has special needs and may be endangered. Education & Leadership: MTSU named James S. Bridgeforth as its new vice president of student affairs and dean of students, starting this fall. Sports & Community: Nashville’s Musicians Corner returns to Centennial Park with free concerts starting Friday. Economy Watch: Tennessee unemployment rates fell in nearly all counties in July, with DeKalb at 4.3% and several counties hitting 2.8%.

Titans-Joint Practice Fallout: Wan’Dale Robinson was evaluated for a concussion after a “cheap” helmet-to-helmet hit by Bears safety Xavier Woods during Thursday’s joint practice, sparking altercations between the teams. Memphis Shooting Case: An autopsy says Tyrin Johnson, killed during a Downtown pursuit involving National Guard members, was shot in the back—prompting TBI review of whether charges are warranted. Health Alert: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce has expanded to 20 states, with Tennessee among the latest. Education Funding: Rep. Diana Harshbarger announced nearly $2 million in federal TRIO Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers funding for East Tennessee schools and partners. Consumer Power: TVA board actions aim to protect consumers and keep residential rates low while planning for rising demand, including data center growth. Local Food Program: A $500,000 USDA grant will bring the CHEF cooking-and-nutrition program to schools in West Tennessee. Weather: Memphis and the Mid-South face a Code Orange air quality alert and hot, humid conditions ahead.

College Football Schedule: Memphis kicks off Week 1 at UNLV on Aug. 29 (10 p.m. ET), with other Tennessee-area matchups listed through Sept. 5. Nashville Dining: Croquet Cafe opens this weekend in Centennial Park, turning the historic 1963 Croquet Clubhouse into a full-service spot with locally inspired Southern food. Power Rates & Data Centers: NES says it’s signing a ratepayer protection pledge and boosting transparency as data center demand grows. Court Update (Vols): Jalen Washington is ruled ineligible for now after the Tennessee Court of Appeals stayed a temporary injunction tied to the NCAA’s “5 in 5” rule. Benefits Reminder: SSI checks for September go out Sept. 1 in Tennessee. Local Tech & Jobs: Vanderbilt and EPB launch a Chattanooga Institute for Quantum Innovation, pending accrediting approval. Public Safety: A child was killed in a Tullahoma dump-truck crash near schools. Business/Economy: Tennessee Athletics generated $1.1B+ in statewide economic impact in FY25. Sports Business: Vanderbilt partners with EPB on quantum campus; plus a Packers signing update: Jonnu Smith reportedly joins Green Bay.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy in Tennessee: Flags flew at half-staff and fans gathered across Nashville and Sevierville to mourn and honor the country icon, whose charitable work—especially the Imagination Library—keeps reaching children long after her music. Local Public Safety & Courts: Memphis expanded 911 to add a dedicated mental health option with 24/7 crisis counselors, while a judge delayed a ruling in the Andrew Hayes murder-conviction review. Storm Recovery in the Mid-South: After weekend outages, Memphis-Shelby County Schools restored power and will reopen Thursday; Shelby County declared a local state of emergency as crews continue cleanup. Crime Crackdown: A Columbia gambling sting tied to Middle Tennessee led to 13 arrests, $1.3M in cash, drugs, and 144 gambling machines seized. Business & Economy: Tennessee hit near-record new business filings in Q2, with 24,733 new entities. Transportation & Community: TDOT’s Kinser Bridge rebuild earned regional honors for technology and innovation. Weather: Spotty storms and muggy heat continue, with highs around the low 90s and heat indices near 100 into the weekend.