AGP Executive Report

UT & Knoxville Dining: As UT students return, a new roundup maps out where to snag a table near campus—plus spots where you can often walk in. Movie-Going Buzz: Regal’s push for premium formats is spotlighting Knoxville’s rare IMAX 70mm run for “The Odyssey,” tying big-screen demand to a broader event-cinema comeback. Road Safety: A Tennessee Highway Patrol report says a 74-year-old man died after his SUV hit a semi on I-81; a passenger was airlifted with serious injuries. Gas Prices: AAA reports Tennessee gas prices fell 11 cents to a $3.55 statewide average. Greeneville Community: The Aug. 8 Freedom Day Celebration in Greeneville kept going despite storms, with music, food, kids’ activities, and community support. Human Trafficking Crackdown (Loudon): A TBI-led undercover operation led to two arrests tied to trafficking for commercial sex acts involving minors. Norris Lake Investigation: TWRA is probing a boat explosion and fire on Norris Lake that left one person seriously injured. Public Health Watch: A salmonella outbreak has spread to 27 states, including Tennessee, while health experts urge safe food handling. Mid-South Heat: Severe Weather Days stay in effect through Thursday as dangerous heat and humidity persist. Memphis Crime & Safety: MPD says seven people were arrested after a raid at Legends Lounge, and officials also reported a temporary pause in Elvis Presley Boulevard construction during Elvis Week.

Bond Release: “Chud the Builder” (Dalton Eatherly) is out of a Tennessee jail after posting $1 million bond following an attempted-murder case tied to a Clarksville courthouse shooting; he also faces Davidson County charges tied to an alleged Nashville steakhouse incident. Missing Person: A Silver Alert was issued for 71-year-old Rafael Rodriguez Velasquez of Chattanooga, who has a medical condition that may affect his safety. Local Courts/Schools: Megan Mosley, former treasurer of the DeKalb County Band Boosters, was indicted after investigators say she misappropriated at least $48,650.42 from 2021-2025. Public Safety/Traffic: AAA reports Tennessee gas prices fell about 11 cents this week; and as students return, AAA and local police are stepping up school-zone safety with crossing guards and lower speed enforcement. Health: Tennessee has recorded 293 Candida auris cases this year, as the drug-resistant fungus continues spreading in healthcare settings. Politics: Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the GOP gubernatorial nomination and says she plans to time her Senate exit to pick her own replacement. Crime: Memphis police say a house party shooting left one dead and four injured.

Civil War preservation: Tennessee’s Civil War Sites Preservation Fund grant cycle opens Aug. 10, with $2.3 million available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking 50% matching funds to protect key battlefield and Underground Railroad-related properties. Memphis public safety: A party in the Douglass community turned deadly after gunfire left one woman dead and four others wounded; police say a fight broke out before shots were fired and three suspects were identified. Knox County surveillance debate: Mayor Glenn Jacobs called for a nationwide pause on Flock surveillance cameras, arguing the tech outpaces Tennessee’s rules and raises privacy and safety concerns. Tennessee politics & voting rights: A new congressional map is splitting majority-Black Memphis across three districts, with residents warning their political voice could be diluted. Sports—Titans & Vols: The Titans extended guard Peter Skoronski in a reported $100M deal, while Tennessee football faces a major setback with linebacker Jaedon Harmon out for the 2026 season after a torn ACL. Weather & school: Scattered storms linger Sunday night, then Middle Tennessee heats up as students return to class this week under hot, muggy conditions.

Titans Training Camp: The Tennessee Titans return to the Vanderbilt Health Football Center for another practice Aug. 9, their final session before a California trip that includes a joint practice and a preseason game vs. the 49ers. Injury Update (Vols): Tennessee linebacker Jaedon Harmon is out for the season after tearing his ACL at practice Aug. 8; the team also continues working around Arion Carter’s NCAA suspension. Middle Tennessee Flooding: Williamson County flooding forced evacuations along Warrior Drive in Franklin after Five Mile Creek overflowed; more pop-up storms could bring additional flooding Sunday afternoon. Local Crime (Memphis): A block party shooting in North Memphis left one woman dead and four others hospitalized, with police asking for tips. Nashville Business/Jobs: TikTok is shutting down its Nashville office and laying off 250 employees, with closure tied to WARN notices. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of more pop-up thunderstorms and possible flash flooding across Middle Tennessee. Sports Spotlight: Asterisk Talley and Anna Iwanaga advance in the U.S. Women’s Amateur, setting up the championship match later Sunday.

