Tennessee News

Authorities say they've charged three people with helping a Carter County inmate, who escaped from prison and was later caught last week. via Times-News Online

Two men killed in an east Alabama plane crash have been identified as residents of Middle Tennessee. via The Tennessean

NASHVILLE - The shortfall in Tennessee's general fund tax collections now exceeds the worst-case scenario envisioned by state officials late last year. via Jacksonsun.com

Today is Monday, April 7, the 98th day of 2008. There are 268 days left in the year. via The Oregonian

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has requested an extension of more than a year to reconfigure the state's disaster services radio frequency. via WAAY

“This is about consumers having choice.”

By John Rodgers, jrodgers@nashvillecitypaper.com Tennesseans rooting for another alternative to cable television are a step closer to victory today as a compromise bill was unveiled that AT&T says it needs to ... via Nashville City Paper

“It will be a painful year, no doubt about that”

Even in good years, lawmakers don't like to hear their proposals have been placed 'behind the budget.'

In a tight year like this one, that fate might as well be a death knell.

When the House Budget Subcommittee _ known in the past as the 'black hole' for its ability to kill off legislation _ places a bill behind the budget, it means the panel plans to revisit the measure if any money is left after the state's spending plan is set.

This year, officials are planning cuts in ongoing programs because of worse-than-expected tax collections _ meaning there won't be too many proposals re-emerging from behind the budget. Read more

“The hypocrisy is the Republican Party trying to raise money over a Democratic bill. That ain't cool.”

A copy of the state's handgun permit database helped a state lawmaker challenge exaggerated cost estimates for a gun rights bill he had sponsored.

But that didn't stop Rep. Mike Bell, a Riceville Republican, from co-sponsoring another proposal this year to shut down public access to the same records.

Bell's original proposal would allow people with carry permits to bring their handguns into areas managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Legislative analysts first estimated that the bill would lead the state to lose $50,000 in revenue from the 50 permit holders who pay average fines $1,000 for violations each year, he said. Read more

Legislation aimed at preventing theft of expensive metals like copper is now law. via WBIR-TV

State district attorneys want to put an end to a death penalty study committee they say is unfairly stacked with too many members who oppose the punishment.

James 'Wally' Kirby, executive director of the Tennessee District Attorney Generals Conference, has told legislators the committee's intent is to abolish capital punishment.

Committee members contend, however, their group was formed to review how the state carries out the death penalty and that they're not trying to ban it.

State lawmakers last year created the 16-member committee, which has looked at costs associated with the punishment, who is sentenced and the quality of the lawyers representing the accused. Read more

After months of secret negotiations between AT&T and the cable industry, both sides have agreed on many of the ground rules for AT&T's entry into the television service business in Tennessee - including how ... via The Leaf Chronicle

Today is Monday, April 7, the 98th day of 2008. There are 268 days left in the year. via International Business Times

A Tennessee doctor who phoned in bomb threats at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in an attempt to hold his flight at the gate has been sentenced to three years of probation. via WATE-TV Knoxville

Given the recognized importance of education, both in terms of child development and long-term impact, it makes good sense to provide children with the opportunities they need to succeed. via Statesman Journal

A key prosecution witness has testified in the murder trial of a Tennessee man charged with killing a western Kentucky teenager nearly eight years ago. via WLKY

“With the greenup, the trees are leafing out and the flowers are blooming. It's a good way to start the agriculture season.”

Abundant rain in March has ended the drought in many parts of the state, and rainy forecasts for April could leave Tennessee in a good position in case of another dry summer.

After by a drenching rain that produced some flood watches on Friday, the signs of drought are almost gone.

'Drought is pretty far from our minds, let's just say that,' said Michael Scotten, a lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Memphis.

That's quite a turnaround from six months ago, when most of the state was mired under an exceptional drought created by 100-degree weather and precipitation that was in some areas more than foot below normal. Read more

“We commend Governor Bredesen and the Tennessee General Assembly for putting consumers in the driver's seat”

Tennessee drivers scored a major legislative victory with the passage of a new law that stops cities from imposing hidden taxes on motorists, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. via Insurance Journal West

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

MEMPHIS, Tennessee * Thousands gathered here yesterday on the anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, reflecting that 40 years on his dream of equality is still largely ... via The Peninsula

A man who spent time on the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list for raping women in the Nashville area in the late-1990s has been sentenced to 88 years in prison. via The Leaf Chronicle

“They're a different kind of pet: not a horse, not a dog, and not as docile as a dog. But you can get to be friends with em and they get attached to you and you to them.”

The much maligned mule is getting a day of celebration but will have to share the spotlight with a breed of even sorrier reputation - the politicians. via Arizona Republic