AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Tension: A House Democrat, Tennessee’s Rep. Steve Cohen, has introduced a long-shot impeachment resolution targeting Chief Justice John Roberts, arguing the court’s conservative majority is biased and that ethical breaches raise questions about the role of the wealthy—though no co-sponsors are backing it and it’s unlikely to advance under GOP control. Wildlife Watch: In Knox County, conservationists are sounding the alarm over a rare salamander that may be declining, underscoring how isolated habitats can put species on a fast track to trouble. Travel & Flights: Shreveport Regional Airport opened a renovated gate and launched nonstop service to Nashville, while WestJet cut 41 international routes, including many U.S. changes. Summer Safety & Community: Blood Assurance is urging donations during Tennessee’s “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” and local crews are preparing after vandalism at Old Memphis Cemetery. Road Notes: TDOT is repaving Gainesboro Grade with lane closures and expects work to run into July.

Memorial Day travel pressure hits Tennessee: GasBuddy projects the national average could jump to $4.48/gal by Memorial Day, with prices potentially cresting near $4.80 through summer—so road trips may be “more expensive, not canceled.” Local fuel snapshot: In Tennessee’s latest GasBuddy week (ending May 16), regular prices averaged $4.11 statewide, with the lowest reported regular deal in Jackson County at $4.05 and Stewart County at $4.09. TVA push for Jackson gas: The TVA board held a full meeting in Guntersville focused on a north Alabama natural gas pipeline and a gas-fired plant near Scottsboro—Jackson-area officials are backing the plan hard. Tourism watch: Chattanooga’s Incline Railway is in a dispute with Lookout Mountain over a proposed $1 per passenger tax and caps on daily riders, with CARTA warning it could cut revenue. Safety reminders: Tennessee’s “Baby in the Back” hangtag program is back in the spotlight ahead of summer heat.

Super Bowl momentum: Tennessee’s big win is official—Nashville will host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Titans Stadium, with Gov. Bill Lee calling it a tourism and jobs boost and local leaders already pointing to the hotel and crowd surge coming to East Bank. Memorial Day travel watch: AAA expects record travel (39.1M by car, 3.66M by air) and CBP is warning of major delays, especially at the U.S.-Canada border—so plan for extra time. Gas check (week ending May 16): Tennessee regular averages $4.11; some spots dip lower, like $3.74 in Campbell County and $3.87 in Humphreys County. Local travel/attractions: Secret Food Tours’ Nashville Food Tour is ranked #1 in U.S. Food & Drink on TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice. Sports on the move: Georgia softball heads to Knoxville for the Super Regional vs. Tennessee, with Game 1 set for Thursday night.

Super Bowl momentum hits Nashville: The NFL has officially locked in Super Bowl LXIV for 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium, and Nashville celebrated with a free Broadway party featuring live music, fireworks, and Titans appearances—while leaders also flagged the big question: can the city handle the crowds, traffic, and public safety load. Memorial Day travel pressure: With Memorial Day weekend underway, Memphis International expects 52,000+ travelers through TSA, and WeGo reports a 19% jump in express bus ridership as rising gas prices push commuters off the highway. Gas + food costs collide: A new look at “vacation inflation” shows higher prices for gas, airfare, and activities, and an update on E15 ethanol rules raises fresh questions for Tennessee corn farmers. Local flavor + events: Franklin Rodeo turns 75 with a ribbon-cutting kickoff, and Tennessee’s wine scene adds another milestone with a new federally recognized AVA for East Tennessee’s Nine Lakes. Road safety watch: Wilson County reported multiple crashes after heavy rain, with slick roads cited.

I-40 Rebuild Milestone: After Tropical Storm Helene ripped through the Pigeon River Gorge, NCDOT says a major phase of the massive I-40 repair is underway—new eastbound lanes are targeted to reopen in 2028, but drivers still face heavy single-lane squeezes through the seven-mile work zone. Super Bowl Momentum: Nashville is officially set for Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new enclosed Titans stadium, and the city is already gearing up with a free Lower Broadway celebration Wednesday. Air Travel Reality Check: AAA says about 950,000 Tennesseans are expected to travel over Memorial Day, while summer flights remain pricey as airline options tighten after Spirit’s shutdown. Tennessee Tourism Buzz: Cvent ranks Nashville among top meeting destinations, and hotel growth continues with new rooms adding capacity for big events. Local Fix-It: Macon County’s Long Creek Road Bridge repair starts May 20, with an estimated 90-day timeline.

