AGP Executive Report

Big Tech’s AI spending hangover: Wall Street is starting to ask when AI capex turns into profit, not just how much companies are pouring into data centers—Alphabet and Tesla both slid hard after results emphasized massive spending. Tennessee sports staffing: Tennessee volleyball hired MaryAnn O’Toole as director of operations, bringing tournament-ops experience from 3Step Sports. Nashville policing scandal: A Nashville police officer resigned after her husband found videos of sex acts with a fellow cop inside a middle school. Voting rights fallout: A Supreme Court decision is expected to reshape districting far beyond Congress, with major knock-on effects for local elections in the South. SNAP squeeze: A new analysis says SNAP enrollment fell sharply after a 2025 law, with Colorado down 27,000+ and declines reported nationwide. Memphis legal case: Twelve people were indicted in a $2 million Nike cargo theft conspiracy tied to Memphis logistics. Heat risk: A heat dome pushed triple digits across much of the central U.S., with tens of millions under advisories. Entertainment: Kacey Musgraves canceled three tour dates without explanation, including Nashville on the broader run.

Mental Health & Community: Broncos safety Tycen Anderson says he’s opening the Anderson Wellness Group clinic in Toledo, Ohio, after his brother’s suicide pushed him to take mental health seriously. Sports & Local Culture: Memphis marked 10 years of Music Export Memphis with a Beale Street Birthday Bash, spotlighting local touring artists and the city’s music economy. Public Safety & Crime: Memphis police arrested two men tied to a Cooper-Young shootout, charging them with attempted murder and firearm-related counts; no injuries were reported. Politics & Civic Life: Tennessee leaders reacted to the death of Claiborne County Mayor Joe Brooks after a motorcycle crash, with officials offering condolences while the state investigates. Business & Sports Finance: The 76ers face a salary-cap puzzle as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is set to join after a Memphis buyout, complicating roster moves under the NBA’s hard cap. Lottery: Powerball’s $600M jackpot is up for grabs, with Saturday’s drawing also tied to the game’s UK expansion. Religion & Law: A Chattanooga-area church is accused of violating the tax-exempt Johnson Amendment by explicitly backing GOP candidates, drawing legal scrutiny.

Tennessee Politics: A federal panel cleared Tennessee’s new congressional map, letting it be used in the Aug. 6 primary even though it splits a majority-Black Memphis district—another legal win for Republicans as the midterm fight heats up. Education & Safety: Trousdale County schools approved updated policies for the new year and created formal procedures for parent notifications after a March mass violence threat, while dress-code rules still allow shorts down to mid-thigh. Health Care Costs: The Trump administration is scrutinizing the American Medical Association’s role in CPT medical billing codes, with CMS asking for public comment on whether AMA’s influence could affect physician pay and raise costs. Local Economy & Community: Knoxville launched a pilot open-container district (DORA) on Market Square, starting with beer only, and a Trousdale County resource festival brought dozens of services to residents. Sports & Community: Tennessee State University placed athletic director Mikki Allen on administrative leave after an internal investigation tied to a letter from six coaches.

Tax-free weekend: Tennessee’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs July 31–Aug. 2, with clothing and school supplies priced at $100 or less qualifying, plus computers/laptops/tablets up to $1,500. Local Health Care Deal: Williamson Health is moving toward a sale to Ascension, with a proposed locally based board to oversee safety, strategy and CEO performance. Data centers & costs: TVA signed the Trump administration’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, aiming to keep data-center energy costs from being passed to the 10 million customers it serves. Politics & screens: Tennessee’s new K-5 law requires districts and charter schools to adopt age-appropriate digital device policies to limit unnecessary screen time. Public safety & community input: South Nashville teens pushed city leaders on safety and transit, calling for more teen-friendly activities and safer streets. Sports tragedy: Former NFL lineman Jordan Devey, a Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, died by suicide at 38.

