AGP Executive Report

Knoxville Development: DXD Capital and Olympus Ventures opened a new 898-unit, Class A climate-controlled self-storage facility in Knoxville, built by JM Williams and designed by SAA Architects, targeting both UT student demand and long-term residents. Aviation & Infrastructure: Parsons was selected by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority to provide five-year program and construction management for modernization of the McGhee Tyson Airport terminal area, with FAA funding compliance and cost/schedule oversight. Robotics & AI Data: LG Electronics is accelerating its Nvidia partnership, aiming for 100,000 hours of humanoid robot training data by year-end from its Seoul robotics data factory, with Tennessee-linked manufacturing environments used for training scenarios. Local AI Power Debate: Tennessee Rep. Justin Pearson backs a Memphis moratorium on new AI data centers, citing high energy and water use plus air pollution impacts on South Memphis residents. State Budget Watch: Tennessee finalized its latest fiscal year books with a $1.2 billion surplus, driven partly by inflation and stronger-than-expected corporate tax collections. Entertainment Industry: Meta faces a major youth-safety and addiction trial, while music-rights firm Round Hill Music filed copyright infringement suits against Suno and Anthropic over AI training use.

UT Knoxville: The university cut the ribbon on new Torchbearer Hall, adding fresh campus housing and student space. Nashville & federal funding fight: Nashville and local governments sued DHS over a FEMA funding condition tied to election procedures, arguing the policy is unlawful. AI infrastructure: OpenAI plans to lease a massive Ohio data center for 20 years, backed by Nvidia financing, with major new power generation investment. Data center backlash: Memphis council members are weighing a pause on new data centers as residents raise concerns about water, grid strain, and health impacts. Local business & jobs: Rock Nashville’s 610,000-square-foot live production hub is rapidly filling with touring and audio/lighting tenants. Health & safety: Consumer guidance highlights that many head-lice treatments may be less effective now, with wet combing emphasized. Sports: Gracen Halton impressed the 49ers in his first exhibition action, showing quickness and power against Tennessee linemen. Scams: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Lebanon tied for 10th in Tennessee for July scam reports.

Nuclear Manufacturing in Oak Ridge: Centrus Energy is ramping up production of thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges at its Oak Ridge plant, aiming to support HALEU fuel output needed by advanced reactor customers by 2029. AI + Data Centers in Tennessee: A report says SpaceX/xAI plans to spend $2.8B on natural gas turbines to power AI compute at a complex near Memphis, underscoring how energy demand is reshaping local infrastructure conversations. Telehealth Hearing Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a $99 live tele-audiology service that lets OTC device owners get one-on-one remote tuning from licensed professionals. Local Construction Watch (UT Knoxville): Work is underway in Second Creek near the University of Tennessee campus, with slope reinforcement and native plant restoration planned. Tourism & Hospitality: A downtown hotel expansion push is adding hundreds of rooms as demand grows from business and leisure travel. Agriculture at the Fair: The Dairy Alliance brought “From Our Farm to Your Family” to the Tennessee State Fair, spotlighting Tennessee dairy farms through VR and interactive exhibits.

Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Indiana cities with the most reported scams in July, with Clarksville, TN appearing among the higher-profile Tennessee-adjacent entries (3 reports), while the FTC says Americans lost $12.5B to fraud in 2024. Local Utilities: Clarksville Gas and Water scheduled a Bradley Street water outage (Aug. 20, 5 p.m. to about 2 a.m. Aug. 21) for fire hydrant replacement, and Caryville-Jacksboro lifted a boil/precaution advisory after diesel-smelling tap water from storm-washed fuel-contaminated soil was cleared. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy price checks across Tennessee counties show mixed but generally easing costs heading into mid-August, including Stewart County midgrade at $3.89 and Maury County regular at $3.48 (week ending Aug. 8). Outdoor Access: TWRA closed a Knoxville-area access road at the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area/Will Skelton Greenway starting Aug. 16 at sunset for pothole repairs, with work expected to finish by Aug. 20. Tech & Kids Safety: A federal judge dealt Meta procedural setbacks in California’s trial over claims the company designed products to addict kids.

