AGP Executive Report

College Football Spotlight: Top-ranked Texas held off No. 14 Tennessee 20-17 in Knoxville, with Colin Simmons tying a Texas single-game record by sacking Faizon Brandon five times—then apologizing after a “simulating using the restroom” celebration drew an unsportsmanlike penalty. Neyland Celebrity Watch: Trump, Peyton Manning, Marsha Blackburn, Glen Powell, and Johnny Knoxville were among the notable faces at College GameDay’s marquee matchup. Media Feud in Sports: The White House again barred CNN from Air Force One for Trump’s Tennessee trip, swapping in Real America’s Voice amid an ongoing access fight. Music & Local Culture: Nashville singer-songwriter Adam Doleac is set for an Oct. 8-9 acoustic-style run at Dave’s Music Hall in Guntersville. Arts Calendar: Southside Gallery in Oxford highlights regional Southeast artists with free, rotating exhibits and public receptions. Country Music Buzz: Ian Noe’s “Kickin’ It In Nashville” takes aim at modern country radio and major-label influence.

White House Media Fight: Trump’s team barred CNN from traveling on Air Force One to Knoxville for Texas-Tennessee, swapping in Real America’s Voice for the TV pool spot, after a judge had ordered CNN back to White House grounds. SEC Spotlight: At Neyland Stadium, the Vols host No. 1 Texas in a marquee Week 4 clash with College GameDay and celebrity guest picker Johnny Knoxville, while coaches worked with the Secret Service to keep sideline communications clear during Trump’s visit. On-Field Updates: Tennessee is shorthanded at running back with Javin Gordon ruled out; Texas got a boost as Hollywood Smothers was upgraded to probable. Lady Vols Soccer: Tennessee’s women’s team played Mississippi State to a scoreless draw, keeping its unbeaten run alive. Music & Pop Culture: Memphis rapper GloRilla teams with Kirk Franklin on gospel-leaning track “This Time,” and country newcomer Ella Langley went viral after a fan’s blunt date ask during her Knoxville stop. Sports Betting Buzz: Multiple promos and prediction-market codes are pushing Texas-Tennessee wagering ahead of kickoff.

Music Tour: iHeartRadio’s 2026 Jingle Ball Tour is adding Nashville for the first time, with Hilary Duff and OneRepublic headlining the Dec. 17 stop (plus Olivia Rodrigo, Jonas Brothers, Charlie Puth, Raye, Katseye and more across the nine-city run). Media & Politics: The White House is barring CNN from flying on Trump’s Air Force One trip to Knoxville for the Tennessee-Texas game, replacing it in the TV press pool with Real America’s Voice News—continuing a First Amendment fight after a judge temporarily restored White House access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico. Local Sports (East TN): Greeneville’s Greene Devils topped Sevier County’s Smoky Bears 49-21, with Taren Claridy going off for 209 yards and three TDs. Outdoor Culture: Tennessee’s TWRA is marking National Hunting and Fishing Day alongside the start of the 2026 fall archery seasons for deer and turkey. High School Football (Nashville area): Luke Bryan cheered as his son Bo Bryan led his team to a 41-35 win over a rival in a rematch.

Dolly Parton Day (9/25): California has officially designated Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day, joining other cities and states rolling out pink lights, parades, and literacy tributes tied to “9 to 5.” In Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed “Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day,” and Nashville plans fireworks at 9:25 p.m., plus a free “9 to 5” screening and Dolly-themed museum programming. Give Like Dolly: A new campaign is raising more than $200,000 for Middle Tennessee nonprofits through Sept. 27, with support for children’s success, healing, neighbors in need, and music-and-arts access. Big Screen Return: A restored “9 to 5” is set for a weeklong theatrical run starting Oct. 9, with ticket proceeds supporting Parton’s Imagination Library. Music Tour Buzz: iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball 2026 lineup is set for nine cities, with Olivia Rodrigo, KATSEYE, TXT, Jonas Brothers, Charlie Puth, Hilary Duff, RAYE, OneRepublic and SOMBR, including a Nashville stop. Local Arts & Community: Hartsville’s Hartsville Arts Council and the Nashville Symphony teamed up for a free outdoor symphony event with a Dolly tribute and family-friendly activities.

