AGP Executive Report

Dolly Parton Tribute Takes Over Tennessee Headlines: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says he’ll back a plan to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton, calling it a fitting “front door” tribute after the singer’s death at 80; the proposal is set for review at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority meeting Sept. 17, with Parton’s team reportedly open to talks and a petition already topping 150,000 signatures. Local Sports & School Pride: MTSU will open its season Sept. 5 with Dolly Parton jersey patches, and the move is tied to the “9 to 5” date; meanwhile, Tennessee high school football Week 2 scores are rolling in statewide. Public Safety & Justice: ICE says a Nashville-area soccer coach convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting children kept fake immigration documents on the same device as abuse videos, and will be removed to Mexico after a 30-year sentence. Education Planning: TSBA is rolling out MyTNPath, a new interactive tool launching in September to help students map courses toward Tennessee’s graduation requirements. Lottery Numbers: Tennessee Lottery results for Aug. 28 include Mega Millions 08-17-29-42-55 (02) and Cash 3 morning 4-3-8 (wild 3).

Dolly Parton Remembrance: Loved ones gathered at Parton’s Nashville burial site at Woodlawn Memorial Park, where family said her final send-off was small and private, as tributes keep rolling in across Tennessee. Local Honors & Community Giving: A portion of Highway 840 was dedicated as the Kyler Gatica Memorial Highway, with the “Be a Kyler” message urging kindness and road-safety awareness. Civic Push: A Change.org petition to rename Nashville International Airport “Dolly Parton International Airport” has surged past 150,000 signatures, even as airport board bylaws could complicate the timeline. Public Health: A lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded, with Tennessee now among the states reporting cases as totals climb. Education & Policy: Tennessee’s school choice scholarship law faces a new constitutional challenge, with a hearing set for Monday in Davidson County Chancery Court. Sports & Local Teams: Vanderbilt Athletics extended its radio broadcast partnership with Cromwell Media, keeping 102.5 The Game as the flagship for major Commodores sports. College Football Kickoff: Week 0 begins with major matchups, including TCU vs. North Carolina in Dublin, while Tennessee-area fans also look ahead to the season’s first slate.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy in Tennessee: Tributes keep pouring in after Parton’s death at 80, with Sevierville residents gathering at her statue and a “secretive” hometown mural drawing fresh attention. Local Culture & Community: A preservationist exhibit in Western North Carolina celebrates 50 years of Appalachian culture, while East Tennessee artists and fans continue honoring Parton through murals, messages, and events. Education Funding: Rep. Diana Harshbarger announced nearly $2 million in federal TRIO funding for East Tennessee programs, including Tusculum University and ETSU. Public Safety & Weather: Memphis grocery stores reported food spoilage after storms knocked out power, and a Code Orange air quality alert remains in effect as heat indices push near 100. Sports & Courts: Tennessee National Guard members fatally shot a Memphis man in the back, according to an autopsy that challenges police accounts; meanwhile, a lawsuit alleges a Hamilton County shelter dog bite during an adoption meeting.

Meta Settlement: Tennessee is set to receive about $750M-plus from a landmark $17.1B multistate deal over Instagram and Facebook harms to children, with required safety changes aimed at limiting addictive use. Public Safety & Courts: A former Knoxville police officer was indicted for allegedly inappropriately touching a deceased woman’s body; in Marion County, a former South Pittsburg player pled guilty to lesser charges after a rape case. Local Government: Shelby County marked two terms of the Harris administration with an official portrait unveiling at the National Civil Rights Museum. State Policy: U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and colleagues reintroduced a bill to restore state authority over insurance by abolishing the Federal Insurance Office. Everyday Life: AAA reports Tennessee gas prices averaged $3.64, down a penny over the week. Community & Culture: Centennial Park’s new Croquet Cafe opens in Nashville, and a petition to rename Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton has surged past 130,000 signatures. Sports: Tennessee’s Faizon Brandon was named starting QB for 2026, while college eligibility fights continue, including NCAA lawsuits tied to Mississippi State.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy: The country icon died at 80 after a brief cancer battle, and tributes poured in across Tennessee and beyond—from Nashville fans gathering to sing along to local screenings of “9 to 5.” Her Imagination Library and philanthropy also stayed in focus, with communities highlighting how her literacy push reaches children. Child-Safety Tech: Tennessee AG Jonathan Skrmetti weighed in on Meta’s up-to-$18B settlement over teen social media addiction, saying it could set a new standard for guardrails, age checks, and parental controls. Local Crime Crackdown: Columbia police led a multi-agency illegal gambling sweep, netting 13 arrests, $1.3M in cash, drugs, and 144 gambling machines. Business & Education: Tennessee reported near-record new business filings in Q2, while MTSU welcomed its incoming class at Convocation. Weather & Recovery: After severe storms, Shelby County declared a local state of emergency and Memphis-Shelby County Schools reopened as power was restored.

