AGP Executive Report

THC Rule Change: Tennessee’s July 1 ban will outlaw THC products above 0.3%, while low-concentration drinks and edibles stay legal but online sales and shipping won’t. Airport Family Fun: Chattanooga Airport’s BlueCross Healthy Place construction has started, but the opening is now pushed to early 2027. Local Safety Alert: A Tennessee Silver Alert was issued for 83-year-old Betty Miller of Chattanooga, last seen June 22. Knoxville Food Tour: Underground Donut Tour is launching the Knoxville Sweet Treats Tour, adding beignets, biscuits, and local history to its lineup. July 4th Travel Savings: KAYAK says shifting flights away from July 2 can cut costs, with July 4 fares currently averaging far less than the holiday rush. America 250 Tourism: Cities across the South are leaning into America 250 celebrations to draw visitors with festivals, museum programming, and community events. Smoky Mountain-Style History Picks: A roundup highlights Southern destinations that tell the region’s story through historic sites and landmarks. Nashville Then (America 250): A vintage photo collection spotlights 1976-era Nashville moments, from Broadway traffic to local landmarks. Bees on the Loose: After a Texas truck crash, millions of bees escaped—an unusual reminder to plan carefully for roadside detours and emergencies.

Tennessee Tourism Spotlight: Tennessee Tourism is rolling out new summer attractions, festivals, and experiences across the state, giving travelers more reasons to plan road trips and weekend getaways. Nashville & Middle Tennessee Travel: A Nashville woman was fatally injured in a motorcycle crash on I-24 near Harding Place, a reminder to slow down on busy summer corridors. Local Money-Making for Visitors: Tennesseans are using rental apps to earn extra cash by renting out clothes, baby gear, and even backyard space—an option that can help families traveling light and locals monetizing unused items. Memphis Events: “Justice on Trial: Reloaded” is set to premiere in Memphis, adding another stop for culture-seekers during peak travel season. Outdoor & Family Fun: Record crowds filled downtown Dandridge for the June Jubilee, and Chattanooga is set to host the 2027 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship—big news for endurance fans and destination travelers. Road & Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm watch was issued for north Alabama through 7 p.m. Monday, with potential for damaging winds and hazardous travel conditions in the region.

Tennessee Tourism & Travel: Tennessee Tourism is rolling out new summer attractions, festivals, and experiences across the state, aiming to keep visitors coming through peak season. Outdoor & Weather Watch: A heat dome is expected to push Mid-South temperatures into the 90s by late June into early July, with rain harder to come by—plan outdoor time early and stay hydrated. Nashville Travel History: A new photo look back revisits Nashville International Airport (BNA) through the years, a fun stop for travelers and locals planning trips. Community & Family Travel: Paducah wrapped up Juneteenth with a Father’s Day “Freedomfest” at NorthSide Stop N Go, featuring live music, bounce houses, and free food—another reminder that summer travel is also about local events. Off-Grid Inspiration: A Tennessee couple’s off-grid dome home story highlights the tradeoffs of remote living (including long grocery runs) and why some travelers are drawn to “getaway” lifestyles. Sports Tourism Buzz: World Cup fans are flooding U.S. cities ahead of matchups, with Philadelphia seeing big crowds from Iraq and France—good context for how soccer travel is boosting regional tourism.

Reverse Migration: New research says the U.S. is seeing a historic “reverse migration” outflow—about 150,000 people net left in 2025—driven by economic and social governance imbalances, a trend expected to intensify into 2026. Road Safety: A man died after a crash on Nashville’s Briley Parkway when a Hyundai hit a pole in the median, closing eastbound lanes for about an hour. Heat Alert: A heat dome is expected to push Mid-South temperatures into the 90s by late June into early July, with drought conditions likely to worsen. Local Heritage & Tourism: Chattanooga is holding community input on its first preservation plan in nearly 50 years, including the hidden Turkey Foot cemetery near Booker T. Washington State Park. Family Fun & Local Flavor: Senatobia’s Mr. T’s Arcade and Billiards is spotlighted as a community hub thanks to APA pool league nights. Travel Culture: A viral German World Cup fan “FreddyLA7” is documenting a road trip across the U.S. and Canada—nearly derailed by a flight cancellation—before landing in Toronto. Memphis & Community: Memphis observers are tracking Trump’s anti-crime taskforce, with local activists documenting activity and impacts. Statewide Tourism Push: Tennessee Tourism is rolling out new summer attractions, festivals, and experiences across the state.

