AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & Health Alerts: Severe Weather Days and a Heat Advisory are in effect across the Mid-South, with heat indices expected to hit 100–110 degrees through the weekend and into Labor Day; doctors warn people can be dehydrated without realizing it and urge steady water intake. Local Recreation Funding: Knoxville is set to receive $1.15 million for park, riverfront and trail upgrades, including expanded public river access tied to the Tennessee RiverLine and new cycling amenities at Holston River Park. Cybersecurity in Tennessee Courts: The Tennessee Appellate Court Clerk’s Office says its case data was among what West Publishing’s cybersecurity incident exposed, with some records potentially containing sensitive personal information. Nuclear & Energy Policy: Tennessee is being positioned in a national push for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, while BWXT was selected to deploy its advanced reactor tech for the U.S. Army’s Janus program at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Data Center Pressure in Memphis: Boxtown residents say industrial projects, including SpaceXAI’s Colossus data center, have brought dust, noise, road damage and ongoing health concerns, with calls for more say in what gets built.

Heat & public safety: Tennessee’s high school football heat rules are now in effect as extreme temperatures push heat indexes high enough to restrict outdoor play and force schedule changes. Climate resilience & forests: The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s East Tennessee Nursery opened tree seedling orders Sept. 1, offering native hardwoods, pines, and streambank-suited species to help stabilize waterways and rebuild forests. Wildlife management: TWRA opened the 2026-2027 Sandhill Crane and Bobwhite Quail quota hunt application period Sept. 2, with permits and tags set via computerized drawing. Water & infrastructure history: A look back at Nashville’s early open-air reservoir system shows how far drinking-water treatment has come. Energy & regulation: Tennessee issued its first fusion-specific operating license to Type One Energy, clearing the way for a commercial fusion project at TVA’s Bull Run site. Trails & access: TDEC grant funding will support upgrades to the Bigbee River Trail in McMinnville, including a sustainable boardwalk and safety improvements. Local governance: Nashville town leaders advanced beautification and neighborhood revitalization plans, including housing rehab funding. Tech & risk: Tennessee appellate court data was among records involved in a West Publishing cybersecurity incident, prompting state response under its cyber plan.

Extreme Heat & Safety: A heat advisory is in effect for the Mid-South through Saturday at 8 p.m., with Memphis and surrounding areas facing dangerously hot, humid conditions and heat indices around 100–110 degrees. Wildlife & Boating: TWRA is urging boaters to stay safe ahead of Labor Day weekend, warning against boating under the influence and reminding people to wear life jackets and watch weather. Storm Cleanup Fire Risk: After a bow echo left debris across the region, Shelby County fire officials say don’t burn storm trash—surface burning without a permit is illegal and dry debris can spark fast-moving brush fires. Atmosphere Research: The Bankhead National Forest observatory is producing early results on how forests affect humidity, aerosols, clouds, rainfall, and storms, using a long-term instrumented tower and open collaboration. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters confirmed an unauthorized party accessed C-Track files used by courts in Tennessee and other states, with some records containing personal information. Local Transit: Memphis unveiled new MATA buses and a refreshed board, while riders’ union members raised concerns about wait times and board changes. Community Outdoors: East Tennessee’s Ijams Nature Center and Knoxville Botanical Garden are hosting bird-banding and outdoor symphony events this week.

Recycling Push in Tennessee: Gov. Bill Lee appointed Lincoln Young, president of Rockwood Sustainable Solutions, to the new Recycling Market Development and Diversion Advisory Council, aimed at helping Tennessee manufacturers secure reliable in-state supplies of recyclables. Water Quality Upgrade: Farragut, Knox County and the City of Knoxville are using a $205,500 state grant to improve North Fork Turkey Creek water quality by retrofitting a detention pond to cut downstream sediment and E. coli. Wildlife Safety: Cleveland police urged residents to keep distance from bears after multiple sightings, stressing that bears are handled by TWRA and people shouldn’t approach or call police unless there’s danger. Data Privacy in Courts: Tennessee’s Appellate Court Clerk confirmed West Publishing’s cybersecurity incident included Tennessee appellate case data, potentially exposing sensitive personal information, while saying the case management system remains operational. Data Center Controversy in Bradley County: A public meeting on “Project River” drew backlash after residents said they didn’t get real chances to speak, as planners discussed an 850-acre natural gas and biomass power plan designed to support data-center-style customers. Outdoor Safety for Labor Day: TWRA reminded boaters to follow safe practices for the busy Sept. 5-7 weekend, including life jacket use and avoiding reckless or impaired operation. Heat Watch: Multiple reports flagged record or near-record heat risk across Middle Tennessee into the Labor Day weekend.