Nuclear & Markets: NuScale’s stock is near a 52-week high again, but the company’s latest quarter showed revenue effectively stopping at $75,000, while it filed to sell up to $750 million more shares—an eye-opener for Tennessee investors watching small modular reactor bets. Housing & Local Control: Florida’s “Live Local Act” is being used to label a luxury waterfront project as “affordable,” raising alarms that state rules can sideline local oversight. AI in Schools: Districts are spending big on AI tools, but many officials say they’re overwhelmed by fast-moving vendors and unclear vetting guidance. Data Centers & Backlash: Memphis and other cities are weighing moratoriums or pauses as residents question power, water, and permitting impacts—while developers and officials clash over who gets to decide. Tennessee Agriculture & Environment: State officials warn Tennesseans not to handle hammerhead worms with bare hands, since they can irritate skin and multiply if cut. Local Business: Khairos Coffee Co. is opening a new Clarksville location on Trenton Road, expanding its community-focused specialty coffee footprint.

Data Center Policy Fight: Roanoke leaders are weighing a year-long moratorium after a proposed $45M data center pitch raised concerns about power and water capacity, while Alabama Sen. Arthur Orr argues local governments should have more say in where data centers and crypto mining facilities land. AI + Robotics in Tennessee: LG and Nvidia plan to push “physical AI” with a next-generation humanoid robot in 2027 and a major AI factory in South Korea, with LG’s wheel-based robot slated for production at its Tennessee plant by year-end. Workforce + Training: TCAT-McMinnville highlighted its new Coffee County campus at a chamber luncheon, focusing on job-ready programs built with local industry partners. Local Infrastructure: Clarksville Gas and Water scheduled a Stonebrook Drive water outage for valve replacement, with service expected to return by late afternoon. Consumer + Community: Clarksville’s retail pipeline continues with First Watch construction on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard and an In-N-Out planned for the area’s exit corridors. Public Health Alert: Tennessee officials warned residents not to handle hammerhead worms with bare hands, since they can irritate skin and multiply if cut. Sports Business: Memphis’ FedEx airport name change and the broader sports-stadium cost debate keep showing up in regional headlines.

Data Centers & Local Governance: Memphis City Council is set to consider a temporary moratorium on new data center construction, giving officials time to study environmental and community impacts tied to major AI buildouts. Public Safety & Insurance: A Nashville Broadway crash highlights how Tennessee’s high uninsured-driver rate and high fatality rate can turn a serious injury into a financial crisis for families. Retail & Real Estate Development: Conway leaders are weighing plans for a new shopping complex with a big-box anchor and grocery store, plus traffic and infrastructure upgrades. Health Infrastructure: Greene County held a ribbon-cutting for a new Health Department building, funded by state and federal grants, expanding services like primary care, dental, immunizations, and prenatal care. Manufacturing Spotlight: Meco’s Americana fire pit advanced to the Elite 8 in Tennessee’s “Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee” contest, with public voting opening Aug. 17. Energy & Jobs: Prysmian is investing in Jackson, Tennessee manufacturing operations, signaling continued industrial momentum.

Heat & Public Safety: Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management is running Heat Patrols as heat index values hit up to 110°F, handing out ice water, hygiene kits and popsicles and urging residents to hydrate and watch for heat illness. Consumer & Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ jalapeño recall has expanded with updated lists tied to a salmonella outbreak; separate USDA alerts cover meat and poultry items, and major chains like Chipotle and Qdoba pulled the ingredient. Auto Insurance Costs: A LendingTree analysis finds Tennessee drivers with poor credit pay about 86% more for car insurance on average, raising concerns about affordability and coverage drop-offs. Local Infrastructure: Clarksville Gas and Water plans a Commerce Street water meter replacement for the Montgomery County Jail with a possible overnight water outage Aug. 18. State Budget Watch: Tennessee is set to end fiscal year 2025-2026 ahead of expectations, with revenues up 7.65% through July, though Finance Commissioner Jim Bryson says to stay cautious. Business Real Estate: Nashville-based Bluecrest Capital Advisors bought Cypress Point Business Park in Jacksonville for $28.15 million, signaling continued light-industrial investment beyond Tennessee. Agriculture & Community: The Tennessee State Fair is underway in Lebanon (Aug. 13-22), spotlighting agriculture, concerts and family events.

