AGP Executive Report

Energy & Grid: PJM’s reformed interconnection process is seeing natural gas surge in the first round of accepted projects, driven by data-center demand, while regulators in Alabama are holding hearings that could lower utility profit for Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf. Healthcare & Private Equity: Home health and hospice workers in Everett say a private-equity-backed management takeover is worsening staffing and patient-care conditions. Tech & Consumer Safety: New Mexico’s court ordered Meta to pay $567 million and overhaul Facebook/Instagram teen safety rules, including age verification and limits on addictive features. Food Safety: Walmart in-store bakery rolls made from Pillsbury frozen dough are recalled in 19 states after glass contamination concerns. Tennessee Community: Legal Aid of East Tennessee will hold free civil legal intake sessions in Rhea County on Sept. 2, and Jackson County’s early-literacy push via Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has now mailed 80,000 books. Local Business/Industry: Tennessee’s lottery-funded scholarship program faces revenue shortfalls, raising pressure on state education funding.

Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeño peppers has sickened hundreds across 27 states, including Tennessee, with dozens hospitalized; officials say the peppers were distributed to restaurants and wholesalers and urge careful washing and handling. Public Policy & Telecom: Tennessee is part of a broader push by state attorneys general to crack down on unwanted robocalls, with consumer advocates pointing to enforcement and “Do Not Call” tools as partial fixes. Aviation & Maintenance: AerSale reported a second-quarter loss as expected heavy maintenance work after the Spirit Airlines shutdown has been slower than planned, including scaling impacts at its Goodyear and Millington, Tennessee facilities. Workforce & Treatment Access: UTC launched a clinical addiction studies certificate program to help address Tennessee’s shortage of addiction counselors, aiming to streamline steps toward licensure. Energy & Industry: SpaceX plans natural gas power plants to supply electricity for its Texas Terafab semiconductor factory, reflecting how AI data centers increasingly rely on dedicated generation. Logistics Tech: Reliable Tank Line selected Gravitate to modernize dispatch and payroll for fuel hauling across Tennessee and the region. Politics & Solar: A solar-backed PAC is vowing to keep fighting after helping unseat Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles in the GOP primary.

Tennessee Politics & Redistricting: Former Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher beat Trump-backed Rep. Andy Ogles in the GOP primary for the newly drawn 5th District, setting up a November matchup with Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder after Molder won the Democratic primary; the race is the first test under Tennessee’s redrawn House map. Statewide Leadership: Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor, moving toward a general election against Democratic nominee Jerri Green. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states; Chipotle and Qdoba pulled jalapeños after the CDC linked the strain to peppers distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Tech & Jobs: TikTok is closing its Nashville office and laying off 250 employees, ending a two-year expansion. Energy & Manufacturing Policy: The U.S. ordered new 15% tariffs on polysilicon used in solar panels and microchips, a move critics say targets China’s supply chain and could ripple through Tennessee-linked production. Workforce & Education: MTSU ran hands-on forensic training for Tennessee criminal justice CTE teachers, pairing faculty with local law enforcement.

Nuclear & Energy Policy: A Tennessee-linked consultant says new nuclear reactors in Arkansas are “feasible and advisable,” but lawmakers may need to help with financing and preparation as demand rises and coal retirements loom. STEM & Workforce: Oak Ridge selected 52 middle school students for the Appalachian STEM Academy, funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, to build hands-on skills in science, tech, engineering and math. Air Quality: Shelby County issued a Code Orange ozone advisory for the Memphis metro Friday, urging residents to limit prolonged outdoor activity and take ozone-reduction steps. Healthcare Supply Chain: Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville is urging blood donations after a national shortage forced rescheduling elective surgeries, with special urgency for type O and platelets. Manufacturing & M&A: Logo Brands is expanding U.S. manufacturing via its acquisition of Brass Reminders, boosting specialty retail distribution while keeping production in Mexico. Logistics & Infrastructure: FERC approved a $1.7B Mississippi Crossing natural gas pipeline into Alabama, creating hundreds of jobs and connecting to the Tennessee Gas Pipeline system. Local Business Impact: Memphis Light, Gas and Water is raising its online credit card service fee to $1.50 per transaction starting Sept. 1. Politics & Industry Signals: In Tennessee’s GOP governor primary, Marsha Blackburn highlighted nuclear and AI “rulebook” goals, while opponents also targeted data centers and school voucher policy.

