AGP Executive Report

Pharmacy Fight in Tennessee: Express Scripts/Evernorth is suing Tennessee over the pharmacy benefits manager divestiture law, warning it could force closures of its Accredo Specialty Pharmacy Memphis site and disrupt care for thousands of patients. Local Economy & Stadium Funding: The Memphis Restaurant Association is urging City Council to approve $5 million in AutoZone Park upgrades, arguing the Redbirds drive downtown business and jobs—while council members question whether taxpayer dollars are worth it. Gun Policy at Grocery Stores: A Nashville-area report breaks down how major grocery chains handle Tennessee’s permitless carry law, with many stores using “asks” or “requests” and posting signage to restrict firearms. Construction Safety Penalties: After a trench collapse injured a worker in Hixson, Tennessee OSHA fined Cleary Construction more than $22,300 for serious excavation and safety violations. Health Update: The CDC says Chagas disease is now recognized as endemic in the U.S., estimating about 300,000 Americans may have it without knowing. Sports: Jacob Misiorowski struck out 15 and threw a complete-game one-hitter as the Brewers beat the Phillies 6-0.

Quantum Investment: UT Knoxville is planning a 100,000-square-foot Knoxville Quantum Accelerator to build a regional quantum hub, adding up to 10 faculty over four years and partnering with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TVA and IonQ. Banking Crime: A Memphis man, Freddy Najil, was sentenced to 17 years and 7 months in federal prison for robbing three Mid-South banks at gunpoint, with GPS devices in the cash helping track him. State Revenue Watch: Tennessee reported May tax collections of $1.9 billion, beating budget by $227.2 million, driven by corporate estimated payments and sales tax receipts. Local Business & Community: Rotary Club of Brentwood funded $40,000 in matching grants for new appliances at Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home cottages. Education Spotlight: A student at Selbyville Middle School won a national BPA silver medal in Nashville—showing how career-tech competitions are drawing talent to Tennessee. Policy in Washington: A bipartisan Social Security bill would set up a process to develop major changes before automatic benefit cuts kick in.

Solid Waste Policy: Tennessee lawmakers on the Solid Waste Task Force are weighing changes to the “Jackson Law,” which lets local governments block landfill permits—supporters call it a bottleneck while critics say it protects communities. Memphis Infrastructure: Memphis City Council delayed a $5 million emergency request for AutoZone Park upgrades, putting HVAC, fire protection, and safety compliance projects in limbo and drawing pushback from the Memphis Redbirds. Nashville Fire Lawsuit: Travelers filed a $10 million subrogation suit tied to last year’s downtown library parking garage fire, alleging improper storage of combustible materials in an unauthorized shed. Tennessee Business Law: A new Tennessee statute limits noncompetes for lower-paid workers, with enforcement rules and presumptions tied to compensation and contract length. Music & Culture: Alan Jackson’s farewell concert will be broadcast on NBC from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, while Taylor Swift made history as the youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Local Economy: TDOT says it’s increasing oversight to speed up the Elvis Presley Boulevard project after business owners complained about the long timeline. Crime: Two men face charges after a gun trade sparked gunfire and a hit-and-run crash in Memphis.

Foster Care Finance: Tennessee will stop confiscating Social Security survivor benefits from orphans in state custody, shifting the money into new “Fostering the Future Accounts” after a Melania Trump initiative—Tennessee previously diverted more than $31.5 million for about 750 children (2019-2024). Local Politics & Spending: Memphis City Council put a $5 million request on hold for AutoZone Park “life-safety” repairs and planning, with members questioning whether the Redbirds are still needed as pickleball and other activities compete for attention. Healthcare & Business: Ballad Health CEO Alan Levine was named a “2026 Great Leader in Healthcare” by Becker’s Hospital Review, highlighting rural care transformation across Northeast Tennessee and beyond. Courts & Fraud: Three East Tennessee defendants were sentenced in a multimillion-dollar prescription fraud scheme tied to pharmacies and pain clinics, including restitution orders totaling tens of millions. Community & Growth: Nashville Zoo is fighting a proposed nearby AI data center over risks to endangered clouded leopards, with hundreds of thousands signing a petition. Workforce Spotlight: A Tennessee Tech grad turned a Frist Art Museum internship into a full-time graphic design job. Weather: Memphis braces for extreme heat this weekend, with heat indexes around 101–102.

