WATE - News: State: Tennessee

Planners looking at convention center growth

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:48:00 EDT

Leaders of Nashville's convention center already are mapping out a possible future expansion of a center that spans six downtown blocks and sits on 19 acres.

Medical emergency eyed in Va. parade crash

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:27:00 EDT

An emergency official says authorities believe the driver who plowed into dozens of hikers marching in a Virginia mountain town parade suffered from a medical condition and did not cause the crash intentionally.

Loan program for soldiers extended

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:25:00 EDT

A program to help soldiers get loans to purchase homes has gotten a permanent extension.

First lady to high school grads: live your dreams

Sat, 18 May 2013 23:52:00 EDT

First lady Michelle Obama has some advice for some Tennessee high school graduates: strike your own path in college and life and work to overcome inevitable failures with determination and grit.

Woman sentenced to diversion in hot oatmeal attack

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:49:00 EDT

A judge has sentenced a Clarksville woman convicted of assault for pouring hot oatmeal on her husband to diversion.

Alexander: TVA to help fish hatchery stay open

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:48:00 EDT

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander says the Tennessee Valley Authority will help keep a federal fish hatchery in East Tennessee stay open for at least three more years.

Ky. veteran killed in Afghanistan blast

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:02:00 EDT

A Kentucky veteran who was working as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan has died in an explosion in Kabul that killed at least 15 people including six Americans.

Gang leader sentenced to more than 78 years

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

A gang leader has been sentenced to serve more than 78 years in a federal prison for his role in three armed home invasion robberies in Nashville.

6 children, 2 adult hurt in crash near Memphis school

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:59:00 EDT

Officials say a morning traffic crash in Memphis injured children who were ejected from a vehicle.

6 indicted after accused of defrauding Nissan

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:35:00 EDT

Six people have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Nashville after being accused of running a scheme to defraud Nissan North America of more than $570,000.

McGhee Tyson is one of 7 Tennessee airports to get grant funds

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:36:00 EDT

The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced this week that state aeronautics grants totaling more than $316,000 have been approved for seven Tennessee airports.

SUV trailing Gov. Haslam's vehicle damaged by gate

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:15:00 EDT

One of the sport utility vehicles assigned to the governor's office is getting more than $10,000 in repairs after getting caught on a security gate at the state Capitol.

Spring hunt figures show steady turkey population

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:14:00 EDT

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says reports on the spring turkey hunt show the wild turkey population in Tennessee is stable.

Senate approves 2-year moratorium on dam barriers

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:07:00 EDT

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to put controversial fishing restrictions near Cumberland River dams in Kentucky and Tennessee would be held off under a two-year moratorium.

Gov. Haslam signs grocery tax reduction into law

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:00:00 EDT

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has signed into law a reduction in the state's sales tax on groceries.

Environmental groups sue over mining permits

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:03:00 EDT

A coalition of environmental groups is suing the federal government, claiming officials violated the Endangered Species Act when they granted mining permits at two East Tennessee mines.

Governor signs ignition interlock bill

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:35:00 EDT

Tennessee's ignition interlock law will apply to more drunken drivers under legislation signed by Gov. Bill Haslam.

Australian hiker dies along Appalachian Trail

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:32:00 EDT

An Australian who was hiking the Appalachian Trail in eastern Tennessee has died.

U.S. Marshals catch Kentucky fugitive in Kingsport

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:11:00 EDT

The Kentucky fugitive on the run for more than two years who was spotted last month in Grainger County was caught by U.S. Marshals Wednesday in Kingsport.

Friday is Wear a Life Jacket to Work Day

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:43:00 EDT

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is kicking off National Safe Boating Week with Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday.

Memorial service held for fallen state troopers

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:40:00 EDT

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is honoring its fallen troopers this week.

Five charged with illegal dumping in Memphis lots

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:48:00 EDT

State and Memphis-area authorities say five people have been charged with illegal dumping of commercial refuse on city lots.

