AP/WMOT

Tenn. Woman's "Fresh Start" Ends in Tragedy

AP/WMOT — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:30:13 +0000

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP/WMOT) — A Tennessee woman who moved to North Carolina two weeks ago for a new job and a fresh start is dead and charges have been filed in her murder.

Authorities in Wake County, North Carolina, say they've found no prior connections between Melissa Dawn Huggins-Jones and the three people charged with killing her.

Huggins-Jones' 8-year-old daughter found her mother covered in blood inside their new home and sought help from construction crews working nearby.

Bonnaroo Site to Host Additional Events, Economic Impact Grows

AP/WMOT — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:17:53 +0000

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) -- Bonnaroo released a new economic impact study Monday indicating the annual music festival contributes more than $50 million dollars to Middle Tennessee’s economy each year.

Greyhill Associates of New York conducted the study, which says festival goers directly spend about $36 million annually, while also generating indirect expenditures amounting to $15 million.

New Convention Center Opens, Expansion Plans Already in the Works

AP/WMOT — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:28:53 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — Metro Nashville held a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday morning for its new Music City Center convention facility.

The official opening actually came on the second day festivities marking the center’s completion.

Officials say about 15,000 visitors turned out Sunday to tour the new facility, enjoy live music, and try out an indoor zip line.

Governor Signs Guns-in-Schools and Ignition Interlock Bills

AP/WMOT — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:36:41 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Governor Bill Haslam has signed two bills that received a lot of attention in the most recent legislative session.

Haslam announced today that he's signed the latest revision to Tennessee's ignition interlock law. It will now apply to more drunken drivers.

Currently, ignition-locking devices, which force drivers to pass breath tests to start vehicles and keep them running, are required for DUI offenders whose blood alcohol level topped 0.15 percent.

Revelations Concerning Problems at DCS Continue

AP/WMOT — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:34:45 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

AG: Tenn. 'Ag-gag Bill' Constitutionally Suspect

AP/WMOT and ap — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:06:23 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s attorney general says legislation requiring anyone recording images of animal abuse to submit unedited footage or photos to law enforcement within 48 hours is constitutionally suspect.

Another Prominent Tenn. Democrat Bows Out

AP/WMOT — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:51:03 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — Longtime state senator Doug Henry will not seek re-election next year.

The Tennessean reports that Henry's political ally attorney Nick Bailey sent an email to Henry's supporters yesterday announcing the 86-year-old Nashville Democrat's decision. Bailey says Henry will serve the remainder of his term.

Henry was the longtime chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee until Republicans took control of the upper chamber in 2007 and party spokesman Brandon Puttbrese says his decades of public service are deeply appreciated.

Health Department Warns of Mosquito-Borne Illness

AP/WMOT — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:13:23 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — 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.

Health Department spokesman Dr. Abelardo Moncayo says four out of five people with West Nile won't show symptoms, but others will develop severe illness that can result in permanent neurological damage or even death.

Internet Sales Tax Bill Passes U.S. Senate

AP/WMOT — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:17:20 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP/WMOT) — The U.S. Senate has passed a bill that could end tax-free shopping on the Internet for many shoppers. Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander is a prime sponsor of the measure.

The bill now goes to the House where it faces opposition from some lawmakers who regard it as a tax increase.

Main Street Program Generates $82 Million, 600 Jobs

AP/WMOT — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:51:43 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — 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.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development says its Main Street program includes 24 towns and cities in the state.

The department says 604 jobs were generated and 107 new businesses sprang up in the 24 communities in 2012.