AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Economy: Tennessee is now a DOE finalist for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus in Oak Ridge, joining Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah and Idaho—an effort officials say could reshape the nuclear fuel cycle and spur major investment and jobs. Local Business & Logistics: FedEx is putting $18.1 million into its Memphis hub, adding a freight canopy to expand international priority handling, with a broader hub expansion planned to start early next year. Public Health & Housing: In Memphis, Zillow data finds nearly half of landlords are offering rent concessions to attract new tenants, while Shelby County heat is driving a sharp rise in heat-related ER visits. Energy & Safety: A Delta landing incident at Atlanta involved anti-collision alarms sounding in both planes, after a diverted flight and a takeoff path nearly intersected. Community & Culture: The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX revived its 70mm film projector for the first time in a decade for “The Odyssey,” with sold-out showings. Small Business: Nash Dogs owner vows to rebuild after a weekend fire and attempted break-in at the Old Hickory café.

Nuclear Energy Push: The U.S. Department of Energy named Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Idaho as finalists for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, with Tennessee’s Oak Ridge Corridor positioned as a premier hub—potentially bringing up to $50B in investment and nearly 25,000 jobs. Managed Services & Cybersecurity: C Spire says it earned three simultaneous ISO certifications (9001, 20000-1, and 27001) with zero nonconformities, aiming to strengthen its managed services delivery. Mortgage Training Expansion: 24hourEDU announced NMLS approval to offer self-paced MLO continuing education in all 50 states. Aviation Pricing: JetBlue rolled out a new domestic fare structure tied to its upcoming first-class experience, including Main, EvenMore, BlueFirst and Mint, with different seat-selection and refund rules. Tech Policy & Scams: South Dakota AG Jackley joined a coalition urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local Business Watch: Tennessee’s Meta/Instagram trial continues, with state attorneys arguing the company knew Instagram harmed teens and stayed quiet.

Meta Trial in Nashville: Tennessee opened its case against Meta, saying internal research showed Instagram harms teens while the company kept features like autoplay and infinite scroll to boost engagement and ad revenue. Data Centers & Power Costs: Louisville residents pressed planners to weigh environmental and electricity impacts as the city reviews data-center land rules; Tennessee also faces growing scrutiny as communities ask for ratepayer protections. Banking & Lending Pressure: Huntington flagged deposit-cost competition and margin pressure even as fee growth helped, a sign regional banks are navigating tighter funding conditions. Memphis Logistics & Jobs: Nike employees circulated a memo claiming two Shelby County facilities could close, while the company pointed to supply-chain consolidation. Local Government Finance: Shelby County commissioners approved up to $125 million in short-term loans for operating costs. Sports Business & Culture: UNLV coach Josh Pastner clarified he wants NIL resources for the Rebels, not an “owner” selling the program. Corporate Watch: International Paper CEO Andy Silvernail will speak at Jefferies’ 2026 Industrials Conference.

Energy & Utilities: TVA’s long-term energy plan is drawing heat over its reliance on coal, gas and nuclear, with critics saying the public comment process won’t meaningfully change the Integrated Resource Plan. Data Centers & Rates: Tennessee is among states backing a federal “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” aimed at limiting data-center cost impacts, as regulators and attorneys general push for stronger, legally binding commitments. Healthcare Costs: Federal regulators warned 500 hospitals nationwide for price-transparency failures, including nine Nashville-area hospitals, raising stakes for penalties up to $2M annually. Local Finance: Tennessee State Treasurer David Lillard returned nearly $56,000 in unclaimed property to Cookeville, highlighting a faster path for local governments to reclaim missing funds. Tech & Talent: Tennessee Valley Authority and partners are backing a Tennessee Quantum Hackathon in Chattanooga to explore quantum tech’s potential for the electric power sector. Business Leadership: Cracker Barrel announced CEO Julie Masino will step down Aug. 10, with David Deno taking over as the Lebanon-based chain tries to regain momentum after a contentious rebrand. Real Estate Innovation: Hive MLS was named a finalist for the 2026 Inman Innovator Award, touting improvements in collaboration, connectivity and customer experience.

