Southern Progressives

Moving to the left, one post at a time.

Bill Freeman
July 01, 2026

National News:

The Most Surprising Part of the Birthright-Citizenship Decision

A conversation with Quinta Jurecic about how the recent rulings will affect the president’s power

The Atlantic • Will Gottsegen

June 30, 2026

On January 20, 2025, the day he took the oath of office a second time, President Donald J.

Heather Cox Richardson

Democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeats 15-term incumbent in Colorado House primary

Twenty-nine-year-old beat representative Diana DeGette in deep-blue Denver district

the Guardian

State News:

Lethal injection protocol likely led to botched execution - Nashville Banner

Tennessee's current lethal injection protocol includes reduced training on IV placement, an issue that caused the state to halt Tony Carruthers' execution.

Nashville Banner • Steven Hale

Local News:

Weather - Etowah - 14-Day Forecast & Rain

See the weather like never before – live weather maps powered by the most accurate models.

www.ventusky.com/35.323;-84.525

There are no specific, large-scale immigration raids or targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations currently reported or confirmed within the immediate city limits of Athens, TN.

However, ICE enforcement activities remain ongoing and visible throughout the broader East Tennessee region: [1, 2, 3]

Recent East TN Sweeps: Federal agents recently conducted a weeklong targeted enforcement operation in nearby Sevier County (approximately 80 miles northeast of Athens), resulting in 117 arrests. [1, 2]
Surrounding Counties: Witnesses and community groups have reported increased localized ICE/DHS agent activity and vehicle presence in neighboring communities like Cleveland (Bradley County). [1, 2]
State Operations: The Tennessee Highway Patrol has partnered with federal immigration agencies in traffic-stop operations in parts of the state, focusing on both criminal offenses and immigration