Super Bowl Momentum: NFL owners voted Tuesday to bring Super Bowl LXIV to Nashville in February 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium, a first for Tennessee and a fresh tourism magnet for Music City. Transit Court Fight: Memphis Area Transit Authority’s former deputy CEO Bacarra Mauldin sued the agency and the city for wrongful termination, unpaid wages, and interference after a March 2025 firing tied to an internal probe of spending and policy violations. Gas Watch: AAA says Memorial Day travelers face the highest gas prices since 2022, with national averages climbing again after recent dips. Local Travel & Events: Knoxville approved an $80,000 plan to knock back invasive kudzu at Fort Dickerson Park and near Augusta Quarry, while Oak Hill’s Festival of Flags returns Memorial Day weekend with the high school marching band as parade grand marshal. Culture & Headlines: A Nashville YouTuber, Ryan Upchurch, was ordered to pay $17.5M in a defamation case tied to the Kiely Rodni story.

Super Bowl Momentum: NFL owners voted today to lock in Nashville as the host of Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium, with the league pointing to the Titans’ stadium build and Nashville’s growing event clout. Local Sports Buzz: The NCAA men’s golf regionals wrapped up second-round play, setting up who advances to the national championship at Omni La Costa. Travel & Tourism: Brand USA launched a new fact-checking platform aimed at correcting “misperceptions” about U.S. entry rules as international travel to the U.S. dips. Tennessee on the Calendar: Tennessee volleyball released its 2026 schedule, featuring multiple NCAA Tournament opponents and a full slate of home matches with season ticket pricing now posted. Community & Safety: Governor Lee and TWRA marked Safe Boating Week, urging Tennesseans to refresh boating skills ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Glamping Trend Watch: The Dyrt’s Glampy Awards crowned a Zion-area glamping spot as top U.S. property again, highlighting how glamping keeps getting more creative.

Memorial Day travel watch: TDOT is pausing most construction lane closures from noon Friday, May 22 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 26 to keep traffic moving for the holiday rush. Airport accessibility shake-up: Disabled veterans flying out of Nashville say they’re now facing parking fees after BNA ended a free accessible-parking benefit. New flights out of COU: Allegiant Air is adding a third Florida route from Columbia Regional Airport—St. Pete-Clearwater starting Nov. 19—after the city approved the two-year air services deal. Local closures: Memphis outdoor retailer Outdoors Inc. is shutting down after 52 years, with a going-out-of-business sale starting May 18. Tennessee on stage: Dollywood tops a TripAdvisor-style list of Tennessee’s highest-rated theme parks, while the Savoy Automobile Museum in Georgia keeps rolling in national awards. Safety reminder: Electric shock drowning prevention is getting attention as lake season ramps up—especially around docks and marinas.

Memorial Day travel relief: TDOT is suspending construction-related lane closures from noon Friday, May 22 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, aiming to keep traffic moving for a predicted 950,000 Tennesseans on the road. Big weekend plans: The Old Farmer’s Almanac is leaning warm for most regions over Memorial Day, with scattered storm chances in parts of the East and Appalachians. Nashville spotlight: Reports say NFL owners are set to vote this week on awarding Super Bowl LXIV to Nashville in February 2030, with the Titans’ new stadium expected to open in 2027. Family-friendly add-ons: Dollywood’s Splash Country is going cashless now, and the hotels follow June 11—tap, swipe, and mobile pay. Local culture: Owensboro’s Brasher’s Little Nashville is hosting a free songwriter showcase Wednesday, May 27, ahead of the SERFA conference. Tech & campus: Tennessee Tech says SOAR registrations are up, and it’s expanding on-campus overnight lodging for July sessions.

Buc-ee’s Expansion Watch: The Benton, Arkansas Buc-ee’s is edging toward a late-summer opening as it files with the state to sell beer and wine, with a plan for about 300 jobs and a target that could land on Labor Day or mid-September. Travel & Crowds: The AP x Swatch watch craze is still causing overnight lines, store shutdowns, and a resale frenzy—proof that “quick trips” can turn into full-on pilgrimages. Memorial Day Plans: A wet, chilly Memorial Day weekend forecast is putting a dent in outdoor travel for millions, with rain and storms expected across large parts of the U.S. Great Smoky Mountains Growth: East Tennessee’s Smokies are set to add 600+ acres via the “Oliver Tract” land transfer, the biggest acreage bump since 2009. Local Safety Note: Tennessee Highway Patrol released details on a fatal May 15 crash on Hwy. 58 in Hamilton County, urging drivers to avoid the area.

Water Crisis Update: Raccoon Mountain neighbors say their wells have failed again and are now out of water, pushing them to seek a city-backed fix after a proposal estimated at $3.5 million was brought to Chattanooga City Council—sparking questions about spending for just 12 homes. Local Leadership: The plan is being coordinated with Councilman Chip Henderson as residents argue a community water system is an investment for future emergencies. Community & Travel: Memphis International Airport hosted its second “Flying Together” event for families with special needs, offering a calmer, practice-run airport experience before trips. Road Safety: Tennessee Highway Patrol released preliminary details on a fatal May 15 crash on Hwy. 58 in Hamilton County involving a stopped truck and a Hyundai Elantra. Travel Culture: Buc-ee’s is suing a Georgia convenience store over branding and a new pay-at-the-pump policy, as the travel-center giant expands further.