Extreme Heat in Tennessee: Memphis and the Mid-South are under Heat Advisory and Extreme Heat Warning conditions, with heat index values near or above 100 through the weekend, and “Severe Weather Days” extending as storms stay possible but rainfall remains limited. Local Power and Climate Resilience: A new airfield upgrade at Redstone Arsenal got environmental go-ahead, including runway safety work and a microgrid plan for resilient power to critical loads. Nuclear in Tennessee: Tennessee approved a fusion-specific byproduct material license for Type One Energy, clearing the way for Project Infinity at TVA’s Bull Run Energy Complex in Clinton. Data Centers, Water, and Air Concerns: Memphis City Council voted to pause data center development for a year, while Bulloch County commissioners rejected an outright data center ban and kept a moratorium in place; in Bradley County, residents get a chance to question “Project River,” an 850-acre industrial campus that could include a data center. Wildlife and Outdoor News: TWRA is hosting a youth dove hunt and cookout Sept. 5 at Joachim Bible Refuge, with nontoxic shot required.

Extreme Heat Watch: Severe Weather Days and heat advisories are in play across the Mid-South, with Tennessee Valley forecasts pushing heat indexes near 105 and staying muggy into the weekend. Wildlife & Outdoor Access: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is again asking lawmakers to raise hunting and fishing license fees, citing about 40% higher operating costs over the last decade. Fusion Energy Milestone: Tennessee issued its first state license for a nuclear fusion project—Type One Energy’s “Project Infinity” at TVA’s Bull Run complex—aiming for operation by 2034. Local Water & Community Impact: Memphis-area brewery owners are backing Protect Our Aquifer, urging SpaceXAI to restart a promised water-recycling plan. Tech & Energy Politics: A growing GOP split is emerging over data centers, as Trump argues communities rejecting them will fall behind while officials cite electricity, water use, and local strain. Education & AI: University of Memphis Law launched the Delta Institute for AI and the Law to expand AI literacy and responsible use in the legal system. NWS Preparedness: Middle Tennessee residents can sign up for free SKYWARN spotter classes to help report severe weather.

Extreme Heat Watch: Heat advisories and “First Alert Weather Days” are rolling across Tennessee’s Mid-South and parts of the region, with heat index values pushing past 100 and even near 105 in some areas—officials are urging hydration, shade, and extra care for kids, seniors, and people without reliable A/C. PFAS Relief for Customers: Tennessee American Water is issuing another nearly $12 PFAS settlement credit to about 89,000 customers, adding to more than $71 per account returned through prior rounds. Smoky Mountains E-Bike Access: The National Park Service proposed a rule to streamline approvals and expand bicycle and e-bike access across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park system, with a 60-day public comment period. Urban Trees & STEM Funding: Tennessee’s tree canopy grant applications are open (up to $20,000) to support stormwater mitigation and cooler neighborhoods, and TVA is accepting K-12 STEM award applications up to $5,000 for classroom projects. Local Environment Events: Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning is lining up September outings and cleanups, including Obed River and Cedar Barrens events.

Fusion Energy in Tennessee: Gov. Bill Lee and TDEC announced the state’s first fusion-specific byproduct material license for Type One Energy, clearing the way for Project Infinity at TVA’s Bull Run site, with full startup targeted for 2034. Air Quality Fight: Tennessee-linked Republican AGs, including Russell Coleman, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to revive a challenge to tighter Biden-era soot pollution limits, arguing EPA overstepped outside its regular review cycle. Extreme Heat Watch: Middle Tennessee faces First Alert Weather Days with dangerous heat and humidity, heat index values near 105° and a Heat Advisory in parts of the region. Outdoor Recreation Funding: TDEC awarded Dunlap $525,000 for a pump track park, part of a larger round of outdoor grants aimed at rural trails and parks. Wildlife Hunting Deadlines: TWRA quota hunt applications for sandhill crane and bobwhite quail run Sept. 2–30, with online and in-person submission options. Appalachian Trail Milestone: Memphis-area hiker Dale Sanders, 91, reclaimed the oldest Appalachian Trail completion record by finishing the full route.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: Memphis-area officials issued Severe Weather Days for Tuesday through Friday due to extreme heat risk, with a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for ozone pollution in Shelby, Crittenden and DeSoto; heat indices could hit 105–109 with little rain relief, and sensitive groups are urged to limit outdoor exertion. Data Center Pollution Pushback: Reporting from the Memphis-Mississippi border highlights how xAI’s expanding data center campus is bringing rising noise pollution, alongside air and planet-warming emissions from gas generation, with residents warning regulations and awareness lag behind. Nuclear Supply Chain Link to Tennessee: A new actinium-225 production facility near Penn’s campus is under construction, with Ac-225 sourced from uranium-233 storage at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee—showing Tennessee’s role in cancer isotope processing. Wildlife Safety: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says black bear sightings are rising statewide; officials advise securing trash and pet food to reduce bear encounters. Weather Outlook: A “Super El Niño” is expected to suppress Atlantic tropical activity and shape Tennessee’s winter, with forecasters pointing to milder, wetter falls and cooler, drier winters. Community Resilience: Bonnaroo’s owners canceled 2027 events after repeated severe storms damaged the Manchester site, citing ongoing repair needs.