Meta Settlement: Tennessee is set to receive $750M-plus from Meta’s $17.1B Facebook/Instagram settlement over claims the platforms were designed to addict children and mishandled minors’ data, with daily usage limits and overnight blocks (midnight–6 a.m.) among required changes. Public Safety: Fairview police officers shot and injured a man early Tuesday during a response to a possible domestic dispute; TBI is investigating and charges were issued for aggravated assault. Local Crime: A Memphis middle school employee was charged after authorities say he stabbed a delivery driver with a pen during an argument over a late delivery. Politics & Policy: Tennessee State Sen. Jessie Seal proposed designating Sept. 25 as “9 to 5 Day” to honor Dolly Parton. Sports & Community: Belmont installed a full AstroTurf softball field to improve consistency and reduce rain-related disruptions. Sports Governance: The SEC and Big Ten voted to ban athletes with professional experience from returning to college sports. Culture: The Grand Ole Opry will dedicate Saturday night’s show to Dolly Parton.

Dolly Parton’s Tennessee impact: The country icon died Tuesday at 80 after a brief cancer battle, and Tennesseans across the state are mourning her—flowers at local statues in Sevierville, tributes from radio hosts, and renewed focus on her literacy work through the Imagination Library. Power and utilities: TVA’s new data-center rate structure is drawing attention in the region, with local utilities saying it should keep infrastructure costs from being pushed onto residential customers. Healthcare training: Dyersburg State Community College is partnering with UTHSC to host Neonatal Resuscitation Program training for clinicians and emergency responders. Community events: Dyer County’s booth at the Tennessee State Fair highlighted local schools, industry, parks, and Main Street Farmers Market, while Kuttawa Days drew thousands for lakeside family fun. Sports & schools: Hope Pledge was named an Austin Peay State University Peer Leader, and TSWA released its Week 1 prep football rankings.

College Sports Rules Clash: Tennessee AD Danny White says NFL players returning to college football was “avoidable,” arguing a collective bargaining agreement could have prevented the current eligibility chaos. NCAA Update: The NCAA cut Tennessee LB Arion Carter’s suspension from two games to one, sidelining him only for the season opener vs. Furman. Local Schools: U.S. News ranks 12 Tennessee Valley high schools in the state’s top 100, led by Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts at No. 9. Public Safety & Health: Consumer Reports warns counterfeit “squishy” sensory toys may violate safety standards and pose chemical burn risks to kids. Tennessee Outdoors: A viral video from Percy Warner Park shows a timber rattlesnake, described by TWRA as Tennessee’s most dangerous venomous snake. Business & Jobs: A Cookeville manufacturer filed a WARN notice for a permanent closure affecting 63 workers, effective Oct. 20. Community & Culture: The Titans unveiled a “Music City” Rivalries uniform for Nov. 15 vs. Jacksonville, rotating for three seasons.