Courts & Voting Rights: A federal court denied a preliminary injunction in a challenge to Tennessee’s redrawn congressional map, leaving the fight over whether Memphis’ majority-Black district was unlawfully dismantled still alive. Local Politics: Former Gov. Phil Bredesen endorsed Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, arguing for “results, not theatrics” as the district’s new lines reshape the race. Immigration Policy: Trump allies are pushing a plan to bar pregnant women from entering the U.S. after the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, with Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles linked to the proposal. Business & Jobs: Volkswagen reported weaker profits and signaled more restructuring as it targets a roughly 4% margin “wake-up call,” while the fallout keeps raising questions about automaker layoffs. Health & Consumer Safety: USDA announced $35 million to combat feral swine, and Amy’s Kitchen recalled nearly 200,000 cans of soup over spoilage risk. Storm Safety: The BBB warned Tennesseans about storm-chaser contractor scams after severe flooding. Tech & Data Centers: Nashville leaders paused and tightened rules around data centers amid ongoing community pushback.

College Sports Policy: Tennessee’s chancellor Donde Plowman says the SEC is weighing in on bipartisan federal legislation to reshape college athletics, as lawmakers push changes tied to the Protect College Sports Act. SEC Football: At SEC Media Days in Tampa, the league’s nine-game conference schedule and strength-of-schedule talk set the tone for Mizzou’s toughest slate and its rivals. NCAA Breakaway Talk: SEC commissioner Greg Sankey says presidents are having “real” conversations about separating from the NCAA, even if it’s not the preferred path. Voting Rights/Redistricting: Federal judges allowed Tennessee’s new congressional map to move forward, rejecting a bid to block districts that split a majority-Black Memphis seat. Data Centers & Power Costs: TVA signed onto a Trump ratepayer protection pledge aimed at keeping data-center upgrade costs from landing on everyday customers. Peptide Regulation: An FDA advisory panel voted to loosen restrictions on several peptides despite scientists’ concerns about safety and unclear chemistry. Local Sports & Community: The WTA Memphis Classic returns at the new Leftwich Tennis Center, and Clarksville updated plans after a dispute over Ajax Turner Senior Center operations. Health & Safety: Tennessee schools move to limit classroom screen time, following a broader push after cellphone bans. Consumer/Legal Watch: Tennessee warns buyers about online “go-between” car scams after a Supreme Court upheld a Loudon County theft case. Human Interest: Make-A-Wish East Tennessee granted a Powell teen’s Tennessee football gameday wish, featured nationally on ESPN’s “My Wish.”

Tennessee Economy: State finance officials say June tax revenues hit $2.5 billion, topping budget by $281.8 million and beating last year, with sales and corporate taxes driving the surplus. Nashville Data Centers: Lawrenceburg residents are fighting a proposed data center near an Amish community, while other towns weigh moratoriums and new rules as AI power demand collides with local water and grid concerns. Local Politics: Three candidates are vying for Tennessee House District 32 in the Aug. 6 GOP primary, with the seat likely to swing to the winner in November. Higher Ed & Tech: A new report says financial aid offices are seeing “professional judgment” appeals that look AI-written, often missing the personal details staff need. Public Safety & Health: A study links GLP-1 drugs to lower cardiovascular risk in obstructive sleep apnea patients, especially those not on CPAP. Business & Crime: Federal prosecutors charged 12 people in a Memphis Nike cargo theft scheme, alleging unauthorized UPS labels diverted at least $2 million in shoes. Community & Environment: Tennessee’s Biodiversity Summit will feature Cornell’s Chris Wood as keynote, focusing on community science and AI for conservation.