Man dressed as clown tries home break-in

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:51:00 EDT

The Madison County Sheriff's Office says a man dressed as a clown tried to break into a mobile home.

Drilling slurry spills into creek at natural area in Nashville

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:05:00 EDT

A utility is cleaning up a drilling slurry spill at a state natural area where it is laying a gas pipeline in Nashville.

TDOT awards contract to clear Middle Tenn. rockslide, expects work done by May 22

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:03:00 EDT

State transportation officials have let an emergency contract to clear a rockslide in Smith County.

Domestic kitchen certification course offered

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:58:00 EDT

People who want to sell food products made in home kitchens can become certified on May 20.

2 plead guilty to swastikas and nooses at homes

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:08:00 EDT

Two Spring Hill men have pleaded guilty to painting swastikas and racial slurs and hanging nooses at the homes of African-American families.

Ga. college sues Tennessee agency over billboard

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:10:00 EDT

A private college in northwest Georgia is suing Tennessee's higher education commission in a dispute over billboard advertising.

TVA to offer early retirement incentives

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:00:00 EDT

The Tennessee Valley Authority is offering retirement incentives to employees of some of its coal-fired power plants.

Ca. man who said he fled zombies admits felonies

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:01:00 EDT

Officials say a Tennessee man who stole a big-rig truck, caused several accidents and told investigators he was fleeing zombies when he did it has pleaded guilty to several felonies.

Woman dies after car goes off boat ramp into lake

Mon, 13 May 2013 20:03:00 EDT

A Middle Tennessee woman has died after the car she was in went down a boat ramp and into a lake.

Haslam vetoes "Ag-Gag" bill

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:57:00 EDT

Gov. Bill Haslam vetoed the so-called "Ag-Gag" bill on Monday, ending weeks of debate about videotaping animal cruelty.

DCS files outline abuse, death of young children

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:30:00 EDT

Records released by the state Department of Children's Services showing 42 cases where children died or nearly died after the agency had some type of involvement with them shows that half of the kids were under 1 year...

Records low temps for date set in Nashville, Jackson

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:25:00 EDT

You're correct. It was a mite chilly when you stepped outside.

Tennessee First Lady, Muppet against obesity

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:53:00 EDT

Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam is teaming up with Grover, the loveable Muppet from Sesame Street, and United HealthCare to teach kids the benefits of eating healthy and getting in shape while helping them learn to love...

Authorities search for man who jumped in lake

Sun, 12 May 2013 17:18:00 EDT

Authorities are continuing to search for a man who jumped into Percy Priest Lake.

Review turns up more DCS problems

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:28:00 EDT

A review by a Nashville newspaper has found that many of the recently released case files of children who died or nearly died after being under the supervision of the state Department of Children's Services were not...

Some object to distribution of Bibles at school

Sat, 11 May 2013 18:28:00 EDT

Some parents are objecting to Bibles being distributed at a Chattanooga elementary school.

Judge says DCS "dropped the ball" in some child deaths

Sat, 11 May 2013 10:56:00 EDT

A Nashville judge says after seeing case files of children who were killed as a result of abuse and neglect that it's clear that some social workers with the state Department of Children's Services dropped the ball...

Report: No need for new courthouse in Nashville

Sat, 11 May 2013 10:00:00 EDT

A federal oversight group has released a report that says a new federal courthouse planned in Nashville isn't necessary.

Amanda Berry reunited with some East Tennessee family

Fri, 10 May 2013 23:56:00 EDT

Amanda Berry will be reunited with some of her East Tennessee family this weekend.

Court filing suggests pharmacy misled regulators

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:09:00 EDT

New court filings suggest a Massachusetts pharmacy blamed for a deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis last year may have used patient lists from a Nashville clinic to mislead regulators.

DCS had involvement before baby died

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:02:00 EDT

State officials have acknowledged that social workers with the Tennessee Department of Children's Services had been involved with a mother and infant before the 1-year-old died in November. The mother now stands accused...

