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Tennessee ranks 2nd in analysis of state finances | Tennessee

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-15 12:38:00

(The Center Square) – Tennessee ranks second for its economic outlook in an annual analysis of the fiscal health of the 50 states.

The 18th annual Rich States, Poor States from the American Legislative Exchange Council shows Tennessee moved to the second spot after ranking 6th in 2024 and 13th in 2023.

The Volunteer State received its highest marks for its tax policies. The state has no income tax or estate/inheritance tax. Tennessee also received the top mark for its minimum wage, which is at the federal level of $7.25 an hour.

Tennessee’s high sales tax rate placed it at 44th, its worst rating. The sales tax rate is 7%.

The state’s economic performance ranking was 12th among the 50 states, according to the report.

An analysis of Tennessee’s gross domestic product for 2013 to 2023 showed it was 76.25%, 10th in the country.

The state welcomed 405,833 new residents between 2021 and 2023, ranking it seventh among the states, according to the report.

“As Washington attempts to tackle debt and dysfunction, the states remain America’s last line of defense for fiscal responsibility and economic growth,” said ALEC President and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams. “Rich States, Poor States once again illustrates that Americans vote with their feet – leaving high-tax, high-regulation states in favor of those embracing low taxes, balanced budgets, and worker freedom. The states leading our rankings thrive because they put the people first.”

Utah took the top spot in the report, with Indiana, North Carolina and North Dakota rounding out the top five. The bottom five states are Illinois, California, New Jersey, Vermont and New York.

The report was co-authored by Reagan economist Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, policy expert Stephen Moore, and ALEC president and chief economist Jonathan Williams.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

Alvarado echoes Trump in launching a congressional bid

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wpln.org – Tony Gonzalez – 2025-07-18 04:38:00

SUMMARY: Dr. Ralph Alvarado, Kentucky’s first Hispanic state legislator and former Republican state senator, announced his 2026 bid for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District seat. Now Tennessee’s health commissioner, Alvarado plans to return and align with Trump’s “America First” agenda, focusing on issues like border security and fighting the “woke agenda.” The seat, held by GOP Rep. Andy Barr, is a Democratic target for the 2026 midterms. The race includes GOP challengers Ryan Dotson and Deanna Gordon, and Democrats Zach Dembo, Cherlynn Stevenson, and David Kloiber. The district blends rural GOP areas and Democratic-leaning Lexington, shaped by recent redistricting.

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A heart implant could make Tennessee’s next execution painful and prolonged. Prison officials argue they don’t have to disable the device.

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wpln.org – Catherine Sweeney – 2025-07-17 17:25:00

SUMMARY: Byron Black, scheduled for execution in Tennessee on August 5, has a heart implant—a combined pacemaker and defibrillator—that could cause severe pain by delivering shocks if triggered during lethal injection. Experts warn that the drug pentobarbital used in the execution may induce dangerous heart rhythms activating the device, causing continuous shocks. Black’s attorneys argue the device should be disabled beforehand, but state officials and medical experts claim it’s unlikely to be triggered and that any shocks would be felt in a coma state, preventing pain perception. A court ruling on this issue is expected soon.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

Catalina Created: Modern Calligraphy

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www.youtube.com – WKRN News 2 – 2025-07-17 16:19:18

SUMMARY: Catalina Created, led by Carmen, specializes in modern calligraphy for weddings, gifts, personalization, and more. Carmen discovered her passion in 2018, practicing brush lettering and creating custom pieces for friends and coworkers, which launched her business. She teaches calligraphy through Sip and Script, helping others develop their skills with brush pens. Calligraphy emphasizes thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes, creating elegant, flowing designs. Carmen offers classes locally and handles wedding invitations, signs, and place cards. To hire her, visit Catalina Created on Instagram or email CatalinaCreated@gmail.com. Calligraphy remains a popular, relaxing art perfect for special occasions and self-expression.

Whether you’re a stationery nerd, DIY Bride-to-be, or just a crafty individual, introduce yourself to modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink!

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