Memphis Police Investigation: A Sherwood Forest block tied to Memphis’ first homicide of 2026 is back in the spotlight after two men were critically wounded in an early Saturday shooting on Philsdale Avenue; officers found spent rifle casings on the porch and multiple gunshot rounds inside, and both victims were rushed to Regional One. Shelby County Jail Trial: Day two of the murder trial for Shelby County jailers charged in inmate Gershun Freeman’s 2022 death featured new video showing Freeman being pepper-sprayed and attacked during an escape attempt, plus testimony from the jail’s chief inspector about use-of-force rules and what happened after Freeman was restrained. Nashville Crime: Metro Nashville Police are investigating a domestic-related shooting in Goodlettsville that left one man dead and another hospitalized, with details still limited. Tennessee Sports: TopDrawerSoccer.com ranked Tennessee women’s soccer’s 2026 recruiting class No. 5; in Memphis, the Tigers beat Arkansas 2-0 in a preseason exhibition, and Memphis hosted a free football fan fest at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Community & Events: East Nashville’s Tomato Art Festival kept the parade rolling at Liberty Park, while the Chicken and Beer Festival marked its eighth year at Liberty Park with proceeds benefiting Merge Memphis. Weather: Severe Weather Days were declared for Monday through Thursday in Memphis due to dangerous heat and humidity. Lottery: Tennessee Lottery results for Aug. 8, 2026 were released, including Powerball and Lotto America winning numbers.

NBA/Local Sports: Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s death has been ruled an accidental overdose, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner citing the effects of heroin and cocaine, plus multiple prescription medications as a significant contributing factor. College Football: Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge blasted the NCAA’s two-game suspension of All-SEC LB Arion Carter, saying the punishment “doesn’t fit the crime” after Carter’s agent paid for a pre-draft flight that Carter later repaid when an injury derailed his NFL plans. Titans Training Camp: Tennessee QB Will Levis faced fresh ridicule after a viral preseason scrimmage clip showed him slipping and falling during a play at Nissan Stadium. NFL Business: The Titans made Peter Skoronski the NFL’s highest-paid offensive guard with a reported $100 million, four-year extension. Memphis/Community: A Vance Avenue Youth Development Center in Memphis opened a new playground, backed by the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Much Required Initiative. Public Safety: Crews battled a major barn fire in Maryville that involved downed power lines, propane tanks, and explosions; officials reported no injuries.

NBA & Memphis: The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s May 11 death an accident caused by “the effects of heroin and cocaine,” with multiple prescription medications listed as a contributing condition. Titans & Nashville Sports: Tennessee signed left guard Peter Skoronski to a four-year, $100 million extension with $88 million guaranteed, making him the NFL’s highest-paid guard. Politics & Tennessee Elections: In the newly redrawn 5th Congressional District, former agriculture commissioner Charlie Hatcher upset Trump-backed Rep. Andy Ogles in the GOP primary, setting up a fall matchup shaped by redistricting. Statewide Politics: Marsha Blackburn won the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor and will face Democrat Jerri Green in November. Local Community: A Memphis family’s handmade hummus fundraiser for St. Jude turned into a $10,000 pledge after an auction surprise. Public Safety & Weather: Dangerous heat and humidity are expected to build in the Mid-South this weekend, with severe weather days Sunday through Tuesday. Civic Watch: Metro Council approved a step that could allow eminent domain for a proposed Nashville data center site near the zoo, as the debate continues.

Democratic Primary Upset in Memphis-Area District: State Rep. Justin Pearson won the Democratic nomination for Tennessee’s redrawn 9th Congressional District, setting up a November fight against GOP nominee Brent Taylor after GOP-led map changes reshaped the once-Black-majority seat. GOP Primary Shock: Trump-backed Rep. Andy Ogles lost the Republican primary for the 5th District to Charlie Hatcher, a result tied to redistricting plus heavy outside spending. Governor Race Turning Point: Marsha Blackburn won the GOP gubernatorial nomination, while Memphis councilmember Jerri Green won the Democratic nod—boosting the odds of Tennessee’s first female governor. Local Public Safety: ATF agents killed two men during a Nashville storage-facility shootout; the TBI is reviewing the incident. Business & Jobs: TikTok is shutting its Nashville office and laying off 250 staff. Sports & Entertainment: Titans signed Super Bowl DT Khalen Saunders; Tennessee men’s basketball added a preseason exhibition vs. Xavier; Elvis Week begins at Graceland. Food Recall: Walmart recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter in multiple states, including Tennessee, over possible Salmonella.