Committee to study sites for Tennessee veterans cemetery

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:52:00 EDT

The Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs says it has formed a committee to look for sites for a new veteran's cemetery in the Upper Cumberland region.

Tennessee Lottery to offer new drawing-style game

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:47:00 EDT

The Tennessee Lottery is adding a sixth drawing-style game to its lineup and this one pays the withholding taxes.

Clarksville Boy Scout leader resigns over gay ban on youth

Najahe Sherman — Thu, 9 May 2013 23:43:00 EDT

A longtime Clarksville Boy Scout leader has resigned, saying he cannot support a policy that forces openly gay boys out of Scouting.

Company orders recall of ice cream produced in Tennessee

Thu, 9 May 2013 23:33:00 EDT

A dairy company is voluntarily recalling ice cream produced in Winston-Salem and distributed to 10 states that don't identify possible allergens because the product is packed in the wrong containers.

Tenn. attorney general calls ag-gag bill "constitutionally suspect"

Thu, 9 May 2013 19:19:00 EDT

Tennessee's attorney general calls the legislature's "Ag-gag" bill "constitutionally suspect"

Cleveland case brings attention to local missing persons cases

Thu, 9 May 2013 16:32:00 EDT

After three women were found in Cleveland after being missing for years, attention is now turning to missing cases closer to home.

Haslam consultant Ingram faces lobbying questions

Thu, 9 May 2013 15:19:00 EDT

Tom Ingram, a top Republican political consultant and adviser to Pilot Flying J, is facing possible civil penalties for failing to register as a lobbyist.

Tennessee State Library to host workshop on gathering family history

Thu, 9 May 2013 10:04:00 EDT

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is hosting a workshop to help individuals gather and record information for family history.

Amanda Berry's family awaits her arrival in East Tennessee

Thu, 9 May 2013 07:14:00 EDT

An Ohio woman who was held captive for 10 years will soon be heading to East Tennessee where her family is eagerly awaiting her arrival.

Clarksville Police: Man tried to kidnap 11-year-old

Thu, 9 May 2013 00:12:00 EDT

Clarksville police are investigating an attempted child abduction case after an 11-year-old boy told authorities that a man tried to pull him into a minivan on Wednesday.

Bonuses offered to help bring good teachers to Tennessee's worst schools

Thu, 9 May 2013 00:11:00 EDT

The state Department of Education has rolled out a new package of incentives to help bring the best teachers to Tennessee's worst schools.

TVA says no problems found in nuclear plant review

Wed, 8 May 2013 16:25:00 EDT

Tennessee Valley Authority officials say tests of safety systems at its newest nuclear reactor have not detected any problems despite issues with the documentation of certain parts.

SmartWay app sees more than 100K downloads

Wed, 8 May 2013 08:22:00 EDT

More than 100,000 users have downloaded the Tennessee Department of Transportation's SmartWay app since its launch in December. The app provides up-to-the-minute customized traffic information for Tennessee drivers.

Endangered Child Alert canceled for Cookeville baby

Wed, 8 May 2013 08:16:00 EDT

An Endangered Child Alert issued Tuesday by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for a missing baby boy from Cookeville was canceled Tuesday night.

Amanda Berry's father: 'I didn't think she was dead'

Wed, 8 May 2013 07:19:00 EDT

Johnny Berry never gave up hope that his daughter, Amanda, was alive. He says he's always known she was a survivor.

Governor signs workers' comp legislation

Tue, 7 May 2013 21:13:00 EDT

Gov. Bill Haslam has signed a measure to change the way the state considers injured workers' claims.

Country music stars to turn Jones' final concert into tribute concert

Tue, 7 May 2013 17:20:00 EDT

Organizers of George Jones' final Nashville concert are turning the show into a tribute to the legendary country singer.

Group files petition over Sequoyah Nuclear Plant license

Tue, 7 May 2013 15:35:00 EDT

An environmental group has filed a petition to intervene in the Tennessee Valley Authority's request to renew the licenses for the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant in Soddy-Daisy.

