State interference in university matters has been an ongoing theme in Tennessee for quite some time. Plus, the local news for August 19, 2025, and the man who shows up in support of the death penalty at each execution. 

Credits: 

This is a production of Nashville Public Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: Miriam Kramer

Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP