AGP Executive Report

Waymo expands in Nashville: Driverless Waymo rides are now bookable through the Lyft app across central Nashville, with service options like Standard and Extra Comfort and an expanding rollout plus a new Lyft depot planned for October. Local infrastructure power: Benchmark Electric will install a 500kW Cummins diesel generator at Frontdoor’s Germantown headquarters to keep operations running during outages. Staying safe outdoors: A Missouri hiker’s missing-for-five-days ordeal ended with a rescue after his signature in a summit register helped pinpoint his location. Conservation wins for Tennessee land: A couple protected nearly 42 acres along the Duck River with a conservation easement, part of broader efforts to keep Tennessee landscapes from being subdivided. Smokies invasive alert: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is asking visitors to watch for the invasive Joro spider as fall hiking ramps up. Memphis road project paused: Memphis shelved a plan to extend Paul R. Lowry Road after community and environmental pushback. Tourism numbers: Chester County reported $8.2M in visitor spending in 2025, highlighting continued growth in Tennessee’s travel economy. Dolly Parton legacy: Multiple pieces mark Parton’s Tennessee impact and ongoing tourism ties, including reflections on her role in the state’s culture and attractions.

Travel Accessibility: A new Longwoods International study finds 17% of U.S. travel parties in 2025 included someone needing accessibility services—mobility needs led at 60%, with vision (25%) and hearing (23%) also common. Memphis Tourism & Dining: Mark Wahlberg helped relaunch Wahlburgers Wild at the Memphis Pyramid, spotlighting menu upgrades and renovations across the venue. East Tennessee Events: The Tennessee State Museum’s traveling exhibit “Our American Story: Voices from Tennessee” opens Sept. 9 at the Farragut Museum, with free programming running through Oct. 15. Group Travel Planning: A new guide highlights top group-friendly meeting spaces and lodging in Gatlinburg and Knoxville. Local Travel Logistics: Clarksville Gas and Water plans a Downer Drive water outage and road closure Sept. 10 (8 a.m.–about 4 p.m.) for a valve replacement. Road Safety: A Nashville-area crash in Alexandria injured two people when a pickup sideswiped another vehicle towing trailers. Community & Culture: Knoxville’s Knox Asian Festival returns to World’s Fair Park, celebrating the Muroran sister-city relationship and cultural exchange.

Softball Recruiting: Clarksville High junior Kenize White has committed to the University of Tennessee, bringing a 4.0 GPA and record-setting sophomore stats that include 20 home runs and a .632 average. College Football Poll Watch: After Tennessee’s 56-9 Week 1 win over Furman, the Vols stayed at No. 18 in the US LBM Coaches Poll ahead of a Sept. 12 matchup at Georgia Tech. Smoky Mountains Fall Fun: Pigeon Forge is rolling out fall foliage and “not-so-scary” Halloween events, with harvest décor, family activities, and a scarecrow scavenger hunt. Travel Perks for Flyers: Southwest says it’s building its first-ever airport lounges, with Nashville among the initial locations, aiming for late-2027 openings. Spooky Season Road Trip Ideas: A new guide spotlights Tennessee’s haunted destinations, including Memphis cemetery and theater tours and other fall-friendly paranormal stops. Community & Literacy: A mobile book bus in Macon County is hitting neighborhoods and events, backed by local business donations.

Labor Day travel & safety: Kentucky is seeing heavy holiday traffic and higher crash risk, with officials urging extra caution as troopers step up patrols for the weekend. Nashville public safety: A stray bullet fired during an argument outside a lounge went through a Sam’s Club wall and killed a Frito-Lay worker, renewing calls for action on gun violence. Tennessee outdoors & hiking safety: A new safety explainer warns hikers that canyon storms can trigger fast, dangerous flash floods—plan routes with weather in mind. Local travel culture: A new coffee-and-fudge stop, The Caffeinated Elk, is drawing tourists and families with games, indoor comfort, and sweet treats. Memphis history tourism: A look back at Elvis Presley’s Graceland purchase highlights the story behind his final home—still a top draw for visitors. Community events: Chattanooga’s TedxChattanooga lineup is set for Nov. 12, spotlighting local voices and ideas. Visitor planning note: If you’re driving this week, expect Labor Day-style congestion patterns on major routes.