Governor Race: Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the GOP primary for Tennessee governor and will face Democrat Jerri Green, who captured her party’s nomination with 69% of the vote—setting up a November matchup that would make Tennessee’s next governor the state’s first woman. U.S. Senate: Marquita Bradshaw won the Democratic primary for Tennessee’s open Senate seat, beating four opponents and setting a fall rematch with incumbent Republican Bill Hagerty. Congress (5th District): In a major upset, Trump-backed Rep. Andy Ogles lost his Republican primary to former Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher in the newly redrawn 5th District; Hatcher is now projected to face Democrat Chaz Molder in November. Congress (9th District): Voters picked Memphis-area nominees for the reconfigured 9th District: Republican Brent Taylor and Democrat Justin Pearson will square off in the general election. Lottery: Tennessee Lottery Cash 3 and Cash 4, plus Daily Tennessee Jackpot and Millionaire for Life results were posted for Aug. 6. Business/Health: OpenEvidence and OneOncology announced a partnership to embed clinical evidence tools into oncology workflows. Sports/Local Culture: Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty released “All Eyes on Shiest” while awaiting trial, and Tennessee football camp coverage highlighted the Vols’ push to uphold an “elite offense” standard.

Tennessee Election Day: Voters head to the polls Aug. 6 for Tennessee’s GOP and Democratic primaries plus county general races, with results expected after 7 p.m. CT; the biggest statewide fight is the Republican governor primary featuring U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts, while Democrats choose among five candidates. Congress & Memphis Redistricting: A newly redrawn Tennessee congressional map debuts in a high-stakes primary, splitting Memphis’ majority-Black 9th District and reshaping races across the state, drawing sharp criticism from Memphis voters. Tech & Jobs: TikTok is closing its Music Row Nashville office and laying off about 250 employees as it streamlines operations. Public Safety: An AMBER Alert for a 1-year-old taken from Winchester, Tennessee, ended after dashcam footage showed Georgia troopers arresting the non-custodial mother and recovering the child safely. Environment & Science: TWRA plans a “benthic blitz” Aug. 10 to study bottom-dwelling aquatic life across multiple Middle Tennessee river basins. Local Arts: Martha Ingram, a major Nashville arts leader behind the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, has died at 90.

Memphis Politics: A newly redrawn Tennessee congressional map that splits a majority-Black Memphis district is on the ballot Tuesday in the GOP primary, after lawmakers redrew lines following a U.S. Supreme Court decision weakening Voting Rights Act protections. State Elections: Election Day is underway across parts of Tennessee, with voters heading to the polls for county races and key primaries, including school board contests and state House, governor and congressional races. Public Safety: On I-81 in Greene County, separate crashes left two injured, including a driver trapped after a box truck hit a semi trailer stopped for a mechanical issue. Local Governance: Greeneville’s school board marked the end of an era as outgoing members Crystal Hirschy, Cindy Luttrell and Craig Shepherd were recognized; unopposed candidates will take their seats. Business & Community: SurgePays says it’s expanding prepaid wireless distribution through a controlling stake in Redline Wireless Group. Health & Justice: A Bradley County Jail inmate died after a medical emergency, with TBI investigating. Arts & Culture: Dogstar’s Keanu Reeves brought a big night to the Ryman, while East Tennessee event guides highlight what’s happening this week. Lottery: Powerball numbers for Aug. 5 were 14-20-59-60-61, Powerball 25, Power Play 2.

Disaster Relief Deadline: Nashville’s property assessor says less than 30 days remain for Winter Storm Fern property assessment disaster relief, with applications due Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Public Safety Hiring: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is seeking temporary Forensic Scientist 1 candidates for the Jackson lab and also has Special Agent Criminal Investigator 1 openings for West Tennessee fire investigations. Nuclear Growth Debate: Gov. Bill Lee and a DOE official touted Oak Ridge’s energy momentum, even as questions linger about nuclear waste handling. Local Government & Education: A new Memphis-Shelby County Schools audit is reigniting debate over how the district is run and how taxpayers are protected. Memphis Courts/Crime: The TBI identified a Bradley County Jail inmate who died after a reported medical emergency. Business & Jobs: Wawa is moving fast in Middle Tennessee, announcing opening dates in Dickson, Lebanon and Murfreesboro. Sports & Entertainment: Tennessee football continues its QB competition between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon; and Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel is set to open in downtown Nashville next month.

