AGP Executive Report

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.

Dolly Parton Remembrance: Tennessee and the nation are marking the death of country icon Dolly Parton, 80, with flags lowered to half-staff and memorials growing in Nashville and beyond, while lawmakers and communities plan tributes tied to her legacy in music and literacy. State Politics: Tennessee State Sen. Jessie Seal has proposed designating Sept. 25 as “9 to 5 Day” to honor Parton, following Gov. Bill Lee’s earlier Dolly Parton Day. Sports & College Policy: The SEC and Big Ten voted unanimously to ban former pros from returning to college sports, a move that could trigger legal fights after recent court openings. Local Sports: Tennessee State’s cross country teams name Aaron Davis and Jurnee Rutherford as OVC runners to watch for the Sept. 1 season opener in Nashville. Tech & Economy: Tennessee is set to receive about $751.9 million from a $17.1 billion Meta settlement tied to teen Instagram addiction claims, with funds earmarked for a children’s digital protection fund. Public Safety & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker shows Memphis and Nashville leading Tennessee scam reports in July, with online purchase scams driving losses. Community & Health: Shelby County announced awards and portrait unveilings tied to the Harris administration, while Clinch-Powell RC&D approved $85,000 for outdoor projects in Claiborne and Campbell counties.

Dolly Parton: Country icon Dolly Parton died Tuesday at 80 in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer, with tributes pouring in from across Tennessee and beyond; her family says she died peacefully at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and her nephew Bryan Seaver shared the news in a video. Local grief & memorials: Fans gathered at Parton’s Nashville landmarks and across the state, including flowers and candles at a Sevierville statue and visitors leaving tributes at a Ringgold mural tied to her wedding story. Legacy in literacy: Parton’s Imagination Library will keep sending free books to eligible children, preserving the program she created in memory of her father. Health details: Reports say she had been dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues and had recently scaled back public appearances. Community events: Kuttawa Days drew thousands for lakeside music, family activities and vendors. Sports: Tennessee named true freshman Faizon Brandon as starting QB for the opener, and Arion Carter’s NCAA suspension was cut to one game. Prep football: TSWA released Week 1 prep rankings, led by South Pittsburg and Huntingdon.

Education & Rankings: Twelve Tennessee Valley schools landed in U.S. News’ top 100 list for 2026-2027, including Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts at No. 9. Nashville Attractions: Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum and the SongTeller Hotel are set to open this fall in Nashville. Public Safety: A viral video from Percy Warner Park shows a timber rattlesnake—TWRA calls it Tennessee’s biggest and most dangerous venomous snake. Local Justice: Corey Houge was indicted in two West Tennessee killings and faces murder and robbery charges; he’s being held without bond. Schools & Families: Memphis-Shelby County Schools will offer free lunches at all closed schools Tuesday, with YMCA snack packs at elementary sites. Sports & Entertainment: The Titans unveiled their “Music City” Rivalries uniforms for Nov. 15 vs. Jacksonville, with fan gear on sale Sept. 1. Policy & Community: Shelby County approved a ban on solitary confinement for youth in detention. Weather: Code Orange air quality alert issued for the Memphis area Tuesday.

Fairgrounds Safety: Tennessee investigators say “operator error” caused nine injuries on the Wave Swinger ride at the Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair on Aug. 19, with riders hitting a fence as the ride descended. Storm Recovery in Memphis: After Saturday’s severe weather, most Memphis Shelby County Schools are reopening Tuesday, but 18 campuses remain closed due to outages and damage; power restoration is ongoing with MLGW warning some customers may not be back until Thursday night. Local Tragedy: A woman died after being hit by a car at Baptist Hospital in East Memphis; police say the driver stayed on scene. Mid-South Food Help: FOX13 lists Mid-South Food Bank distribution sites for people affected by the weekend storm. I-24 Choice Lanes: South Nashville residents near the Glen Cliff area say they’re anxious about potential home losses tied to the $9.2B I-24 choice lanes project. Public Safety Update: McMinnville police say a false active-shooter report at TCAT was a swatting-style hoax, with no injuries reported. Sports & Entertainment: Tennessee named true freshman Faizon Brandon as starting QB for the 2026 opener; Megan Moroney closed her “Cloud 9” tour with major guests in Nashville.

Tennessee Football: Josh Heupel has named true freshman Faizon Brandon the Vols’ starting quarterback for the Sept. 5 opener vs. Furman, beating out George MacIntyre in camp and giving Tennessee its first true-freshman season starter since 2004. Local Safety & Health: The SafeTN app is being pushed as students return, offering anonymous reporting for school safety threats. Public Schools & Religion: A new wave of scrutiny is hitting Ten Commandments displays in Tennessee schools, with civil liberties groups seeking records on how the law is being carried out. Crime & Courts: MPD says two people were injured, one critically, in a South Memphis shooting; in Frayser, a man died and a woman was hurt, with two masked suspects sought. Economy: Tennessee’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4% in July, a two-year low. Business: Truist named Shirley Morejon as Tennessee regional president. Sports (Pro): The Titans beat the Seahawks in preseason, while Seattle rookie Bud Clark is out “multiple months” with a broken ankle. Transportation: TDOT is continuing the SR 111 “J-Turn” safety project in Putnam County, with a median closure set for Aug. 25.