Tennessee Tourism Push: Tennessee Tourism is rolling out new summer attractions, festivals, and experiences across the state, aiming to keep visitors coming during peak travel season. Holiday Travel Watch: AAA reports more than 1.6 million Tennesseans are expected to hit the road for the July Fourth holiday, with gas prices easing as summer demand ramps up. Memphis Arts & History: “Justice on Trial: Reloaded” premieres in Memphis with a time-travel courtroom format featuring figures like Harriet Tubman and W.E.B. Du Bois, blending family, history, and healing. Local Naming Spotlight: A stretch of Vietnam Veterans Boulevard in Davidson/Sumner counties is renamed the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway,” adding another high-profile roadside marker for travelers. Road-Trip Safety Reminder: A Pigeon Forge garage door company urges vacationers to do quick pre-trip checks so homes stay secure while you’re away. Weather Alert: Forecasters warn repeated storms could bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk across parts of the South, including Tennessee, through next week.

Tennessee Tourism: Tennessee Tourism is rolling out fresh summer attractions and festivals statewide, including the new Memphis Flyway at Tom Lee Park, Kingsport’s Long Island Iced Tea Trail, Anakeesta’s Crystal Express in Gatlinburg, and Ruby Falls’ new Junior Caver tours in Chattanooga. Memphis Theater: “Justice on Trial: Reloaded” premiered in Memphis at the Michael D. Rose Theatre, using a time-travel courtroom to connect historic civil-rights figures to today’s justice fight. Nashville Airport Sting: A Canadian man accused of traveling from Ottawa to Nashville to have sex with a minor was arrested at Nashville International Airport and faces child pornography and attempted enticement charges. Local Wildlife/Outdoors: Hunters are being asked to report banded turkeys to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency so officials can track longevity and travel patterns. Road Trip Tips: Airbnb is partnering with Instacart in select markets, offering $10 off $50 grocery orders plus free delivery—aimed at making vacation rentals easier to stock. Travel Safety/Traffic: TDOT is scheduling multiple lane closures and shoulder work around Middle Tennessee this week, including SR-12, SR-13, and SR-236 in Montgomery County.

Independence Day in East Tennessee: Knoxville and the region are gearing up for a full July 4th weekend of parades, concerts, festivals and fireworks tied to America’s 250th birthday, with early events like Alcoa’s FreedomFest (June 27) and Grainger County’s America 250 celebration (July 3). Juneteenth & Black history in Memphis: The Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference returned to Memphis for the first time in more than two decades, spotlighting the city’s Negro League legacy at AutoZone Park and beyond. Local culture & music: Lakeside brought classic R&B to Juneteenth in the Bluff in Pine Bluff, while Bonnaroo 2026 in Manchester still faced weather headaches and cancellations. Travel logistics: Nashville International Airport is expecting heavier summer traffic and shared traveler tips; meanwhile, Chattanooga’s I-24 bridge inspections mean daily lane closures through June 25. Road safety & access: TDOT’s Main Street Chattanooga changes are drawing pushback from cyclists who worry about removing a bike lane. Sports tourism tie-in: The Titans locked in Jeffery Simmons with a major contract extension—another reason fans will keep packing Tennessee venues.

Nashville Data Center Clash: Nashville Zoo expansion plans hit a nerve as Mayor O’Connell backs a metro proposal to temporarily pause large data center approvals near the zoo, with residents citing unknown impacts like light, noise, and animal welfare. Music & Tourism: Red Wing Roots Music Festival brings singer-songwriter James McMurtry to the stage in Mount Solon, while Country Fest at Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park runs June 17-20 with Kane Brown headlining. Road & Safety Updates: TDOT will inspect the Holman J. Walker Bridge on I-24 near Marion County with lane closures June 22-26; a separate I-24 crash sent a driver by helicopter to a Nashville hospital. Sports With Tennessee Ties: Titans lock in Jeffery Simmons with a three-year, $105.8M extension; Mizzou adds former Tennessee infielder Ethan Moore. Local Culture Calendar: Nashville Arts and Entertainment Commission approved Music Under the Stars at Deer Run Park (June 20) with food trucks and three bands lined up. Travel-Adjacent News: A Canadian man was arrested at Nashville International Airport after alleged plans to have sex with a minor.