World Cup Prep in Tennessee: With the 48-team FIFA World Cup starting Thursday across North America, Tennessee’s turf and stadium planning is part of the bigger grass-pitch push—FIFA is using Bermuda grass and rye/bluegrass mixes to keep surfaces safe for soccer at venues built for NFL play. Mid-South Data Center Push: In Memphis, a data center operator has bought the former Fred’s headquarters for $25 million and plans to expand capacity, while the broader debate over data centers continues to heat up locally. Health & Safety in the Heat: Memphis-area reporting highlights how prolonged hot weather can worsen respiratory and heart conditions and raise dehydration risk, especially for people on diuretics. Local Business Growth: Franklin’s Hamilton Young is launching a residential brokerage division, adding a new leadership role for Middle Tennessee home sales. Legal/Policy Watch: N.C. State is investigating potential claims tied to LSU’s Will Wade exit, including whether state law was violated.

Tennessee Driver’s License Crackdown: Tennessee lawmakers are advancing tighter rules for getting a driver’s license and license plate, including proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency and an English reading/speaking requirement for the written test. Immigration & Courts: A new analysis says Tennessee has thousands of pending family green card cases as USCIS shifts policy, while separate reporting highlights how Tennessee’s congressional map fight is playing out in court. Data Centers vs. Local Control: Jacksboro’s planning commission approved an ordinance restricting future data centers, and Nashville-area debate continues over whether moratoriums are needed. Remittance Tax Challenge: A Tennessee lawsuit by a fintech trade group argues the state’s cross-border remittance tax is unconstitutional and could escalate through the courts. Public Safety & Local News: A Memphis officer was injured in an early-morning Orange Mound crash; the driver received citations. St. Jude Community Support: WeGo Star and RJ Corman Railroad Group delivered a $2,000 donation to St. Jude tied to marathon transport. Politics & Education: Memphis football coach Charles Huff is set to join a Capitol Hill roundtable on college sports instability and litigation.

College Sports & Gambling: A Texas judge ruling lets quarterback Brendan Sorsby keep playing after betting on college sports, raising fresh questions about NCAA enforcement and hypocrisy in the SEC. Nuclear & Security: The U.S. Department of Energy’s NNSA has started building a new nuclear monitoring hub at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, aimed at tracking weapons-related uranium activity, with completion targeted for 2028. Local Business & Risk: Travelers filed a $10M subrogation lawsuit tied to last year’s Nashville downtown library parking garage fire, blaming an unauthorized storage shed and negligence by contractors. Health & Research: Vanderbilt Medical Center researchers report hereditary breast cancer genetic variants are common among young Black women with invasive disease, underscoring the need for more testing. Sports Tourism & Development: Tennessee’s on-campus sports entertainment district plans are part of a growing college trend, with other universities racing to build mixed-use districts around stadiums. Public Policy & Power: Redistricting fights are reshaping the 2026 House map, with court-backed map changes shifting how hard Democrats must win. Local Community: Memphis will rename a street near Treadwell Middle School after wrestling legend Jerry “The King” Lawler.

NCAA Antitrust Fight: A new lawsuit targets the NCAA’s $20.5 million cap on revenue-sharing for college athletes in 17 states, including Tennessee, arguing the limit violates NIL laws and seeking triple damages. Immigration Funding: House Republicans narrowly passed a $69.5 billion reconciliation bill to fund DHS and ICE through 2029, expected to reach Trump’s desk. Local Education Oversight: Tennessee’s state takeover of Memphis schools could mean more closures, with a board of managers set to take key decisions soon. High School Sports: TSSAA approved a 35-second shot clock for high school basketball, with voluntary use starting in 2026-27 and full rollout required in 2029-30. Business & Housing: May home sales rose 3.2% and prices hit a May record of $429,300, while inventory remains the main drag. Tech/Logistics: Walmart and Wing expanded drone delivery to Memphis and New Orleans, adding seven metro areas to reach 40 million Americans by 2027. Energy & Climate: Duke’s Walters Dam is credited with surviving Hurricane Helene’s surge without overtopping.

