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Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods.More >> Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods. The Market Square protest was part of a global movement called the March Against Monsanto, with protests held Saturday in more than 250 cities.More >> Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> This Memorial Day weekend across the country thousands of people will visit cemeteries to remember those who died in service to America.More >> Hundreds of local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts decorated the Knoxville National Cemetery with over 8,000 flags.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Authorities are investigating a deadly bicycle accident that happened on Friday afternoon.More >> Authorities are investigating a deadly bicycle accident that happened on Friday afternoon.More >>
By ERIK SCHELZIG
Associated Press
NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey is opposing a National Rifle Association-backed effort to block public access to the state's handgun carry permits.
Ramsey tells The Associated Press that the ability to scrutinize the identities of people with handgun carry permits strengthens gun advocates' arguments that they are worthy of carrying loaded firearms in public.
Ramsey is one of the Legislature's top gun rights advocates and he's behind this year's bill that would allow gun permit holders to keep their weapons in their cars no matter where they are parked.
The last serious effort to seal the records passed the House in 2009 but failed in the Senate.
Republican Rep. William Lamberth of Gallatin, the bill's main sponsor, says he wants to protect permit holders' privacy.
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