Tagged: tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Democratic lawmaker who has criticized the Tennessee Department of Children's Services over the years says the agency's commissioner shouldn't be scrutinized for deeply rooted problems she has inherited.

About two weeks ago, the embattled agency released information that showed 31 children it had investigated died during the first six months of 2012. The figures were provided after repeated requests by another Democratic lawmaker.

Critics want DCS Commissioner Kate O'Day to be replaced.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's tax collections have shown marginal growth in the second month of the budget year.

Finance Commissioner Mark Emkes said in a release Tuesday that September revenues "continue to reflect the sluggish national economy."

The state's overall revenues were $1.1 billion, or 5.4 percent above the budgeted estimate. The September collections reflect economic activity in the previous month.

ASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Department of Health officials say the state's death toll from an outbreak of fungal meningitis has risen to six.

Dr. John Dreyzhener, Tennessee's health commissioner, said Tuesday the total number of cases in the state has increased by four and now stands at 39. The cases all stem from steroid injections for back pain and officials say evidence points to contaminated medicine as the cause of the rare disease.

ASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Department of Health officials say the state's death toll from an outbreak of fungal meningitis has risen to six.

Dr. John Dreyzhener, Tennessee's health commissioner, said Tuesday the total number of cases in the state has increased by four and now stands at 39. The cases all stem from steroid injections for back pain and officials say evidence points to contaminated medicine as the cause of the rare disease.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — State labor officials have begun enforcing new unemployment requirements passed by the Legislature.

WMOT-FM (http://bit.ly/VRBvTq ) reported that the longer a person is jobless, the less salary he or she can refuse and still keep unemployment benefits.

After 13 weeks, for example, a person offered a job at 75 percent of previous salary could lose benefits for not accepting it.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — Tennessee’s new voter photo ID law is facing two new legal challenges.

Memphis officials are appealing a Nashville judge's ruling on the state requirement of photo identification for voting.

According to The Commercial Appeal, attorneys for the City of Memphis filed an appeal late Wednesday with the Tennessee Court of Appeals.

The city claims the new requirement is a violation of the state constitution.

Memphis is asking for an emergency appeal and lawyers hope for an expedited ruling.