AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Health Care: Tennessee health officials say children using the state’s Children’s Special Services program after June 30 could have their information shared with the state’s immigration enforcement unit and ICE, raising fears for medically fragile kids. Local Governance & Public Safety: Metro Nashville is again suing the state over the airport authority law, arguing the state’s takeover plan would strip local control. Higher Ed Watch: Experts flag Columbia College’s finances after years of declining revenue and spending that has outpaced income, even as school leaders dispute the severity. Sports & Community: Leadership Tennessee named its 2026-27 Signature Program cohort, bringing 52 leaders from business, education, faith, health and government for a 10-month focus on statewide challenges. World Cup in Tennessee: The World Cup’s expanded 48-team tournament kicks off across North America, with Tennessee-linked turf research teams helping shape playing surfaces. Tennessee Sports Talent: Dai Dai Ames transfers to Tennessee for his final season, aiming to take on a starting guard role.

Data Center vs. Zoo: Nashville Zoo opponents say a proposed data center next door would strain power and water and risk animals’ well-being; Brad Paisley and Sheryl Crow are among the high-profile critics as the petition tops 380,000 signatures. Title IX Oversight: The U.S. Education Department admitted it violated a federal court order in Title IX cases tied to sexual orientation and gender identity, according to a federal watchdog letter. Driver’s License Tightening: Tennessee lawmakers advanced changes requiring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency for driver’s licenses and license plates, plus an English reading/speaking requirement for the written test. College Sports Pressure: Memphis coach Charles Huff joined a Capitol Hill roundtable on the Protect College Sports Act, warning about instability, litigation, and financial pressure on athletes. Local Growth & Planning: Brentwood commissioners approved zoning and stormwater amendments, including a 40% green-space requirement for certain residential properties. Community Events: Franklin’s Bill Peach Book Festival returns Saturday, with 30 local authors and free panels and signings.

College Sports & Recruiting: Tennessee basketball’s Jalen Haralson and Dai Dai Ames held a press conference as the Vols keep shaping a deeper roster for the 2026-27 season. NBA Draft Buzz: Rick Barnes’ Vols could add more names to the NBA Draft this month, with Nate Ament, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, and Felix Okpara among projections. Local Education: Oak Ridge Schools announced new leadership for 2026-27, including Amanda Tinker as director of student supports and John “Ricky” Witt as Secret City Academy principal. Healthcare Accountability: A nurse convicted in a patient’s death is tied to a cautionary tale about fatal drug errors, while Tennessee is also in the spotlight over hospital pricing transparency warnings from the Trump administration. Books & School Policy: A Tennessee Republican senator says the state’s library book review law needs changes after “Roots” was removed and later restored in Knox County. Energy & Industry: Tennessee’s nuclear fusion push continues, and GM’s battery moves (including sodium-ion and LFP production plans tied to Spring Hill) keep the state in the grid-storage race. Arts & Community: A Nashville duo, A TALE OF TWO, returns for a “speakeasy” style Side Door Club night at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center.

TSSAA Spring Sports: Tennessee’s high school sports governing body is weighing changes after 2026 spring championships were repeatedly disrupted by weather, with possible fixes aimed at ensuring tournaments can finish on playable fields (potentially starting in 2028). College Sports Money Fight: A new antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA’s cap on revenue-sharing, arguing it violates state NIL laws in 17 states including Tennessee. Nashville Data Center Pushback: Metro Council is set to consider a data center moratorium as officials and neighbors raise concerns about impacts—especially around the proposed facility near the Nashville Zoo. Lady Vols Coaching Hire: Tennessee softball named Ehren Earleywine associate head coach and hitting coach, bringing a Texas championship pedigree to fill staff vacancies. Hunting Season Details: TWRA opened applications for 2026 WMA big game quota hunts and Cherokee bear party hunts (June 10–July 22). Sports Betting/Pro Football: The NCAA and NIL fight continues nationally, while local fans also got a steady stream of Tennessee-related recruiting and offseason sports updates.