NFL Preseason Injury Update: Seahawks rookie safety Bud Clark was carted off with a broken right ankle in Seattle’s preseason loss to the Titans, while offensive lineman Mason Richman also suffered a long-term injury. Titans Football: Tennessee rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat Seattle 19-16 as D’Ernest Johnson scored the go-ahead touchdown and Joey Slye hit four field goals. Memphis Storm Aftermath: A powerful bow echo left about 85,000 MLGW customers without power and prompted Memphis-Shelby County Schools to close Monday due to outages and building impacts. Local Public Safety: One person died and a suspect was on the run after a shooting in Hickory Hill, according to MPD. Community Events: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum will host its 35th annual Cherokee Fall Festival Sept. 12-13 with food, crafts, music and living-history demonstrations. Sports & Culture: Nashville’s Hive opened a larger East Memphis location, and the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX in Chattanooga has sold out “The Odyssey” screenings, extending the run into mid-September. Weather: Mid-South forecasts call for a return of heat and humidity with only scattered storm chances.

NFL Preseason Spotlight: The Titans host the Seahawks at Nissan Stadium Sunday night to close Week 2, with Tennessee favored by about a field goal and expected to play starters longer while Seattle leans on reserves. MLS in Nashville: Nashville SC keeps its Supporters’ Shield push alive with a stoppage-time comeback over Columbus, scoring twice late to win 3-2. Vanderbilt Expansion: Vanderbilt’s billion-dollar, multi-city growth plan is drawing attention to how Nashville could benefit as the university builds new research outposts. Public Safety: Body-cam footage is at the center of a dispute after a federal agent shot a Memphis man during a mental health call, with an attorney saying the force was unjustified. Crime in West Tennessee: A Jackson shop owner, Suresh Patel, was killed during an armed robbery; police say a masked suspect escaped in a sedan. Weather: Cooler, drier conditions move in for the Tennessee Valley with sunshine and rain chances returning later in the week.

NFL & Local Sports: Seattle Seahawks WR Jake Bobo was placed on injured reserve with a serious right knee injury suffered during the joint practice with the Tennessee Titans, a blow that reshapes Seattle’s receiving depth. MLS: Nashville SC kept rolling, rallying for a 3-2 win over the Columbus Crew with two stoppage-time goals from Reed Baker-Whiting and Andy Najar, extending a record-setting home run and pushing them toward the Supporters’ Shield pace. Public Safety (Memphis): Severe storms knocked out power for more than 100,000 MLGW customers in Shelby County, with officials warning recovery could take days. Public Safety (Nashville): Metro police are investigating a drive-by shooting that killed a 16-year-old near Pearl-Cohn High School after a football game; investigators are seeking a white sedan with tinted windows. State & Transportation: Gov. Bill Lee announced the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project partner, DriveTN, for a $9.2 billion deal aimed at easing traffic on one of Tennessee’s busiest corridors. Health & Accountability: The TBI is investigating a Nashville hospital drug mix-up tied to patients being left paralyzed after routine surgeries.

High School Football: Pearl-Cohn and MBA squared off in Nashville’s Week 1 action, with standout plays and a big rivalry-week atmosphere. Public Safety: A 16-year-old was fatally shot on Herman Street near 25th Avenue North after a Pearl-Cohn game ended; police say shots came from a white sedan and the motive is under investigation. Hospital Safety: Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown in Nashville is facing state and TBI scrutiny after a medication mix-up during routine joint surgeries left four patients with severe complications, including paralysis. Local Government/Planning: A Nashville zoning rewrite is taking shape, with proposals touching housing, rentals and development. Business & Jobs: Starbucks plans to lay off 224 corporate workers tied to its Seattle headquarters as it expands its Nashville corporate hub. Sports (Pro/College): Columbus Crew visits Nashville SC in an MLS matchup at Geodis Park, while UT’s chemistry department begins construction on a new Wharton Chemistry Building. Statewide: Tennessee State Parks dedicated Clinch River Valley State Park, the 67th park in the system. Roads: TDOT outlined construction and lane restrictions across Montgomery County and nearby areas starting Aug. 23.

Titans-Seahawks Update: Seahawks WR Jake Bobo was carted off Friday with a serious right knee injury during the joint practice in Nashville; coach Mike Macdonald said it looks long-term and Bobo will get imaging. Local Public Safety: Metro police say a 15-year-old girl reported missing in Washington County has been found safe, and Memphis police issued a City Watch alert for a missing 10-year-old last seen getting off her school bus. Health & Safety: Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown is under investigation after a pharmacy mix-up reportedly sent patients into cardiac arrest; families say potassium was given instead of an anesthetic, leaving at least two paralyzed. State Watch: Tennessee’s unemployment rate fell to a two-year low of 3.4% in July, and July tax revenues came in at $2.2 billion, above budget. Environment: TDEC issued a precautionary PCB fish advisory for catfish in the Duck River stretch in Humphreys and Hickman counties. Sports & Community: TSWA released its preseason prep football rankings, and Free Hunting Day is set for Aug. 22.