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Sales tax for Shelby County Jail construction one step closer | Tennessee

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Sales tax for Shelby County Jail construction one step closer | Tennessee

www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-02 12:54:00

(The Center Square) – The Senate State and Local Government Committee advanced a bill that would give Shelby County voters a chance to decide on a sales tax increase that would fund a new jail.

But Tennessee lawmakers cautioned that similar requests from other counties could be forthcoming.

Senate Bill 337 by Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, would raise the local sales tax from 2.75% to 3.75% if voters approve a referendum. The increase would expire in eight years.

“There are currently 2,500 inmates at the 201 Poplar, a facility that was made to house 2,400 inmates at any given time,” Akbari said. “The conditions there are not only a danger to those who are incarcerated but to those who work in the facility. Many of the escalators don’t work. Many of the elevators don’t work.”

The 43-year-old jail needs $16.5 million a year just to keep it in working order, Alicia Lindsey, chief administrative officer for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, told the panel.

The bill is supported by the Shelby County Commission, according to Commissioner Amber Mills.

“This is asking for a sales tax increase because we do not want a property tax increase,” Mills said. “If we fund the jail with a property tax increase, we are looking at a 74 cent property tax increase for the highest taxed county in the state of Tennessee.”

Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, said the picture lawmakers are seeing now is going to play out all across the state because of an upcoming constitutional referendum that would allow judges to deny bail for certain criminal offenses.

“Nobody is against putting away people for those types of crimes but somewhere you’ve got to pay for the jails to put those people in,” Gardenhire said.

Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, and Sen. Kerry Roberts, R-Springfield, voted against the bill. Roberts said he acknowledged the problem but was concerned about the solution.

“I am willing to bet that if we do this, that probably four of my five counties will have a resolution for me next year to sponsor similar legislation,” Roberts said. “And we’re going to wind up with a piecemeal solution to a problem that may be more egregious in Shelby County than maybe in other counties but nonetheless exists in all the counties.”

Roberts also questioned whether or not the higher sales tax rate would drive consumers to the bordering states of Mississippi and Arkansas, which have lower sales tax rates.

The bill passed 7-2 and moves to the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

The post Sales tax for Shelby County Jail construction one step closer | Tennessee appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

10About Town Weather: Russellville (4/23)

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10About Town Weather: Russellville (4/23)

www.youtube.com – WBIR Channel 10 – 2025-04-23 16:18:14

SUMMARY: The weather in Russellville, eastern Hamlin County, is mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with current temperatures around 86 degrees. Despite the pleasant conditions in the valley, thunderstorms and showers are occurring to the west on the plateau and to the east in the mountains. Russellville is part of the northern valley, while other regions like Knoxville and Chattanooga represent the central and southern valleys. Tonight, there’s a chance for evening thunder showers, and the forecast indicates higher chances for rain and storms over the next two days. Further updates will follow soon.

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Here’s what the weather is going to be like in Russellville this afternoon!

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Tracking tornadoes in TN in 2025, so far

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Tracking tornadoes in TN in 2025, so far

www.youtube.com – WKRN News 2 – 2025-04-23 15:51:31

SUMMARY: In 2025, Tennessee has experienced over 30 confirmed tornadoes, significantly impacting the area more than states like Kansas and Oklahoma. Meteorologist Alex Libby notes that Middle Tennessee has recorded about 18 to 19 tornadoes, with severe activity also affecting the Southeast and Mid-South, particularly in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, housing strong EF2 to EF4 tornadoes. While Tennessee’s peak tornado season occurs in April within the “Dixie Alley,” the traditional tornado alley to the west remains quiet, as its peak season won’t hit until May or June. The likelihood of severe weather is expected to decrease now.

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Tracking tornadoes in TN in 2025, so far

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ONLY ON FOX13: Mother recovering after funeral limo is struck by train

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ONLY ON FOX13: Mother recovering after funeral limo is struck by train

www.youtube.com – FOX13 Memphis – 2025-04-23 10:40:56

SUMMARY: A family headed to a funeral faced tragedy when their limo was struck by a train, sending all six occupants to the hospital. Caitlyn Gooden, a victim of the crash, shared her harrowing experience. The collision occurred at an intersection lacking crossing arms, where a train hit the limo, pushing it several feet. Despite suffering major injuries, including a broken pelvis, Gooden expressed gratitude that all family members survived. However, she now faces challenges caring for her three-year-old daughter. Fox 13 reported on her long recovery and how the community can assist her family during this difficult time.

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An already somber occasion took a tragic turn when a limo carrying a family to a funeral was struck by a train. In an exclusive interview, a woman who was inside that limo speaks to FOX13 about the frightening moments. READ MORE: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/mother-recovering-after-funeral-limo-is-struck-by-train/article_fa41f9d6-5454-4e3e-bff6-2c619177021a.html

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