Food & Safety: A Nashville food truck, “TNT Tacos,” exploded last week, severely burning its owners Tiffany and Tim McPherson; Tim pulled Tiffany from the fire, and both were airlifted for treatment. Weather & Public Safety: Nashville and Middle Tennessee are under an extended flood watch as storms roll in, with heavy rain totals possible and flash-flood risk rising, especially west of I-24 and north of I-40. Cost of Living: Tennessee residents could pay more to stay cool this summer as hotter weather and higher electricity costs push cooling bills upward. State Policy: Tennessee’s new THC/THCA restrictions take full effect July 1, tightening what hemp products can be sold and requiring in-person ID checks for purchases. Politics & Power: Republicans say they may redraw Tennessee House and Senate district maps next year, following recent congressional redistricting. Economy Snapshot: New federal data shows Tennessee among the lowest in average hourly pay, ranking 44th out of 50 states. Community & Culture: The Sibyl Center in Stanley announced a packed summer/fall concert lineup, including major country acts.

Nashville Hotel Business: PM Hotel Group took over management of a 12-hotel, 1,533-room portfolio across the Nashville metro, aligning revenue, sales, and marketing for brands including Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, Choice, IHG and Ascend. Local Safety: Two crashes in Sequatchie County Monday snarled traffic; a Highway 111 wreck killed a 19-year-old, while another crash on Fredonia Mountain Road left injuries unclear. Titans OTA Watch: Cam Ward’s June 8 practice was uneven—he hit a 50-yard TD with rookie Carnell Tate but struggled in red-zone work, finishing with an interception. Sports Tourism Trend: New data points to sports trips becoming multi-day, family-focused getaways, with walkable hotels gaining an edge—Knoxville’s Hilton is highlighted as a fit for that shift. Nashville Zoo Fight: Brad Paisley joined the push against a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo, calling it an “absolute nightmare scenario.” NHL Coaching: Peter Laviolette is set to become the Los Angeles Kings’ next head coach on a three-year deal. Criminal Justice: A Hamilton County jury convicted Randy Vega on all counts in a 2023 Chattanooga crash that killed a mother and her 1-year-old son. Tech/Markets: OpenAI filed confidentially for an IPO as AI companies race toward Wall Street.

Business & Growth: VENU closed a $49.7 million sale-leaseback on land under Colorado Springs’ Ford Amphitheater and says it plans to roll out more similar deals nationwide. Workplace & Health Care: HealthTrust Performance Group earned The Tennessean’s Top Workplace honor for a fifth straight year, citing employee-driven culture changes. Sports (Tennessee): Tennessee baseball’s 2026 recruiting class is ranked No. 3 nationally by Perfect Game, with top prospects like Jared Grindlinger and Trevor Condon potentially heading to the MLB draft. Weather: Mid-South forecasts point to hot, humid conditions with rain chances and a flooding threat highlighted in First Alert updates. Politics & Culture Wars: Knox County voted to challenge Tennessee’s book ban law after “Roots” was removed, while Southern Baptist leaders again debate whether women should serve as pastors. Public Safety & Justice: A viral “no-bounce” soccer pitch clip was debunked as a warmup from a U.S. friendly, not World Cup conditions. Health Research: A new study links certain BRCA-related gene variants to higher early-onset breast cancer risk in Black women.

World Cup Prep in Tennessee: FIFA says all 16 host stadiums are ready after hybrid turf was installed at the final venue in Houston, with the tournament’s infrastructure upgrades totaling up to $56.4B. Sports Betting Watch: Tennessee expects more sports-betting tax revenue tied to hosting Super Bowl LXIV at Nissan Stadium in 2030, beyond the usual Super Bowl spike. NASCAR Michigan: Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 after starting from the rear due to unapproved adjustments, while Connor Zilisch’s rough day ended with a hard wall hit. Local Community: Volunteers repaired damage at Old Memphis Cemetery after vandals struck in May, restoring grave lids and honoring local history. Public Safety: A driver in Smith County was resuscitated after a medical emergency crash and flown to a Nashville hospital. Tech/Policy: A new Main Street Media mobile app bundles local news, radio, podcasts, and deals into one place for Tennessee readers.