Wildfire Mutual Aid: Tennessee firefighters are heading to Texas to help with fast-moving structural wildfire conditions, with 29 personnel from multiple Middle Tennessee and East Tennessee departments expected to stay about 14 days. Invasive Species Watch: A local reminder on Japanese stiltgrass—first recorded in the U.S. after being shipped via packing material to Tennessee—highlights how easily it spreads along roadsides and waterways and can take over disturbed, moist areas. Heat & Drought Stress: Middle Tennessee is bracing for another stretch of high heat and humidity, with “feels like” temps in the 100s to 110s midweek and limited rain chances. Energy, Air, and Water Concerns: A new report alleges Musk’s Colossus data center complex near Memphis is poisoning the air and drawing millions of gallons of water for cooling, raising health and pollution worries. Community & Conservation: Mammoth Cave’s Bat Day on Sept. 5 will feature bat expert Merlin Tuttle with free talks and hands-on programming to boost public understanding of bats’ ecological role. Local Environment & Safety: A Nashville man was killed after being struck by an SUV while walking in the southbound lanes of I-55 in Blytheville, underscoring roadway safety risks. Policy/Placekeeping: Gov. Bill Lee says he’s partnering to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton, a move gaining momentum after her death. Disaster Updates Beyond TN: Nepal’s deadly flooding continues to leave hundreds dead and thousands missing, including Tennessee-area Isha Institute followers reported unaccounted for.

Air Quality Alert (Memphis): A Code Orange ozone alert is in effect for the Memphis metro (Shelby, DeSoto, Crittenden) until sunset, urging people with respiratory issues and sensitive groups to cut back on outdoor time as heat and humidity build. Heat & Storm Risk (Middle TN): Meteorologists warn that meteorological fall won’t feel like fall—hot, humid weather is expected to push heat indices near 100, with rain chances staying low. Wildlife & Biodiversity (Tennessee bears): Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reports black bears are slowly recolonizing the lower Mississippi River basin, with sightings increasingly showing up in Middle and West Tennessee. Local Environment & Community: YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia announced a major $5 million gift to expand its campus into a larger, modern facility with more early childhood and outdoor learning space. Nuclear Energy Watch: A planned nuclear micro-reactor at Eielson Air Force Base is now eyed for 2029 operation, adding to the broader debate over energy, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. Weather-Linked Safety (sports): A Brainerd–Howard football game was ended early due to extreme heat after multiple fans passed out.

Air Quality & Heat: A Code Orange ozone alert is in effect for the Memphis metro until sunset, with guidance to limit outdoor time for people with respiratory issues as humidity and heat ramp back up. Weather Outlook: Meteorological fall starts, but Tennessee is set for more summer-like heat next week—highs in the 90s, heat indices near 100+, and rain chances staying very low. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reports black bears are slowly recolonizing the lower Mississippi River basin, with more sightings spreading across Middle and West Tennessee. Extreme Weather Risk: A new climate-model projection warns tornado “danger conditions” could shift farther north and east later this century, expanding beyond traditional corridors. Public Safety: TBI is investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting near the Coffee–Rutherford line after a sergeant was reportedly attacked with a machete; the suspect was killed and the sergeant is recovering. Global Disaster: Nepal flood deaths topped 600 with about 3,000 missing as poor weather hampers rescues.