Pop Culture & TV: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are back as judges for American Idol’s Season 25, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host; auditions are underway for “Idol Across America.” Music & Community: Nashville is rolling out Dolly Day (Sept. 25) with a citywide pink-themed celebration and business events tied to charity, including donations linked to Parton’s Imagination Library. Local Arts & Events: The Rita Vital Moccasin Bend Lecture Series kicks off at the Tennessee Aquarium with a talk on Fort Armistead and Cherokee removal, plus more free community programming like Tip-a-Cop and free Shakespeare in the Park. Tennessee Entertainment Spotlight: A new Dolly Parton corn maze is debuting in Ocoee, and Chattanooga is showcasing connected-vehicle tech through its SMART roadway safety project. Industry Watch: A Nashville songwriter is using an AI “singer” to perform his catalog, sparking fresh debate about creativity and authorship.

SEC Spotlight: No. 1 Texas heads to Knoxville for its first SEC test vs. No. 14 Tennessee, with plenty of buzz around Arch Manning after Fox analyst Joel Klatt said he “has not been that impressive” so far. Nashville Music & Culture: Memphis producer Tay Keith is being honored with a permanent music production space at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library—plus a new archival “Tay Keith Collection” and oral-history project. Dolly Parton Watch: Parton’s sister Freida says there’s “no feud” in the family amid a restraining order and estate dispute involving Parton’s nephew. Community Arts: Gallatin County’s Imagination Library milestone keeps growing, with 166,090 books delivered over six years. Entertainment Business: Strand Releasing acquired North American distribution for “Sparks,” a time-travel teen drama set for a spring 2027 theatrical release. Sports Entertainment: College GameDay’s guest picker for Texas-Tennessee is Johnny Knoxville.

Dolly Parton Legal Storm: A Nashville judge granted Parton’s estate a temporary restraining order against her nephew Bryan Seaver and his security firm, citing alleged threats, demands for payment, and “claimed access to weapons.” Seaver and the company are barred from She’s Alive properties and from approaching staff and partners within 1,000 feet; a hearing is set for Oct. 7. Music & Pop Culture: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps climbing—holding No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for a record 23rd week, beating Mariah Carey’s holiday classic. Local Arts/Community: Craigs Chapel AME Zion Church in Maryville is reopening as the AME Zion Tennessee Conference Heritage Center, preserving artifacts and Underground Railroad-linked history. Health/Entertainment News: Investigators say Hayden Panettiere’s death investigation found fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in her apartment. Sports-Adjacent Tennessee Buzz: Former Titans WR Kevin Dyson’s tuition-free charter school bid heads to appeal after Metro Nashville rejected it.

Fast-Food Music Mashup: Wendy’s dropped a surprise six-song emo album, “Songs to Listen to in the Wendy’s Parking Lot,” with metalcore/pop-punk vocalists and Matt Squire behind the tracks—plus a full makeover that fans are debating. Music & Local Culture: Louie Bluie Festival keeps stacking its lineup with Candice Ivory headlining and Kelle Jolly’s Will Boyd Project set for Cove Lake State Park. Songwriting Spotlight: Nashville Songwriters Awards at the Ryman crowned Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” Song of the Year, with Riley Green named songwriter-artist of the year. Legal Drama in Country Music: Dolly Parton’s estate is seeking a restraining order against nephew Bryan Seaver, alleging threatening behavior tied to her business and legacy. Outdoor & Community: TWRA is backing Gov. Bill Lee’s National Hunting and Fishing Day proclamation ahead of fall archery seasons. Sports Media: Volunteer Gameday returns to hype Tennessee vs. Texas with interviews and live segments ahead of kickoff.