Federal Energy Boost for TVA Coal: TVA’s Cumberland Fossil Plant will receive more than $46 million in federal funding to extend the life of coal units after TVA reversed a retirement plan. THC Crackdown: Tennessee’s new ban on THC products (0.3% or higher) takes full effect July 1, with in-person ID checks required for hemp purchases. Nashville World Cup Buzz: Japan’s national team spent time in Nashville ahead of the World Cup, with fans getting a practice glimpse but not much on-field action. Nuclear Innovation in Tennessee: Tennessee launched a first-in-the-nation regulatory framework for nuclear fusion machines, positioning the state as a hub for advanced nuclear. Metro Grants Fight: Nashville’s clerk says proposed nearly $1.5 million in legal-services grants for immigrant nonprofits would shift funding to local taxpayers, reigniting debate over what the money covers. Child Well-Being Watch: Tennessee’s Kids Count score shows education gains but economic well-being remains a concern, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Public Health & Safety: Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry in Memphis says it’s lost about half its funding since the pandemic, forcing it to turn away families. Business: FedEx set its June 23 earnings date after strong results and a recent corporate restructuring tied to FedEx Freight spinning off.

Nashville Zoo vs. AI data center: The zoo is fighting a proposed nearly 70,000-square-foot DC Blox facility next door, warning noise and light could disrupt breeding for its rare clouded leopards; a petition has surged and Metro leaders are weighing next steps. Local courts: A Hamilton County jury convicted Randy Vega on all counts in the 2023 Frazier Ave crash that killed a mother and her 1-year-old son, with civil litigation still moving forward. Workforce pipeline: Chattanooga-Hamilton County is among Bloomberg Philanthropies’ $90 million push to funnel high school students into registered apprenticeships in skilled trades, with about 600 students targeted annually. Housing and affordability: A new migration report says affordability is now the top driver of long-distance moves, with Tennessee and other Sun Belt markets pulling residents. Sports tourism shift: Hospitality data points to more multi-day, walkable trips for major events, boosting mid-sized cities that connect stadiums to downtown. Community and education: Loudon County’s Good Neighbors Shoppe is boosting Roane State scholarships with a $30,000 gift, while Tennessee’s Century Farms program recognized long-running family operations.

Redistricting Watch: The Congressional Black Caucus warns Southern redistricting could cut Black representation in Congress by about a third, after Supreme Court moves loosened how states can draw voting maps. Health & Science: A new DNA study links BRCA gene variants to more aggressive early-onset breast cancer in Black women, underscoring the need for genetic testing. Local Politics (Memphis): Memphis Democrats are mobilizing voters after Tennessee Republicans split the city into three congressional districts, betting turnout can flip seats. Nashville Data Center Fight: The Nashville Zoo’s petition against a proposed data center next door has topped 288,000 signatures, with residents and supporters pushing back over impacts on animals and the community. Education & Immigration: A national look at Plyler v. Doe highlights how Tennessee and other states have tried to limit undocumented students’ access to public schools. Big UT Gift: Dee and Jimmy Haslam are investing $130 million in the University of Tennessee, the largest gift in UT history. World News (Tech): SpaceX and Google are moving ahead with a major compute deal ahead of SpaceX’s IPO.

World Cup Prep: FIFA says it’s fully ready for the 2026 tournament after installing advanced hybrid turf at the final stadium in Houston, with 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 host sites. Sports Betting & Taxes: Tennessee expects sports-betting tax revenue to rise with Super Bowl LXIV in 2030, since more out-of-state visitors may place bets in person. Local Business/Development: A decades-old bank building on Apalachee Parkway was demolished to make way for a second Raising Cane’s location in the capital. Media & Community: Main Street Media launched a new all-in-one mobile app for local news, radio, podcasts, and local deals. Pride Backlash: A new Gallup poll finds U.S. support for LGBTQ+ rights has fallen for the fourth straight year, adding fuel to a tense Pride-season debate. Nashville Tech Fight: The Nashville Zoo is opposing a nearby data center project, warning it could harm animals, including clouded leopards. AI Compute Deal: SpaceX lined up another major Google compute agreement, paying about $920M a month for tens of thousands of GPUs ahead of SpaceX’s IPO.