Defense argues against death penalty in West Tenn. post office shootings

Tue, 7 May 2013 14:01:00 EDT

Documents filed in federal court say a former prison guard charged with killing two Tennessee post office workers should not face the death penalty because the punishment is unconstitutional.

Tennessee to create 9 'recovery courts'

Tue, 7 May 2013 10:42:00 EDT

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will create nine recovery courts to combat mental health and substance abuse issues.

DCS to appeal ruling on records, wants more money

Tue, 7 May 2013 08:29:00 EDT

The state Department of Children's Services will appeal a Nashville judge's ruling ordering the agency to release records at 50-cents per page.

Program aims to find jobs for National Guard

Tue, 7 May 2013 08:27:00 EDT

A retired Tennessee National Guardsman has taken on a new role to help members of the Guard and their families find jobs and get career counseling.

Tennessee Arts Commission reinstates Arts Build Communities

Tue, 7 May 2013 07:44:00 EDT

The Tennessee Arts Commission has reinstated its popular Arts Build Communities grant program.

Tennessee Health Department warns of mosquito-borne illness

Tue, 7 May 2013 07:33:00 EDT

The Tennessee Department of Health is urging people to protect themselves from viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Last year Tennessee experienced 33 human cases of West Nile virus, including one in December.

Hackers threaten attack on small banks

Mon, 6 May 2013 22:39:00 EDT

KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Hackers are threatening to attack small banks and credit unions tomorrow. The hacking group Anonymous for Distributed Denial of Service, or D-DOS is behind the effort. The group is

Mapco customers may be at risk from hacking

Mon, 6 May 2013 21:18:00 EDT

If you shopped at a Mapco convenience store recently, your financial information may be at risk.

Tennessee rated best state for retirees

Mon, 6 May 2013 15:02:00 EDT

Tennessee has been named the best state for retirees by Bankrate.com.

Nashville airport wants remote bag check for conventions

Mon, 6 May 2013 14:45:00 EDT

With the grand opening of Nashville's new convention center this month, airport officials are hoping to offer a remote check-in for luggage.

Hail storm closes schools in Franklin County

Mon, 6 May 2013 07:48:00 EDT

Franklin County schools are closed after a Sunday hailstorm left the parts of the county looking like a winter wonderland.

Vanderbilt offering free course for teachers

Mon, 6 May 2013 07:29:00 EDT

Vanderbilt University is offering K-12 teachers across the country a free professional development course through massive online open course provider Coursera.

TWRA seeking comments on hunting regulations

Mon, 6 May 2013 07:25:00 EDT

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wants to hear from people with concerns about the state's hunting regulations.

Strangers help deployed soldier's family

Nick Caloway — Mon, 6 May 2013 02:40:00 EDT

A soldier stationed in Afghanistan took to Facebook seeking help after a large tree fell in his yard and crushed his fence over the weekend. A group of strangers joined in removing the tree.

Al-Jazeera America will have Nashville bureau

Sun, 5 May 2013 14:48:00 EDT

Al-Jazeera plans to open a news bureau in Nashville.

Labor employees claim white employees forced out

Sun, 5 May 2013 14:34:00 EDT

Lawsuits filed in local and federal court accuse Department of Labor and Workforce Development leaders of forcing out white employees and replacing them with black employees.

Top Tenn. GOP fundraiser changing roles

Sun, 5 May 2013 10:29:00 EDT

The man who has successfully helped Republican candidates bring in donations for more than four decades is stepping away from the prominent role.

DA blames drugs for son's arrest

Sun, 5 May 2013 00:09:00 EDT

A prosecutor in Clarksville is blaming drug abuse for his son's arrest in connection to a home invasion.

Teen suspect in slaying under DCS supervision

Sun, 5 May 2013 00:08:00 EDT

The suspect in the slaying of a 17-year-old student shot as he walked to a bus stop was under the supervision of the Department of Children Services.

Bicyclist killed in collision with car

Sat, 4 May 2013 23:59:00 EDT

Chattanooga police say a participant in a bicycle race has been killed in a collision with a car.