Extreme Weather & Disaster Response: Nepal and China are still racing to rescue people after catastrophic flash floods and landslides killed nearly 600 and left about 3,000 missing, with officials warning a new upstream lake could trigger more flooding. Local Water & Public Health: Mosheim officials heard a resident’s complaint about “raw, human sewage” repeatedly flooding his property and flowing into a creek, raising concerns for wildlife and creating a long-running biohazard. Heat & Storm Watch for Tennessee: East Tennessee is heading back into sticky, dangerous heat, with 80s/90s this weekend and a push into the mid-90s next week, plus spotty mountain showers. Lead in Schools: Jackson-Madison County Schools completed a statewide lead testing program; early results flagged high lead levels in 13 schools, with later rounds showing lower levels after maintenance. Clean Energy & Materials: A battery recycling startup, Nth Cycle, won a federal DOE grant up to $100 million to build a refining facility, aiming to cut pollution versus chemical-heavy recycling. Data Centers & Environment Debate: Fisk University released a faculty report backing a proposed campus data center, saying cooling would recirculate water and noise would be reduced while addressing neighbor concerns.

Water & Wildlife: TVA’s annual Kentucky Lake drawdown is underway, with levels slowly falling toward winter pool and surface temps still in the mid-to-high 80s—good news for anglers, plus the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s wildlife photo contest is nearing its deadline. Weather Watch: East Tennessee is seeing hit-or-miss summer storms that are hard to pinpoint until they form, so forecasts can miss one neighborhood while another gets the downpour. Grid & Clean Energy Tech: EPRI launched a DER Interoperability Lab in Knoxville to help utilities and vendors test how rooftop solar, batteries, and EV charging work together across systems. Local Learning & Sustainability: Public Education Forward and Bradley County Schools opened three new VW eLabs, adding renewable energy kits and digital fabrication tools for students. Air Pollution & Public Input: The EPA is moving to weaken public notice rules for certain air permits, a change critics say would let data center projects proceed with less community say. Community & Nature: Knoxville-area residents are invited to keep up with local events while Zoo Knoxville and Smokies Life continue spotlighting wildlife and biodiversity through programming. Conservation & Land Use: A Hickman County family is seeking justice after a historic cemetery was damaged by heavy equipment, highlighting Tennessee’s stronger cemetery protection law. Outdoor Safety/Access: TDOT plans major weekend traffic impacts in downtown Knoxville with northbound James White Parkway bridge repairs and ramp closures.

Data-center backlash meets energy politics: U.S. residents are increasingly protesting data center buildouts over environmental and cost concerns, and the push could spill into automakers’ stationary battery storage business that feeds those sites. Clean Air Act pressure: A separate report argues the data-center power rush is weakening the Clean Air Act, with regulators and consumer advocates pushing for “islanded” power that may not fully protect air quality. TVA moves to handle rising demand: The TVA Board approved rate-structure changes and planning steps aimed at keeping residential rates low while meeting accelerating electricity needs tied to growth, including data centers. Memphis air quality + heat: A Code Orange air alert is in effect for Memphis and surrounding counties as temperatures climb with heat indices near 100. Food safety update: Cyclospora linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has spread to 20 states, including Tennessee, with FDA tracking the Mexico farm source. Local environment-adjacent wins: Oak Ridge Girl Scouts are collecting used shoes for reuse and landfill reduction, with proceeds supporting local homeless services. Community health and outdoors: Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network won a $500,000 grant to bring a farm-to-school cooking and nutrition program into schools. Chattanooga tech for safety: Chattanooga launched a drone first-responder pilot to give police real-time views during 911 calls.

Storm Response: Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris declared a state of emergency after Aug. 22 storms with winds over 80 mph left major damage and widespread outages, including up to 148,000 Memphis Light, Gas and Water customers without power. Data Centers & Power Debate: A new $11.3B “Project River” in Bradley County would pair a biomass-and-natural-gas power plant with a planned data center campus, but residents are raising concerns about transparency and impacts. Nuclear Waste Pushback: State Rep. Kelly Keisling urged Gov. Bill Lee to oppose long-term nuclear waste storage in Scott, Fentress and Pickett counties tied to Tennessee’s nuclear initiative. Wildlife & Outdoor Costs: Tennessee’s TWRA approved a 2027-2028 license and permit budget that would raise many fees by roughly 27–29%, including a resident hunt/fish combo. Community Recycling & Health: Random Acts of Flowers repurposed hundreds of Dolly Parton statue flowers in Sevierville into 240+ bouquets for hospital patients. EV Charging Expansion: EVgo and Meijer opened a flagship fast-charging site in Warren, adding 350 kW pull-through access and more charging options for drivers.