Food Safety: Qdoba joined Chipotle in removing jalapeños after a CDC/FDA-linked Salmonella Javiana outbreak sickened 345 people across 27 states, with illnesses tied to jalapeños imported from Mexico via Coast Citrus Distributors. Energy & Industry: The Army signed a new, non-binding energy siting MOU with TVA for Redstone Arsenal and Ft. Campbell, aiming to strengthen installation energy resilience. Nuclear Policy: Republicans are pushing DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, with Tennessee among states exploring the full nuclear fuel cycle—raising big economic hopes and lingering questions about waste “disposition.” Tennessee Business: Stella-Jones reported Q2 results showing utility pole and lattice tower strength, while margins were hit by near-term cost pressures. Workforce & Education: Tennessee Higher Education Commission launched a “Focused Baccalaureate Degree” to streamline paths into high-demand workforce skills. Tech & Power: New reporting warns AI data centers are straining power systems as demand swings can damage equipment and raise reliability costs. Local Regulation: Tennessee’s July 1 hemp law changes are reshaping retail—online sales/shipping are now illegal and THC limits tightened.

Hurricane Recovery Costs: Greeneville’s Water Commission says FEMA/TEMA guidance changed after Hurricane Helene, forcing it to cover a bigger share of recovery—about $2 million more than expected—while it pursues a $19 million federal infrastructure grant. Workplace Safety & Crime: In Memphis’ Rozelle neighborhood, an HVAC technician was charged after a coworker was shot and later died, with court records describing an argument during home work. Antitrust & Pharma: Acting AG Cori Mills announced a $400 million multi-state settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and market manipulation. Labor Policy: A proposed federal bill would double overtime pay beyond 40 hours, aiming to boost pay for millions of workers. Trade & Industry: Canada’s PM Mark Carney says talks with the U.S. on looming tariffs remain “constructive,” while the U.S. weighs new tariff/price-floor moves affecting industrial supply chains. Energy & Grid Pressure: Data-center power demand is reshaping political and business debates, with new scrutiny on how the build-out affects water and the electric grid. Retail & Consumer: Several states’ tax-free shopping days are underway, and Starbucks is rolling out the return of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Agriculture: USDA hatchery numbers show broiler placements running slightly ahead of last year, pointing to continued chicken production momentum.

Nuclear & Data Centers: Gov. Bill Lee says Tennessee is a finalist for a federal “nuclear lifecycle innovation campus,” with DOE also moving other states toward radioactive-waste storage; critics warn the plan could open the door to more data-center growth, while lawmakers push for transparency on where waste sites could be. Energy & Industry: Oak Ridge is highlighted as an emerging national energy hub as nuclear investment ramps up, and the East Tennessee Economic Council hosted a Nuclear Opportunities Workshop with DOE officials and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann. Healthcare Contracting: Rad Partners’ Georgia affiliate Northside Radiology Associates signed a multi-year in-network agreement with Anthem BCBS of Georgia, aiming to keep imaging access stable for members. Construction & Housing: Louisiana-Pacific’s building projects and other major local bids show up in early-2026 permit approvals, underscoring continued construction activity. Public Safety: A Nashville Broadway crash involving an 87-year-old driver killed four pedestrians; investigators are looking at whether a medical emergency played a role. Agriculture & Community: Oak Ridge Farmers’ Market marks 50 years, celebrating decades of producer-only local food sales. Business & Logistics: Avelo hit 10 million customers milestone, reflecting continued demand for affordable air travel.

AI Data Centers & Local Pushback: A new report says AI data center site selection is increasingly met with “pitchforks,” as communities weigh tax revenue against land-use and energy strain. Nuclear & Tennessee Policy: Tennessee lawmakers and Gov. Bill Lee continue to shape where nuclear-waste storage could go, with officials saying sites aren’t chosen yet. Food Safety Recall: Walmart-linked Bettergoods pistachio nut butter is recalled in multiple states, including Tennessee, after Salmonella was found in a tested lot; no illnesses reported. Studio & Audio Tech: KRK launched its V Series Five studio monitors in Nashville, adding wireless control via KRK Mesh. STEM & Education Funding: TVA is taking applications for up to $5,000 STEM classroom grants across its region, supporting hands-on projects like 3D printing. Local Manufacturing Jobs: A new look at Tennessee food manufacturing says the sector employs 40,302 workers. Consumer & Retail Finance: Bed Bath & Beyond reported second-quarter revenue growth and active-customer gains, signaling continued turnaround momentum.

