By TOM SHARP / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Phil Bredesen says Tennessee’s workers’ compensation law is bad for business and he has all but ordered the Legislature to change it. But on other hand, some statistics show Tennessee is competitive with other states for workers’ comp costs. Best to just leave the…

NASHVILLE (AP) — Lawmakers like to point out next year’s Tennessee state government budget will be funded without new taxes. At least for most people. But new taxes and some fee increases remain are under consideration, although it’s unlikely most people would pay them. The tax, for example, would apply to drug dealers. “Yes, it’s…

By KARIN MILLER / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers are waiting until mid-month to get a better idea of how much money they’ll have before beginning serious work on the governor’s proposed $23.8 billion budget. If revenues continue coming on strong, they might have some extra money that could be spent on:…

By MIKE FITZPATRICK / AP Sports Writer Starting the season in Tokyo never felt right. Kerry Wood and the Cubs in Cincinnati — now that’s opening day! Outdoor baseball. In the cold. With one hot topic still on everybody’s mind: steroids. “What we need, in my opinion, is random testing year-round,” commissioner Bud Selig said…

MT Media Relations MURFREESBORO — Middle Tennessee scored eight runs in the first inning and hung on for a 9-6 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette Sunday to salvage the final game of the series Sunday at Reese Smith Field. Middle Tennessee (17-11, 2-4 SBC) stopped a three-game conference losing streak and hopefully gained a measure of confidence…

NASHVILLE (AP) — Sandra Grogg drove from Hendersonville Sunday night and found herself among approximately 200 fans to welcome the Nashville Predators home. Grogg said she couldn’t be anywhere other than Nashville International Airport. “It’s fun. It’s just to show these guys we believe in them and no matter what happens, win or lose, we’re…

By Beth Furbush The costs associated with health insurance plans have soared over the past couple years and so have the number of consumers bilked by insurance scams. Scam operators selling phony insurance policies have collected premiums from enrollees, but failed to pay medical providers. The consumer is often left with huge medical bills and…

By Jim Glenn Do men or women need to save more money for retirement?Many financial planners say women need to save more because, on average, they live longer than men. Women reaching age 65 in 2004 are expected to live an additional 20 years – or four years longer than men.Longer life spans mean women…

Community Playhouse production dates of the Lerner and Loewe Broadway musical “My Fair Lady” are scheduled for April 23-25, 30 and May 1-2. Reservations are now being taken. Full houses are expected so early ticket pick-up is recommended.Tickets can be picked up Thursday nights from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Playhouse Office at the…