AGP Executive Report

Memphis Public Safety: The Memphis Safe Task Force says it has topped 10,000 arrests since launching in late September 2025, including 1,708 illegal firearms seized. Education Policy: Tennessee’s voucher expansion is drawing fresh scrutiny after analysis found a sizable share of new private-school scholarship families could already afford tuition without help. Local Events: The Memphis Flyway at Tom Lee Park opens Friday after nearly two years and about $16 million, offering a free, ADA-accessible river observation deck. Community & Youth: Heal the Hood’s weekend basketball camp and celebrity all-star game returns, pairing sports with mentorship. Weather Watch: Rain and storms are back for the Mid-South this weekend, with hot temperatures and a renewed chance of downpours. Legal/Local Government: Tennessee lawmakers on the Solid Waste Task Force are weighing changes to the Jackson Law, which lets local governments block landfill proposals. Courts: Jennifer Covellis was sworn in as Chancellor of Tennessee’s 26th Judicial District.

Murder Case in Hamilton County: Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the death of his partner, Gabriella Perpetuo, with prosecutors dropping a tampering-with-evidence count and leaving the death-penalty decision for later. Public Safety Donation: The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project teamed with Shield 616 to deliver more than $150,000 in advanced ballistic vests to Wilson County deputies, aimed at faster field readiness. Foster Care Benefits Change: Tennessee will stop confiscating Social Security survivor benefits for orphans in state custody, shifting funds into new “Fostering the Future Accounts” under a White House initiative. Local Elections Filing: Adrienne McNew filed for Franklin City Commissioner, setting up nonpartisan races for mayor and city commission in the Nov. 3 general election. Titans OTAs Update: Calvin Ridley returned to team drills after a lower-leg injury, getting live reps during practice in Nashville. Sports & Community: Metro Nashville Public Schools reports chronic absenteeism is trending down as attendance rises.

Memphis Police: A person was shot after gunfire erupted late Wednesday night at a Marathon gas station on South Third Street near East Mallory Avenue; MPD said officers responded just after 11 p.m. and found the victim, with no other details released. Leadership Tennessee: Leadership Tennessee named its 2026-27 Signature Program Class XIII, a 10-month cohort of 52 leaders from business, education, faith, health and government, including representatives tied to AutoZone, the Tennessee Aquarium, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Metro Inter-Faith. Immigration & healthcare: Tennessee health officials warned parents that children using the Children’s Special Services program after June 30 could have information shared with state immigration enforcement and ICE, raising concerns for medically fragile kids. Nashville-area aviation: Airlines are cutting flights as jet fuel costs surge, with industry leaders warning profits could be halved and fares may rise. Nashville Zoo data center fight: Nashville Zoo leaders and residents continue pushing back on a proposed data center near animal habitats, arguing risks to rare species and quality-of-life impacts. Sports: Tennessee basketball added Chicago guard Dai Dai Ames for his final season, while Memphis’ frontcourt depth remains a key offseason focus after injuries and roster changes.

Nashville Zoo vs. data center: Brad Paisley and Sheryl Crow are among the hundreds of thousands opposing a proposed DC BLOX data center next to the Nashville Zoo, with the zoo warning about power, water use, noise/light stress, and risks to endangered animals. Public safety & courts: Tennessee’s new driver’s license rules require proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency and add an English-reading/speaking requirement for testing. Memphis crime update: A warrant search in Hickory Hill turned up a “Murder 4 Hire” ledger and led to charges against six people. Shelby County homicide: Deputies say a teen boy was found shot to death inside a home in southeast Shelby County. Local government: Memphis City Council delays a budget vote amid calls for more funding. Health & aid: Tennessee DHS will add a one-time $120 summer food benefit to EBT cards for eligible families in 13 counties starting June 12. Education: The U.S. Education Department admitted it violated a federal court order in Title IX cases tied to gender identity and sexual orientation. Business & jobs: Siskin Steel is expanding its Nashville service center, adding 100,000 square feet and more positions.

