Local News

The Turning of the Pig, the annual fundraiser for the Greenbrier band program, will be this Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. next to City Hall, 590 W. College St.  Band Booster President Blake Houchin, says cooks will begin firing up the barbecue pits on-site Friday to be ready for the eager eaters Saturday. Boosters will continue selling pork by the pound on Sunday, July 4, starting around 6 a.m. until supplies run out.

It’s now legal to carry a gun in Tennessee without a permit.  The law that went into effect today allows Tennesseans 21 and over and members of the military over 18 to carry open or concealed handguns without training.  Those who carry without a permit can’t have any felony convictions, current orders of protection, pending charges or convictions for domestic violence or stalking, or have been adjudicated as a mental defective.  The constitutional carry law also increases penalties for gun-related crimes.

Tennesseans are buying gun-safety equipment tax free.  As of today, Tennesseans have a year-long opportunity to save on gun safety equipment.  It’s the state’s first-ever tax-free sales event for gun safety.  Tax-free shopping on gun safes and other equipment will last until 11:59 on the night of June 30th of next year. 

Severe weather is possible in Middle Tennessee today.  The National Weather Service in Nashville says there’s a potential for strong to severe thunderstorms.  The biggest concern is the possibility of damaging wind gusts and hail.  The National Weather Service also says heavy rainfall could cause isolated flooding.

Clarksville’s 2021 budget is being approved.  The Clarksville City Council signed off on the budget yesterday, including a 20-cent property tax increase.  The budget also includes what’s being called an ambitious infrastructure plan.  The property tax increase is expected to pay for the infrastructure plan.

The additional weekly federal unemployment payments are ending in Tennessee.  Saturday marks the conclusion of the 300-dollars in additional payments, which started during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.  Republican leaders say there are many job openings but not enough people applying, so it’s time to end the extra payments.  Democrats believe putting money in people’s pockets helps the state’s economy.