Nashville Data Center Fight: Metro Council approved new zoning rules and a temporary permit freeze through December for DC BLOX’s proposed Nashville Zoo-area data center, adding distance limits, environmental protections, reporting, and a ban on the biggest facilities in Davidson County. Tennessee Politics in Court: Tennessee’s AG trial against Meta over Instagram addiction claims is underway, with the state arguing the app is unfairly and deceptively harmful to young users while Meta points to teen safety settings. College Football: Chattanooga five-star RB David Gabriel Georges committed to the University of Tennessee, a major boost for coach Josh Heupel’s recruiting. Local Health & Recovery: Ballad Health bought 15 acres in Unicoi for a new Unicoi County Hospital, clearing the way for construction after Hurricane Helene destroyed the prior hospital site. Business & Jobs: Kaiser Aluminum reported $96.8M Q2 net income in Franklin, while Community Health Systems’ quarterly earnings fell 75%—a reminder of pressure on Tennessee-area healthcare finances. WRDA Push: House and Senate committees advanced the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 toward full chamber votes.

Local Business & Real Estate: Cracker Barrel is selling its Maple Street Biscuit Company brand and assets tied to 35 locations, and will close the remaining 16 Maple Street restaurants, while also completing a sale-leaseback of 26 company-owned sites to raise about $77 million to pay down debt. Public Safety: Memphis police say a bomb threat at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was a hoax; no explosives were found and the scene was cleared. Health Care: LaFollette Medical Center in East Tennessee earned American Heart Association stroke-care quality awards for improving timely, guideline-based treatment. Courts & Crime: A former Chattanooga officer accused in the 2023 murder of his ex-girlfriend appeared for a pretrial hearing, with arguments focused on what can be used at trial. Economic Development: Clarksville officials confirm Costco plans to anchor the Freedom Farms development, pending county approval of a performance-based incentive. Small Business Support: The SBA announced a $6 million competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, including Tennessee. Data & Privacy: Experts warn AI-driven inference is moving faster than state privacy protections, raising concerns about sensitive traits inferred from everyday online activity.

Meta Instagram Trial: Tennessee’s lawsuit over claims that Instagram was designed to be addictive is set to move forward, putting the spotlight on how social media platforms shape teen behavior. Public Safety Tech: Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley told TED2026 that surveillance tools like license-plate readers can help solve cases, citing a rural Tennessee example where a plate led to an interception before a tragedy. Cybersecurity: FBI and TBI are investigating a cyber-related incident affecting parts of Campbell County government systems, with some email access still down as officials work to restore services. Local Business Backlash: A Memphis pizza shop’s refusal to serve National Guard members sparked a “buy-cott,” but the owner says business is up after the controversy. Jobs and Industry: Carlex Glass America is closing a long-running Tennessee plant in Vonore, cutting about 325 jobs while expanding in Nashville. Retail Growth: Costco is confirmed as the anchor tenant for Clarksville’s Freedom Farms, a 220-acre development planned to open in 2028. Housing/Cost of Living: WalletHub ranked Gilbert, Arizona as a top rental city, underscoring how affordability and job access drive rental “attractiveness” rankings.

Election & Voting Rights: Early voting is underway in Tennessee’s 6th District special election, with new scrutiny on AI political ads after Tennessee’s deepfake disclosure law took effect July 1. State Politics: Recordings obtained by NewsChannel 5 Investigates raise questions about pressure inside U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s office to “break the law,” tied to a prior Senate ethics probe. Local Government: Henry County commissioners approved pay increases and reclassifications across nine county offices, plus a full-time IT position. Health & Cost of Living: ACA marketplace enrollment dropped by 2.6 million after enhanced premium tax credits expired, and a separate report highlights record federal student loan defaults as protections fade. Public Safety: Memphis-area controversy continues after an Italian restaurant owner refused to serve National Guard members, citing safety concerns. Business & Tech: ImageQuest opened new Brentwood headquarters, consolidating offices and adding jobs; Brookhaven National Lab is developing AI to speed data-center grid connections. Community & Culture: Memphis council member Jerri Green discussed her Tennessee governor run amid early voting.

