SUMMARY: Tennessee has enacted a law requiring medical examiners to test deceased mass shooters for psychotropic and mental health drugs. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center will study the interactions between these drugs and other substances found in the shooters’ systems to explore potential correlations. The aim is to gain insights into whether these medications influence such violent acts. Experts caution that any findings would be only one small piece of a complex issue and stress the importance of avoiding stigma against those with mental health disorders. Since 2015, Tennessee has experienced eight mass shootings with four or more deaths.

Tennessee is taking new steps in the search for answers following mass shootings by turning to the medicine cabinet.

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SUMMARY: Tennessee is set to resume executions, with Oscar Franklin Smith scheduled for May 22, 2025. Victims’ rights advocates, including Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, are urging Governor Bill Lee to grant a reprieve, citing the costs and ethical concerns of capital punishment. Critics argue that funds used for executions could better support victims’ families through mental health services, housing, and case resolution. The state has spent significant amounts on execution drugs, with Tennessee paying \$600,000 for lethal injection drugs. Additionally, a report shows that the legal and procedural costs of executions are substantially higher than life imprisonment cases.

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SUMMARY: The Cineary podcast, started by former UT students in 2014, recently celebrated its 500th episode milestone. Over 11 years, the podcast has explored a wide range of films, from classics to modern releases, including special episodes on directors like M. Night Shyamalan and a series on Shrek. The core team—Zack Dennis, Andrew Swaford, Michael Ali, and Grace Windburn—aims to recreate the experience of post-movie conversations. They also attend major film festivals like Toronto International Film Festival annually. The 500th episode was recorded live in Knoxville, marking a season finale with plans to return refreshed. The podcast is available on Spotify and cinematary.com.

The podcast highlights the film industry.

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