SUMMARY: Tennessee ranks eighth in the Tax Foundation’s 2025 State Tax Competitiveness report but will likely remain there until it eliminates two business taxes. Its high sales tax rate of 7% is the second highest in the U.S., and the state holds a low rank of 48th in corporate taxes due to a capital stock tax. Despite some recent tax reforms, Tennessee’s reliance on sales taxes instead of income taxes is seen as economically beneficial. The top states for tax competitiveness include Wyoming and Florida, while New Jersey ranks among the least favorable due to high rates and complex tax structures.

Read the full article

The post Tennessee 8th in state competitiveness index | Tennessee appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: On September 27, 2024, Unoy County Hospital experienced severe flooding, prompting the rescue of over 70 individuals, including Jeff Bowen, who was stranded on the hospital roof. His wife, Catherine, had brought him to the hospital that morning but became separated during the emergency. After hours in inflatable lifeboats, Jeff was finally rescued. The flooding, intensified by Hurricane Helen, rendered the hospital unusable. Ballad Health, which operates the hospital, is committed to providing critical healthcare services and has opened a 24/7 urgent care clinic in Unoy County while assessing future plans for the hospital’s reopening.

The hospital said around 70 people in total were rescued, both by boat and by helicopter.

Source

SUMMARY: Tennessee Secretary of State Trey Harget emphasizes the state’s commitment to election integrity, highlighting laws such as the upheld photo ID requirement and the use of watermarked absentee ballots to prevent counterfeiting. Voting machines operate without Wi-Fi to enhance security. Election day totals are unofficial until verified by county election commissions. Harget reassures citizens that accuracy takes precedence over speed in counting votes, especially in presidential election years when concerns about integrity are heightened. Additionally, the state prohibits out-of-state poll watchers and conducts random audits to ensure that election results align accurately with cast ballots.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett says Tennessee has a lot of election integrity due to state laws.

Source