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WASHINGTON (AP) — The 46 institutions of higher learning governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents have nothing to fear from President Barack Obama’s latest education initiative, according to TBR Chancellor John Morgan. 

The Associated Press says in a story released Monday that the Obama administration is concerned about rising student debt, which now averages over $25,000. The president is also reportedly concerned by the apparent disconnect between what students learn at the nation's universities and the skills employers say they're looking for.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  It was mostly good news for Middle Tennessee State sports in weekend action. The Blue Raider men's and women's basketball teams clinched top seeds in upcoming conference play.

The MT men claimed the Sun Belt’s regular-season title on Saturday evening with a 72-59 victory over Florida Atlantic. The MT women also defeated FAU, making them the lone unbeaten team in the conference and extending their winning streak to 16 games.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  The nation has seen a rapid rise in fuel prices in recent weeks. The Triple “A” Fuel Gauge report says the average price for regular gas in the U.S. now stands at is $3.55.

The average price here in Tennessee is up to $3.48. Middle Tennessee’s prices are some of the highest in the state at $3.52.  Memphis and Knoxville stand at $3.46 and regular gas in Chattanooga is selling for $3.49.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — A federal appeals court will hear arguments in the case of a Tennessee elementary school student who claimed he was prohibited from holding playground Bible studies.

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati will hear arguments in the case.

The original lawsuit was brought by the parents of student Luke Whitson in 2004. Whitson was in fourth grade at the time and was told by the school that he couldn’t hold Bible studies with his friends on the playground at recess.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.  (WMOT)  --  Fire Departments throughout Tennessee are having trouble finding and keeping volunteers, and that may impact what you pay for home-owners insurance, or even put your family at increased risk.

Kevin Lauer is a fire management consultant with the University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service. He says fire fighting is a difficult and dangerous job that requires a significant time commitment and volunteers are getting harder to come by.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT)  --  A proposal aimed at stopping Occupy Nashville protesters from staying overnight on the Capitol complex has passed the House.

The measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Eric Watson of Cleveland was approved 70-26 after a lengthy debate Thursday morning. The companion bill was to be heard on the Senate floor, but the upper chamber adjourned before hearing the legislation.