Police find car in creek, 2 dead

Sat, 4 May 2013 11:33:00 EDT

Police say they have found two men dead inside a car that crashed into a creek in Hendersonville.

Doctor, wife selling everything, moving to Haiti

Sat, 4 May 2013 10:55:00 EDT

A Brentwood doctor and his wife are boxing up their belongings and either giving them away or selling them off as they prepare to move to Haiti for full-time mission work.

Prescription drug abuse a constant battle in Tenn.

Sat, 4 May 2013 10:53:00 EDT

The battle against prescription drug abuse in Tennessee is constantly being fought by officers and lawmakers.

Jury convicts man in cold case slaying

Fri, 3 May 2013 22:51:00 EDT

A Nashville jury has convicted a 61-year-old man for the decades-old death of an elderly woman found strangled in her home.

Two accused of harboring teen murder suspect

Fri, 3 May 2013 22:50:00 EDT

Nashville Police have charged two adults accused of harboring a teenage fugitive suspected of killing a 17-year-old walking to catch his school bus.

Sleeping pills linked with sharp increase in ER visits

Nadia Ramdass — Fri, 3 May 2013 18:46:00 EDT

A new study showed that emergency room visits related to the sleep aid zolpidem, the active ingredient in Ambien, increased by 220 percent over a five year period.

TVA's Sequoyah, Watts Bar among tops in complaints

Fri, 3 May 2013 15:23:00 EDT

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission tracking of whistleblower complaints at nuclear plants lists both of TVA's plants in Tennessee among the top five.

Call center adding 500 jobs in Chattanooga

Fri, 3 May 2013 15:21:00 EDT

Nearly 500 new customer service jobs are being created in Chattanooga as Convergys Corp. expands employment at a call center.

Till family calls for meeting with Lil Wayne

Thu, 2 May 2013 21:42:00 EDT

The family of Emmett Till says a letter from Lil Wayne fell short of an apology for his crude reference to the civil rights martyr, and they want a meeting with the rapper and representatives from PepsiCo to discuss their...

Murfreesboro nurse spits in sergeant's face after DUI arrest

Thu, 2 May 2013 19:24:00 EDT

A Murfreesboro woman faces several charges including assaulting a police sergeant after she was arrested for driving under the influence early Wednesday morning.

Funeral for George Jones draws big-name celebrities, huge crowds

Thu, 2 May 2013 17:27:00 EDT

Thousands of fans gathered in Nashville Thursday to pay their respects to one of country's most famous crooners, George Jones.

Carr joins bid to oust DesJarlais in GOP primary

Thu, 2 May 2013 15:14:00 EDT

State Rep. Joe Carr of Murfreesboro is joining the race to oust embattled U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais in next year's Republican primary.

DCS disciplines 3 high-ranking workers

Thu, 2 May 2013 08:31:00 EDT

The Tennessee Department of Children's Services has disciplined three high-ranking employees over child death record-keeping.

Tennessee 2nd bike friendliest state in Southeast

Thu, 2 May 2013 08:16:00 EDT

Tennessee has been recognized as the second bike friendliest state in the Southeast.

Airplane headed to Nashville hits another at NJ airport

Thu, 2 May 2013 07:35:00 EDT

Authorities say two airplanes have clipped each other while preparing to take off at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport.

Accused bus stop shooter may have eluded police dressed as woman

Heather Jensen — Wed, 1 May 2013 23:23:00 EDT

Accused murderer Eric Goodner smiled as he was lead by a U.S. Marshal into the Metro Nashville Juvenile Detention Facility Wednesday evening.

Legislature leaves open question about judges

Wed, 1 May 2013 21:18:00 EDT

When the Legislature failed to extend the life of the Judicial Nominating Commission, it effectively ended merit-based selection of judges in Tennessee. It also left open the question of whether there is any mechanism to...