World Cup Travel Buzz: Kansas City is positioning itself as a “base camp capital,” with top-ranked teams (Argentina, England, Netherlands) choosing it and tourism experts expecting a big visitor spend. Nashville Dining: Cock of the Walk, a beloved Donelson catfish spot, served its last meal after 42 years, a reminder of how tourist-heavy corridors can still lose local icons. Tennessee Health Access: New research flags higher travel costs for Tennessee families of kids at risk for uveitis when specialists are farther away—an issue for patients planning trips for care. Local Travel Logistics: Clarksville residents should plan for a Fort Campbell Boulevard water outage June 24 (8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.) that may affect nearby areas. Family Travel & Events: America 250 is already driving hotel-search surges for founding-story cities and July Fourth travel planning nationwide. Outdoor Safety: A copperhead roundup highlights where these snakes show up most often—useful for hikers and backyard travelers.

Tennessee Eye Care Expansion: Gov. Bill Lee signed a law boosting access to eye care by letting Doctors of Optometry perform three safe, non-invasive in-office procedures—aimed at easing rural provider shortages and supporting an aging population. Chattanooga Sports Tourism: Chattanooga was named host for the 2027 Precision Fuel & Hydration IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, bringing an estimated 7,000 pro and age-group athletes to the Tennessee River city in late August 2027. Memphis July 4 Plans: Downtown Memphis will host a free Independence Day fireworks and drone show at Tom Lee Park, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and major road closures starting July 2. Rock City Gondola Update: A traffic study tied to Rock City’s gondola project projects 1,680 additional daily trips through St. Elmo, with midday-heavy impacts and capacity still available on the corridor. Travel Safety Watch: A new report ranks Memphis as the deadliest U.S. city for pedestrians, pointing to street design that prioritizes drivers over crossings and visibility. Local Culture & Community: Tusculum University’s campus arboretum was recertified at Level 1 through 2030, and a Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is set for Dickson June 25–29.

Dolly Parton Travel Stop Buzz: Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops opens June 24 in Cornersville with a Buc-ee’s-style lineup (live music stage, coffee, BBQ, event space, dog park)—but locals are debating whether the big roadside sign needs more “dolled up” branding. JoJo Siwa Cruise Diary: Fans shared what it’s like onboard Royal Caribbean’s JoJo Siwa Cruise, including meet-and-greets and Siwa-themed activities at Port Canaveral. Tennessee Weather Watch: TEMA urges travelers to monitor forecasts this weekend as a storm system may bring strong winds and heavy rain, with possible route delays and road closures—pack a kit and plan alternates. Marriott Points Perk: Palisociety’s boutique hotels are set to join Marriott’s Design Hotels collection, expanding points booking and earning across select Tennessee and other locations. Travel Tech & Safety: A new High Injury Network map highlights where streets are most dangerous, a reminder for visitors to stay alert in busy urban areas. Local Arts Stop: A Lyons Community Library exhibit, “Reconstructing Perspectives,” spotlights two artists using salvaged materials—an easy add-on for a Tennessee day trip. Cruise Port Guide: Seattle is highlighted as a major cruise hub (May–October), with popular terminals near top attractions like Pike Place and the Space Needle.

New World screwworm alert: Tennessee has rolled out new rules for transporting livestock into the state after detections in Texas and New Mexico, aiming to protect the state’s agriculture from the parasite that targets warm-blooded animals. Road-trip draw: Dolly Parton’s first Tennessean Travel Stop is set to open June 24 in Cornersville (I-65, Exit 22), with grand opening events running through July 3 and trucker-friendly fuel, parking, and a lounge. Smokies running event: Dollywood has detailed Run Dollywood Race Weekend in September, including a Kids Fun Run plus 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon routes that take runners through the park before regular hours. Local food & fun: Buddy’s bar-b-q is launching a summer Banana Pudding and new Family Packs for easy group meals across East Tennessee. Juneteenth plans: A free Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for June 20 in Burlington, with food, music, games, and community booths. Travel inspiration: A new feature spotlights a “secret swimming hole in Tennessee” for an unforgettable adventure.

