AGP Executive Report

Nashville College Hoops: Vanderbilt locked in Mark Byington with an extension after back-to-back NCAA Tournament bids, keeping the Commodores’ momentum rolling as basketball remains central to the program’s “aim higher” push. 4th of July Arts & Community: Chattanooga’s long-running “Pops on the River” returns for the July 4 weekend with live music, food trucks, a Chattanooga Symphony and Opera performance, a military flyover, and a drone-and-fireworks finale. Music Education: A Princeton Atelier songwriting class keeps students writing and performing new songs weekly, with instructors Bridget Kearney and Bartees Strange guiding the process. Theater: Theatre Bristol’s “Red, White and Tuna” runs July 2–12 in Bristol, TN, bringing the Greater Tuna crew back for laughs and Americana. Celebrity Music Buzz: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s MSG wedding weekend is underway, with celebrity guests spotted arriving and reports of a $26 million charity donation ahead of the big celebrations. Cancer Update: Country singer Jillian Cardarelli shared she’s battling stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma.

Independence Day in Tennessee: Nashville’s half-cent grocery tax cut is now in effect, trimming local grocery taxes by about $72 a year for residents. 4th of July planning: Tennessee now allows alcohol sales on Independence Day (beer, wine, liquor), though some stores may still have limited hours. Music & community: Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) confirmed fall dates with The Dirty Knobs, with stops that include Nashville’s AmericanaFest. Local arts spotlight: The J.L. Cook School Heritage Foundation is planning an August reunion marking the school’s 100th anniversary, tied to a permanent exhibit at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum. Sports culture: The Nashville Civic Orchestra’s founding artistic director, Elias Salazar, is profiled ahead of a busy summer season. Streaming: Netflix’s July lineup includes new “Worst Neighbor Ever” and other fresh series.

NBA Blockbuster: Jaylen Brown is headed from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George plus draft capital, reshuffling one of the league’s most successful duos. Tennessee Sports Heartbreak: Tennessee’s season ends with another Elite Eight loss, this time to Michigan, as the Volunteers fall 95-62. Nashville Health Alert: Metro Public Health says West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes near Cass Street in North Nashville, urging residents to protect themselves from bites. Country Music Spotlight: Alan Jackson’s “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” drew more than 80,000 fans in Nashville, and he’s set to release a live album from the final show. Music + Legal Drama: In Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty’s case, prosecutors say new material includes video tied to the alleged Gucci Mane contract release. Arts & Community: A Tennessee theatre nonprofit is weighing stewardship of Tropic Cinema, a long-running Key West art-house venue.

NFL Draft Buzz (Tennessee pipeline): Raiders are giving former Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy a slow, careful ramp-up after he missed the 2025 season with a torn ACL, with the team expecting him to be ready for training camp and a young-cornerback battle. World Cup in Tennessee (Spain base): Spain wrapped up a month-long World Cup stay in Chattanooga and heads to Los Angeles for the round of 32, with questions lingering about midfield form and the squad’s overall rhythm. Music Release (Nashville-area): Chest Fever released “The Weight,” a live single from their upcoming THE 21ST CENTURY LAST WALTZ – LIVE AT MASSEY HALL, continuing their countdown to the Sept. 18 album drop. Local Film Premiere (Memphis): Memphis filmmaker Robert Gordon’s documentary “Newport & The Great Folk Dream” lands a local premiere July 22 at Crosstown Theater. Sports & Community (Tennessee prep football): A 50-days-until kickoff countdown highlights the 2026 high school football season, including Tennessee’s public-private split and new classification ripple effects. Arts & Entertainment (Nashville): A look at how Nashville’s classical music scene is growing, plus a roundup of July events and local “Sounds & Scene” style fun.

Supreme Court & Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s school sports in Idaho and West Virginia, a Title IX win that’s likely to spur more state restrictions. Tennessee Arts & Community: A University of Tennessee professor will receive a $1.9M settlement after being fired over social media comments criticizing Charlie Kirk. Music & Nashville Spotlight: Reba McEntire shared an emotional tribute to Alan Jackson ahead of his final show in Nashville, with other country stars sending video messages too. AI in Tennessee Business: Knoxville-based Majors Management is rolling out AI across its convenience-retail operations with ResultStack, targeting pricing, inventory, loyalty, and labor planning. Sports (Local + National): The NBA set the 2026-27 salary cap at $164.961M (up 6.5%), and the Grizzlies traded Ja Morant to the Trail Blazers. Local Sports Pipeline: Former Tennessee ace Garrett Stallings got called up by the Milwaukee Brewers for a likely MLB debut.

NBA & Memphis: The Grizzlies officially traded two-time All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, ending a seven-year Memphis run marked by injuries and off-court controversy. Nashville Music TV: “Good Morning America” announced its 2026 Summer Concert Series, with Keith Urban, Coco Jones, Dan + Shay, Sublime and more set to perform from the GMA stage starting July 10. Predators Hockey: Nashville’s NHL front office is gearing up for free agency after finalizing its first draft class, with $19.8M in cap space and a focus on trades as the market opens July 1. Local Sports Spotlight: Bradley Central standout Tyler Cook capped his prep career with All-State honors as he heads to JUCO powerhouse Walters State. Online Safety & Tech: The U.S. House passed the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, pushing new safeguards for children on social platforms. AI & Education: A surge in AI cheating accusations is putting students in high-stakes misconduct proceedings as detection tools and campus rules vary. Tennessee Politics (District Race): East Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District race is heating up as three Democrats challenge Rep. Diana Harshbarger.