Appeals court says Metro owes $30 million for land

Wed, 1 May 2013 18:55:00 EDT

The Tennessee Court of Appeals has upheld a jury verdict that forces Metro Nashville to pay $30 million for the city's use of a piece of property that is located at the site of the new convention center. The ruling...

Former jailer pleads guilty to contraband charges

Wed, 1 May 2013 18:52:00 EDT

A former corrections officer has pleaded guilty to conspiring to bring contraband to the inmates at the Maury County jail in exchange for cash.

New common core standards raise questions

Wed, 1 May 2013 13:52:00 EDT

Proponents of a new set of uniform benchmarks for math and reading say they're needed to better prepare students for college and the workforce.

TWRA won't enforce ban on fishing below dams

Wed, 1 May 2013 11:18:00 EDT

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is balking at enforcing dam tailwater fishing restrictions by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Gov. Haslam no closer to decision on 'ag-gag' bill

Wed, 1 May 2013 06:40:00 EDT

Gov. Bill Haslam says he is no closer to making up his mind on whether to veto a bill that makes it a crime to video record animal abuse if it isn't turned over to law enforcement authorities within 48 hours.

Parents of deceased Tenn. State player sue school

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:13:00 EDT

The parents of a Tennessee State football player who died after collapsing during a practice last fall are suing the university for wrongful death.

Cooper and Durbin talk immigration and sales tax

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:04:00 EDT

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin was in Nashville with U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper Tuesday to drum up support for Internet sales tax collection and an immigration overhaul.

Kenny Chesney starts fund to help bombing victims

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EDT

Country star Kenny Chesney is starting a fund to help those who lost limbs in the Boston Marathon bombing.

Heat, air conditioning maker expanding Dayton

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:55:00 EDT

Goodman Manufacturing will expand its plant in Dayton, creating 200 new jobs.

Teens order party bus for prom, receive bail bonds school bus

Tracee Tolentino — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:26:00 EDT

The senior prom should be a night to remember, but because of what several families are calling "false advertising," it's a night they would soon like to forget.

Team that helped laid off workers being eliminated

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:54:00 EDT

Tennessee is shutting down a rapid response team that has been sent to aid workers in mass layoffs.

Spices, mushroom ingredients were items found in ETSU dorm

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:45:00 EDT

An investigation that included the weekend evacuation of a college apartment building in Johnson City has come down to magic mushrooms.

Dandridge, Greeneville, Morristown, Rogersville benefit from Main Street grants

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:37:00 EDT

State officials say a program that aims to revitalize downtown commercial districts in communities across Tennessee generated more than $82 million in private and public investment last year.

DUI 'Shaming Law' has officials questioning its effectiveness

Nadia Ramdass — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:25:00 EDT

First time DUI offenders spend three eight-hour sessions picking-up litter along busy roads, all while wearing a bright-colored vest that states in bold letters "I am a drunk driver".

Federal judge more upbeat on DCS at hearing

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:11:00 EDT

A federal judge overseeing changes at the Department of Children's Services expressed cautious optimism that the agency's new leadership can resolve some of its problems.

Army amputee completes air assault school

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:08:00 EDT

Sgt. 1st Class Greg Robinson has become the first amputee to complete Army air assault school, a course so grueling his prosthetic leg broke down twice over the 10 days spent rappelling down ropes, marching long distances...

Ga. woman sentenced for pimping teenage girl

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:57:00 EDT

An Atlanta woman has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for pimping a teenage girl.

Drug investigation at ETSU empties dorm

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:28:00 EDT

Police in Johnson City are investigating an incident that caused the evacuation of students from an East Tennessee State University apartment building.

Preparations continue to drug-test for welfare

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:37:00 EDT

Tennessee authorities are preparing to test welfare recipients for drug abuse.

Report: Middle Tennesseans more optimistic about economy

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:40:00 EDT

A recent survey says Middle Tennessee consumers are becoming more optimistic about the local economy and are increasingly upbeat about the future.

Vanderbilt student shows up at starting line 90 minutes late

Andy Cordan — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:21:00 EDT

One Vanderbilt student missed the four alarms he set Saturday morning. Instead of missing out on the race he still showed up, an hour and a half late, ready to run.

