July 13, 2026
News
ECD blasts governor after veto of 911 surcharge bill
The Hamblen County Emergency Communications District issued a scathing response over the weekend after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee vetoed a bill that would have provided .36-cent increase to the state’s 9-1-1 surcharge rate on telephone bills.
Lee calls special session to redraw congressional district
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Republican governors in Alabama and Tennessee have summoned lawmakers into special sessions this week seeking new congressional districts after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened a key provision of the Voting Rights Act.
Supreme Court restores access to abortion pill mifepristone through telehealth, mail and pharmacies
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday restored broad access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking a lower-court ruling that had threatened to upend one of the main ways abortions are provided across the nation.
Hoax calls prompt evacuations and closures at several US zoos
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg was one of several zoos or aquariums targeted by hoax calls involving alleged bomb threats and even claims of active shooters that have prompted evacuations and closures at several zoos around the U.S. in recent days, disrupting family plans and taxing public safety resources in some cities.
Astronomers believe they’ve detected an atmosphere around a tiny, icy world beyond Pluto
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A new study suggests that a tiny, icy world beyond Pluto harbors a thin, delicate atmosphere that may have been created by volcanic eruptions or a comet strike.
Home Specialties hosts chamber ribbon cutting
Home Specialties, located at 3994 South Davy Crockett Parkway in Morristown, had a ribbon-cutting Tuesday with the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce at the business.
Ready To Roll
New Mobile Book Bus Expands Reach of Hamblen County Imagination Library
MU recognized as a 2026 Tree Line USA community
The Arbor Day Foundation recognized Morristown Utilities as a 2026 Tree Line USA for its commitment to balancing the delivery of reliable electricity with the preservation of urban forests and the profound layers of benefits trees provide communities.
Inside ‘Scientology speedruns,’ the viral trend prompting the church to bolster security
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ericka Buensuceso was walking along Hollywood Boulevard on Saturday when she came across an alien, two hot dogs and Jesus.
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers question his accuser at his rape retrial
NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein 's lawyers questioned his accuser at his rape retrial Thursday, making clear they planned to explore her conflicted feelings and complex history with the onetime Hollywood powerbroker.