Election Integrity & Power: Republicans running for governor in competitive states have histories of rejecting the 2020 election results, raising concerns they could shape how elections are administered if elected. Healthcare Business: HCA is expanding in South Carolina urgent care by buying about a dozen MedCare clinics from Nashville-based Urgent Care Group, rebranding sites to HCA CareNow. AI & Energy Demand: A new look at U.S. data-center permits shows power use surging fast, with AI driving much of the jump and pushing companies to seek new nuclear and other steady power sources. Nuclear Diplomacy (Oak Ridge): Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly visited Oak Ridge nuclear experts as Iran talks enter a critical phase. World Cup Turf Science (UT): University of Tennessee researchers help engineer World Cup stadium grass to meet FIFA’s strict, consistent playing requirements. Nashville Community: A stretch of Clarksville Pike was dedicated to honor the late Sen. Thelma Harper, the first Black woman elected to the Tennessee Senate. Memphis Public Safety: Police say a crash in Memphis left two women injured; one was taken to the hospital in critical condition and an arrested driver faces multiple charges.

AI and Privacy: A new facial recognition push tied to major events and airports is raising accuracy and bias concerns, even as researchers say advanced models can be highly reliable in controlled settings. Local Safety: Vallejo plans to remove three marked crosswalks on Tennessee Street after pedestrian-collision history and ADA issues, directing walkers to nearby controlled intersections. Crash Update (Memphis): Memphis police say a driver was arrested after a crash injured two women, with one in critical condition. Nuclear Energy: The Energy Department says an advanced microreactor hit “criticality,” a milestone toward generating electricity in the next few years. Education & Sports (Chattanooga): The Chattanooga Women’s Golf Association donated $13,250 to First Tee and local high school girls’ golf programs. Business & Tech (Tennessee ties): Google is set to pay SpaceX about $920 million a month for AI compute, with Memphis-linked data centers part of the broader deal. Politics (Voting): The U.S. Senate blocked Trump’s SAVE America Act, dealing a blow to proposed voting restrictions. Energy Policy: The administration plans nearly $700 million for coal projects using wartime-era powers, including funding that reaches Tennessee. Arts & Culture: Evanescence released “Sanctuary” and announced a 2027 tour that includes Tennessee.

AI & Business: SpaceX is set to cash in big ahead of its IPO, signing a cloud deal with Google’s Alphabet worth about $920 million a month for access to roughly 110,000 Nvidia GPUs, with payments totaling around $30 billion through 2029. Local Economy & Health: CMS data show NHC Healthcare in Chattanooga has been run by Nhc-Op LP since 2000, with a Q1 2026 CMS rating of 3 and no fines or penalties. Courts & Public Safety: In Chattanooga, the Randy Vega crash trial continues as the chief medical examiner testified about injuries in the fatal 2023 Frazier Avenue crash. Community & Culture: Memphis kicked off its 33rd Juneteenth Festival in the Medical District Park, with events running through Saturday and a Freedom Luncheon next week. Sports & Entertainment: CMA Fest night two at Nissan Stadium drew about 70,000 fans, with standout sets and surprise moments from major country acts. Business News: Hollywood Feed is reportedly laying off 20 corporate staff in Memphis as it cites economic pressure on the pet industry.

Inflation Watch: An AP analysis says inflation is back on the rise, hitting both red and blue states, with Tennesseans feeling the squeeze on gas and groceries. Local Business & Jobs: Spring Hill’s Experience Spring Hill Business Expo & Job Fair returns June 13, aiming to connect thousands of attendees with local employers and services. AI & Data Centers: Nashville Zoo and supporters are pushing back hard against a proposed data center next door, with a petition surging to nearly 150,000 signatures. Tech & Money: SpaceX says it landed a massive Google cloud deal—$920 million a month for AI compute—highlighting how Tennessee’s SpaceX data-center footprint is tied to the AI boom. Public Health: Tennessee issued new animal import restrictions after the New World screwworm was detected in a Texas calf, a rare U.S. case. Sports & Culture: Vanderbilt’s statewide poll finds widespread economic anxiety and skepticism about AI in healthcare. Community Spotlight: Clear Dental Billing, a Nashville-based firm, launched outsourced billing for dental practices and DSOs nationwide.