Quoteworthy News Highlights from the Week
Mining Dispute Dominates Local News
Daniel A. Horwitz, representing a Marion County man in a legal court battle with a developer, discussed the ongoing controversy surrounding construction over old mining lands. Referring to developer John “Thunder” Thornton’s plans, Horwitz stated, “While I understand why Mr. Thornton wants people to silence discussions about his attempt to construct homes atop abandoned underground mine shafts, the First Amendment prevents his bid to abuse legal processes and quiet critics. Furthermore, he stated that Thornton will learn a costly lesson about First Amendment rights and should heavily face sanctions.”
The Aftermath of the Pandemic Still Looms
Remarkably, the pandemic’s aftereffects are continuing to plague many, as recounted by Debra House, Executive Director of Legal Aid for East Tennessee. Highlights the financial and emotional struggles experienced, she says, “People may have lost their job during the pandemic and still have not regained full employment. Moreover, many have been unable to advance their education due to the pandemic’s impacts, not just financially but also socially and emotionally.”
Justice Served in Child Abuse Case
On a different note, Clayton M. Fuller, District Attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, commented on the first-degree cruelty conviction of Dillan Michael Tennant. Regarding his sentence of 30 years, Fuller stated, “This child abuser will have plenty of time to clean his room in the Department of Corrections.” Tennant, it was revealed, subjected two toddlers to cruelty because they had messed up their bedroom.
Victim Expresses Shock at Downtown Shooting Incident
Highlighting a tragic shooting incident outside Champy’s in downtown Chattanooga, victim Melissa Maples expressed her shock and fear. She lamented, “I know we see it on the news every day, but you still don’t expect to be right there, in the midst of it.“
Steps Toward Fair Voting Access
In a more political context, Gloria Sweet-Love, President of the Tennessee NAACP, praised a recent federal judge’s ruling requiring the state to update its forms and process for voting rights restoration. She noted, “It takes us a step closer to removing barriers for formerly incarcerated Tennesseans seeking free and fair access to the ballot box.” She also urged the courts and the state Election Division to guard against democratic backsliding and ensure voter protections for all Tennesseans.
Expectations for Wage Increase
A potential pay increase for Volkswagen Chattanooga employees through negotiations with the United Auto Workers sparked comments from Art Wheaton, the director of labor studies at Cornell University. He opined, “If you increase wages and benefits, it has to help the entire community. Whether it’s gas stations, restaurants, it’s got to help everybody.“
Environmental Advocates Welcome New EPA Rules
Last but certainly not least, Chris Carnevale, climate advocacy director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, spoke out about the new Environmental Protection Agency’s pollution limits on fossil fuel plants. He declared, “The power plant rules are real and final, and utilities and regulators need to treat them as such.“
All these notable news highlights offer a unique insight into the current local happenings and the personal sentiment of those directly involved. Attention to such statements helps HERE News Network keep the local community informed and involved, championing the spirit of local journalism.