Nashville Music Buzz: Lainey Wilson shared her “childhood dream” moment meeting Tim McGraw at CMA Fest, after reading his Hall of Fame letter aloud in a Netflix documentary. Touring & Tickets: Sienna Spiro announced her My House world tour, with the first Nashville stop at the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 13 and general ticket sales starting June 18. Healthcare Accountability: A Nashville nurse, RaDonda Vaught, is back in the spotlight after a conviction tied to a patient death, now speaking nationwide about medication safety lessons. Local Business & Growth: TPG is investing in Smith + Howard, a multi-state accounting and tax firm with Tennessee operations, as it expands. Energy & Industry: General Motors is pushing sodium-ion battery tech for grid storage, while its Spring Hill plant is tied to LFP production for commercial demand. Mid-South Weather & Safety: Summer heat is ramping up, with guidance on keeping kids safe outdoors and cooling costs expected to rise. Community & Education: Oak Ridge Schools named new leadership for 2026-27, including a new student supports director and academy principal. Memphis & Sports: Memphis City Council delayed a budget vote amid calls for more funding.

Mega Millions: The Tuesday, June 9 jackpot is $392 million (cash option $173.3 million). The last jackpot winner was in Ohio in March, and tonight’s drawing follows Friday’s numbers 13-30-50-52-66 with Mega Ball 2. Nashville travel buzz: Portland International Airport topped a new AirHelp Score ranking, and Nashville International Airport landed at No. 61 in the U.S. Local tourism/golf: Sweetens Cove in South Pittsburg plans a major expansion, adding a lit 13-hole short course, putting green, lodging, and a new restaurant/bar/micro-distillery. Memphis/area public safety: Clarksville police say a barricade incident ended with one man taken into custody without injuries. Sports recruiting: Sevier County QB Cooper Newman committed to UConn, with Jon Gruden making a surprise appearance at the announcement. Education policy: A state takeover of Memphis schools could mean more closures, with a managers board set to take key decisions soon. Nashville tech debate: Nashville Zoo is pushing back on a proposed data center next door, warning about risks to rare animals.

Nashville Zoo vs. AI data center: The Nashville Zoo is fighting a proposed AI data center next door, warning it could disrupt endangered animals and their breeding, while hundreds of thousands have signed a petition. Local politics: Tennessee Republicans say they may redraw state House and Senate maps next year, after recent congressional redistricting. THC crackdown: A new Tennessee law banning THC products at 0.3% or higher takes full effect July 1, with stricter rules for in-person sales and ID checks. World Cup in Nashville: Japan’s national soccer team held an open practice at GEODIS Park, with fans packing the stadium area ahead of the tournament. Public safety: Metro Nashville police say five dogs were shot and killed after attacking a woman in East Nashville; her injuries were severe. Crime and courts: A Memphis Safe Task Force lawsuit alleges retaliation against residents who film police activity. Health policy: Tennessee officials are accused of requiring immigration-status checks for disabled immigrant children to keep public healthcare through a last-resort program. Sports: Tennessee State University coaches filed a vote of no confidence against athletic director Mikki Allen.

Local Sports & Community: QB PREP Powered by FlexWork Sports held a youth quarterback camp at Battle Ground Academy with on-field instruction from NFL/NCAA QBs including Ty Simpson, Jared Curtis, George MacIntyre and others. Nashville Zoo vs. AI Data Center: The Nashville Zoo is fighting a proposed AI data center next door, warning it could disrupt endangered animals; petitions have drawn major public pushback. Housing & Finance: A new mortgage credit scoring shift is raising concerns about oversight and accountability as VantageScore 4.0 is accepted for loans backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA. Public Safety & Courts: A Hamilton County jury found Randy Vega guilty on all counts in the 2023 fatal crash on Frazier Ave that killed a mother and son. NFL (Tennessee ripple): L’Jarius Sneed is reportedly signing back with the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal after injuries and legal troubles during his Titans stint. Workforce & Services: UTC’s MobileMoc clinic offers free services in Rhea County Monday, and Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union hosts a job fair Tuesday. Gas Prices: AAA says Tennessee gas prices fell 18 cents, averaging $3.75.

