AGP Executive Report

ICE at Airports: ICE arrests are expanding at U.S. airports, with plainclothes agents using TSA passenger info to detain travelers and workers—raising fresh concerns for anyone flying through Tennessee. Public Health: Shelby County reports 11 Cyclospora cases as investigators trace where people were exposed, with officials warning symptoms can take days to show. Family Travel & Safety: Tennessee’s annual back-to-school tax-free weekend runs July 31–Aug. 2, covering clothing, school supplies, and computers—an easy win for road-trip shopping. Local Roads: TDOT plans to widen North Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro (4.3 miles) starting this fall, adding lanes, sidewalks, and safer crossings through 2030. Outdoor & Wildlife: Pest-protection tips are in focus as humid Tennessee conditions boost mosquitoes and other bugs; experts recommend basic yard steps and mosquito dunks. Community Events: The traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall arrives in Beverly for 24-hour viewing through Aug. 2, kicking off Beverly Homecoming. Travel Disruption: Carnival cancels nine 2027 sailings on Carnival Jubilee, citing itinerary changes.

NCAA & Tennessee Football: Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter was suspended for the first two games of the 2026 season after the NCAA ruled a $427 flight paid by his agent to an NFL pre-draft training facility was a Level III violation. Coach Josh Heupel says UT disagrees and backs Carter, who will miss the Sept. 5 home opener vs. Furman and the Sept. 12 trip to Georgia Tech. Travel & Family Fun: The Underground Donut Tour is being promoted as a go-to family activity in Nashville and more than 30 cities, pairing a guided walk with stops for donut tastings and local trivia. Outdoor Recovery: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $33.76 million debris-removal contract tied to Hurricane Helene cleanup in the Cherokee National Forest, with work on Jackson Island tentatively set to begin Sept. 7. Road Trip Tip: TDOT says the I-40 welcome center/rest area near the Putnam-Smith county line will be closed for sewer line repairs for about three weeks, with nearby alternatives listed. Community & Safety: A Knox County crash on Clinton Highway killed a motorcyclist and left a 9-year-old passenger and the SUV driver in critical condition. Jobs: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is hiring a CJIS Support Specialist in Nashville, with frequent onsite and overnight travel.

Nashville Tourism Boom: Nashville’s summer 2026 numbers hit new highs, with Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th drawing a record 400,000 people and boosting room sales and occupancy, while CMA Fest generated a record $93 million in estimated visitor spending. Family-Friendly Attractions: The Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX theater is back in full film mode, bringing 70mm “The Odyssey” to the big screen with sold-out showings since the projector returned after 10 years. Local Travel Deals: Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday returns July 31–Aug. 2, covering eligible clothing and school supplies under $100 and computers/tablets up to $1,500. Outdoor & Community Notes: East Tennessee’s “Daily Connections” guide highlights local events and resources, including Ijams Nature Center programming and Knoxville visitor info. Safety Watch: A wrong-way I-40 crash in Nashville left seven injured, including two children, prompting renewed attention to road safety. Sports & Culture: Former Vol tackle Phil Clabo, 73, died; his family ties run deep in Knoxville football history.

Air Travel & Lodging: JetBlue is rolling out a new domestic fare setup with four seat categories (Main, EvenMore, BlueFirst, Mint) and three fare options (Base, Standard, Flex), aiming to make seat selection and refund rules easier to shop. Hilton also opened its fourth LivSmart Studios by Hilton in Tennessee—this one in Pensacola—an extended-stay, pet-friendly concept with kitchens, breakfast, laundry, and EV charging. Smoky Mountains Wildlife Safety: A black bear sprinted through a busy Gatlinburg parking lot on July 18; no one was attacked, but the incident is a reminder that close-range bear encounters can turn fast in tourist areas near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Road & Travel Disruption: Hwy 10 in Macon County was closed nearly 30 hours after a tractor-trailer crash with an oversized load damaged pavement; both lanes reopened around 4 p.m. Tennessee Tourism & Culture: The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis hosts its free 9th Ruby Bridges Reading Festival Aug. 1. Outdoor Adventure: 91-year-old Tennessee hiker Dale “Grey Beard” Sanders is nearing the end of another Appalachian Trail thru-hike attempt, chasing the oldest-ever completion mark. Local Events & Family Fun: Whataburger’s regional back-to-school supply drive and free backpack giveaway runs through Aug. 8 in Tennessee and neighboring states.