Tourism & Spending: Northeast Tennessee tourism hit a milestone—visitor spending topped $1 billion in 2025 for the first time, a big win for Hike-and-stay travelers and local attractions. Dolly Parton Travel Buzz: A Change.org petition is pushing to rename Nashville International Airport in Dolly Parton’s honor, and the story notes where the process stands—fans may soon have a new “Dolly” gateway to Tennessee. Road & Holiday Travel: Labor Day travel is ramping up nationwide, with Tennessee grocery hours and major road-work updates in the mix, including lane-closure pauses and traffic guidance for the holiday period. Safety on the Move: Indiana State Police seized about $3.8 million worth of cocaine after stopping a commercial vehicle traveling from Memphis to Indianapolis—another reminder to expect heightened enforcement on long drives. Local Community Events: Knoxville held a Dolly Parton tribute parade with giant puppets and music, showing how the state’s biggest star is still driving real-world plans for visitors.

Tourism Dollars: Northeast Tennessee hit $1.01B in visitor spending in 2025, up 8.9% year over year, with lodging, food and transportation all driving growth. Big-Name Attraction: Dollywood in Pigeon Forge is still open and pushing ahead with a half-billion-dollar expansion plan, with the park set to reopen for the 2027 season in March. Chattanooga Culture: The $75M Tivoli Theatre restoration and expansion is nearing completion, bringing a major performing-arts draw back online soon. Labor Day Guide: Here’s what’s open and closed across Tennessee on Labor Day, including typical retail hours and closures for banks, schools, and some government services. Road-Trip Ideas: A Halloween road-trip roundup highlights Tennessee’s most haunted places, from Memphis tours to spooky stops statewide. Local Safety/Tech: Alcoa officials paused a proposal for private speed cameras near schools, weighing safety goals against the company’s operating model. Travel-Adjacent News: TSA PreCheck members can now enter airport gates without a ticket at 13 U.S. airports via the Gateside program.

Memphis Elvis tourism: A “Little Graceland” vacation rental just outside Graceland in Memphis landed a buyer after listing for $175,000, with the home’s Elvis-themed rooms and reported ~$30,000-a-year rental income turning it into a ready-made pilgrimage stop. Nashville fall nature watch: BirdCast data says more than 800,000 birds crossed Davidson County overnight as fall migration ramps up, with Warner Park Nature Center tracking species like warblers and thrushes—great timing for birding visitors. Southwest premium travel upgrade: Southwest says it’s launching a lounge network in late 2027, with early locations including Austin, Honolulu, Baltimore/Washington—and Nashville—plus Chase-linked perks for premium travelers. Dollywood/Dolly legacy tourism: Dolly Parton’s literacy work is getting continued support through a travel company’s expanded Imagination Library donations, keeping her Tennessee-rooted legacy front and center for family travel. Knoxville game-day draw: No. 18/20 Tennessee routed Furman 56-9 at Neyland Stadium, a reminder that Vols weekends keep pulling visitors into East Tennessee. Road safety for travelers: Metro Nashville charged an 87-year-old driver after a fatal Lower Broadway-area pedestrian crash, underscoring the need for extra caution around busy crossings. Outdoor Halloween idea: A roundup of “creepy” haunted trails highlights hikeable options for fall visitors looking for something beyond the usual haunted houses.

Labor Day Travel Costs: AAA says gas is up about 95 cents a gallon from last year, with diesel hitting an all-time high around $5.85, adding sticker shock for Tennessee road trips. Tourism Numbers: Chattanooga’s region keeps pulling its weight—Hamilton County generated nearly $1.9B in visitor spending in 2025, up 4% from 2024. Nashville Sports Spotlight: Tennessee kicks off the weekend with a big home football matchup (Vanderbilt vs. Austin Peay) and the city’s game-day buzz continues with a major women’s volleyball doubleheader featuring No. 21 Indiana vs. No. 22 Tennessee. On-the-Ground Safety & Access: TDOT is adjusting lane closures for the holiday, while local coverage also highlights how storms can expose infrastructure gaps in Memphis. Culture & Community: Labor Day weekend also brings arts and music energy, from Chattanooga-area tourism momentum to festival-style craft events and Dolly Parton tributes that keep drawing visitors.

