We’re talking Immigration, live concert tickets, rural healthcare, and progress in ending the “tampon tax.” These are the subjects of some of the top bills of interest that WPLN reporters followed this legislative session.

Swipe to see the status of the bills we tracked — did they pass with bi-partisan support? Were they blocked or rolled? This was the second year of a two-year session in Tennessee, and lawmakers had to work with a tighter budget than in recent years.

Follow along for more. Tap link in bio for story updates.

Photo: AP: George Walker IV / AP

Killing to protect property is on its way to being permitted in Tennessee.

In the final days of the legislative session Metro Reporter Cynthia Abrams reported Tennessee lawmakers approved a bill that expands the use of deadly force.

Today, deadly force is only allowed in instances of self-defense, given “a reasonable belief that there is an imminent danger of death, serious bodily injury or grave sexual abuse.

Now, under the approved bill, lawmakers are allowing deadly force to protect against burglary, arson, robbery, aggravated robbery, grave sexual abuse or aggravated cruelty toward animals.

“It basically says that if deadly force is your last and only option to protect your private property, you can use it.” said Rep. Kip Capley, the bill’s sponsor. Rep. Justin Jones, who opposed the bill said “We’re encouraging escalation ... This is about life or death.”

Once signed by the governor, the law goes into effect July 6.

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Photos: Rose Gilbert / WPLN, stock photo

Spring in Tennessee has been warm, dry and early this year. And that could mean changes for bugs.

Warmth can help proliferate insect activity, but drought can tamper it. Have you noticed changes in butterflies, bees, wasps, lightning bugs, ticks or more? Comment to share your observations.

Tennessee recorded some spring blooms 2 to 3 weeks early this year, according to the National Phenology Network.

The state has also been warm. Nashville had its second-warmest March ever, and April is currently about seven degrees above the 30-year average.

At the same time, the state is in a widespread drought. The majority of land is classified under “severe drought” by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts that Nashville should recover, while other parts of Middle Tennessee could be in for an extended drought.

Follow along for more environmental stories from Caroline Eggers. Tap link in bio for more.

Photos: Caroline Eggers / WPLN

Notable quotables from our local coverage in Nashville.

This week we covered the end of the legislative session, the FAIR RX bill involving CVS, how Middle Tennessee has more clarity around how the Nashville Electric Service, and a win for the Duck River (no matter what side of the political fence you are on).

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“This isn’t about liberals and conservatives. This is about protecting natural resources,” said Doug Jones, a resident in Hickman County.

The Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill to protect the Duck River from landfill construction. Landfills have been proposed across the state in recent years — including in the Duck River watershed.

The new legislation creates a two-mile buffer around the river and its tributaries, reports Caroline Eggers, our Environmental Reporter.

The Duck River is widely considered the most biodiverse river in North America due to its numerous fish and mussel species. Its water sustains life in the bordering habitats of limestone glades, oak forests, prairies, caves and wetlands.

“This is sort of wild country — what’s left of Middle Tennessee’s wild country,” said Jones, whose property borders the Duck River. He identifies as conservative and supported the legislation through the Duck River Conservancy.

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Photos: Caroline Eggers/WPLN and Paul DeWitte/Duck River Conservancy