GMWT, Tuesday, 1/13/2009

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I-40 WRECK
WE START THIS MORNING IN MADISON COUNTY. WHERE A SECOND CRASH ON INTERSTATE 40 IN JUST TWO DAYS SENDS ONE PERSON TO THE HOSPITAL AND TIED UP TRAFFIC FOR NEARLY TWO HOURS.
ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL. THE CRASH OCCURRED AROUND SEVEN LAST NIGHT ON I-40 NEAR WATSON ROAD BRIDGE.
INVESTIGATORS SAY A PICKUP AND AN 18 WHEELER COLLIDED IN THE WEST BOUND LANES OF THE INTERSTATE NEAR MILE MARKER 86.
TROOPERS SAY THE DRIVER OF THE PICKUP HAS BEEN AIR LIFTED TO A MEMPHIS HOSPITAL.
HIS CONDITION IS UNKNOWN.
THE DRIVER OF THE 18 WHEELER TELLS US HE WAS NOT HURT.
THE CRASH IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.
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ROBBERIES
IN OTHER NEWS. IT SEEMS A RASH OF ROBBERIES HAS BROKEN OUT THROUGHOUT THE HUB CITY.
LAST NIGHT OFFICERS RESPONDED TO TWO ARMED ROBBERIES.ONE AT A SUPERWAY CONVENIENCE STORE AND THE OTHER AT A SUBWAY.
ON SATURDAY TWO ROBBERIES OCCURRED WITHIN MINUTES OF EACH OTHER. POLICE SAY THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ONE SUSPECT FOR BOTH ROBBERIES.
LESS THAN 48 HOURS LATER. THE CIRCLE K ON THE 45 BYPASS WAS ALSO ROBBED. THIS TIME BY A DIFFERENT MAN.
WITH FIVE SUCH CRIMES OCCURRING SO CLOSELY SOME ARE PLACING THE BLAME ON THE STRUGGLING ECONOMY.
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B-ROBBERIES
SOT: 00 07 38 20 "ITS NO JOBS. PEOPLE KEEP LOSING THEIR JOBS, LOSING THEIR HOMES, EVERYTHING. ITS GONNA GET WORSER BEFORE IT GETS BETTER."
POLICE SAY THEY ARE STILL LOOKING FOR THE SUSPECTS IN ALL FIVE ROBBERIES.
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HUMBOLDT ROBBERY
THE ROBBERIES AREN'T CONFINED TO JACKSON. AS POLICE IN HUMBOLDT SAY THEY ARE LOOKING FOR THREE MEN BELIEVED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROBBING A LOCAL LIQUOR STORE.
POLICE SAY THE ROBBERY HAPPENED JUST AFTER 7-30 LAST NIGHT AT SOUTH SIDE WINE AND LIQUOR ON BURROW STREET WHEN THREE MEN WALKED INTO THE STORE AND DEMANDED CASH.
AT LEAST ONE OF THE MEN IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN ARMED.
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OBION CO. ATT. MURDER-SUICIDE
AN OBION COUNTY MAN IS DEAD AND HIS WIFE CRITICALLY INJURED AFTER AN APPARENT ATTEMPTED MURDER-SUICIDE.
OBION COUNTY SHERIFF JERRY VASTBINDER SAYS DEPUTIES WERE CALLED TO THIS HOME ON COCA COLA SMITH ROAD JUST BEFORE EIGHT A-M YESTERDAY WHEN ONE OF THE COUPLE'S CHILDREN CALLED FOR HELP.
INVESTIGATORS FOUND 30-YEAR OLD AMY BURTON WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND TO HER ABDOMEN, AND HER HUSBAND, 34-YEAR-OLD JACK BURTON JUNIOR, DEAD IN THE BACK YARD.
DEPUTIES SAY THEY BELIEVE JACK BURTON FIRST SHOT HIS WIFE FROM BEHIND, AND THEN TOOK HIS OWN LIFE.
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B-OBION CO. ATT. MURDER-SUICIDE
SOT 21:13:40 "WHAT WE BELIEVED ORIGINALLY WAS A KNIFE WOUND TO THE ABDOMEN ACTUALLY WAS AN EXIT WOUND TO A GUN BLAST."
AMY BURTON IS BEING TREATED AT A NASHVILLE HOSPITAL.
