State denies BellSouth’s request for rate hike
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Regulatory Authority has rejected BellSouth’s request to increase bills for residential customers through a plan that would have bumped selected telephone exchanges into higher rate categories. BellSouth sought to reclassify rate groups for residents of 56 growing cities in Tennessee, a move that would have raised bills for local service…
Read MoreState appeals court removes restrictions on gay father
By MATT GOURAS / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — A state appeals court reversed an earlier order barring a gay father from “exposing” his son to a “gay lifestyle,” deciding the prohibition was unenforceable under state law. The decision Wednesday means gay parents in Tennessee will be treated the same as heterosexual parents in…
Read MoreRegents leery of alcohol sales at Memphis games
By MATT GOURAS / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — The University of Memphis is asking the state to allow alcohol sales at all the school’s regular season basketball games, a unique request that some higher education officials worry could cause other schools to want the same thing. A contract Memphis recently signed to move…
Read MoreInvestigators find sex video at day care center
CLARKSVILLE (AP) — A homemade sex video was found at a day care center whose license was then suspended, state investigators said. Department of Human Services officials made a surprise visit March 4 to Angels R Us, an in-home day care. The videotape depicts a sexual act between day care owner Susan Deering and one…
Read MoreHouse tightens controls in charity gambling bill
By TOM SHARP / Associated Press Writer Rep. Harry Tindell, D-Knoxville, explains his charitable raffles bill from the House floor during session in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 24, 2004. (AP Photo/John Russell) NASHVILLE (AP) — Charities that hold gambling events to raise money would have to keep at least 25 percent of the gross profits…
Read MoreHouse battle over roll call votes ends
By KARIN MILLER / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — A spat between House Republicans and Democrats over voting procedures that stalled action on dozens of bills ended Wednesday. House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh announced at the start of the afternoon session that both parties agreed to a compromise that would make lawmakers accountable for their…
Read MoreElectric bed did not start fatal fire at nursing home
By SCOTT REEVES / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — An electric bed did not cause the fatal fire that killed several residents of a Nashville nursing home, investigators said Wednesday. “All mechanical and electrical components of the bed were tested, and it was determined that they did not start the fire,” the Nashville Fire…
Read MoreDog restraint bill caged in Legislature
NASHVILLE (AP) — A Knoxville lawmaker has withdrawn his bill requiring dogs to be restrained in the back of pickup trucks. “Well, doggone,” Rep. Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, said Tuesday after announcing to a House subcommittee that he was pulling the bill. “I was going to run with the big dogs, but I can’t get off…
Read MoreBill opposing same-sex civil unions killed
By AMBER McDOWELL / Associated Press Writer Rep. Chris Clem, R-Lookout Mountain, answers questions on his bill to ban civil unions during a State House Committee meeting, Wednesday, March 24, 2004 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo) NASHVILLE (AP) — A bill to prevent Tennessee from giving legal recognition to same-sex civil unions died Wednesday when…
Read MoreTeacher equity pay bill begins trek through Legislature
By TOM SHARP / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Phil Bredesen’s proposal to equalize teacher pay among poor and rich school districts began its trek through the Legislature Wednesday when it passed the education committee of both houses. The Senate Education Committee voted 8-0 and the House Education Committee voted 13-0 for the…
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