Southern Progressives

National News

State News:

The Tennessee General Assembly has passed several new laws related to criminal offenses and public safety, effective July 1. Key highlights include: Enhanced Penalties and New Offenses: Penalties for existing crimes have been increased, and new crimes such as "abortion trafficking" have been introduced. Several laws are named after victims who inspired the legislation.

Jillian’s Law: Alters how the criminal justice system handles offenders deemed incompetent to stand trial, requiring them to be committed to treatment facilities and entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Anti-Squatter Laws: Allows property owners to request the removal of unlawful occupants by the sheriff’s office under certain conditions.

Laken Riley Act of 2024: Permits the carrying of non-lethal weapons for self-defense on public college campuses.

Death Penalty for Child Rape: Allows capital punishment for adults convicted of aggravated rape of a child, with specific conditions and exceptions.

Abortion Trafficking: Criminalizes the act of taking a minor to get an abortion without parental or legal guardian consent.

Increased Penalties for School Threats: Elevates the offense of threatening mass violence on school property to a Class E felony.

Chris Wright Act: Converts certain repeat misdemeanor offenses to felonies after multiple convictions.

Dr. Benjamin Mauck Act: Establishes new offenses for assault within healthcare facilities.

Protecting Bees: Makes it a felony to take bees or related structures without consent.

Making Drag Racing a Felony: Elevates the penalty for drag racing to a Class E felony.

Local News & Arts:

Independence Day celebrations are part of the DNA of Etowah, Tennessee. Etowah's Old Fashioned Fourth of July is the quintessential small-town experience, where the town's population grows by thousands and the community comes together to celebrate the birth of our nation and our freedom. The tradition began early in Etowah's history with July 4th parades and celebrations. Beginning in 1983, the celebration became an annual event when over 3000 people gathered in the L&N Depot lawn for an Etowah High School reunion and the day was capped off with a fireworks display. By 1985, the event had already grown to over 5,000 attendees and it continues to grow today as the best small town 4th of July celebration in the region. Thank you to all of the volunteers, community servants and boosters over the years that have continued this beloved tradition for over 40 years, including my grandmother Kay Melton, Maxine Harwood, Durant Tullock, Rhonda Whaley, LaMone Rose, Marilyn Miller, April Preston and many others. Check out the photos to see if you recognize any people from celebrations past. Photos courtesy of Kay Dobbs Melton and Durant Tullock. The City of Etowah Etowah 4th of July

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The UT Extension - McMinn is hosting Master Gardeners on Duty every Monday from 9 am - 11 am. If you have questions about flowers, fruit trees, or your backyard garden, call the office and talk to a Master Gardener! Call the office at (423) 745-2852 or visit them at 2345 Denso Drive in Athens and trained volunteers will give you prompt responses with fact-based information and links to reliable sources! This valuable resource is available to the public for FREE!

Political Cartoon:

Seniors:

Coalition Calendar: (click on the calendar to get to web page for June.)