SEC Basketball Schedule Drops: Tennessee’s 2026-27 men’s slate is set, starting Jan. 2 at Vanderbilt and featuring home games vs. Missouri (Jan. 12/13) and Arkansas (Jan. 16), plus a busy run through February and March. Road-Trip Planning for Fans: The league calendar also locks in key Tennessee matchups like Auburn, LSU, Kentucky, Florida and more—great fuel for weekend travel itineraries. Local Travel Safety: A Tennessee-area hit-and-run in Nashville left a pedestrian seriously hurt, and police are asking for help identifying the SUV. Family Travel & Back-to-School: NEXCOM is pushing year-round tax-free savings and deals for military families gearing up for school. Driving Caution: A new study ranks Memphis and Knoxville among the most dangerous U.S. cities to drive in, a timely reminder for summer road trips. Community Updates: Cookeville says South Jefferson Avenue is fully open again after a long TDOT project, with minor lane closures possible.

SEC Basketball Schedule Buzz: The SEC rolled out the 2026-27 men’s slate, with Tennessee opening conference play at home vs. Vanderbilt (Jan. 2) and then hitting big road trips to Auburn (Jan. 5-6) and LSU (Jan. 9), plus a Kentucky visit at Rupp Arena (Jan. 23) and the SEC Tournament in Nashville (March 10-14). Nashville Park Expansion: Nashville plans to expand Beaman Park by acquiring 300 acres to preserve green space and keep outdoor access growing for locals and visitors. Franklin Bluegrass Weekend: Downtown Franklin hosted the 35th annual Bluegrass Along the Harpeth, a four-weekend-in-July tradition drawing fiddlers and dancers to the streets. Back-to-School Family Fun: Metro Nashville Public Schools is running back-to-school bashes with free supplies and backpacks across multiple dates in late July and early August. Travel Value Watch: A new report says the U.S. hotel construction pipeline dipped year over year, even as luxury and upper-upscale segments hit record levels. Cruise Health Alert: A National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cruise logged a fourth GI outbreak in under two months, with the cause still unknown.

Nashville & Middle Tennessee Travel: Nashville is set to grow its green space fast—Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office says the city will acquire about 300 acres of forestland to expand Beaman Park, protecting more than double the acreage of Centennial Park. Family Fun & Local Events: Whitehaven families lined up for a back-to-school giveaway at John P. Freeman Optional School, with free backpacks and supplies. Outdoor Safety: The Tennessee Department of Health is urging summer precautions against mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses, including using approved repellents and taking bite-prevention steps before outdoor plans. Shopping Deals: Tennessee’s back-to-school tax-free weekend runs July 31–Aug. 2, covering qualifying clothing, school supplies, and computers with specific price and item rules. Travel Costs Tip: A new report says solo travel can cut airfare by up to 30% because airlines often price lowest fares in single-seat batches—useful for anyone planning a late-summer getaway. Community & Culture: The UT Arboretum Society is hosting a free Zoom on Aug. 6 about butterfly host plants and how to support pollinators.

Aviation & Travel Disruption: Delta Air Lines plans to cut three nonstop routes out of New York’s JFK—to Houston, Memphis and St. Louis—shifting those city pairs to LaGuardia, a move that could ripple through Tennessee travel plans. Local Tourism & Outdoors: Rafting fans can relive Olympic history on the Upper Ocoee River, with Nantahala Outdoor Center running guided trips on the same natural rapids used in the 1996 Games. Nashville Family Travel & Community: Nashville’s Coleman Park Community Center handed out backpacks and school supplies for the first day of school, a reminder that summer-to-fall schedules are tightening for local visitors and residents. Road Trips & Planning: A new roundup highlights the best U.S. road trips by decade, useful for Tennesseans mapping fall getaways. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show midgrade prices in Gibson County dipping to a low of $3.69 in the week ending July 18, with Tennessee’s midgrade average rising to $4.01. Sports Tourism: Sunderland’s pre-season stop in Nashville against Liverpool drew attention to the growing travel pull of big-name friendlies.