Labor Day Road Updates: TDOT is pausing all lane-closure activity for the holiday travel period, with construction crews stopping at noon Sept. 4 and resuming 6 a.m. Sept. 8, while workers still remain on-site—drivers are urged to slow down in work zones and use SmartWay/511 for live traffic. Northeast Tennessee Tourism Boost: Visitor spending in Northeast Tennessee topped $1 billion in 2025, reaching $1,009,706,301 across eight counties and growing 35.8% since 2018, with outdoor recreation and local attractions driving the surge. New Golf Destination Near Nashville: Firefly in Spring Hill opened its first courses (18-hole main and nine-hole short) and is building toward a bigger clubhouse-and-amenities plan, with homesites starting around $700,000. HBCU Football Calendar: The 2026 HBCU season is underway, and a compiled guide highlights key classics, homecomings, locations, and broadcast info for fans planning trips. Memphis Crime Case: Four convicted felons were sentenced to federal prison for selling illegal firearms and fentanyl from a shuttered Memphis hotel parking lot, including one man receiving 15 years with no parole.

Labor Day Travel in Nashville: With the holiday weekend underway, Nashville is leaning into staycation mode—free outdoor Music City Kickoff shows at Centennial Park, plus the Music City Kickoff Concert at Nissan Stadium (Ole Miss vs. Louisville) and other weekend events. Road-Trip Costs: AAA and local reports say gas and diesel are hitting record highs, with diesel in the Mid-South pushing near $6 a gallon—adding pressure to Labor Day travel budgets. Safety & Planning: TDOT says lane closures are suspended for the holiday, but construction zones and speeding fines remain a concern; officials also urge safe driving during the busy stretch. Nature & Outdoors: Tennessee’s Division of Forestry opened its East Tennessee Nursery for tree seedling orders (native hardwoods, pines, and streambank-friendly species) through March 15, 2027. West Tennessee Tourism: New figures show Southwest Tennessee tourism brought in $482.7M in 2025, supporting 3,800+ local jobs and nearly $20M in local taxes. Smokies Spotlight: A new exhibit at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center honors Japanese immigrant George Masa, whose work helped shape Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Airport Upgrade Watch: Southwest plans to open new airport lounges, including Nashville, with the first locations rolling out in late 2027.

Labor Day Road Rules: TDOT says it will halt lane closures on interstates and state routes from noon Friday, Sept. 4 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8—though crews will still be on site, so drivers should watch work zones and slow for first responders. Airport Update for Dolly Fans: American Airlines renumbered a DFW-to-Nashville flight to “AA925” as a nod to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” as Tennessee pushes to rename Nashville International Airport in her honor. Tourism & Local Stops: Clarksville’s new car museum/dealership/antique store, Clarksville Throttle, is set to open Oct. 3, giving visitors another reason to plan a weekend in Middle Tennessee. Safety on the Streets: Metro Nashville Police charged an 87-year-old driver from Bowling Green after a pedestrian died and three others were injured in a late-August crash at Broadway. Cruise Disruption: A Royal Caribbean Alaska sailing out of Vancouver was canceled for mechanical reasons, leaving one family scrambling to rework travel plans. Missing Persons Appeal: Families of 90 Americans still unaccounted for after Nepal floods are urging the U.S. to expand rescue efforts.

Labor Day Boating Safety: Calloway County Fire-Rescue is urging lake-goers to buckle up and stay alert after a Labor Day weekend drowning in 2019 and other Kentucky Lake incidents this year. Road-Trip Readiness: TDOT is adjusting lane closures for the holiday rush, while AAA is bringing back “Tow to Go” free rides for impaired drivers (call 855-286-9246). Seatbelt Push in Greeneville: A local campaign handed out cash and T-shirts to drivers who wore seatbelts, reminding travelers that proper restraint can be lifesaving. Travel Tech for Nashville: Southwest says it will add airport lounges at BNA in 2027, with access tied to its premium Rapid Rewards card. Outdoor & Trail News: Tennessee Trails Association’s annual conference is set for Oct. 23–25 in Crossville, supporting the state’s hiking network. Local Planning: Cookeville approved a sanitary sewer manhole replacement project and other city upgrades. Family Fun (East TN): Knoxville’s Sunsphere Welcome Center and Observation Deck are highlighted for a free local day, plus a First Friday art reception and the Vols’ home opener.

