AGP Executive Report

Tennessee Tax Politics: A Seattle entrepreneur shopping for a Nashville move is using Washington’s new 9.9% “millionaires tax” as her reason to leave, as voters weigh Initiative 645 to repeal it—fueling a broader national argument about whether wealthy residents will flee. Immigration Enforcement: Memphis advocates say more than 100 people were detained in an early-Sunday ICE operation near Macon Road, while federal officials offered few details beyond calling it a “multi-agency operation,” setting off protests and demands for answers. State Government & Public Policy: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has proposed renaming Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton, with airport officials expected to discuss the plan at a Sept. 17 meeting as a Change.org petition tops 140,000 signatures. Local Law Enforcement: A Cherokee County deputy was hit by an ATV during a cross-border chase from Polk County, with the suspect facing multiple felony charges. Health Spending Watch: New Medicaid billing snapshots show sharp local spikes in categories like Surgery, Dental Services, and Procedures/Professional Services across multiple Tennessee towns. Sports & Culture: The Titans released their initial 53-man roster for 2026, while tributes continue after Dolly Parton’s private burial in Nashville.

Airport Naming Push: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is backing a proposal to rename Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton, with officials and travelers weighing in as the tribute gains momentum after her death. Local Governance: Clarksville City Council is considering new distance limits for future smoke and vape shops, after the regional planning commission built a proposal to define the businesses and spread them out more evenly. Public Health Spending: New Medicaid billing figures show sharp local increases across Tennessee—Cookeville’s orthotic services jumped 89.3% in 2024, while Johnson City saw Enteral/Parenteral Therapy rise 15.9% and Whitwell’s Evaluation & Management payments climbed 8.2%. Courts & Rights: The LGBTQ+ Bar Association says the Supreme Court has “muddied the doctrinal waters” on parental rights for transgender children, setting up another legal fight over how parental religious rights apply. Tech & Privacy: A report highlights how Flock’s AI policing tools can track vehicles and rank “associates,” raising new concerns about surveillance and public trust.

Public Safety: UTC police are investigating a possible sextortion case after a student reported that an “anonymous” contact threatened to release intimate videos unless money was paid, prompting investigators to urge other students to report similar incidents and avoid sharing or saving intimate content. Local Surveillance Oversight: Knox County commissioners may vote Aug. 31 on an emergency ordinance that could force the sheriff’s office to remove about 140 Flock cameras, after questions about public oversight and reports that cameras were bought in batches to dodge purchase limits. State Government & Civic Life: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says he wants to rename Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton, with the proposal headed to the Metro Nashville Airport Authority’s Sept. 17 meeting. Criminal Justice: Metro Nashville police say a sword-wielding man was shot and killed in an officer-involved incident on Cheshire Drive, with TBI leading the investigation after reports a woman was being held inside a vehicle. Federal Labor Enforcement: A Tennessee-based restaurant operator was fined $62,235 for federal child labor violations after an underage worker was injured operating a manual deep fryer, among other scheduling and hazardous equipment issues.

Airport Tribute Push: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says Nashville International Airport could be renamed for Dolly Parton, calling it a fitting “front door” to the state; the Metro Nashville Airport Authority is set to consider the proposal Sept. 17, with Parton’s team reportedly open to talks and a petition now topping 150,000 signatures. State Capitol & Community: A Tennessee lawmaker is also pitching Sept. 25 as “9 to 5 Day” to honor Parton, aiming to give Tennesseans an annual reminder of her legacy of music and service. Public Safety & Fraud: A Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker update ranks McMinnville tied for 40th in Tennessee for July scam reports, with government-agency imposter scams showing up in the mix. Local Nonprofits: In Bradley County, a school-focused 501(c)(3) foundation says private donations help fund classroom programs beyond what state and county support can cover. Courts & Corrections: A jail docket roundup lists recent arrests and charges from local agencies, underscoring how quickly cases move through Tennessee’s justice system.

