[Hawkins County, Tennessee, Passes Cryptocurrency Mining Ban] According to Cointelegraph, the Hawkins County Commission in Tennessee, USA, unanimously passed a ban with 12 votes, prohibiting the establishment, construction, installation, expansion, and operation of cryptocurrency mining facilities and data centers in unincorporated areas. The commission had previously passed a similar ban in September 2025 and reaffirmed its authority with a resolution this January. Earlier, the county had proposed a settlement with ExoticRidge Mining Company regarding operational terms, aiming to limit noise levels. Starting July 1, Tennessee has enacted legislation banning the use and installation of cryptocurrency ATMs and self-service machines to address incidents where residents (especially the elderly) were sending money to scammers through these machines.