Nuclear Energy Watch: Gov. Bill Lee says Tennessee has a “really good chance” to be a finalist for a $50B nuclear energy campus, but he won’t commit on where waste storage would land. Data Centers & Power: Tennessee towns are racing to keep noisy AI data centers away from neighborhoods, while a Nashville proposal would ban most right turns on red to cut crashes. Quantum & Tech Jobs: IonQ and Chattanooga utility EPB are launching the Tennessee Quantum Communications Research Center on live fiber, and IQM Quantum Computers reports its first US delivery to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Construction & Infrastructure: Keller says it completed more data center projects in H1 2026 than all of 2025, and a Memphis-area contractor alleges Musk-linked firms still owe it hundreds of millions for data center work. Local Business & Finance: Cat Financial posted Q2 2026 results with revenue up 10% to $991M. Public Safety: A Chattanooga man’s near-death surgery account claims a 45-minute Jesus-and-heaven vision, adding to the ongoing debate.

Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers in 19 states, including Tennessee, are being told to stop eating Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter after Salmonella was found in testing; no illnesses reported so far, and the recall covers 6.7-oz glass jars (lot LB028ACP04). Nuclear Policy & Jobs: Gov. Bill Lee says Tennessee can’t yet pick disposal sites for a potential DOE Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, but the state’s pitch includes spent-fuel storage and reprocessing, with DOE estimating major capital investment and job creation if selected. Aviation & Local Business: Jackson Regional Airport is rolling out a weekly food truck series for nearby industrial workers, with rotating vendors serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Manufacturing Expansion: Minth Group broke ground on a $430 million automotive campus in Gadsden, Alabama, targeting 1,300+ jobs—another sign of supplier growth in the region. Outdoor Access: TWRA and Campbell County finished an ADA-accessible courtesy dock at Norris Lake’s Davis Cemetery Access Area, funded through a federal grant plus local match. Energy & Data Centers: A new report highlights how Tennessee’s hyperscale data centers—especially xAI’s Memphis Colossus—are driving renewed debate over water use and affordability.

Energy Infrastructure & Environment: Southern environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over “fast-track” Nationwide Permit 12 approvals for natural gas pipelines, arguing the process sidesteps required reviews under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. Data Centers & Local Impact: West Virginia residents near the Monarch Compute Campus say construction noise and flooding runoff have damaged homes, while the project is positioned to become the state’s first major data center at large scale. Tennessee Energy Storage: Viridi is installing fail-safe battery energy storage at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s GRID-C to support next-gen grid tech testing with the U.S. Department of Energy. Construction & Legal Fight: A Tennessee-based contractor alleges SpaceXAI owes it about $570 million for data center work, citing mechanics’ liens tied to projects in Tennessee and Mississippi. Public Safety: A lithium-ion lawnmower battery exploded in a Spring Hill garage, sending a homeowner to the hospital with minor burns. Community Recreation: Campbell County and TWRA completed Tennessee’s first wheelchair-accessible courtesy dock on Norris Lake. Local Business/Jobs: Wise Company abruptly closed in Hardin County, leaving workers facing sudden job losses. Sports & Culture (Nashville): Nashville’s Music City Center highlights its major facilities and sustainability features as it continues hosting major events.

Insider Watch (Manufacturing): Mueller Industries executives filed SEC Form 4s tied to tax-withholding after equity vesting—CFO & Treasurer Jeffrey Andrew Martin sold 57,791 shares and CEO Gregory L. Christopher sold 205,972 shares on July 30, while EVP Daniel Pieralisi disposed of 1,808 shares; the moves are described as non-discretionary, not a change in long-term control. Energy & Nuclear (Market Pulse): NuScale Power’s Aug. 5 earnings could swing sentiment after the stock’s steep drop this year, with analysts pointing to long-term SMR demand but stressing execution risk. Workforce & Logistics (Layoff Signals): New WARN filings point to an August wave of job cuts across sectors, including major names like Amazon, Walmart and FedEx, with logistics and defense among the affected industries. Public Safety (Nashville Crash): Metro Nashville police identified the Broadway pedestrian victim killed Aug. 1 as Timothy Wedlock, an Australian insurance executive; investigators continue to determine what led to the crash. Policy & Consumer Protection (Back-to-School Insurance): Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance urged families to review teen-driver coverage and keep auto policies updated as school starts. Tech & Environment (Data Centers): Willie Nelson renewed criticism of data centers, calling them “loud, water-thieving, light-polluting,” as Tennessee and other states debate how to manage the boom. STEM (Regional Education): An Appalachian STEM Academy program in Oak Ridge, Tennessee selected students from across the region for hands-on research and mentorship, including a North Hall Middle School student.

