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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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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SUMMARY: Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) launched her 2026 campaign for Tennessee governor, setting up a Republican primary contest with U.S. Representative John Rose. Blackburn, currently serving her second Senate term, was reelected in 2024 with a strong margin. She made history as Tennessee’s first female U.S. senator and aims to become the state’s first female governor, succeeding term-limited Governor Bill Lee. Blackburn’s long political career includes service in the U.S. House and Tennessee state senate. Her campaign emphasizes conservative values, constitutional honor, pro-life stances, energy and job growth, and stricter immigration enforcement, pledging to make Tennessee a conservative leader.

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