Workforce & Education: Tennessee is expanding access to short-term job training by joining the federal “working Pell grant” program, with more than 300 eligible career and technical programs statewide aimed at filling critical workforce needs. Health Policy & Regulation: A major FDA advisory committee controversy is back in the spotlight after approving untested peptides for manufacturing and sale, raising concerns about safety standards and conflicts tied to the panel. Civic Rights: The National Urban League’s 2026 State of Black America report and conference are set to kick off in Nashville as advocates warn voting rights protections are under threat in Tennessee and nationwide. Business & Community: A Nashville nonprofit founded by Brad Paisley and Kim Williams-Paisley is helping families with back-to-school needs through a store-style shopping event for 1,600 households. Local Economy: Nash Dogs in Old Hickory is closed indefinitely after a kitchen fire; the owner says he’s waiting on the official fire report and plans to rebuild. Food Safety: A cyclosporiasis outbreak is driving consumer fallout, with restaurants seeing traffic drops and lettuce sales pressured.

Data Privacy Clash: Knox County leaders are at odds over a $1.5 million plan to deploy nearly 300 Flock license plate readers, after a public meeting meant to address privacy concerns was abruptly canceled—residents are now waiting on a new date. Workforce & Education: Roane State launched a new Applied and Innovative Technology Division, naming Dr. Sylvia Pastor founding dean, with programs spanning computer science, nuclear tech, mechatronics and more. Housing Development: LDG Multifamily is planning affordable apartment units at Northgate Mall’s parking lot in Chattanooga, seeking two $20 million revenue bond issues for phases of 90 units each. Cannabis Policy: Hirsh Jain weighs what cannabis rescheduling could mean for medical marijuana and broader legalization, including whether interstate commerce will be allowed. Consumer Watch: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of organic lentil soup due to a pull-tab defect that can compromise seals and raise spoilage risk. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Tennessee midgrade prices edging up, with one Gibson County station hitting $3.69 in the week ending July 18. Business & Sports Finance: The Milwaukee Brewers designated Lance McCullers for assignment less than two weeks after acquiring him from Houston.

NBA Roster Moves: LeBron James’ 76ers push just got a boost: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope reportedly agreed to a Memphis buyout and is set for a one-year, $3.9 million deal in Philadelphia, though the team must clear a salary-cap “first apron” hurdle. Local Business & Culture: Music Export Memphis marked 10 years with a free Beale Street Birthday Bash, aiming to turn local touring talent into tourism and economic development. Tennessee Media: Former NewsChannel 5 sports anchor Mark Howard was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame, capping a 20-year WTVF-TV run and 16 years hosting “Wake Up Zone.” Community & Health: Tycen Anderson is opening a mental health clinic in Toledo after his brother’s suicide, highlighting the growing push for accessible care. Sports & Local Economy: Tractor Drive fundraisers in West Tennessee are back, supporting the Graves County Sheriff’s “Shop with a Deputy” program and local scholarships. Energy & AI Infrastructure: Tennessee’s data-center debate continues as companies and regulators weigh power costs and local impacts.

Healthcare M&A Watch: An independent monitor flagged two potential compliance issues in HCA Healthcare’s 2019 $1.5B Mission Health deal, including reduced service availability tied to lower volumes and questions about whether Mission stayed in “good standing” with federal regulators while litigation plays out. Sports & Local Economy: LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers has reshuffled NBA title odds, with markets now treating Philly as a top contender after the signing. Consumer Costs: Tennessee’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs July 31–Aug. 2, with clothing and school supplies $100 or less and computers/tablets $1,500 or less eligible for tax-free purchases. Energy & Prices: GasBuddy reports Loudon County’s lowest midgrade price at $3.65 for the week ending July 18, while Tennessee’s statewide midgrade average rose to $4.01. Workforce & Policy: Tennessee’s noncompete law takes effect with a $70K income threshold and rebuttable presumptions on duration, adding new compliance pressure for employers.