Opry to hold public funeral for country singer George Jones

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:13:00 EDT

A public funeral will be held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville for country music superstar George Jones, who died Friday at the age of 81.

Two Maury Co. schools allow more technology

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EDT

Students in two Maury County schools are no longer trying to hide their cell phones in backpacks or desks - they have them out in the open.

Tenn. teacher wins screenplay contest

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:53:00 EDT

An East Tennessee instructor is headed to California to pursue his dream of writing screenplays.

CEO hopes to change charity's image, restore trust

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:13:00 EDT

The new CEO of a Nashville-based charity says he is taking steps to change its image and restore the public's trust.

Boston tragedy doesn't deter Tennessee distance runners

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:13:00 EDT

Vicki Schmidt continues to suffer flashbacks of the bombs going off at the Boston Marathon. Her boyfriend, there cheering her on, has a hole in his eardrum and hearing loss in both ears.

Maxine A. Smith, Memphis civil rights leader, dies

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:10:00 EDT

Memphis civil rights leader Maxine A. Smith has died at the age of 83.

Country singer George Jones dead at 81

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:03:00 EDT

Country music legend George Jones passed away Friday morning at the age of 81 in Nashville.

Sentences to be concurrent in Hendersonville newborn twin deaths

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:24:00 EDT

A Hendersonville woman found guilty of murdering her newborn twins has been sentenced to a minimum of 51 years in prison.

Tennessee GOP says infighting typical of supermajority

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:27:00 EDT

Republicans ended the recent General Assembly with some high-profile measures derailed by infighting.

Environmental groups sue TVA over coal plant

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:07:00 EDT

A coalition of environmental groups is suing the Tennessee Valley Authority over its decision to continue operating a coal-burning power plant in Gallatin.

Tenn. lawmakers declare Aug. 31 "Traditional Marriage Day"

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:04:00 EDT

Last week, lawmakers in both the House and the Senate passed a resolution making Aug. 31 "ido4life Traditional Marriage Day" in Tennessee.

Police: Chattanooga hypnosis clinic was front for prostitution

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:26:00 EDT

Chattanooga police have raided a hypnosis clinic that officials say was a front for prostitution.

Measure to let cities form school systems

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:44:00 EDT

Gov. Bill Haslam has signed legislation that clears the way for cities to begin forming municipal school systems.

Woman faces terrorism charge after alleged threat

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:42:00 EDT

A Murfreesboro woman is facing a terrorism charge after calling a local medical center and threatening to blow it up.

Governor signs voter ID measure

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:39:00 EDT

A measure that allows any photo identification issued by the state of Tennessee or United States to be used for voting has been signed by the governor.

Mailboxes will be blocked along marathon route

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:31:00 EDT

The U.S. Postal Service announced Wednesday that all mailboxes along the route of the St. Jude Country Music Marathon will be blocked this weekend out of an abundance of caution.

Judge Joe Brown for Senate?

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:06:00 EDT

A familiar face could challenge Sen. Lamar Alexander for his Senate seat in 2014.

3 Doors Down bassist enters rehab following arrest in Nashville

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:26:00 EDT

The bassist for the rock band 3 Doors Down has voluntarily checked himself into a drug treatment facility after bonding out of jail.

Three Middle Tennessee educators charged with failing to report abuse

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:19:00 EDT

Robertson County authorities have arrested three county school system administrators, charging them with failure to report sexual abuse.

Gov. Bill Haslam signs beer tax measure

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:12:00 EDT

A proposal to freeze the state's beer tax has been signed by the governor.

Jones names Welton director of player personnel

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:49:00 EDT

The University of Tennessee has hired Bob Welton as director of player personnel after he spent the past nine years as a scout with the NFL's Cleveland Browns.

3 Doors Down bassist out of jail on bond

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:47:00 EDT

The bassist for rock band 3 Doors Down is out of jail after a fatal interstate crash in Nashville.