Dolly Parton Tribute Push: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport say they’re moving toward renaming BNA “Dolly Parton International Airport,” after Parton’s death at 80 and a surge in public support (petition tops 160,000). Lee says he spoke with Parton’s team, which is “touched” and open to continuing talks, and the airport authority is set to consider the proposal Sept. 17. Legal & Courts: A federal appeals court in California ruled Nevada can regulate Kalshi’s prediction market platform, setting up a potential U.S. Supreme Court fight. Public Safety & Justice: A Dyer County judge acquitted four West Tennessee officers tied to the 2024 Jackson Hopper arrest case, while two others still face evidence-tampering charges. Health & Regulation: Baxter issued three same-day recalls of intravenous solutions over possible foreign particles, including fiberglass and stainless steel, reaching providers across 17 states. Local Government/Community: Clarksville Police Captain Benjamin Blackmon graduated from a Northwestern leadership program, marking another step in department training. Sports: Week 2 TSSAA high school football scores rolled in across East Tennessee, including Alcoa 56, Bearden 13, and Maryville 48, Knoxville West 13.

International Disaster Response: US officials say about 90 Americans remain unaccounted for after catastrophic flash floods hit the Nepal-China border, with three rescues reported and no confirmed US deaths yet. Criminal Justice: Longtime Tennessee District Attorney Jimmy Dunn was charged with multiple felonies, including official oppression, misconduct, retaliation, coercion of a witness, and civil rights intimidation; an assistant attorney general was also arrested. Public Safety & Transportation: A two-mile stretch of I-840 in Rutherford County was renamed the “Kyler Gatica Memorial Highway” after a 2024 multi-vehicle crash killed a Mt. Juliet teen. Health & Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded, with new cases reported in Tennessee along with Georgia and Texas. Nuclear Workforce: Kairos Power is launching a Tennessee-focused initiative to advance nuclear manufacturing and train workers for the state’s growing nuclear industry. Local Government & Community: Jackson-Madison Prevention Coalition will host International Overdose Awareness Day events Aug. 31 to push overdose prevention and resources. Business/Industry: A new report says cargo theft rose 5% in Q2, with California and Texas leading and Tennessee also showing up among top hot spots. Culture & Philanthropy: Dolly Parton’s death at 80 is driving major tributes nationwide, while Nashville firefighters and IAFF Local 140 kick off the 2026 MDA “Fill the Boot” campaign.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy in Tennessee: The late country icon’s philanthropic footprint is still showing up locally and beyond, from the Imagination Library’s book deliveries to young kids to renewed calls to rename Nashville International Airport “Dolly Parton International Airport,” with a Change.org petition topping 140,000 signatures. Public Safety & Justice: Gov. Bill Lee granted executive clemency to 34 Tennesseans, including a commutation for Thomas Clardy. In Memphis, a judge delayed a decision on a bid to change the verdict for convicted killer Andrew Hayes, while in Tennessee a Buchanan man was arrested for allegedly threatening Henry County officials via harassment emails. Housing & Community Support: Lawrence-area partners celebrated Promise Heights, a six-unit transitional housing development opening in mid-September for families recently experiencing homelessness. Health & Consumer Alerts: The FDA expanded a cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce to 20 states, adding Tennessee among newly confirmed locations. State Politics: State Sen. Adam Lowe was appointed regional chairman for the “Yes on 2” campaign backing a constitutional ban on a state property tax. Courts & Officials: In Sevier County, reports say District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn and an assistant DA were booked on felony charges including official oppression and misconduct.

Airport Renaming Push: A Change.org petition to rename Nashville International Airport “Dolly Parton International Airport” has surged past 126,000 signatures after the singer’s death, with Tennessee lawmakers and a Nashville council member backing legislation to make it happen. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion and add stronger protections for users under 18 in a landmark, multi-state settlement over claims Instagram and Facebook were designed to harm kids’ mental health—while more lawsuits loom. Local Government & Safety: Nashville’s Vision Zero committee is renewing pressure after multiple pedestrian deaths, including a high-profile crash on Lower Broadway that has revived calls to restrict vehicles on the party street. Military Energy Plan: The Army’s Janus Program will bring a 20-megawatt microreactor to Fort Campbell, with groundbreaking projected for late 2028 and operations in the early 2030s. Public Notices: Metro and local governments continue zoning amendments, bids, and public hearing notices across Davidson and surrounding counties.