Data Centers & Power Costs: TVA signed Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, saying it will keep AI data-center costs from being passed to the 10 million customers it serves across seven states, while exploring pricing changes for large users. Local Land-Use Fight: Nashville Zoo rejected a deal that would have placed a DC Blox data center next to the animal park, keeping pressure on how the city handles new AI infrastructure. SNAP & Hunger: Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell joined 200+ mayors urging Congress to reject further SNAP cuts, warning Tennessee hunger could worsen as caseloads rise. Food Safety Recall: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled certain Sprig & Sprout and Fresh & Ready spicy breakfast burritos sold via vending and grab-and-go markets in multiple states, including Tennessee, due to undeclared soy/sausage. 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 and computers/tablets at $1,500 or less qualifying. Healthcare Deal: Williamson Health outlined plans for a locally governed board as it moves toward a sale to Ascension, aiming to preserve staffing and oversight. Business & Jobs: In-N-Out opened a new Tennessee-area location (Madison) as part of broader expansion, adding jobs and continuing its multi-state growth. Sports & Mental Health: Former NFL lineman Jordan Devey, a Super Bowl champion, died by suicide at 38, renewing calls for mental health support for athletes.

Recruiting Watch: ESPN says Tennessee’s 2027 class is largely locked early—246 of the ESPN top 300 committed between March 1 and July 22, leaving just five uncommitted in the SC Next 300 (including only one in the top 100). Immigration & Labor: A Southwest Airlines flight attendant was detained by ICE after being arrested at Nashville International Airport and is reportedly in federal custody. Sports Business: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell floated the idea of bringing the NFL draft to Charlotte and hinted at a future Super Bowl there—while Nashville continues to position its stadium for major events. Healthcare Dealmaking: Surgery Partners agreed to sell its ownership interests in Mountain View Hospital and Idaho Falls Community Hospital to Intermountain Health, valuing the combined Idaho Falls facilities at about $1.15B. Energy & Costs: AAA reports the national gas average jumped 15 cents to $4.09 amid crude volatility. Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled Organic Lentil Soup—Light in Sodium due to a can “easy open tab” defect; the affected lot (60D0924, best-by April 2027) includes distribution in multiple states. Local Economy: Chattanooga-based Five Star Breaktime Solutions acquired Weber Custom Vending, expanding vending and micro markets across the Cincinnati/Dayton region.

Youth & Public Health: Tennessee’s new law ramps up penalties for teens caught using fake IDs to buy nicotine or hemp products, with fines and possible community service plus added parent/guardian financial penalties. Local Business & Community: Franklin Police highlighted community outreach with events like “Cops and Bobbers,” a Juneteenth parade role, and a Red Cross blood drive. Healthcare & Regulation: An FDA advisory panel voted to loosen restrictions on several peptides despite scientists’ safety and “what exactly they are” concerns, keeping the debate over gray-market wellness products front and center. Energy & Economic Policy: TVA signed onto a Trump data-center ratepayer protection pledge aimed at preventing AI power costs from being passed to the 10 million customers it serves. Local Development Watch: The Nashville Zoo says a petition opposing a nearby DC Blox data center drew 562,000 signatures and helped trigger a temporary permit moratorium through Dec. 1. Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of lentil soup due to a pull-tab defect that can compromise the seal without obvious external damage. Transportation & Trade: CN agreed to end opposition to Union Pacific’s proposed Norfolk Southern mega-merger in exchange for expanded U.S. network access.

Tennessee Economy: Tennessee’s June tax haul came in above plan, with total revenues at $2.5 billion—$281.8 million over budget and $182.2 million higher than June 2025—driven by strong sales and corporate tax receipts, while fuel taxes lagged. Federal Food Policy: New SNAP rules tied to payment accuracy could raise costs for many states, with Tennessee in the mix as federal figures show only a few states meeting required error-rate benchmarks. Small Business Support: The SBA launched a $6 million Women’s Business Center modernization competition, including Tennessee, to expand counseling, training, and capital access through lead and service center networks. Local Business & Jobs: Simpson County landed a No. 1 spot in national per-capita economic development rankings, citing $630.5 million in capital investment and 1,009 new jobs from eight major projects. Workplace News: Dollywood earned a national “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families” nod, highlighting benefits aimed at working caregivers. Higher Ed & AI: Financial aid offices are seeing more AI-written “professional judgment” appeals, making it harder to assess real-life eligibility changes. Elections Law: A Cookeville candidate’s “donuts for early voting” post was flagged as potentially illegal under state law. Business Briefs (Memphis): Alpha Omega Veterans Services received a $2.25 million federal investment for repairs and renovations, though operating pressures remain.

