AP/WMOT

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.

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.

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.

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.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — A new survey says Middle Tennessee consumers are showing some confidence in the economy for the first time since 2008.

Middle Tennessee State University's Office of Consumer Research says mid-state consumer outlook has been gloomy since the economic downturn began. MTSU marketing professor Tim Graeff says consumer confidence began to rise again this spring, jumping from an index score of 144 to 193.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — Strong thunderstorms are expected to develop across Tennessee today and tonight and some could become severe.

The National Weather Service says stormy weather will move into the state this afternoon as a squall line moves eastward out of Arkansas.

Nashville based meteorologist Tom Johnstone says the biggest risk is in West Tennessee as the storm’s squall line moves across the state.

BOSTON (AP/WMOT) — Boston police commissioner Ed Davis says the number of people injured in yesterday’s bombing has risen to 176, with 17 of those in critical condition

Three people were killed, including an 8-year-old boy.

More than 260 Tennesseans were registered to run in the Boston Marathon, including a large contingent from the mid-state. There were more than 50 runners registered for the race from Nashville, 17 from Franklin, 13 from Clarksville and 10 from Murfreesboro.

There are currently no reports of injuries among race participants from Tennessee.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — Country artist and Middle Tennessee resident Brad Paisley has stirred controversy with the release of his song "Accidental Racist.”

The song is a collaboration with artist LL Cool J and focuses on racial perceptions. “Accidental Racist” has drawn the ire of both the country and urban music worlds.

Paisley, a Franklin resident, says he wrote the song after someone called him racist for wearing a t-shirt with a Confederate flag in the logo.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP/WMOT)  --  A delegation from Middle Tennessee was in the nation’s capital yesterday for a pro-immigration reform rally held on the grounds of the capital building.

Thousands took part in yesterday’s rally in Washington D.C. Thousands more participated in rallies in 18 state capitals.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — Authorities say a 4-year-old shot and killed the wife of a Wilson County sheriff's deputy over the weekend.

The shooting took place inside the Lebanon home of Deputy Daniel Fanning. Authorities say the deputy and a friend were looking at firearms in a bedroom when a 4-year-old, who was also in the room, picked up a gun and pulled the trigger.

The weapon was loaded and discharged once and hitting Josephine Fanning. The deputy’s 48-year-old wife was pronounced dead at the scene.