Big Tech & Kids Online: Tennessee AG Jonathan Skrmetti says Meta’s up-to-$18B settlement over alleged harm to teens sets a new standard, with required changes like time limits, nighttime blocks, stronger age checks, and more parental controls. Surveillance & Privacy: Sen. Josh Hawley is investigating Flock Safety’s AI license plate camera network, warning it may enable a searchable database of Americans’ movements; Tennessee mayors and privacy advocates have pushed for constitutional guardrails. State Politics: Trump’s endorsement streak got another boost as Sen. Darline Graham won a South Carolina GOP Senate runoff for a full term. Tennessee Public Safety: A Memphis middle school employee was charged after allegedly stabbing a delivery driver six times with a pen during an argument over being late. Local Governance & Community: Wylie, Texas voted 7-0 to end its Flock contract over data-sharing concerns, while Huntsville launched its biggest-ever Huntsville Music Month with free and international showcases. Culture & Tourism: After Dolly Parton’s death at 80, Tennessee and beyond renewed calls to honor her— including a push to rename Nashville International Airport after her.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion and overhaul child-safety rules on Facebook and Instagram, including daily teen time limits, nighttime blocks, and stronger age checks, after a multistate trial over claims the platforms were designed to be addictive and mishandled children’s data. Tennessee Politics & Policy: The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approved TWRA’s 2027-28 operational budget and moved forward on a new license structure and fee changes, plus updates tied to shooting ranges and a “No Wake Zone” at Pine Lake. Statehouse Watch: NFIB Tennessee PAC announced endorsements for Nov. 3 General Assembly races, highlighting candidates it says back small-business priorities. Local Development: Athena Hospitality proposed a $100 million mixed-use project in Florence, including two hotels and a restaurant, after a planning commission subcommittee recommended approval. Civic Culture: A petition to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton surged past 70,000 signatures, fueled by her Imagination Library legacy and Tennessee ties. National Politics: South Carolina’s GOP Senate nomination went to Darline Graham after a runoff win, a result tied to President Trump’s political momentum.

State & Federal Politics: Trump’s endorsement is credited with helping Darline Graham win South Carolina’s GOP Senate primary runoff to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham, setting up the November race. Local Governance: Chaffee County commissioners formally urged federal rail regulators to revisit a Tennessee Pass rails-to-trails idea as part of comments on the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger. Public Safety & Health: A Loudon City Council vote approved a 12-month pause on new data center zoning approvals, citing infrastructure, noise, and quality-of-life concerns. Tennessee Spotlight: Tennessee’s Dolly Parton—beloved singer, philanthropist, and Imagination Library founder—died at 80 after a brief cancer battle, prompting flag-lowering orders and tributes from across politics and entertainment, with her literacy and vaccine-research legacy highlighted nationwide. Agriculture: Tennessee farmers weighed in on Trump’s plan to import beef, warning it could undercut cattle producers despite hopes for lower prices.

Shelby County Legal Fight: Shelby County Commission capped its legal spending at $200,000 as the Memphis-Shelby County Schools takeover lawsuit grinds on, with MSCS barred from using public funds to sue the state. Public Safety: Tennessee and partners pushed major missing-child and predator-hunt sweeps, while separate reporting highlighted a multi-agency child sex sting that led to 14 arrests. Courts & Accountability: Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler’s defense asked to use a sworn affidavit in lieu of a deposition, citing his rapidly worsening stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Immigration Enforcement: ICE reportedly shifted a Nashville call-center site, and local officials continue to debate the scope of immigration enforcement operations. Education Policy: Tennessee school districts moved forward with Ten Commandments displays under new state law, as legal challenges continue nationwide. Local Business/Community: Nashville Adventures named its first Community Leadership Scholar, a Middle Tennessee Citadel cadet, as part of its scholarship program. Tech & Economy: A national study found “digital gold” messaging barely resonates with everyday Americans, with Nashville focus groups included.