Judicial Politics: Kansas voters will decide whether to elect state Supreme Court justices instead of having the governor appoint them, a move Republicans say will curb perceived court overreach on issues like abortion and school funding. Sports Trade Watch: The Detroit Tigers reportedly traded ace pitcher Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospects including Zyhir Hope, with the deal landing just before the MLB deadline. Local Business & Hospitality: Sneaky Tiki is planning a second, downtown Pensacola location with an outdoor courtyard and food truck, aiming for a “tropical escape” feel in a historic district. Tech & Consumer Safety: Minnesota’s statewide crypto ATM ban took effect Aug. 1, requiring kiosks to go offline after residents reported nearly $1M in scam losses. Tennessee Industry/Manufacturing: Korea Zinc marked its 52nd anniversary by pitching a “critical minerals” future vision, highlighting its integrated smelter project in Tennessee. Nashville Public Safety: A Kentucky driver struck four pedestrians in a Nashville crosswalk on Lower Broadway, killing one and sending three to hospitals. Data & Legal: Wolf Haldenstein says it’s investigating claims tied to the Lifespark Management Services data breach reported from February 2026.

Drone & Logistics: Matternet adds Starbucks supply-chain exec Sanjay Shah to its board as it pushes commercial drone delivery for health care, food and retail. Food Safety: Publix expands its recall of GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries over possible E. coli O145 contamination, including shipments to Tennessee. Trade & Enforcement: DOJ and DHS’s Trade Fraud Task Force tops $1B in recoveries, penalties and forfeitures in under a year, targeting customs misdeclarations and transshipment schemes. Public Health & Cost Pressures: A Fed Beige Book update says prices are rising fast across the St. Louis Fed’s district, with electricity and food costs hitting consumers while shoppers trade down. Tennessee Economy/Workforce: Wise Company in Savannah closes, eliminating 130 jobs, with no WARN notice filed. Energy/Tech Watch: Tennessee’s data-center buildout continues to draw scrutiny as the region weighs power demand and affordability impacts. Civic Rights: Kamala Harris says restoring the Voting Rights Act won’t happen “any time soon,” after the Supreme Court’s Callais decision reshaped redistricting protections.

Data Centers & Power Costs: TVA signed the Trump Administration’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, saying it will keep data-center costs from being passed to the 10 million customers it serves, while it weighs rate-structure updates as AI load is expected to double by 2030. Energy Policy: Tennessee’s new data-center rules require big facilities (50+ megawatts) to fund grid upgrades, but critics warn a carveout for on-site gas turbines could mean more pollution and noise with limited oversight. Construction & Legal Pressure: A Memphis-area mechanical contractor says SpaceXAI owes it more than $136M, with liens filed in Shelby County tied to Colossus data-center work since 2024. Fusion Industry: A report says global fusion funding hit $4.5B, with AI-driven power demand now seen as a major accelerator for commercial-scale timelines. Food Safety: Publix expanded an E. coli recall affecting GreenWise Organic blueberries and mixed berries shipped to Tennessee, and a separate USDA alert flagged Costco frozen steak burritos with an undeclared egg allergen. Higher Ed: Tennessee Tech opens fall 2027 admissions Aug. 3, 2026, as campus projects near completion. Local Business Real Estate: NAI Nashville Stanton Group helped bring Nashville Farmers’ Storehouse back into a historic Brentwood grocery building.

Nuclear & Energy: A major nuclear fusion milestone in France used modules designed by San Diego’s General Atomics and built with Tennessee’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, underscoring the state’s role in next-gen energy R&D. Data Centers & Power: SpaceXAI says it will start removing 69 temporary gas turbines at its Memphis-area site, with all temporary units gone by July 2027 as the company transitions to permanent power. Agriculture & Food Tech: The U.S. and India launched an NSF-backed AI project for precision soybean breeding led by University of Memphis professor Xiaolei Huang, aiming to boost yields and food security. Real Estate: A Middle Tennessee sales analysis finds homes that sell within a week close at full asking price, while listings beyond 90 days typically sell for less—about $40,000 off in Davidson County for 91–180 day listings. Local Business & Construction: Shure moved its Nashville offices into the new Rock Nashville production campus, expanding its local presence in the growing live-audio ecosystem. Community & Events: Tickets are now on sale for the Hamilton County Fair in Sale Creek, headlined by country star Rodney Atkins (Nov. 6–8). Policy Watch: WSMV4 fact-checks Tennessee GOP gubernatorial candidates’ promises, flagging proposals that may exceed what a governor can legally deliver. Sports & Culture: ESPN named Shaboozey’s “High Noon” as the 2026-27 college football season anthem, with a promo video featuring Neyland Stadium.