Back-to-School Savings: Tennessee’s tax-free weekend runs July 31–Aug. 2, with clothing, school supplies, and computers eligible under state rules—perfect timing for family travel shopping. Big Park Expansion: Nashville is moving to acquire 300 acres to expand Beaman Park, adding major protected forestland for outdoor lovers. Mosquito & Tick Season: The Tennessee Department of Health urges repellents and bite prevention to lower risks from tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. Memphis Music Tourism: Music Export Memphis marked 10 years with a free Beale Street Birthday Bash, spotlighting local touring talent and boosting the city’s music draw. Nashville Airport/ICE Fallout: A viral ICE detention at a Southwest gate has triggered backlash, with Southwest saying it follows federal screening rules while critics question the process. Air Travel Changes: Delta will resume RDU–Fort Myers service while cutting some JFK routes, including Memphis. Local Travel Safety: Mt. Juliet police say a traffic stop led to the arrest of a nationwide wanted woman—another reminder to stay alert on the road.

Back-to-School Savings: Tennessee’s sales tax holiday runs 12:01 a.m. July 31 to 11:59 p.m. Aug. 2, with qualifying clothing and school supplies $100 or less tax-free, plus computers/tablets $1,500 or less—online and in-store purchases count for personal use. Outdoor Tourism & Trails: Rhea County leaders are planning a Swinging Bridge Park–Pocket Wilderness Trail connector to boost safe recreation and longer visitor stays. Nature Watch: Great Smoky Mountains National Park marks the 25th anniversary of elk reintroduction to Cataloochee Valley, with the herd now around 250–260. Community Events: Trousdale County’s inaugural Community Resource Festival gathered 30+ vendors and service providers at Trousdale County High School. Local Travel Boost: United adds nonstop Birmingham flights to Knoxville (Oct. 16–18) for Tennessee game travel and to Baton Rouge (Nov. 6–8) for LSU—aimed at college football fans. Gas Prices: Loudon County’s lowest midgrade price hit $3.65 for the week ending July 18, while Tennessee’s statewide midgrade average rose to $4.01.

Green Space & Outdoor Access: Nashville is acquiring 300 acres of forestland to expand Beaman Park, protecting Highland Rim Forest habitat and boosting hiking and nature access. Trail & Tourism Planning: Rhea County leaders are mapping a Swinging Bridge Park–Pocket Wilderness Trail connector aimed at safer, scenic recreation and more visitor spending. Summer Travel Deals: Tennessee’s back-to-school tax-free weekend returns July 31–Aug. 2, with clothing and school supplies under $100 and select tech under $1,500 eligible for the break. Road Trip Fuel Watch: AAA reports Tennessee gas prices are up about 12 cents week over week, with the state average around $3.61. Family Fun in the Mountains: Warriors’ Path State Park in Kingsport is running “Summer in the Park” with mostly free weekly activities, including hikes, wildlife programs, and nature projects. Big Travel-Brand News: Buc-ee’s is moving ahead on a Murfreesboro travel center off I-24, with construction underway and an end-of-2026 opening target. Local Hike Pick: Roan Mountain’s Carver’s Gap Trail is highlighted as a standout hike near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

Super Bowl Boost for Nashville: NFL owners voted to bring Super Bowl LXIV to Nashville’s new $2 billion stadium in 2030, a big win for the city’s growing sports-tourism pull. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA says gas prices jumped 15 cents nationally to $4.09, with crude volatility keeping summer costs elevated. Immigration at the Airport: Southwest flight attendant Lorenzo Thompson was arrested by ICE at Nashville International Airport over an alleged visa overstay, sparking union backlash and due-process concerns. Travel Planning for Families: A new trend has families booking trips around concerts and shows, turning tickets into bonding time. Holiday-Style Winter Fun: Gaylord Texan’s ice! featuring Harry Potter returns for the 2026 season, adding more destination-worthy “experience travel.” Outdoor Getaway Ideas: A nature-focused travel piece highlights how hotels near trails, lakes, and wildlife can make vacations easier for multigenerational groups. Feral Swine Funding: USDA announced $35 million for partnerships to fight feral swine, aiming to protect farms, landscapes, and health. Local Tourism/Events: Bristol’s Border Bash returns Friday with live music and family activities, free to the public.