Local Public Safety: Tennessee officials say “operator error” caused nine injuries on the Wave Swinger ride at the Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair, with riders contacting a fence as the ride descended; the operator has been removed and retraining ordered. Crime & Courts: The Henry County Election Commission voted to turn over an alleged campaign-boundary violation by a commissioner to law enforcement for investigation. Education & Community: ETSU will host the Tri-Cities College Fair Aug. 27 (6–8 p.m.) at Freedom Hall Civic Center, and the Greene County school board meets Aug. 27 to consider curriculum for a law enforcement and violence prevention program. Arts & Local Business: Murfreesboro’s Center for the Arts received a $48,585 state grant for roof and HVAC upgrades, while Buc-ee’s and Wawa continue expanding in Middle Tennessee with new openings in the coming weeks. Public Records & Tech: Memphis police updated residents after a false active-shooter report at TCAT, saying no active threat was found and investigating whether it ties to a swatting incident elsewhere. Sports & Culture: Tennessee’s high school sports scene keeps rolling as local coverage highlights standout athletes and upcoming prep matchups.

Public Safety Tech: TDOC is rolling out CENTEGIX panic-button wearables across all 10 state correctional facilities, routing alerts to a new 24/7 Correction Safety Intelligence Center in Nashville to speed response and coordinate statewide. Law Enforcement Modernization: Shelby County is set to brief the public on countywide Rapid DNA and expanded digital forensics capabilities, aiming to cut forensic backlogs and speed suspect identification. Education & Community Support: ADFAC’s School Supply Program says it served 6,414 students across 55 schools in Anderson, Campbell, Morgan and Roane counties, investing about $212,500 in supplies for the year. Outdoor Recreation Funding: TDEC announced major parks and trails grants, including $92,000 for Sunbright to build a recreational trail at Sunbright City Park. Local Justice & Courts: Anheuser-Busch InBev sued Tennessee’s revenue commissioner in Davidson County over nearly $1.9M in franchise tax refund claims. Economy Watch: Tennessee’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4% in July, the lowest in two years. School Safety Tool: The state is urging families to use the SafeTN app as the school year begins. Sports (Vols QB): Tennessee will start true freshman Faizon Brandon at quarterback for the Sept. 5 opener vs. Furman.

NFL Preseason (Titans-Seahawks): Tennessee rallied late to beat Seattle 19-16, but the game raised alarms after a rough first quarter and inconsistent starter play; kicker Joey Slye was perfect on four field goals, while D’Ernest Johnson scored the winning TD. Injuries (Seahawks): Seattle also lost safety Bud Clark early to a right leg injury, and the team is already dealing with other setbacks. Vols Football Schedule: Tennessee’s 2026 slate includes a trip to Georgia Tech and a first-ever regular-season matchup at Texas A&M, plus major home dates like Texas, Auburn, Alabama, and LSU. Local Sports (High school): Calloway County’s Lady Lakers stayed unbeaten at the Smoky Mountain Cup, and Tennessee high school football rankings rolled out after Week 1. Public Safety/Health: A Nashville hospital medication mix-up is under investigation after patients were left paralyzed; separate reports also highlight ongoing concerns around scams and school safety reporting. Community & Culture: Memphis was ranked No. 1 for road trips by Travel + Leisure, and Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium IMAX sold out “The Odyssey” screenings, extending the run.

Local Public Safety: A Tennessee man died after a rollover crash on Farm-to-Market Road 1541 near Venetia Road; investigators say he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Health & Accountability: A Nashville hospital is under state scrutiny after reports of a medication mix-up that left patients paralyzed, with additional patients hurt. Education & Pay: A Nashville-area school district in Illinois (District 99) reported administrator salaries averaging $154,645, ranking 51st in the state. Scams Watch: Smithville logged two BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, including a social-media “Dr. Phil/Dr. Oz” diabetes offer tied to PayPal losses. Sports (Nashville/SEC): Nashville SC kept its momentum with a stoppage-time surge, while Tennessee’s college football slate is being previewed for watchability and early-season matchups. Nashville Tech/ICE: ICE is shifting the location of a Tennessee call center site to Nashville.