Music & Charts: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps climbing—now a Billboard Hot 100 record with 23 weeks at No. 1, topping Mariah Carey’s holiday classic. Legal Drama (Music Business): Dolly Parton’s estate is seeking a temporary restraining order against her nephew Bryan Seaver, alleging threats, intimidation, and attempted extortion tied to her brand and business operations after he was fired as head of security. Local Arts & Culture: Plein Air Smokies returned to East Tennessee’s Tremont area, bringing artists to paint the Smokies in real time—rain and all—with proceeds supporting the institute. Songwriting Spotlight: The Nashville Songwriters Awards at the Ryman honored top creators, including Blake Pendergrass (Songwriter of the Year) and Vince Gill (lifetime achievement). Appalachian Heritage: Avery County native Erica Renee Mckinney is turning to music to preserve Appalachian roots, drawing on her mountain upbringing and live performances. Sports (Nashville): The Predators beat Tampa Bay 3-2 in overtime in their preseason home opener.

Diesel Export Ban Debate: Record-high U.S. diesel prices are pushing some lawmakers to call for a ban on American diesel exports, including Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett-backed proposals—though energy experts warn it could worsen the global supply crunch. Top-1% Money Check: A new SmartAsset analysis pegs the income needed to make the top 1% in each state, with Louisiana at $593,101 and Tennessee’s threshold also mapped for 2026. SEC Injury Pressure: Tennessee is heading into its Texas SEC opener with multiple season-ending injuries already hitting key spots, forcing coaches to reshuffle lineups and roles. College GameDay Knoxville Buzz: Fans are weighing who should join ESPN’s College GameDay guest picker lineup for Tennessee vs. Texas, with big-name Vols and local favorites in the mix. Ella Langley Spotlight: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps stacking milestones—CMA Awards video nomination and another Hot 100 No. 1 record—while her momentum stays firmly Nashville-centered. Local Arts & Community: Cookeville’s Mean Mel’s music venue is restarting after relocating, and UT Martin’s Miss UT Martin Volunteer and Miss Weakley County Volunteer pageants crowned new titleholders. Waymo Teen Accounts in Nashville: Waymo is expanding robotaxi access with teen accounts starting at age 13 in Nashville, signaling more growth as regulations allow.

Dolly Parton Estate Fallout: Less than a month after Parton’s death, her nephew Bryan Seaver was abruptly removed from a longtime security role tied to her Nashville properties, with Seaver’s camp calling the move “unexpected” and alleging bad-faith motives amid the estate dispute. Nashville Live Music: Alternative-rock band Visit Neptune plays Smith’s Olde Bar Tuesday, Sept. 22 (7 p.m., $15+). The Voice Season 30: Premiere Night 1 kicked off with four chair turns and a new First-In button twist as Queen Latifah and Riley Green joined Adam Levine and Kelly Clarkson for Blind Auditions. Nashville Shakespeare Festival: A review of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” highlights the pay-what-you-will model, lawn seating, and the festival’s near-$400,000 production scale. UT Sports & Entertainment Buzz: A Roller Rabbit x UT pajama pop-up drew massive early lines, showing how quickly campus fashion collabs become events. Community Arts: Athens Community Theatre announced auditions for “Ragtime” (Feb. 19–28 show run). NFL Tennessee Angle: The Titans fell to 0-2 after a 24-20 loss to the Eagles, while Tennessee prepares for a sold-out SEC opener vs. No. 1 Texas at Neyland.

Dolly Day in Nashville: Kuhn Rikon USA is marking Sept. 25 with a Rainbow COLORI® pairing knife sale, donating 100% of proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. AI in Music City: Peter Thiel’s “Nashville Antichrist Lectures” kick off Sept. 28, putting AI at the center of a four-week series. UT Knoxville Growth: Groundbreaking begins for the 865 Neyland entertainment district, aiming to boost fan experiences and year-round events. Local Arts & Craft: Vanderbilt University Museum of Art debuts a new exhibition embracing the artist behind “Instead Of” artworks. Music News: Pop-punk guitarist Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) dies at 45 after a cancer battle. Sports With Tennessee Ties: Eagles-Titans heat controversy returns as Nashville turf hit 157 degrees and cleats reportedly melted; plus NFL Week 3 odds and injury updates. Community Giving: Tennessee Tech students design room displays using donated furniture at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Nashville Entertainment Biz: Grapeful Wine Bar expands into whiskey flights and rotating spirits.