Physical AI in Tennessee’s orbit: LG and Nvidia are teaming up to push “physical AI” beyond data centers, with LG validating AI factory reference sites and humanoid robot work that includes testing wheel-based robots on LG’s Tennessee washing-machine line. Local business expansion: Angry Dumplings is renovating and preparing a September opening for its Farragut location on Kingston Pike. Food safety and supply chain: A lawsuit alleges a former Taylor Farms leader stole more than $32M tied to the company’s Tennessee operations, while broader salmonella jalapeño recalls continue to ripple through major retailers. STEM workforce pipeline: TVA and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation opened a STEM center at the Boys & Girls Club in Greeneville to build hands-on skills and career awareness. Energy and industry watch: New reporting highlights how data-center gas power plants can be especially dirty, as AI demand strains the grid. Tennessee sports business: The FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis continues with Rory McIlroy struggling early at TPC Southwind.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Prysmian announced a $100 million expansion at its Jackson plant in the Jackson Madison County Industrial Park, adding 100 new jobs and aiming to boost production after local delays. Local Governance & Tech: Knoxville’s zoning panel recommended a one-year moratorium on large data centers inside city limits, teeing up a final vote by the Knox County Commission while officials update rules. Workforce & Public Safety: Tennessee Task Force 2’s canine search teams earned FEMA Foundational Skills Assessment certification, a step toward fully deployable Urban Search and Rescue teams. Community & Aging Services: Nashville Parks Foundation won a $300,000 Lowe’s Community Impact grant to renovate the Elizabeth Senior Center, including new tech access and reworked spaces for older adults. Energy & Infrastructure: TDOT says SR-68 bridge work over SR-40 in Ducktown is complete, with final paving and lane shifts still possible in the active work zone. Consumer Protection: Putnam County tobacco retailers hit 100% compliance in Tennessee Department of Agriculture checks, reinforcing age-restricted sales enforcement. Business & Logistics: FedEx’s Memphis airport renamed for founder Fred Smith, alongside a retro Boeing 777F livery celebration.

Manufacturing Jobs: Prysmian is expanding its Jackson fiber optic cable plant with a $100M push that’s expected to double the facility and add 100 new jobs, with a groundbreaking set for Oct. 15 and completion in about 20 months. Construction & Mobility: Dyersburg is moving ahead with South Main Street bridge replacements over the Forked River and Forked Deer River Overflow, with new bike/ped paths and lighting tied into the Reagan Levee Greenway. Energy & Grid Demand: A new PJM interconnection process is bringing more natural gas into the queue as data center demand reshapes power planning, highlighting the build-out pressure on generation and transmission. Nuclear Fuel Growth: X-Energy reported Q2 progress including a $11M Tennessee economic development grant for its Oak Ridge TRISO-X fuel fabrication campus and land acquisition to support expansion. Local Business & Housing: A working-class renter, Brendan Doughtie, flipped a Rutherford County Commission seat on rent, pollution, and a proposed data center ban. Public Safety: State investigators joined a Hickman County probe into the “worst animal abuse case” in the county, involving 48 animals found at a Bon Aqua property. Tech & Telecom: Verizon restored a nationwide voice outage that left customers with full bars but failed calls.

Data Centers Clash in Nashville: DC BLOX’s subsidiary DCB Nashville sued Metro over a July moratorium and new distance rules blocking a planned facility near the Nashville Zoo, arguing permit delays are a “targeted attack” and citing constitutional protections. EV Supply Chain Push: Reporting on Trump’s EV policy shift highlights federal support for critical minerals and battery/mine projects, with downstream effects for EV makers and processors. Semiconductor Ambition: Elon Musk’s SpaceX/Tesla-linked plan for a massive Terafab microchip factory in Grimes County, Texas, signals continued industrial scale-up in advanced manufacturing. Energy Costs Under Heat: A West Tennessee heat wave is driving higher electricity demand and utility bills, with tips focused on thermostat settings and air-filter maintenance. Food Safety Watch: A major jalapeño recall expanded to hundreds sickened, with contaminated product tied to Salmonella and distributed across multiple major retailers. Local Logistics Branding: Memphis International Airport was renamed Frederick W. Smith International Airport, keeping the MEM code and honoring FedEx’s founder. Construction Update: Titans say the new Nissan Stadium is progressing toward enclosure, with seat installation nearing and cranes removed.