MLS & Local Sports: Nashville SC kept its record-setting pace with a 3-2 stoppage-time win over Columbus, scoring twice in added time to move to 15-2-4 and 49 points through 21 games, while the club’s surge keeps it well ahead in the East. Preseason Football: The Seahawks and Titans meet Sunday in Nashville, with Seattle dealing with a major loss after Jake Bobo was placed on season-ending IR due to a serious knee injury suffered in a joint practice. Public Safety & Health: Tennessee’s SafeTN app is being promoted as a confidential way to report school safety threats early, while Memphis-area severe storms knocked out power for more than 118,000 customers in Shelby County. State Policy: Tennessee’s hemp product ban is already showing up in budget projections, with lawmakers warning it could create a $110 million tax shortfall. Community & Outdoors: The Tennessee River Gorge Trust opened the second phase of the Aetna Mountain trail system, adding 4 miles and expanding access for beginner-to-intermediate hikers and cyclists.

College Football QB Watch: Josh Heupel says Tennessee’s starting quarterback decision is still being evaluated after the Aug. 22 scrimmage, with five-star freshman Faizon Brandon leading the competition over George MacIntyre but with some freshman mistakes. SEC Spotlight: Alabama is expected to name Keelon Russell QB1, ending its competition and banking on his dual-threat ability to reshape the offense. Local Sports Rivalries: Maryville and Alcoa renew the “Battle of Pistol Creek” for the 98th time, a rivalry dating to the 1920s and backed by major military-pageantry. Education & Community: Cleveland High School earns a top national ranking from U.S. News & World Report, while Motlow State Community College welcomes students for the 2026-27 year starting Aug. 24. Public Safety & Privacy: Bradley County says it doesn’t use Flock cameras, but does use limited LPR cameras under set protocols. Health Care: A Nashville hospital medication mix-up tied to joint surgeries has left multiple patients with severe complications, triggering state and TBI investigations. State Policy: Tennessee’s hemp product ban is projected to create a major tax shortfall, with lawmakers citing the impact on the industry.

State Economy: Tennessee’s unemployment rate fell to a two-year low of 3.4% in July, while July tax revenues came in at $2.2 billion—$418.2 million above budget—driven by strong sales and franchise/excise collections. Local Public Safety: Metro’s Office of Nightlife is reminding visitors how to stay safe after a missing man was found dead in East Nashville, urging plans before going out and safer rides home. Education & Student Safety: The state is pushing the SafeTN app for anonymous school-safety tips as the school year begins. Sports—High School: TSWA released preseason football rankings, with top spots including South Pittsburg (1A), Huntingdon (2A), Westview (3A), and Alcoa (4A). Sports—Pro & Local: Titans and Seahawks traded highlights in a joint practice, but Seahawks WR Jake Bobo suffered a serious long-term knee injury. Outdoors & Community: TWRA’s Free Hunting Day is Aug. 22 (no license needed for residents), and TWRA is also taking input on Chickamauga Lake aquatic vegetation concerns. Health & Weather: Air quality alerts remain in effect for Memphis and surrounding counties as hot, humid conditions continue.

Titans-Seahawks Update: Tennessee rookie WR Carnell Tate returned to practice after stiffness from a collision, while the Seahawks’ Jake Bobo was carted off with a leg injury during joint practice—both teams are watching readiness closely ahead of the next preseason game. College Football Culture: Alabama and Tennessee are set to wear home uniforms for their rivalry, sparking debate over whether “double-home” should spread across college football. State Fair Safety: Nine people were injured when a swing ride malfunctioned at the Tennessee State Fair, with reports of riders’ legs getting caught near a fence. Food Insecurity: SNAP participation fell sharply in Shelby County—down 11.7% year over year—prompting advocates to call it a statewide crisis. Environment: TDEC issued a precautionary fish consumption advisory for largemouth bass from Overton County’s Standing Stone Lake due to mercury. Local Community & Sports: Urban Roots of Tennessee opened a new Raleigh garden space, and MTSU marked the reopening of Kirksey Old Main after a major renovation.