For many, there is a lot to celebrate about 2008. Every Tennessean can ring in the new year looking forward to a small tax cut.
It's not much, but beginning January 1st, the state will lower the grocery tax by a half-percent. That will save the average shopper about seven dollars a year.
The new year will also mark the start of increased penalties for crimes committed with guns. The Crooks With Guns Law requires a mandatory additional sentence of three to ten years for violent crimes committed while armed.
A local group, Citizens Against Crime, helped fight for the bill after a violent rape in the Chickasaw Gardens area. The group says the suspects would not have been out on the streets if it was already law.
Tennessee will also start the new year by testing the DNA of every person arrested for violent crimes.
Also, businesses that knowingly hire undocumented workers will have to pay.
"If you hire someone who should not be working in the state of Tennessee, we're increasing their fines even with the threat of removing their license to conduct business in the state," State Representative Beth Harwell said.
Another new law will help fight identity theft. State businesses can no longer put social security numbers in mailings.
We are looking at rain, heavy at times, moving into the region into Thursday.
More >>We are looking at rain, heavy at times, moving into the region into Thursday.
More >>It sounds like the plot from "Gone in 60 Seconds.” A one-of-a-kind sports car was stolen right off a city street. Now Memphis Police Department is investigating and wants you to be on the lookout.
More >>It sounds like the plot from "Gone in 60 Seconds.” A one-of-a-kind sports car was stolen right off a city street. Now Memphis Police Department is investigating and wants you to be on the lookout.
More >>Natamular Carter lost both her legs a decade ago when a teenager texting while driving hit her.
More >>Natamular Carter lost both her legs a decade ago when a teenager texting while driving hit her.
More >>Police increased patrols in Orange Mound near Melrose High School two days after a student was kidnapped and raped while walking home from class.
More >>Police increased patrols in Orange Mound near Melrose High School two days after a student was kidnapped and raped while walking home from class.
More >>The excitement surrounding the new Hattie B's in Midtown is causing some serious traffic problems
More >>The excitement surrounding the new Hattie B's in Midtown is causing some serious traffic problems
More >>Among the items leaving for the month are hit movies like "Disney's The Jungle Book," "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby."
More >>Among the items leaving for the month are hit movies like "Disney's The Jungle Book," "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby."
More >>The 72-year-old suspect has been identified as a former police officer and "nice guy."
More >>The 72-year-old suspect has been identified as a former police officer and "nice guy."
More >>Forrest Hunter wanted to buy a hunting license and was tired of waiting for help.
More >>Forrest Hunter wanted to buy a hunting license and was tired of waiting for help.
More >>OJ, a blind dog adopted alongside his guide dog companion Blue Dozer, was adopted over the weekend. OJ was then found wandering more than 100 miles away.
More >>OJ, a blind dog adopted alongside his guide dog companion Blue Dozer, was adopted over the weekend. OJ was then found wandering more than 100 miles away.
More >>A recent Whitehaven High School graduate who was on his way to the U.S. Army was gunned down while sleeping in his own bed.
More >>A recent Whitehaven High School graduate who was on his way to the U.S. Army was gunned down while sleeping in his own bed.
More >>The parents and husband of a 25-year-old Midlands woman have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines.
More >>The parents and husband of a 25-year-old Midlands woman have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines.
More >>Authorities in New York City are searching for the owner of a dog after a woman was attacked by the animal on the subway. The incident was caught on camera.
More >>Authorities in New York City are searching for the owner of a dog after a woman was attacked by the animal on the subway. The incident was caught on camera.
More >>The incident happened in Kitty Hawk along NC's Outer Banks.
More >>The incident happened in Kitty Hawk along NC's Outer Banks.
More >>A person has died at a fair in Alexander City, the Alex City Police Department confirms.
More >>A person has died at a fair in Alexander City, the Alex City Police Department confirms.
More >>