Death Penalty in Focus: A special hearing in Knox County Criminal Court begins for Christa Gail Pike, the only woman on Tennessee’s death row, as attorneys seek to delay or alter her September execution—centered on housing and mental-health concerns. Public Health Watch: CDC surveillance reports drug-resistant Candida auris in 27 states, with Tennessee listed among the highest counts, underscoring infection-control stakes for long-term care. Youth Tech Lawsuits: Meta, YouTube, TikTok and Snap face thousands of lawsuits nationwide alleging platforms are designed to keep children hooked, with states pushing for major changes. Energy & Appliances: The U.S. Fifth Circuit throws out Biden-era stove and oven efficiency rules, and Tennessee is among states that challenged the policy. AI Power Demand & Data Centers: Tennessee’s debate over data centers keeps heating up as national coverage highlights how AI-driven electricity demand is reshaping grid planning and local opposition. Local Industry & Infrastructure: TVA’s Bellefonte plant is being preserved for future nuclear talks, while Tennessee’s education and workforce efforts continue to expand around new technology needs.

Appliance Policy: A 5th Circuit ruling struck down Biden-era energy-efficiency standards for gas and electric stoves and ovens, saying the Department of Energy improperly bypassed required public comment steps—an outcome Tennessee and other states backed. Nuclear Development: TVA says it’s preserving the Bellefonte site for possible future nuclear work, with talks involving GE Vernova Hitachi and potential BWRX-300 small modular reactors. Scam Watch: Lenoir City logged two BBB Scam Tracker reports in June, including a credit repair/debt relief scheme; statewide, Tennessee cities remain heavily represented in reported fraud. Energy & Industry: New analysis warns AI-driven data center growth is pushing more “behind-the-meter” gas power, raising major climate and air-quality concerns. Food Safety: A salmonella-linked jalapeño recall is hitting Tennessee shoppers via a Kroger Private Selection spicy roast beef sandwich (best-by Aug. 7–12). Local Business: Louisville’s NuLu welcomes a Nashville Barrel Co. tasting-room concept as Louisville Rickhouse Whiskey Co. opens its first out-of-state location.

Social Media Regulation: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 61% of Americans back tighter oversight of social platforms and 66% support age-verification laws to keep kids under 16 off apps, though many worry about how to do it safely as verification data can become a hacker target. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall to prepared foods on grocery shelves across 26 states, including Tennessee, with “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16—shoppers are urged to check fridges and avoid affected items. Energy & Manufacturing: Samsung SDI will end its Indiana battery joint venture with GM and buy GM’s stake, citing weaker EV demand, while keeping collaboration on next-gen battery tech—another sign of shifting battery investment priorities. Local Infrastructure: TDOT plans nightly lane closures on I-840 and I-65 in Williamson County for resurfacing through December 2026, with extra traffic controls during the county fair. Healthcare Tech: A pilot study suggests an AI “virtual nephrologist” could boost CKD patients’ conversations about kidney transplants, aiming to reduce referral gaps.

Social Media Regulation: A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 61% of Americans want tighter oversight of social media, and 66% back age-verification laws to keep kids under 16 off platforms—support is strong across parties, even as critics warn verification data can become a hacker target. Meta Legal Pressure: Meta’s bid to pause a landmark youth mental-health trial failed, leaving the company facing a potential $1.4 trillion penalty request from state AGs. Data Centers & Construction: Morgan Steel launched a Memphis-based data center construction division, DC-FAB, as the sector keeps expanding. AI Infrastructure Finance: Anthropic unveiled Theseus Infrastructure, a landlord-style platform backed by Macquarie and GIC to secure purpose-built data centers. Local Public Safety & Heat: Nashville OEM will run heat patrols amid dangerous heat indices, checking on vulnerable residents. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products tied to a salmonella outbreak affecting retailers including Kroger, Walmart, Target and Whole Foods. Energy Costs: Tennessee diesel prices eased in late July, with multiple counties reporting low points near $4.77–$4.89 per gallon. Workforce Tools: The National Business League named remoting.work its official global hiring platform to help small businesses scale.