Authentic Travel Push: Franklin is rolling out the “It’s Real” campaign to fight AI-made tourism images, with a seal certifying photos are taken by real photographers at real destinations—because travelers say pictures don’t match what they see. Local Community & Family Fun: Franklin Police highlighted June outreach with events like “Cops and Bobbers,” a Juneteenth parade, and a Red Cross blood drive. Back-to-School Support: Metro Nashville schools hosted multiple back-to-school bashes, including a Glencliff High School event with free supplies and clothing. Safety & Access: Eastman Recreation is temporarily closing Bays Mountain Eastman Recreation Area near Kingsport due to increased bear activity, with the campground closing Aug. 3. Tech in Music City: Waymo’s driverless service debuted in Nashville, with one passenger reporting a late-night drop-off hiccup. Air Travel Disruption Watch: ICE agents were deployed to U.S. airports amid security delays and staffing shortages; a Southwest attendant in Nashville was arrested for an alleged visa overstay. Regional Travel Planning: A proposed 2027 federal budget would eliminate the Essential Air Service program, putting smaller regional airport routes at risk. Road-Trip Detour: Cracker Barrel sold Maple Street Biscuit Company and is closing 16 locations, affecting Southern breakfast stops. Sports Tourism Angle: Tennessee State University’s athletic director was placed on leave pending an investigation, while TSU coaches previously signed a vote of no confidence. Outdoor Adventure: The 2026 Wildlife Conservation Raffle in Tennessee is underway, featuring outdoor gear and major experience prizes.

Outdoor Recreation & Tourism: Rhea County leaders kicked off planning for a Swinging Bridge Park–Pocket Wilderness Trail Connector, aiming for a safer scenic route for hikers and cyclists and a boost to visitor spending. Local Culture: Townsend’s Dancing Bear Lodge hosts the 4th Annual Appalachian Homecoming Aug. 1, with workshops, music, storytelling, and Appalachian food celebrating living traditions. Travel & Food Buzz: A Nashville trip recap highlights how visitors are leaning into bourbon and local dining as much as country music. Road Access Update: TDOT reopened the Gap Creek Road Bridge in Carter County a week ahead of schedule, restoring a key link for commuters. State Tourism Identity: A new poll suggests updating Tennessee’s state flag emblem, with options tied to Nashville’s “party tourism” and hot chicken. Tech & Infrastructure Debate: Lawrenceburg residents are bracing for a nearby data center, while another Tennessee town chose an 18-month moratorium to study impacts on resources and infrastructure.

Public Health Alert (Memphis): Shelby County Health Department says cyclosporiasis cases have risen to 11 as investigators work with the Tennessee Department of Health; officials note symptoms can start 1–2 weeks after exposure and urge extra care with fresh produce and medical attention for prolonged diarrhea. Invasive Species Watch: Tennessee officials warn that regenerative hammerhead worms are spreading; residents are told not to touch or cut them, and to use gloves or a stick plus sealed-bag disposal. Family & Community Travel Safety: Clarksville Gas and Water plans a Mill Creek Road water outage and road closure July 27 (valve replacement), with low-water-pressure impacts possible nearby. Local Events & Tourism: Wilson County’s Tennessee State Fair 2026 spotlights the “Year of Forestry,” with hands-on exhibits and the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show. Outdoor Access Update: North Cumberland WMA’s Flatwoods Road reopened after culvert repairs, but visitors are urged to drive carefully after recent rainfall. Road Infrastructure: TDOT reopened Carter County’s Gap Creek Road Bridge a week early, restoring a key link for motorists. Sports Schedule (Knoxville): UT released its 2026-27 men’s basketball non-conference slate, including a Nov. 3 home opener at Food City Center.

TVA & Lake Levels: Heavy rain in East Tennessee on July 12 couldn’t fully erase drought impacts, leaving TVA lakes below normal summer targets and keeping boaters on alert. Back-to-School Savings: Tennessee’s sales tax holiday runs July 31–Aug. 2, with tax-free deals on school supplies and clothing (items $100 or less) plus computers/tablets ($1,500 or less). Tourism Awards: Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association launched its inaugural IMPACT Awards at Pickwick Landing State Park, honoring tourism, hospitality, and agritourism leaders across the region. Road Safety Project: TDOT is starting a safety improvement at SR 111 and Old Sparta Road in Putnam County, adding a new J-turn intersection with lane closures and a longer median crossover closure starting in September. Local Family Event: Wellpoint Tennessee and the J.A. Henry Community YMCA host a free Back-to-School Bash/Open House in Chattanooga July 23 with backpacks, supplies, haircuts, and wellness resources. Travel Deals & Planning: Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List highlights fast-rising island destinations worldwide, while AAA urges safer driving during summer travel. Nashville Culture & Community: A Nashville displacement story spotlights residents trying to preserve local history as growth accelerates.