NASCAR in Michigan: The FireKeepers Casino 400 rolls in Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, with Denny Hamlin carrying momentum after winning in Nashville and Tyler Reddick leading the season—while Ford looks to snap a rough stretch. Tennessee sports recruiting: Josh Heupel’s Vols add Austin Knight as pitching coach, bringing a strong ECU track record. Basketball rankings: ESPN’s NBA Draft top 100 has Tennessee freshman Nate Ament at No. 9, with Ja’Kobi Gillespie No. 44 and Felix Okpara No. 46. Local culture wars: Tennessee’s “Nuclear Family Month” push lands in the middle of a broader GOP trend of counter-programming Pride. Zoo vs. data center: Nashville Zoo officials are opposing a nearby DC BLOX data center, warning it could harm animals, including clouded leopards. Weather: Mid-South storm chances rise Sunday, then intense heat builds through the week with triple-digit heat index values. Nuclear diplomacy: White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly consulted experts at Oak Ridge as Iran talks enter a critical phase. Supreme Court watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on major gun rights and transgender athletes cases.

Nuclear diplomacy in Tennessee: U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met nuclear experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as Iran talks near a final phase, with a large technical team assembled for possible next steps. Local culture and debate: Memphis is officially marking June as “Nuclear Family Month,” a move supporters call pro-family and critics see as a counter to Pride Month. World Cup buzz in Chattanooga: Baylor School in Tennessee is serving as base camp for Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad, with the team training on campus this week. Tech and privacy concerns: A new report highlights how facial recognition is spreading at major venues and airports, raising accuracy and bias worries even as some systems improve. Sports—Vols and beyond: Tennessee baseball hired Austin Knight as pitching coach, while Top247 TE Malik Howard committed to the Vols; in Memphis, the Redbirds fell to Louisville. Community spotlight: TDOT operator Chester Hembree helped deliver a baby on the side of I-40 in Knox County, then first responders took over.

Nuclear Diplomacy in Tennessee: Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner briefed nuclear experts in Oak Ridge as talks with Iran enter a “serious phase,” with a potential 60-day framework tied to ceasefire terms and uranium limits. Local Environment Fight: Nashville Zoo leaders are pushing back hard against a proposed data center next door, warning noise could disrupt animals, including clouded leopards, and launching a petition that surged with signatures. World Cup Reality Check: Climate change and extreme weather are raising safety concerns for the 2026 World Cup, with FIFA already discussing possible schedule shifts after 2030. Sports & Culture: Memphis kicked off its “Play Your Park” summer program with free family activities in Raleigh, while Nashville’s CMA Fest continues to draw crowds amid heat-safety worries. Health & Care Watch: New CMS ownership and rating details highlight wide variation across Tennessee nursing homes, including several facilities rated below the state average.

World Cup in Tennessee: Spain’s #2-ranked team lands in the Nashville area Friday, then heads to Chattanooga for a tightly secured welcome party at Embassy Suites downtown. Public Health: Doctors in the Mid-South warn norovirus can spread in summer travel crowds. Food Prices & Agriculture: A Texas screwworm discovery is driving new Tennessee animal import rules as beef prices strain budgets. Local Families: Memphis brings back free “Family Fun Friday” events with games, music, bounce houses, and food at multiple parks. Environment & Research: Rare freshwater mussels were found in the South Fork Forked Deer River basin for the first time in about 100 years. State Politics: Tennessee lawmakers propose three constitutional amendments for the 2026 ballot, including expanded bail limits and stronger crime-victim protections. Business & Growth Debate: A proposed data center next to Nashville Zoo sparks a major petition over noise, water, and animal welfare concerns. Sports & Community: Randy Moss says he’s cancer-free and channeling his energy into bass fishing.