Tennessee Politics & Voting: Secretary of State Tre Hargett is urging Tennesseans to double-check polling hours for the Aug. 6 primary, confirm their assigned location via GoVoteTN.com/app, and bring acceptable photo ID (driver’s licenses and certain photo IDs are OK, but student/non-US citizen/out-of-state IDs aren’t). Public Safety & Health: Haywood County has joined the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), improving radio coverage for law enforcement, fire, EMS and health providers. Local Government & Community: Tennessee State Treasurer David Lillard Jr. presented Claiborne County Schools with $93,166 for roof repairs and replacements. Sports (Nashville/Vols): Tennessee is ranked No. 18 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll as fall camp opens Wednesday, with the Vols still sorting out their quarterback competition. Roads & Events (East Nashville): Tomato Art Fest is bringing more road closures and physical barriers in Five Points this weekend. Memphis: Baron Von Opperbean’s River of Time says it drew 10,000+ visitors in its first 90 days, but reported HVAC and plumbing problems at the aging Mud Island facility.

College Football Poll: Ohio State is No. 1 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, with Oregon at No. 2 and Indiana No. 6; Tennessee is listed at No. 18, while Clemson lands at No. 23 and Iowa at No. 22. Memphis Public Safety: Memphis Police charged Stevie Boyd with first-degree murder and related counts after a Feb. 21 shooting on Millbranch; the arrest came while he was already in custody on other charges. Knox County Schools: The Knox County Board of Education approved a formal book-challenge review process under Tennessee’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act, as more than 120 books remain under review. Health & Community: U.S. News hospital rankings put Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis at the top in the Memphis metro area; Knox County also reported a few additional cyclosporiasis cases but said there’s no local outbreak. Local Business: Parkridge East Hospital named Nicholas Pounder CEO, and Bookmark Medical acquired Village Medical Michigan in a metro Detroit expansion.

Meta Mental Health Trial: Tennessee’s Commission on Children and Youth executive director testified that the share of teens reporting feeling sad or hopeless has risen over the past decade, as the state’s case against Meta continues. Election Countdown: With polls opening soon, GOP candidates and supporters rallied in Hamilton County, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn, as campaigns made final pushes ahead of the Aug. 6 primary. Memphis Tennis: Russian teen Kristina Liutova won the WTA Memphis Classic, beating Darja Vidmanova to capture her first WTA title at age 16. Gas Prices: Tennessee gas prices fell about three cents, with the state average reported at $3.67. Driver Services: Blount County is set to host a free mid-August driver’s license reinstatement clinic aimed at helping people navigate suspensions and revocations. Outdoors: TWRA is leasing fields for the 2026 dove season, with landowners able to earn up to $4,200 for eligible hunting access. Public Safety: Memphis firefighters responded to a house fire that destroyed a Southeast Shelby County home shortly after the family paid off the mortgage.

Teacher Misconduct Crackdown: Tennessee lawmakers unveiled plans to strengthen protections for students and hold teachers accountable for abuse and sexual misconduct, citing a multi-state survey that found nearly 12% of students reported misconduct by school staff. Public Safety in Nashville: A Kentucky driver ran a red light downtown and hit four pedestrians in a crosswalk, killing one tourist and sending three others to the hospital; investigators say there were no signs of impairment. Memphis Crime Update: MPD says a 5-year-old’s death was accidental after a child found an unsecured firearm; police also reported a separate overnight I-240 loop chase that left four officers injured and four people detained. Transit for More Riders: WeGo’s Journey Pass fare-free program is expanding eligibility for Davidson County residents, adding more document types and topping 2 million rides. Local Sports & Culture: Russian teen Kristina Liutova won the WTA Memphis Classic; Nashville’s Bell Bird Books canceled a launch tied to “White. Blonde. Jew” after anti-Zionist backlash. Elections: Tennessee’s Aug. 6 primary is set for governor and key U.S. House races, with early voting totals reported in Putnam County.