Nashville Meetings & Music: Cvent CONNECT 2026 is coming to Nashville July 13–16, with headliners Chris Janson and Carly Pearce plus an “only in Nashville” industry panel featuring CMA, Jack Daniel’s, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp—another big draw for travelers who mix conferences with live shows. Family-Friendly Summer Nights: Main Street Dyersburg’s “Movies at The Market” returns with free Friday screenings at the Farmers Market, starting with “A Minecraft Movie” and continuing with “Soul,” “I Can Only Imagine 2,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and “Kung Fu Panda.” Outdoor & Wildlife: Land Between the Lakes wrapped an aerial wild pig removal effort, taking out 1,802 pigs and aiming to protect native habitat and outdoor recreation. Local Attractions: Louisville Zoo welcomed two new female western lowland gorillas from Knoxville, joining its gorilla program rotation. Travel-Adjacent Entertainment: Dolly Parton’s quirky former Solvang hideaway—complete with her original “wig room”—is back on the market for about $2.8M.

FEMA Recovery Funding: Tennessee is set to receive an additional $34 million from FEMA for Hurricane Helene and the January winter storm, including major Nashville debris removal and utility repair reimbursements. Airport Growth Plans: Little Rock’s Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is laying out terminal redevelopment, parking expansion, and destination growth to handle rising passenger numbers. Travel Safety & Privacy: A Royal Caribbean passenger was arrested after allegedly taking invasive photos of another traveler, including under her dress, with charges filed for video voyeurism. Family-Friendly Zoo News: Louisville Zoo welcomed two new Western lowland gorillas—half-sisters Obi and Andi—from Zoo Knoxville, adding them to its Gorilla Forest rotation. Tennessee Tourism History: Chattanooga is marking 127 years of Coca-Cola bottling history, tracing the drink’s early Tennessee roots as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Local Sports Travel Buzz: The Titans’ Cam Ward says there’s “no break” before camp as Tennessee looks to climb out of a 3-14 finish.

Independence Day plans across the Tennessee Valley: Chattanooga is rolling out America 250 celebrations with Pops on the River at Coolidge Park (July 2), plus match-and-fireworks at Erlanger Park (July 3), Nightfall at Miller Plaza (July 3), and a full day of Red, White & Blue activities at the Creative Discovery Museum (July 4), capped by Riverfront Nights and a massive drone show over the river (July 4). Local music & community events: Chance the Rapper announces a 10th anniversary Coloring Book tour that includes Nashville, while Bonnaroo’s Noah Kahan wraps up the festival with a Tennessee-only stop and a big singalong set. Travel-friendly Tennessee spotlight: A feature highlights Rock City’s road-trip draw on Lookout Mountain, tying it to America’s 250th and the nostalgia of classic drives. Public safety & health note: Canine Lyme and leptospirosis vaccination guidance is emphasized as tick risks expand into Tennessee and nearby regions. Local legal news with travel impact: Shelby County Court Clerk Tami Sawyer faces federal charges tied to alleged misuse of public funds, including travel spending.

Healthcare & Immigration: Tennessee’s ultimatum to immigrant families could force disabled and critically ill kids off a last-resort medical program unless parents’ info is shared with a state agency that works with ICE, sparking urgent legal and pediatric backlash. Local Justice: Memphis-area court clerk Tami Sawyer was indicted on federal theft, fraud and money-laundering charges tied to alleged misuse of public funds and travel cards. Travel & Tourism (Music): Athens’ Sounds of Summer series continues with “September Song” at Market Pavilion Stage, plus a full lineup of upcoming concerts. Travel & Tourism (Events): MooFest 2026 is being hailed as a community win after drawing more than 18,000 attendees. Road Trip Buzz (World Cup): A German World Cup fan “Freddy” is going viral while touring Tennessee and other Southern stops, including LSU and Tiger Stadium. Attractions & Culture: Chattanooga is hosting World Cup base-camp activity, with Spain training locally and visitors bringing big-game energy to the city. Infrastructure: TDOT is planning a new bridge over the Harpeth River in downtown Franklin, targeting construction this year with completion by late 2028. Food & Retail: Dolly Parton’s new coffee brand, Cup of Ambition, launches at Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop near Nashville before rolling out more widely.