KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It was an eventful week in East Tennessee. Here's what you missed.
Story 1
"New Tennessee law prohibits driving cars with 'Carolina Squat' modifications on state roads"
Governor Bill Lee has signed a bill into law that prohibits anyone from driving a car on a road if it has "Carolina Squat" modifications.
These kinds of modifications go by different names, but are most commonly called the "Carolina Squat." The modifications are usually done on pickup trucks and large SUVs but can be done on almost any kind of car. The modification effectively lifts the front end of a car higher than the back end, causing it to drive at an angle that is not parallel to most roads.
It was banned in North Carolina and Virginia, according to NBC-affiliate stations in those states, after lawmakers in those states said the modifications make it too difficult to see over the truck's dashboard.
Tennessee's law makes it a Class-B misdemeanor to drive a car that has Carolina Squat modifications, punishable by a fine of $250 for the first offense. Punishments increase in severity for subsequent violations.
People specifically can not drive cars if their front fenders are at least 4 inches higher than their rear fenders, according to the new Tennessee law. It will go into effect on July 1.
Story 2
"2 East Tennessee counties rank in the top 10 for population growth"
It's no secret, people are moving by the thousands to Tennessee. According to new census data from the Tennessee State Data Center in Knox County, on average, 14 people are added to the population every day.
From 2022 to 2023, Knox County saw an increase of 5,289 people. Most of them are folks moving into the county.
"Knox County does stand out over the last few years in terms of the amount of population it's gained," said Tim Kuhn, Director of the Tennessee State Data Center. "It's been a steady gainer, really throughout its history, and expect it to continue to do so."
Hamilton County has often rivaled Knox County in population growth. It saw 27 fewer people move to the Chattanooga area than Knox County. But counties around Knoxville are growing, too.
"When you compare the Hamilton County area with the Knox County area, the Knoxville metropolitan area is quite a bit larger, probably about 40%," Kuhn said. "We see both in terms of population and economy. So there's not really a comparison there."
Story 3
"4 law enforcement officers killed, 5 injured in Charlotte shooting"
Three law enforcement officers serving on a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and one Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer were killed Monday after being met with “active gunfire” from a suspect at an east Charlotte home.
A total of nine law enforcement officers were hurt, including three CMPD officers, a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force member, and one CMPD who suffered a broken foot during the incident.
The officers were serving together on a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force when they were shot while confronting a suspect inside a home on Galway Drive. The officers were rushed to the hospital.
Three task force officers were pronounced dead at the hospital. One of the injured CMPD officers "fought for his life for several hours before succumbing to his injuries," CMPD confirmed late Tuesday night.
Story 4
"KFD: 9 people taken to hospital after carbon monoxide leak at Sam's Club in Northeast Knoxville"
The Knoxville Fire Department said nine people were taken to the hospital after a gas leak at a Sam's Club in Northeast Knoxville.
According to Mark Wilbanks with KFD, the building on Knoxville Center Drive was evacuated after a 911 call came in around 8 a.m. that several employees were sick inside the building.
When KFD arrived, crews learned several people had become nauseous and determined they were showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Managers told crews that an HVAC unit on the roof had recently been worked on. Knoxville Utilities Board and KFD crews confirmed the roof unit was malfunctioning and worked with management to secure the unit's gas and air out of the building.
Story 5
"Here's what you need to know ahead of the REAL ID deadline in 2025"
Beginning on May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID license to fly commercially within the United States, enter certain federal buildings and enter any nuclear facilities.
To establish a standard for identification in the country, Congress passed the REAL ID ACT in 2005. The federal deadline for states to enact the REAL ID was originally in 2023 but was pushed back to 2025 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Real ID is just another layer of protection," Knox County Clerk Sherry Whitt said. "The Department of Homeland Security initiated this and it's across the country."
REAL IDs issued in Tennessee look very similar to standard IDs. The only difference is a gold star located towards the top right. The first time you get a REAL ID, even if you already have a standard ID, you must obtain it in person.