NCAA Rule Fight Hits Tennessee Football: Tennessee LB Arion Carter remains suspended for two games after accepting a $427 flight to an NFL pre-draft facility, while a separate court-driven path is letting some former pro players return to college—raising alarms about uneven enforcement. Higher Ed & Sports Legal Fallout: LSU is positioning to benefit from the same eligibility chaos after Dae’Quan Wright’s NFL release, with more former NFL players expected to chase fifth-year spots. School Safety Tech: Tennessee safety officials are urging families to download the Safe Tennessee app as the school year begins, pushing anonymous reporting of threats and suspicious behavior. Law Enforcement Tech Debate: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation defended license plate reader use, saying it’s limited to public-safety purposes with safeguards and audit rules. Housing Costs: A RealPage rent-pricing settlement could send money back to eligible renters in a case pending in the Middle District of Tennessee. Energy & Everyday Prices: GasBuddy reports show Tennessee regular gas averaging about $3.59 per gallon in the week ending Aug. 15, with local lows in multiple counties. TVA & Coal: Sierra Club criticized TVA’s approval to divest Illinois coal mine mineral rights, arguing it extends risky mining operations. Local Public Safety: Police in Hopkinsville, Kentucky say 27 bronze veteran grave markers were stolen from two cemeteries and ask the public to check for missing memorials.

Transportation & Public Safety: TDOT will repair a sinkhole system near SR 1 in White County starting Monday, Aug. 24, with left-lane closures in both directions from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 27. State Politics & Elections: U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn says she’ll pick her Senate replacement if she becomes governor, raising constitutional questions about whether Gov. Bill Lee would have the appointment power depending on timing. Courts & Corrections: A special master denied an emergency bid in Christa Pike’s lethal-injection challenge, rejecting a request to revisit physician qualifications. Nuclear & Industry: TRISO-X began the next construction phase at its Oak Ridge advanced nuclear fuel facility, moving toward interior build-out and equipment installation. Local Government: Nashville-area officials are weighing governance options for the 710 Stub redevelopment, with long-term oversight and restorative justice commitments in focus. Business & Jobs: Starbucks plans to cut 200+ Seattle HQ roles this fall while shifting some work to Nashville. Sports (Tennessee): Tennessee high school football Week 2 schedules are out, with matchups across East, Middle, and West Tennessee.

Storm Recovery: A powerful bow echo tore through the Mid-South, knocking out power for about 140,000 MLGW customers at the peak; by Sunday afternoon, roughly 85,000 were still without electricity as crews work to restore service. Local Parks: Nashville opened Mariposa Park in Antioch, a 10-acre green space meant to close a long-running gap in community amenities, with plans for native tree planting and public art. County Leadership: Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson announced his retirement plans, setting up a transition to incoming mayor Andy Marshall. School Board Politics: Democrat Jill Black resigned from the Hamilton County Board of Education, leaving District 11 vacant ahead of the next election process. Public Safety & Courts: In Bristol, Virginia, two people were killed and a suspect was arrested after an officer-involved shooting; authorities say more charges are expected. Tech & Privacy: Waymo’s parked vehicles in Nashville are recording neighborhoods and public spaces, raising questions about storage and use of collected audio/video. State Policy Watch: Tennessee’s squirrel season opened Aug. 22, with a statewide bag limit and hunter education requirements.

Military & Families: Jennifer Hegseth, wife of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is taking a bigger Pentagon role as chair of Trump’s Military Spouse Commission, blending media experience with high-level influence. Federal Courts & DOJ: A new report says judges are increasingly skeptical of Justice Department lawyers as courts question sworn filings and DOJ’s credibility amid immigration and other litigation. Tennessee Justice: Body-camera footage in a Memphis federal shooting case is being challenged by the victim’s family’s attorney, who argues deadly force wasn’t justified. Education Policy: A Supreme Court filing urges justices to hear a special-education dispute tied to whether states can deny services when parents choose private schools. Housing Costs: Zillow finds homebuying in major markets may not beat renting until retirement age, pushing the “breakeven” timeline far beyond pre-pandemic norms. Local Tennessee Politics: Tennessee’s SafeTN push continues as families are encouraged to report school safety threats. Transportation/Infrastructure: Gov. Lee’s I-24 Choice Lanes project moves forward with a major toll-lane partnership. Business & Growth: Tennessee’s budget faces a potential $110M hole tied to a ban on some hemp products. Memphis Tech & Environment: xAI’s Memphis-area data center expansion sparks backlash over unpermitted gas turbines and alleged air-quality violations. Politics in the News: Kamala Harris is becoming a campaign-trail dilemma for Democrats in key midterm races. National Politics: Trump leans on social media to spur court action while DOJ faces pushback in response.