NBA Trade Shock (Memphis/Portland): The Grizzlies have traded Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers, sending Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis, ending Morant’s seven-year run in a move that’s already sparked major fan reaction and offseason buzz. Music Night Out (Memphis): Alt-rock band Drip Edges is set to play Gabe’s, with frontman Jeremy Scott previewing tracks from the new EP “Kicking Tires on the Clown Car.” Country Spotlight (Nashville): Alan Jackson’s farewell run continues to dominate headlines, with coverage of his final concert and the crowd’s mixed reactions to Taylor Swift’s appearance. Health & Awareness (NFL): Former Titans star Chris Johnson says he’s been diagnosed with ALS and now communicates via an eye-controlled speech device. Arts & Culture (Shelby): Hall of Fame songwriter Kostas shared the stories behind major country hits during a Roxy Theater Songwriter Showcase. Local Events (Middle TN): Spring Hill kicks off its first-ever Fourth of July celebration for America 250 with live music, fireworks, and a drone show. Sports on the Field (World Cup 2026): Netherlands and Morocco set up another World Cup matchup story line as the last-32 picture tightens.

Nashville Arts & Film: Sarah Harralson’s new biopic short documentary “JUST THE BEGINNING” premieres in Nashville and comes with a matching EP, spotlighting her path from Alabama roots through Knoxville to a Nashville career. Local Culture & Community: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens faces a neighbor-led legal challenge over a city-mandated parking facility, with the garden launching a “SAVE CHEEKWOOD” campaign to keep public access open. TV/Streaming Spotlight: Taylor Sheridan’s “Landman” earns its first major award at the ACM Honors in Nashville, with the show recognized for weaving country music into its soundtrack. Independence Day in Music City: Nashville kicks off America’s 250th with a First Thursday “Happy 250th Birthday America Party” at Connie’s Children’s Park, featuring live music, games, and patriotic cake. Music on the Road: KALEO announces a UK and European “Way Down We Go” tour celebrating 10 years of “A/B,” with tickets going on sale July 3. Sports & Entertainment Mix: The Memphis Grizzlies’ offseason decision-making ramps up as free agency begins June 30.

Music City Spotlight: Alan Jackson closed out his touring career with “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” at Nissan Stadium, drawing major country stars and a big downtown livestream crowd—plus a surprise Taylor Swift video tribute that sparked both cheers and boos. Community & Culture: Nashville’s veteran-owned Nashville Adventures and JHR Photography launched the Nashville Mural Photo Tour, a private, professionally shot experience built around the city’s murals. Local Impact: Gabby Petito’s family traveled to Nashville for “Break the Silence,” a domestic violence awareness benefit featuring a panel, documentary screening, and performances by local artists. Education Watch: Hamilton County Schools reported districtwide gains on TCAP, with improvements in ELA, math, and social studies. Public Safety: A Marked Tree, Arkansas police officer died and another was injured in an on-duty crash after a vehicle ran a stop sign.

Country Music Farewell: Alan Jackson’s final Nashville concert at Bridgestone Arena drew country stars and thousands of fans despite severe weather delays, capping a career built on staying true to traditional sounds. Sports Legacy in Tennessee: Pat Summitt’s legacy was honored at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony at Tennessee Theatre, with Candace Parker joining the class of 2026 and tributes spanning Summitt’s decade-defining impact. Local Arts & Community: DeKalb commissioned Memphis artist Kirsten Sandlin for a downtown mural celebrating America250, while Tellico Village author Cheryl Peyton released “Murder in Tellico Village,” a new local-set mystery. Live Music Calendar: Zanesville’s Secrest Summer Concert Series keeps rolling with free outdoor shows, food trucks, and a beer garden. Nashville Music Industry: Brandon Flowers announced his Nashville-recorded solo single “Plans” and detailed a fall tour supporting his upcoming album. Health & Marketing (TN): TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health partnered with Web Logix Group to expand AI-powered healthcare marketing.

NHL Draft Buzz (Nashville): The 2026 NHL Draft is in the books, and Nashville’s haul is getting plenty of attention—Wyatt Cullen earned an A+ grade as the Predators’ 10th overall pick, with Tommy Bleyl also highlighted as part of a deeper class. Masters Moment (East TN): Tennessee golfer Jackson Herrington matched his low amateur pace at Augusta, tying for the lowest amateur score at the Masters even though the Silver Cup wasn’t awarded. Country Music Spotlight: The War and Treaty used BET 2026 to spotlight Black roots in country music, while Alan Jackson’s final Nashville-area farewell show is driving major emotion online. Local Arts & Education: Caldwell Arts Council is calling for sculptors for its 40th annual Sculpture Celebration, and NPAC is hosting area teachers plus free Knoxville Symphony Orchestra tickets. Food Safety: Reser’s Fine Foods recalled mislabeled pasta salad that may contain undeclared allergens. Tennessee Pride: Gov. Lee proclaimed Dolly Parton Day in Tennessee.