NASCAR in Michigan: Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 for a second straight week, taking the checkered flag by 11.11 seconds over Erik Jones after starting from the rear and charging through the field late. Local sports roundup: Sunday’s Game Report had the Cardinals beat the Reds 5-3, with key miscues in the eighth helping Memphis-area fans celebrate a sweep. Public safety: Memphis police said a man was critically injured in a Parkway Village shooting, and two suspects fled. Weather: The Mid-South is staying hot and humid with a 40% rain chance and possible gusty storms, plus a flooding threat in the days ahead. Health & agriculture: USDA confirmed New World screwworm larvae in Texas, with Tennessee farmers urged to watch for the pest. Education update: Oak Ridge Schools paused plans for a new $35 million elementary school after a nearly 7.5% enrollment dip. Community & culture: Nashville Zoo is facing renewed backlash over a proposed data center next door, as petitions and public concern grow.

All-Glass Gondola Opens in Tennessee: Anakeesta’s new Crystal Express ride debuts with glass walls and floors for panoramic Great Smoky Mountains views, part of a $100 million expansion. Sports Betting Revenue: Tennessee says hosting Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at Nissan Stadium should boost sports betting tax collections beyond the usual Super Bowl spike. Nashville Zoo vs. AI Data Center: Brad Paisley joins the push to stop a proposed data center next to the zoo, as the facility and supporters cite risks to animals and habitats. Weather & Flooding: A flood advisory is in effect in parts of the region, with warnings about water over roadways and “turn around, don’t drown.” Community Support: A Soles4Souls partnership delivered 150 pairs of new shoes to students experiencing homelessness through Paducah’s STAY program. Local Pride Debate: Tennessee’s “Nuclear Family Month” designation sparks debate during Pride season, with supporters citing traditional values and critics calling it a political signal. Sports: Tyrrell Hatton wins LIV Golf Andalucia, and the Legion XIII team title goes to Rahm and Hatton.

Tennessee Sports: Josh Heupel’s sixth season at Tennessee is drawing debate among fans who say he’s winning but not recruiting at the elite level needed to win it all. Baseball Coaching: Tennessee hired ECU pitching coach Austin Knight, adding a staff leader credited with developing pitchers and helping the Pirates reach multiple NCAA tournaments. Local Pride & Community: Memphis marked the 51st annual Pride Festival with a large turnout and a parade down Beale Street, highlighting decades of LGBTQ advocacy in the Mid-South. Nashville Safety: A 15-year-old on an electric scooter was injured after being hit by a truck in Mt. Juliet; police cited failure to yield. Mid-South Weather: Storm chances rise Sunday into Monday with scattered, hit-or-miss thunderstorms, then hotter conditions build through the week. Nuclear & Foreign Policy: White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Oak Ridge to consult nuclear experts as Iran talks enter a critical phase. Business & Health: HCA is expanding urgent care in South Carolina by acquiring MedCare clinics, with some locations rebranded to HCA CareNow. Nursing Home Watch: CMS reports Midtown Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Memphis held a 3-star overall rating in Q1 2026, with fines totaling $188,379.

Memphis Pride: The Memphis Pride Parade rolled along Beale Street, marking 51 years of Pride in the city. I-40 Crash Response: Three people were taken to the hospital after an I-40 crash involving an overturned tractor-trailer near Sycamore View; injuries were reported as noncritical. More I-40 Injuries: Police also reported two women injured in another Memphis-area crash, and three people hurt after a vehicle struck a pole on I-40 near Austin Peay Highway. Public Safety Debate: Memphis’ “Nuclear Family Month” resolution is sparking pushback during Pride Month, with supporters citing traditional values and critics saying the timing targets LGBTQ residents. Nashville Traffic: I-24 westbound fully reopened after a crash involving two semis near the Shelby Avenue overpass. Local Sports: Tennessee baseball hired Austin Knight as its new pitching coach, and Oak Ridge TE Malik Howard committed to the Vols. CMA Fest: CMA Fest continues downtown Nashville with major acts across multiple stages. Weather: Memphis is mostly dry and warm today, with shower chances increasing Sunday.

