Notable quotables for the week came from a handful of feel-good stories, like a look into highland cows’ arrival on the Tennessee State Fair scene and a preview of local indie pop duo Hovvdy’s new record.

But there were also some difficult stories this week.

WPLN criminal justice reporter Paige Pfleger and her reporting partner, ProPublica’s Aliyya Swaby, released their latest investigation into Tennessee’s juvenile justice system. It looked into systematic approaches to obscuring abuse in the facilities.

Tennessee carried out the fourth execution under its latest lethal injection protocol. Anthony Darrell Hines was put to death for the 1985 killing of Catherine Jean Jenkins. There were widespread concerns this execution would face the same obstacles as the attempted execution in May, when the state’s prison staff failed to establish IV access for the lethal drugs. However, Hines was pronounced dead within 20 minutes of the drugs being administered.

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Tennessee college scholarships are at risk.

Lottery proceeds fund these scholarships, but lottery revenue declined by 22% between fiscal years 2022 and 2025, according to a report by ThinkTennessee.

The analysis shows that scholarship spending exceeded lottery proceeds for the first time in 2025. This created a gap typically covered by sports wagering revenue. However, a new law now directs sports wagering revenue to the state’s school voucher program.

Researchers suggest that Tennessee take note of how other states are bringing in more revenue. One example is through lottery modernization — such as Tennessee retailers accepting debit cards.

Tap link in bio for more for more from education reporter Camellia Burris.

Photos: Unsplash, ThinkTennessee

Notable quotables for the week for stories that include Tennessee’s primary results, the death penalty, and the ongoing discourse and action around the proposed data center near the zoo.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn held a solid lead in the governor’s race, even before she officially announced her candidacy. Polls showed her opponent, U.S. Rep. John Rose, gaining on her for a while, but ultimately she took the vote. Other tight races included the one for the 5th Congressional District, where former agriculture commissioner unseated incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles.

Tennessee is set to execute Anthony “Darrell” Hines next week, amid ongoing concerns about the state’s lethal injection program. Gov. Bill Lee reiterated his support for the Department of Correction and again announced he will not heed calls for a death penalty moratorium.

The Metro Council signed off on Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s plan to use eminent domain to block a controversial data center project near the zoo. With that permission, the city can begin working to prove to a court there’s a necessary public use for the land. Some members, like Courtney Johnston, are concerned about the price tag.

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How well did President Trump’s candidates perform in Tennessee’s GOP primary? The results are in... and they are mixed.

Trump-endorsed Sen. Brent Taylor won the Republican ticket in the 9th Congressional District. But in the 5th, his choice of incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles lost to Gov. Bill Lee’s pick, former state ag commissioner Charlie Hatcher.

Trump opted not to make any endorsement in the gubernatorial race, where U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn defeated U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts. She will face Democrat Jerri Green in November.

Swipe for complete results, which you can also find at WPLN.org.

WPLN heard your concerns. This post corrects a previous post, which has been deleted. Our initial reporting about a drowning detection system was not clear enough about the “Angel Eye” systems going in at YMCA indoor pools.

Angel Eye uses cameras in or above pools, plus software that monitors for signs of distress in the water. They can alert lifeguards to trouble.

Residents, and parents in particular, have had strong reactions to the presence of cameras at the pool where their families swim — and to the further spread of surveillance.

“As a parent, what I am concerned about is surveillance. … They should be transparent about how they were sold this technology. Is there some lack of confidence in their lifeguards? I would imagine not,” said Melissa Cherry of Madison

The YMCA states that lifeguards are not going away, and the technology is secure and could save lives, and will supplement the work of lifeguards.

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Reporter: Emily West
Photos: Emily West / WPLN

How would Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s strategy in her run for governor translate to Texas hold ‘em?

Blackburn is vying against two other GOP candidates, U.S. Rep. John Rose and Tennessee Rep. Monty Fritts, to make it to the “final table,” this fall’s election. All year she’s been the “chip leader,” with sizeable advantages in campaign finance reports and polls of likely voters.

But Blackburn has chosen a quiet approach, avoiding involvement in many hands. For instance, she refused to appear on a debate stage with the other candidates. That’s deprived them of some opportunities to make big plays, but it’s also led to some awkward moments, like one with a reporter outside an elevator that became a news story of its own.

So will Blackburn take it down? Republican primary voters are dealing the cards. Election day is Thursday.

Tap link in bio for more elections coverage.

Photos: Unsplash, candidates photos from candidate websites
Reporting by Daniel Potter