NHL Draft Buzz (Nashville): The Predators made two big moves in the 2026 NHL Draft—taking playmaking forward Wyatt Cullen at No. 10 and then surprising some by trading up for defenseman Tommy Bleyl at No. 31, with speed and offense driving the pick. Golf Spotlight (Tennessee): Three Vols tee up at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills—Chase Kyes and Jackson Herrington as amateurs, plus Caleb Surratt as Tennessee’s third representative. Track & Field (Maryville): Sawyer Robinette signed with Alabama Huntsville after clearing a 15-foot vault, turning his pole-vault passion into a college track future. Music & Theater (East Tennessee): The Shed is set for a Halloween lineup with Them Dirty Roses and more, while Broadway Center for the Arts brings “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” to Maryville in December. Community Arts (Maryville): Neighborly Books hosts an “Evening of Poetry and Conversation,” and Behind the Barn’s December benefit for WDVX leans into Merle Haggard tunes.

NHL Draft Buzz (Nashville/Tennessee sports fans): The Toronto Maple Leafs landed Penn State winger Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick, setting up an immediate offensive boost after his 51-point freshman season. Local Music & Community: The Carter Family Fold brings Daniel Grindstaff and the Uptown Troubadours to the stage this Saturday. Independence Day Events (East Tennessee): Jonesborough Days returns July 3-4 with an America 250 theme, parade, fireworks, live music, and craft booths. More Live Music: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort kicks off its Winter Music Series lineup. Storytelling Night: Graveyard Tales is coming to Jonesborough Sept. 7, with spooky local legends and a 12+ audience note. Country Spotlight: Morgan Wallen’s Clemson weekend show is framed around his biggest headline-making controversies. Books & Culture (Nashville): Ann Patchett talks literary life from her Nashville bookstore, Parnassus Books.

NHL Draft Buzz (Nashville): The Predators kick off the 2026 NHL Draft with the No. 10 pick Friday and 10 more selections across Rounds 2-7, starting a new era under GM/president Chris MacFarland after recent roster moves. Summer Music (Tennessee): The Plymouth Philharmonic’s “It’s Tropical Rock” brings beach-party classics to Memorial Hall June 27-28, with Nashville-linked vocalists among the lineup. Local Arts Spotlight (Nashville): The Tennessee State Museum is weighing partners to rehabilitate Red Grooms’ beloved Tennessee Fox Trot Carousel, a downtown attraction dismantled in 2003. Pop Culture (Music): Maren Morris marks 10 years since “Hero” with “HERO: A Second Wind,” adding vault tracks and demos. Food Safety: FDA upgraded a recall to Class I for 684K bags of Zapps and Dirty chips over potential Salmonella. Community & Sports: Memphis Grizzlies draft-day optimism continues as rookies meet local media, while Nashville-area fans keep an eye on Predators and other pro drafts.

Country Music TV: CMA Fest 2026’s ABC special airs tonight (8 p.m. ET) with free streaming options via ABC trial services, and it’ll be on Hulu the next day. Nashville Live Music: Paycor Stadium’s concert season is ramping up, with major summer shows including Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson. Memphis Music Hall of Fame: The Memphis Music Hall of Fame is moving its inductee ceremony from fall to spring starting in 2027. Dolly Parton in Tennessee: Dolly Parton’s Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville officially opened June 24, with a surprise appearance, Dolly-themed amenities, and 24/7 food and fuel. Sports-to-Entertainment Crossover: The Nashville Predators released their 2026 preseason schedule, including two home games at Bridgestone Arena. NBA Draft Buzz: Memphis Grizzlies selected BYU’s Richie Saunders (No. 32) and Tennessee’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie (No. 42) in the 2026 NBA Draft.

NBA Draft fallout (Tennessee ties): AJ Dybantsa went No. 1 to the Wizards, while Memphis landed Richie Saunders at No. 32 and Karim López became the first Mexican-born first-round pick before being traded to the Grizzlies—plus Cameron Carr’s rights moved from the Knicks to the Lakers. Music & live shows: Kelli Belles headlines Sweetwater House Concert in Sweetwater on June 27; Jazz in June keeps rolling with Josh Hoyer and The Colossal 4 (free, 7 p.m.) in the Sheldon Sculpture Garden. Country music news: Dierks Bentley reflects on his “Broken Branches” era, and Brandon Flowers announces his solo album “Thrasher” for Aug. 21. Local culture: Juneteenth drew a crowd to Discovery Park of America in Union City with music, dance, and community programming. Tech/real estate (Nashville-area relevance): iEmergent backs the CONVERGENCE Knowledge Hub with a Market Profile Dashboard aimed at expanding homeownership access. Business/retail: Bed Bath & Beyond is speeding up its Container Store expansion with a dual-brand plan and a $53M Fathom acquisition.