Governor signs college nondiscrimination ban

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:09:00 EDT

Legislation to bar public universities and colleges from implementing nondiscrimination policies for student groups has been signed by the governor.

Governor signs measure to cut lawmaker allowances

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:50:00 EDT

A proposal to eliminate hotel allowances for some Tennessee lawmakers has been signed by the governor.

TV ads urge governor veto animal abuse bill

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:11:00 EDT

The Humane Society of the United States is airing television commercials that urge Gov. Bill Haslam to veto an animal abuse bill.

TBI Report: Crime down in Tennessee from 2011 to 2012

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:25:00 EDT

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Crime in Tennessee 2012 report, released Monday, found crime was down from 2011, marking the third straight year crime has dropped.

Girl improving after experimental drug grows bones

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:35:00 EDT

A Nashville child who was born with a severe genetic disorder that prevented her bones from growing properly is improving after an experimental treatment.

Reese Witherspoon charged with disorderly conduct

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:26:00 EDT

Police in Georgia say that actress Reese Witherspoon has been arrested on a disorderly conduct charge after a traffic stop involving her husband in Atlanta.

Growing E. Tenn. town considers police force

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:34:00 EDT

City officials in a small but growing East Tennessee community are discussing the formation of their own police force.

Memphis pot smokers mingle with public on 4/20

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:12:00 EDT

A police presence at a Memphis park didn't deter marijuana smokers from gathering to celebrate an annual counterculture event known as 4/20.

Firefighters battle blaze at Tenn. prison

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:11:00 EDT

Officials say a fire broke out in the administration building of a western Tennessee prison, but inmates were not affected.

TVA lockdown following security officer shooting at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:03:00 EDT

Authorities are searching for the person who fired multiple gunshots at a TVA security guard early Sunday morning at the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in Rhea County.

Some state career centers to close

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 23:45:00 EDT

A spokesman for the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development says the department is halting career job services at 34 locations and about 125 employees are losing their jobs.

Stormwater app debuts at Earth Day celebration

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:41:00 EDT

An app that teaches about stormwater runoff in Kingsport has made its debut.

Failed education bills on radar for next session

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:40:00 EDT

After several years of advancing major education initiatives, Tennessee lawmakers this year failed to pass the biggest school bills before them.

Charter school authorizer bill dead this session

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:27:00 EDT

A measure that seeks to change the approval process for charter schools in Tennessee has failed this session.

Armory to be renamed to honor fallen soldier

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:53:00 EDT

The Tennessee National Guard Armory in Murfreesboro will soon bear a new name to honor a fallen soldier.

Country Music Marathon plans to increase security

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:23:00 EDT

Organizers of the Country Music Marathon are beefing up security for their April 27 event in the wake of Monday's bombings at the Boston Marathon.

Authorities, mother say purse was not Bobo's

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:21:00 EDT

Tennessee investigators and the mother of a nursing student missing for two years say a purse found this week is not that of Holly Bobo.

School districts could have option to have armed teachers

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:16:00 EDT

Before the close of the legislative session, lawmakers approved a bill that clears the way for teachers carrying guns at school--but under very specific circumstances.

Maryville man dies after car goes up in flames, then falls from bridge into creek

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:05:00 EDT

A Maryville man is dead after a fiery wreck on Saturday morning, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol accident report.

KCSO: Knox County man arrested for killing brother

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:57:00 EDT

A Knox County man is being charged for the murder of his brother, according to the Knox County Sheriff's Office.

Knoxville Powerball players explain how they would spend $600 million

Sat, 18 May 2013 23:46:00 EDT

Prior to Saturday's $600 million Powerball jackpot drawing, people in Knoxville were talking about how they would spend that kind of money if they were to win.

Biscuit Fest 2013 takes over downtown Knoxville

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:11:00 EDT

It's one of the most delicious times of year once again, as downtown Knoxville is transformed into a biscuit-lovers paradise. The International Biscuit Festival made its way back to town this week, wrapping up on Saturday.