Earnings Watch: Community Health Systems reported Q2 net income of $70M (51 cents/share) after a steep year-ago comparison, while Kaiser Aluminum posted $96.8M net income in its Q2. Food Safety: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled spicy breakfast burritos sold in TN and GA due to undeclared soy and sausage; no illnesses reported. Public Funding: Tennessee’s 211 network received $500,000 to expand statewide call-center coordination for bills, housing, food and employment help. Local Business/Tech: Nashville approved new data-center zoning rules and a temporary permit pause through December, adding distance, water/power reporting, and emergency-response requirements after community pushback near the zoo. Consumer/Crime: A LendingTree survey found 30% of Americans admit to shoplifting, with younger adults reporting higher rates. Supply Chain/AI: Sereact expanded AI robot deployments with Arvato, including a planned Memphis rollout. Sports Business: Wright State is seeking jersey patch sponsorship under new NCAA rules, aiming for year-round brand visibility. Legal/Justice: Tennessee AG moves Meta toward trial over Instagram addiction claims as a separate teen Meta lawsuit was withdrawn elsewhere. Health/Community: Memphis AI experts urged safeguards after concerns about models behaving unpredictably.

Advanced Nuclear in Tennessee: TRISO-X is laying groundwork for a major expansion in Oak Ridge, with plans for up to 1,140 new jobs tied to hundreds of millions in fuel and R&D investment at Horizon Center Industrial Park. AI + Big Tech Deals: AMD will sell Anthropic tens of billions in AI servers and invest up to $5 billion in the Claude maker, a move meant to strengthen Anthropic’s compute access in a market dominated by Nvidia. Healthcare Consolidation: Erlanger Health in Chattanooga signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to partner with Prisma Health, with officials citing $2 billion in strategic capital investments. Local Business & Jobs: Metro Nashville is hosting a career fair Thursday at the Nashville Farmers Market with 60+ open roles across departments. State Tax Relief: Tennessee’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs July 31–Aug. 2, covering many items under set price caps, including computers and school supplies. Legal/Consumer Safety: The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled a product liability case involving a seatbelt extender used with a booster seat can proceed. Public Safety/Enforcement: Federal indictments tied to a Memphis-based Nike cargo theft conspiracy allege more than $2 million in stolen shoes.

NHL Media Shift: The NHL is centralizing local game production again as regional sports networks fade, naming the Blue Jackets, Wild and Blues for NHL Productions telecasts—another sign of how sports media is restructuring. Food Safety & Recalls: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled select spicy breakfast burritos over undeclared soy, while Amy’s Kitchen pulled more than 184,000 cans of organic lentil soup due to potential spoilage; Tennessee shoppers should check lot numbers and “best-by” dates. Public Health: Tennessee health officials are warning about rising tick risk and urging practical prevention steps, including permethrin-treated clothing and careful monitoring after bites. Local Business Moves: Cracker Barrel is selling Maple Street Biscuit Company assets and exiting the brand’s remaining restaurants as it works to reduce debt and refocus on core operations. Women’s Entrepreneurship Funding: The SBA announced a $6 million competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, with Tennessee included; proposals are due Aug. 10. Tech, Privacy & AI: Experts warn AI can infer sensitive traits from everyday data, outpacing state privacy protections. Infrastructure & Growth: Chattanooga’s AT&T Field demolition is set to begin this week as River City Company advances a mixed-use redevelopment plan.

Meta Instagram Trial: Tennessee is set to try Meta over claims Instagram’s design was intentionally addictive for teens, with the lawsuit framed around mental-health harm and youth safety stakes. Food Safety & Retail: The FDA says a Cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive, but it stresses that doesn’t end the broader outbreak investigation or the company’s voluntary recall. Local Retail Expansion: Costco is planning to anchor Clarksville’s Freedom Farms development, with construction targeted for 2027 and an opening expected in 2028, pending county approval. Workforce & Training: Columbia County in Kentucky was recognized as an ACT Work Ready Community, highlighting employer-linked credentials like ACT WorkKeys. Business Operations: Qualifacts announced a care-coordination partnership with Connecting Point to modernize enhanced care management for justice-involved residents. Cybersecurity: Federal and state investigators are probing a cyber-related incident affecting parts of Campbell County government systems. Conservation: Head of the Crow State Park added about 550 acres through a multi-funder conservation acquisition.