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How Tennessee quietly made it harder for prisoners to access books

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wpln.org – Char Daston – 2025-01-06 04:00:00

SUMMARY:

The Prison Book Program, based in Quincy, Massachusetts, sends books to prisoners nationwide, but a 2024 policy change in Tennessee has halted book deliveries there. The Appalachian Prison Book Project, operating from West Virginia, also serves Tennessee but has faced similar challenges. The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) removed these programs from its approved list, claiming it’s to reduce contraband, although data shows mail is a minor source of contraband. This policy limits prisoners’ access to books, impacting their personal growth and education. While donations to prison libraries are allowed, prisoners rarely access them, and many turn to personal book purchases, which is financially difficult.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

Murfreesboro equipped with new snowplows

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www.youtube.com – WKRN News 2 – 2025-01-07 17:05:45

SUMMARY: Murphy’s Boro is enhancing its snow removal capabilities with nearly $100,000 in new equipment, notably eight additional plows, increasing the total to 22. Public Works Director Raymond Hillis highlighted the city’s growth and the need for improved public safety as more streets were added. Crews are currently brining roadways and will soon be equipped to plow snow from previously salt-only trucks. The department, which has expanded from 10 to 50 employees, now operates in shifts to ensure efficient snow removal. Additionally, the city purchased 1,000 tons of rock salt for use during winter weather.

The next time snow blankets Murfreesboro, the city will have nearly $100,000 worth of equipment to better respond.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

How crews are pretreating roads ahead of wintry weather

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www.youtube.com – WBIR Channel 10 – 2025-01-07 16:33:54

SUMMARY: As winter weather approaches, crews are preparing to ensure road safety. A small band of snow has already caused slick conditions and crashes on Pellissippi Parkway. Knox County Public Works has mobilized 80 workers to treat roads with a brine solution, which is cost-effective and helps prevent freezing. Starting Wednesday, teams will work 12-hour shifts over two days, covering 1,800 miles. The city of Knoxville will prioritize major routes before moving to smaller ones. Residents are advised to drive carefully, especially in areas where water may be standing on the roads.

Crews are pretreating the roads ahead of possible accumulating snow this week. Here’s what we learned.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

Memphis transit squeals past Nissan Stadium for pork spending award | Tennessee

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – 2025-01-07 09:00:00

SUMMARY: The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) won the 2025 Pork of the Year Award after spending money on a new downtown office and a luxury suite for Grizzlies’ games, despite facing a $60 million deficit. This was revealed by a Beacon Center poll, which compared MATA’s spending to a Nashville project for NFL-mandated upgrades to Nissan Stadium. MATA received 35% of the votes, narrowly edging out the stadium project at 34%. Critics argue MATA’s spending, which benefited board members rather than taxpayers, was irresponsible and unethical, potentially leading to cuts in public transportation services.

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