Air Travel & Premium Comfort: Southwest is partnering with Chase to launch its first airport lounge network, with early sites including Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville, aiming to lure higher-spending travelers with assigned seating and extra-legroom perks. State Parks & Outdoor Safety: A Nashville man, Charles Trost, was indicted for allegedly cutting dozens of trees on state property at Savage Gulf State Park, with a forestry consultant valuing the damage at about $112,736. Tennessee Tourism Impact: New Upper Cumberland figures show visitors generated nearly $549.4M in direct spending in 2025, supporting local businesses across 14 counties. Local Travel Logistics: Clarksville Gas and Water plans a Westfield Court water outage and lane closure Sept. 8-9 for a valve replacement. Family-Friendly Travel & Fun: Avelo Airlines extended Central Florida flights through April 2027, with one-way fares starting at $42 and service that includes Nashville. Community Spotlight: FirstBank named Joe Salvato market president for Crossville and Cookeville, signaling continued regional growth.

Southwest Airlines Lounge Rollout: Southwest is launching its first-ever airport lounges in 2027, with Nashville International Airport (BNA) named as one of the initial four sites (along with Austin, Baltimore, and Honolulu). Access will come via a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card from Chase, with construction already underway. Labor Day Road Updates (TDOT): Tennessee will pause interstate and state-route lane closures for the Labor Day holiday, stopping work at noon Friday, Sept. 4 and resuming Tuesday, Sept. 8—though crews will still be on-site. Dollywood & Dolly Parton Legacy: Multiple reports keep spotlighting Dolly Parton’s Appalachian roots and Dollywood’s plans to honor her with new attractions and features. Local Events for East Tennessee: East Tennessee’s Sept. 3 guide highlights Ijams Nature Center bird banding, Knoxville Symphony at the Garden, and more community picks. Travel Safety & News: Tennessee authorities arrested parents of a nonverbal autistic 5-year-old after her death near a South Carolina vacation home; the case is tied to outstanding warrants. Outdoor Science: Bankhead National Forest’s observatory is advancing research on how forests affect clouds, storms, and rainfall.

Airport & Premium Travel: Southwest is launching its first airport lounges—starting late 2027—with four locations already under construction at Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville, in partnership with Chase and tied to a new co-branded credit card. Hospitality & Hotels: White Lodging earned a top guest-satisfaction spot in J.D. Power’s 2026 benchmark for third-party hotel management, a win that matters for travelers booking Tennessee stays. Theme Parks & Dolly Parton Tourism: Dollywood will announce plans Wednesday to honor Dolly Parton’s legacy across its parks and resorts, with memorial stands already in place—another reason to plan a Smokies trip soon. Family-Friendly Events: The White Lightning Trail Festival returns Sept. 19 in Cumberland Gap, celebrating Appalachian moonshine heritage with music, vendors, contests and rides. Road-Trip Planning: East Tennessee agencies are gearing up for heavier traffic around Tennessee’s home opener, with TDOT HELP trucks staged across Knoxville and major interstates. Community & Giving: Lifeline Blood Services says Tennessee blood supplies are dangerously low and is urging donations during its September blood drive push.

Airport & Tourism Spotlight: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s push to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton is gaining momentum, with plans framed as a major tourism and music-industry boost. Local Attractions: Rose Hill Museum in Lyon County is now offering free tours ahead of Founders Day, highlighting the area’s history and artifacts tied to the town’s rebuilding after the dam. Safety on the Road: A Graysville police chase reached about 110 mph before a crash totaled the vehicle; separately, a Loudon County crash involving a chemical spill left two critically injured. Cycling & Community Safety: An Avery YMCA trainer weighs in on a deadly collision involving a Milligan University cycling team, emphasizing safer road practices. Outdoors & Travel Alerts: A hiker missing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been confirmed safe in North Carolina. Family Travel Watch: Parents of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes were arrested after her death near a vacation rental in South Carolina. Energy & Daily Life: A TVA explainer breaks down how Tennessee’s power grid works. Weekend Planning: East Tennessee’s Wednesday guide lists markets, music, and local resources for visitors and residents.