NCAA Baseball: Super regionals kick off Friday with a “Survival 16” after chaos knocked out seven seeded teams, including No. 1 UCLA and No. 2 Georgia Tech—setting up fresh matchups for Omaha tickets. World Cup in Tennessee: Japan’s World Cup preparations are getting messy—training sites in Mexico were changed twice due to poor field conditions, and the squad is expected to shift to its Nashville base camp early next week. Gun Rights Debate: A domestic violence registry push in Ohio is being compared to Tennessee’s law, with courts wrestling over whether abusers can get firearms rights restored. Wildlife & Climate Claims: A WPLN report claiming black bears are threatened by climate change is being challenged with data showing Tennessee bear populations are growing, while human-bear conflict is the bigger driver. Local Sports & Events: CMA Fest is underway in Nashville with major country acts lighting up Nissan Stadium, and Tennessee-area college baseball storylines continue to heat up as teams chase the College World Series.

NASCAR & Community: Denny Hamlin won the Nashville Cup race and honored late teammate Kyle Busch with the “Rowdy Bow” after Busch’s May 21 death. Health & Costs: A new report says Black and Latina women face higher misdiagnosis rates, with serious financial fallout. Nashville Development: A petition against a proposed AI data center next to the Nashville Zoo surged past 30,000 signatures in hours. Sports Venues: Crews are pushing ahead on Nashville’s new Nissan Stadium, aiming for a February 2027 completion and a more accessible fan experience. Public Safety Tech (Memphis): Memphis Police say its drone-as-first-responder program has helped on 180+ calls since launching in May. Elder Fraud Prevention: Tennessee’s Department of Disability and Aging is partnering with the TBI to deliver anti-scam materials to seniors via meal programs. Local Government: Tennessee House speaker and U.S. senator candidates are challenging Nashville mayor Freddie O’Connell’s request for TIRRC funding, citing the state’s anti-sanctuary law. Arts & Culture: “Camp Rock 3” is rolling into CMA Fest with a Nashville-themed activation and a new clip. Crime: A Pleasant View woman was arrested and indicted on aggravated stalking and harassment charges tied to alleged social media threats.

Health Costs & Care Disparities: Advocates say Black and Latina women face higher misdiagnosis rates and worse emergency outcomes, which can drive medical debt. Rural Healthcare Funding: State Sen. Ken Yager met with rural mayors on grant opportunities tied to Tennessee’s Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to steer about $1 billion over five years. Higher Ed Costs: Middle Tennessee State University posted an online public comment notice for a proposed 4.5% tuition and 5.27% fee increase for 2026-27. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlights nursing-home rankings across multiple Tennessee counties, with some facilities scoring 5 stars while others fall to 1 or 2. Sports & Local Interest: Memphis’ Grind City Amp is looking to improve the concert experience after its early shows, while Tennessee softball and baseball coverage continues to focus on next-season plans after WCWS and NCAA runs. Music & Culture: Bryson Tiller announced a major Europe tour, and Questlove’s Earth, Wind & Fire documentary debuts June 7 on HBO.

Sports—Local High School Football: Baylor School (Chattanooga) will scrimmage Georgia powerhouse Buford on Aug. 7, a preseason clash between two unbeaten 2025 teams ranked in the USA TODAY Super 25. Sports—WCWS Finals: Texas and Texas Tech meet in a best-of-three Women’s College World Series championship rematch in Oklahoma City, with ESPN’s Beth Mowins calling the games. Public Safety—Amber Alert Ends: A missing 3-year-old boy was found safe in an attic in Clarksville after an Amber Alert, with officials describing a hard-to-reach hiding spot. Courts—Memphis Fire Drag Racing: Charges against two Memphis firefighters in a drag racing case were dropped, according to court documents. Tennessee—Aquarium Milestone: The Tennessee Aquarium welcomed its first red-collared brown lemur baby, born April 23, with a community “baby shower” planned for July. Politics—Pride Month Backlash: Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles says a staffer was reprimanded after a “hurtful” Pride Month-related post, as lawmakers push “Nuclear Family Month” messaging. Crime—West Tennessee Jail Death: Five people were indicted in connection with the death of a man inside a west Tennessee jail.