SUMMARY: Increased use of AI-powered digital surveillance software in U.S. schools aims to detect threats but often leads to harsh consequences for students. A Tennessee 13-year-old was arrested after making an offensive online joke flagged by monitoring software, resulting in interrogation and jail time despite lack of real threat. Critics argue such technology criminalizes careless words without context, while supporters say it prevents violence and aids mental health interventions. False alarms are common, as seen in Lawrence, Kansas, where many alerts proved nonissues. Students and advocates call for more balanced approaches, emphasizing understanding over punitive measures in addressing youth behavior and mental health.

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SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs took effect Aug. 7, targeting nearly 70 countries with rates from 10% to 41%, highest for Laos, Myanmar, Syria, and Switzerland. Political economy professor Dan Smith called the approach “random” and potentially harmful, noting impacts on Tennessee’s automotive, steel, and niche industries, as well as coffee and produce imports from Central and South America. Smith predicted decreased investment in Middle Tennessee and effects on Nashville’s health care manufacturing sector. Economists doubt prices will drop over time, citing higher U.S. labor costs. The ultimate economic fallout remains uncertain, with stability possible only if rates stay consistent.

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The post Trump's new tariffs take effect. Here's how Tennesseans could be impacted appeared first on www.wkrn.com

SUMMARY: Rick Laude has attended about 10 executions at Tennessee’s Riverbend Maximum Security Institution since 2009, supporting the death penalty largely due to his personal trauma and sympathy for victims’ families. Nearly killed by his stepmother as a child, Laude relates deeply to victims of violent crime, especially children. Known for his distinctive cowboy hat with a rattlesnake, he has been vocal and sometimes provocative at executions, yet also advocates for civil dialogue between pro- and anti-death penalty groups. Despite supporting executions, Laude acknowledges flaws in the system and the occasional wrongful execution, urging fairness for victims’ families.

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