Tennessee Sports: The Vols kept their SEC momentum alive, winning their series over Oklahoma 2-of-3 after a 9-7 Game 1 and 9-4 Game 2, then pushing hard in a 12-9 Game 3 loss—proof they “never quit” even after a rough first inning. Local Travel & Accessibility: Memphis International Airport hosted its second annual “Flying Together” event for families with special needs, offering a stress-reducing, hands-on run through check-in, TSA, boarding, and a simulated flight briefing. Tourism Watch: Lookout Mountain’s zoning board chair raised transparency questions about Rock City’s proposed gondola plans, including concerns about traffic studies and what the public is being told. Civic Spotlight: Thousands rallied in Alabama for Black voting rights after the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act setback, with Tennessee and other states watching for new map moves. Travel Costs: AAA says Memorial Day gas prices are set to be among the highest in four years as the national average climbs again.

Airport Construction Disruptions: Nashville International Airport warns of short traffic delays starting May 18, with blasting for a new parking garage and rental car facility causing brief stops on terminal roads and ramps twice daily for about four weeks (weather permitting). Local Safety & Planning: Decatur City Council heard a pitch for upgrading police body cameras and adding drones, aiming to fix lag and footage access issues. Travel Demand Boost: Southwest launched its first-ever Alaska flights, adding seasonal service to Anchorage from Denver and Las Vegas—another connectivity win for travelers heading north. Road Trip Reality Check: AAA says drivers are seeing little relief at the pump as Memorial Day gas prices approach. Community Events: St. Jude Corvette Drive hit its 15th year in Memphis, raising $750,315 for families. Sports Schedule Buzz: The NFL’s 2026 slate is out, with teams leaning into prime-time matchups and travel-heavy stretches.

Airport Construction Disruption: Nashville International Airport warns travelers to expect short traffic delays starting May 18, with blasting for a new parking garage and rental car facility causing brief stops on terminal roadways and Donelson Pike through mid-June. Public Safety Tech Upgrade: Decatur City Council heard a pitch for roughly $1M–$1.5M a year to upgrade police body cameras and add drones, after officials cited lag and access problems with current footage. Local Summer Meals: Nicholson Public Library is launching free meal bags for kids 0–18 (no eligibility checks) from May 26 to July 24, plus a free “Unearth a Story” summer reading kickoff May 22. Conservation Win for the Smokies: Foothills Land Conservancy says it acquired the 600+ acre “Oliver Tract” near Townsend to permanently transfer to the National Park Service. Weekend Travel Watch: Chattanooga’s IRONMAN 70.3 returns for the 11th straight year, with downtown road closures and lane limits starting Friday and expanding for race-day routes.

NCAA Softball: The 2026 tournament tips off Friday with 64 teams in regionals, and Tennessee is in the mix as the No. 7 seed at the SEC-heavy host slate (Tennessee gets a regional host spot at Gainesville’s neighbor?—the coverage flags Tennessee as a No. 7 regional host seed, setting up a big weekend for Vols fans). NFL Schedule Buzz: The Bengals’ 2026 slate is out with three primetime games, including a Sunday Night Football home date vs. Pittsburgh and a New Year’s Eve TNF clash with Baltimore. Tennessee Politics: U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen ends his reelection campaign after Tennessee’s redistricting fight, with court challenges still in play. Travel & Local Safety: A Tennessee man was arrested in Alabama over a Nashville Nissan Stadium bomb threat, while a Jefferson County school soft lockdown tied to a backpack threat was later ruled a hoax. Road Trip Reality Check: AAA says national gas averages are edging back up ahead of Memorial Day.

Tornado Alley jitters in Arkansas: A fresh look at the state’s storm risk highlights how Arkansas sits on the edge of Tornado Alley—and how quickly conditions can turn dangerous, with 2025’s tornado totals underscoring the stakes. NFL schedule buzz for travelers: The 2026 league slate is out, kicking off Sept. 9 with a Seahawks–Patriots rematch and featuring a record nine international games—meaning more flight planning for fans heading to places like Melbourne. Tennessee travel logistics: Drivers near Hamilton Place Mall should expect lane shifts on I-75 starting May 18 as crews rework the Exit 5 ramp alignment. On-the-ground local items: Huntsville International is running a drive-to-fly survey through June 3 for a chance at a $1,000 flight voucher, and Clarksville police are seeking a suspect in an alleged women’s restroom photo incident. Sports with Tennessee ties: Tennessee baseball opened its Oklahoma series with a 9-7 win, while a former Vol, Dylan Dreiling, earned Texas League Player of the Week honors.