Music & Local Culture: Murray State welcomed alternative/Americana singer-songwriter S.G. Goodman back for a roots talk and performance at Lovett Auditorium, tying her campus memories to her recent Nashville Ryman appearance. Music Loss: New Found Glory founding guitarist Chad Gilbert died at 45 after a long cancer battle, prompting tributes from fans and the band. Sports (Nashville Arts Angle): The Eagles’ steamy Nissan Stadium win over the Titans came with a heat headline—turf temps hit 157°F and players needed IVs—plus late heroics from Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith. Community & Family: Knox County’s Parent-A-Child spotlight introduced Chayson, a sports-loving teen seeking a forever family. Arts Calendar: Plateau Creative Arts Center announced “Drawn to Color,” a new watercolor show by Donna Cronce running Oct. 2–Nov. 5 with a free reception. Sports & Entertainment: Sleep Theory shared “Paper Hearts - Reimagined,” a lo-fi companion release from their Memphis outfit.

Nashville Predators Streaming: The Predators’ new app-based streaming service launches with the 2026-27 season, priced at $74 for all non-nationally televised regular-season games (plus free preseason streaming), with ESPN+ handling four national matchups. NFL Game-Day Buzz: Titans RB Julius Chestnut kept the Marvel theme going into the Eagles game with a Green Goblin entrance, but fans weren’t thrilled after the team’s rough start. Injury Update: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley left Nashville with a stinger after a hit early in the game. Travel Headline: American Airlines reportedly offered Eagles fans $3,500 each to switch flights for the Nashville trip—far above typical voluntary bump rates. Music & Media Loss: Nashville music journalist Edward Morris, who steered Billboard’s country coverage and wrote for CMT.com, died at 90. Pop Culture Spotlight: Miley Cyrus shared her final conversation with Dolly Parton, including Parton’s tradition of receiving her vinyl records. College Football TV: ESPN’s College GameDay is set for Tennessee vs. Texas on Sept. 26, and fans are already debating the guest-picking lineup.

Tennessee Football: No. 15 Vols rolled past Kennesaw State 42-9 at Neyland Stadium as Duane Morris (116 yards, TD) led a four-rusher rushing TD parade, while QB Faizon Brandon added a passing score and a rushing TD in a seven-scoring-drive night. Ole Miss vs. LSU: Lane Kiffin’s return turned into a Trinidad Chambliss showcase—Ole Miss beat LSU 32-24 after LSU erased a 24-7 halftime deficit, then fell short on a late tipped-ball interception. CFP Buzz: Week 3 reshuffled the playoff conversation, with Ole Miss climbing after its top-10 win and SEC teams taking over more of the top spots. Memphis Arts & Community: The Cooper-Young Festival kept Midtown buzzing despite brutal heat, with crowds, local vendors, and water support from the Mid-South Food Bank. Chattanooga Ballet: Chattanooga Ballet announced fall performances “ART / Bridges,” tied to the Walnut Street Bridge reopening Oct. 3. Country Music Spotlight: Lainey Wilson honored Dolly Parton at iHeartRadio, calling her “my hero,” as Parton’s legacy continues to ripple through Tennessee and beyond.

NFL Injuries: Jets rookie WR Omar Cooper Jr. is headed to injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, sidelining him at least four games after a limited Week 1 debut vs. Tennessee. Nashville Sports Spotlight: Drew Brees will join the Fox broadcast booth for Eagles-Titans in Nashville, teaming with Adam Amin and sideline reporter Kristina Pink. Community & Arts: A giant card-signing event at a Chick-fil-A in Hermitage is inviting the public to send messages to longtime Metro Council member and local artist Phil Ponder, who’s in hospice care. AmericanaFest Culture: Queer Roots at AmericanaFest returned to East Nashville’s Lipstick Lounge with performances from Jaimee Harris and Mary Gauthier, celebrating queer storytelling in roots music. Film & Faith: Jewell R. Powell’s faith-based “A Christmas Journey” lands in theaters Nov. 7, with additional church and campus screenings planned, including Memphis. Local Creativity: Clarksville’s Customs House Museum hosts Family Art Saturday: Sunflowers on Sept. 26 with free printmaking for ages 3+. Entertainment Business: Paramount’s reported interest in moving operations to Nashville keeps Hollywood relocation chatter front and center.