Iran Talks Prep in Tennessee: Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner consulted nuclear experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as negotiations with Iran enter a “serious phase,” with a technical team of about 100 lined up if a preliminary deal is reached. Nashville Zoo vs. Data Center: The zoo is fighting a proposed near-neighbor data center, warning light and noise could disrupt thousands of animals, including clouded leopards, and pushing a petition with massive public support. Memphis Pride Weekend: The 33rd Juneteenth Festival kicked off in Memphis, and Pride events are set for Saturday on Beale Street, with a parade, festival, and family activities. Public Safety & Traffic: TDOT reported an overturned vehicle blocking lanes on I-40E near Sycamore View; Memphis police also charged suspects after a North Memphis shooting that involved a 12-year-old. Local Life: Memphis launched “Play Your Park” summer events in Raleigh, and the Memphis Zoo helped release nearly 500 dusky gopher frogs in Mississippi to support a comeback.

Violent Crime: A Memphis woman, Courtnie Williams, was sentenced in Mississippi to 40 years for attempted murder and 20 years of post-release supervision for kidnapping after she shot a victim and forced her into a car at gunpoint. Local Law Enforcement: A West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force raid hit two Memphis stores and a Cordova home, seizing khat, guns, slot machines, and more than $98,000 in cash; arrests are expected soon. Mid-South Safety: A Memphis chase that spilled into Southaven, Mississippi ended with six teens arrested, including a 14-year-old boy and multiple 15- and 17-year-olds, with charges tied to violent felonies. Public Health & Food Prices: Tennessee is issuing temporary animal import rules after a New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas, raising concerns for livestock and potentially beef costs. Community Events: Family Fun Friday returns to Memphis parks with free food, games, and activities for all ages on select Fridays. Weather: Warm, partly cloudy conditions continue, with rain and storms more likely Sunday and Monday.

CMA Fest in Nashville: Country music filled Nissan Stadium and the riverfront as Ty Myers made his CMA Fest debut and night-one headliners included Jason Aldean, with fans packing downtown for the four-day run. State politics: U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles deleted a homophobic post from his X account and blamed a staffer, saying the employee was reprimanded. Healthcare policy fight: CVS sued Tennessee over the newly enacted Fair Rx Act, which bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies. Public safety: The U.S. DOJ launched a nationwide crime initiative modeled in part on Memphis’ Safe Task Force approach, aiming to fund and modernize local efforts in other large cities. Water outlook: TVA says the Tennessee Valley remains in severe drought despite recent heavy rain, with runoff still far below normal. Local business/community: A West Nashville pizza shop, Melissa’s Sir Pizza, is being forced to relocate after a site sale, and the owners are asking for help covering relocation costs.

Local Safety: Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly early-morning crash on “The Dragon” in Blount County, reported around 1 a.m. Thursday. Nashville Growth & Environment: Nashville Zoo launched a petition against a proposed DC BLOX AI data center next to the zoo, saying there are no public environmental studies and warning about impacts on animals, visitors, and nearby neighborhoods; the petition topped 30,000 signatures in about three hours. Energy Policy: TVA says it was selected for major Defense Production Act Title III funding to support reliability upgrades at the Cumberland Fossil Plant. Immigration & Courts: The ACLU of Tennessee and partners filed a federal class-action lawsuit challenging Tennessee’s HB 1704, arguing it should be blocked before it takes effect July 1. Memphis Public Safety Tech: Memphis Police’s Drone as First Responder program is credited with helping in more than 180 calls since launching in May. State Veterans Benefits: A new Tennessee law expands eligibility for interment in state veterans cemeteries to more reserve and National Guard members. Sports: Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens will play in the Memphis Classic July 25–Aug. 2.