Meta Instagram trial in Tennessee: A state lawsuit goes to court Monday, accusing Meta of designing Instagram to be addictive and hiding internal research about teen mental-health harm, with the state seeking penalties and order to change features like autoplay, Reels, notifications and disappearing content. Tennessee politics & growth: Gov. candidate John Rose, as early voting begins, pitched a cautious approach to data centers while arguing they should stay local and create jobs; meanwhile, a new report says Nashville-area HQ moves picked up in 2025, with Tennessee drawing corporate relocations. Local business & housing: WalletHub ranks Murfreesboro No. 10 nationally for first-time homebuyers. Memphis tech education: Anthropic donates $1 million to CodeCrew to build a National Tech Education Headquarters in North Memphis. Education outcomes: A look at Tennessee’s third-grade reading/retention law finds large shares of students still not passing ELA, with gains fading over time. Science & manufacturing: ORNL researchers at Oak Ridge develop a real-time error-correction system for large 3D-printed composite parts.

Courts & Flood Recovery: Shelby County General Sessions Courts reopen Monday after last week’s flooding repairs, with renovations still shifting offices and courtrooms. Death Penalty Oversight: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says the state won’t review its botched execution attempt of Tony Carruthers, after the team couldn’t establish an IV line—an outcome critics say undermines public trust. Airport Power Struggle: A legal fight is brewing over who controls Nashville International Airport, with the state and Metro each claiming authority under a new law and a pending federal decision. Immigration & Local Fallout: Border czar Tom Homan warns of an ICE surge in New York tied to sanctuary policies, while also pointing to the Memphis-area pizzeria controversy. Higher Ed Access: THEC opens TN Promise applications for the Class of 2027, moving the start date earlier for high school juniors. Local Business & Culture: Leatherwood Distillery opens a new Clarksville location with live music and expanded offerings, and Clarksville’s ACT Authority shares a timeline for a new Performing Arts Center. Tech & Industry: Reuters reports Meta and Anthropic are discussing a potential $10B compute lease deal, with a tie to SpaceX’s Memphis data center.

Local Arts Funding: State Rep. Kirk Haston announced a $102,000 Tennessee Arts Commission grant for Parsons, including a covered pavilion at Regional Community Park and repairs to the Hangar Performing Arts Center roof. Public Health: Taylor Farms expanded an iceberg lettuce recall to 27 states after potential cyclospora contamination, urging shoppers to discard affected shredded products. Housing & Cost Pressures: A new look at the U.S. housing market points to a sharp June drop in home prices alongside mortgage rates near 9.2%, raising fears about affordability and a “lock-in” effect for existing homeowners. Weather Preparedness: Nashville Severe Weather volunteers keep residents informed during storms with real-time guidance and “all clear” updates. Tech & Business: SpaceX is reportedly renting unused AI compute capacity from its Colossus data centers, a move that could help justify its massive valuation. Community & Safety: Tennessee’s Department of Correction is rolling out mobile parole and probation offices to reach rural areas with fewer local supervision options.

Local Arts Funding: State Rep. Kirk Haston announced a $102,000 Tennessee Arts Commission grant for Parsons, including a covered pavilion at Parsons Regional Community Park and repairs to the Hangar Performing Arts Center roof. Nonprofit Workplace Recognition: The Ayers Foundation Trust was ranked No. 2 nationally on the 2026 Best Nonprofit Workplaces list, highlighting its people-first culture and school-based student support. Education & Agriculture Honors: UT Martin student Bree Mills was named one of four students to receive national AFA recognition, including an AFA Policy Institute trip to Washington, D.C. Federal Scrutiny in Wilson County: IRS investigators searched Wilson County pastor Greg Locke’s home tied to accusations of financial mismanagement at Global Vision Bible Church. Back-to-School Savings: Tennessee’s sales tax holiday runs July 31–Aug. 2, with tax-free clothing and school supplies up to $100 and computers up to $1,500 for personal use. AI/Tech & Tennessee: Meta and Anthropic are reported to be in early talks for a potential $10B compute capacity lease deal, adding pressure to Tennessee’s growing data-center and AI footprint. Public Safety & Courts: A report on “mega master” immigration hearings says many people miss rescheduled dates, leading judges to order deportations in bulk.