USBank presents the 11th annual “Our Kids Soup Sunday” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza in Nashville. More than 40 restaurants will vie for the prestigious titles of Best Soup, Most Creative Soup and Judges Choice.In addition, soup samplers will be entertained by The Chef’s Challenge, where five chefs will compete in…

TOKYO (AP) — Tiremaker Bridgestone Corp. said Friday its profit nearly doubled in 2003 as sales rose in Europe and payments related to a massive U.S. tire recall three years ago declined. But the tire company forecast lower profits for this year, citing higher rubber prices and increasing marketing expenses in Japan in the face…

By KARIN MILLER / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE — Susan Bond is a movie buff, but when she goes to see Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” it won’t be solely for entertainment.She will be taking students from her class on Jesus films at Vanderbilt University Divinity School.Bond, who normally teaches preaching and worship,…

NASHVILLE (AP) — Weyerhaueser Company is leaving the land it gave to the state as two easements two years ago in the Carroll Cabin Barrens State Natural Area, officials said on Friday. The 230 acres in Decatur and Lewis counties are now owned by the state, Tennessee conservation department spokeswoman Amanda Sluss said. Weyerhaeuser donated…

CHATTANOOGA (AP) — Finalists in the open search for the University of Tennessee’s next president must undergo three interviews and numerous background checks. Trustees said they hope that scrutiny, coupled with the open search, will produce a president with integrity and enthusiasm. “We want someone willing to tolerate the discomfort to get this job,” trustee…

CHATTANOOGA (AP) — Gov. Phil Bredesen said hiring Rebecca Paul as the Tennessee Lottery’s first chief executive has proved to be a bargain for the state that he would do again. Bredesen said the lottery’s first month of sales — which total roughly $128 million — should end any controversy over Paul’s pay package —…

CHATTANOOGA (AP) — Juveniles are committing fewer serious crimes in Tennessee, so fewer youths are being held in the state’s development centers, according to state officials. A total of 769 youths were held in the four centers in 2003, a 4 percent drop from the 802 detained in 2002. “We have evidence that crime in…

By TOM SHARP / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — The state Supreme Court has declared one of its own rules unconstitutional, opening complaints against lawyers to greater public scrutiny. In a case involving two unidentified lawyers, the court said its rule restricting public discussion of an official complaint against an attorney infringed on the…

NASHVILLE (AP) — Schools in 26 systems are claiming typos and paperwork errors incorrectly put them on Tennessee’s list of troubled schools, and they are appealing to state education officials. Some 60 schools are challenging their inclusion on the state’s probationary “target” list for failing at least one standard of testing under the No Child…