JACK BURTON'S BODY HAS BEEN SENT TO MEMPHIS FOR AN AUTOPSY.
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DYERSBURG SOLDIER DEATH
IN OTHER HEADLINES. THE U-S MILITARY REPORTS A WEST TENNESSEE SOLDER HAS BEEN KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN.
ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 20-YEAR-OLD SPECIALIST KEITH ESSARY OF DYERSBURG DIED THURSDAY WHEN HIS PATROL WAS HIT WITH AN EXPLOSIVE.
ESSARY WAS WITH *CHARLIE* COMPANY, SECOND BATTALION, SECOND INFANTRY REGIMENT OUT OF FORT HOOD, TEXAS.
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GIB. CO. COURT
SWITCHING GEARS. *WHERE* COURT IS HELD IN GIBSON COUNTY WAS A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSION YESTERDAY
CURRENTLY, THE COUNTY IS SPLIT. SOME CASES ARE HEARD IN HUMBOLDT WHILE OTHERS GO TO TRENTON WHERE THERE ARE ALSO CHANCERY, CIRCUIT AND GENERAL SESSIONS COURTROOMS.
MAYOR JOE SHEPARD WILL HELP ORGANIZE A COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF THE HUMBOLDT COURTS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL LOOK INTO THE FINANCES OF HAVING THE DUEL COURT SYSTEM.
THE TOPIC WILL BE UP FOR DISCUSSION AGAIN AT THE NEXT MEETING IN MARCH.
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KENTON HIGHWAY
ALSO AT THE MEETING. THE COMMISSION APPROVED A REQUEST FOR THE STATE AND THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO REEVALUATE HIGHWAY 45'S EXPANSION THROUGH THE CITY OF KENTON.
PLANS CURRENTLY CALL FOR THE FOUR LANE HIGHWAY TO GO AROUND KENTON INSTEAD OF THROUGH THE TOWN.
COMMISSIONER COY YERGIN. WHO REPRESENTS THE CITY. SAYS THE CURRENT PLANS WOULD ISOLATE KENTON AND HURT ITS TAX BASE.
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B- KENTON HIGHWAY
42:17 IF THEY COME THROUGH TOWN WE FEEL LIKE IT'D BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITIZENS IN THE CITY OF KENTON AND THE BEST INTEREST OF GIBSON AND OBION COUNTIES TOO.
THE REQUEST WILL BE SENT TO THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANPORTATION FOR REVIEW.
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GIB. CO. COMMISSION MEETING
ALSO AT THE MEETING. KENNY FLOWERS WAS APPROVED TO FULFILL THE REST OF REPRESENTATIVE CURTIS HALFORD'S TERM.
HALFORD WON THE POSITION OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTION. FORCING HIM TO RESIGN HIS COMMISSION SEAT.
FLOWERS WILL BE SWORN IN AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF DISTRICT 19, POSITION ONE AT A LATER DATE.
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TUITION RATES
LISTEN UP COLLEGE STUDENTS AND PARENTS. IT COULD COST YOU A LOT MORE TO TAKE CLASSES THIS FALL.
AS A WAY TO MAKE UP FOR BUDGET CUTS. THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS COULD ALLOW ITS UNIVERSITIES TO CHARGE HOURLY RATES INSTEAD OF FLAT RATES FOR COLLEGE COURSES.
CURRENTLY, STUDENTS WHO TAKE MORE THAN 12-HOURS PER SEMESTER ARE NOT CHARGED FOR THOSE HOURS.
UNDER THE NEW PLAN SET TO BEGIN THIS FALL STUDENTS WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR EACH HOUR THEY TAKE.
HOWEVER, THE BOARD HAS NOT DECIDED HOW MUCH THE TUITION CHARGE WILL BE.
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CENSUS
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A JOB. THE U-S GOVERNMENT MIGHT HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU. AT LEAST TEMPORARILY.
THE U-S CENSUS BUREAU IS HIRING 3-THOUSAND WORKERS IN TENNESSEE TO PREPARE FOR THE 2010 CENSUS.
THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY IS FILLING BOTH FULL AND PART-TIME POSITIONS.
TO BE ELIGIBLE, YOU MUST BE A U-S CITIZEN, EIGHTEEN OR OLDER, AND PASS A BASIC APTITUDE TEST.
FOR LINKS TO THE BUREAU'S WEBSITE AND MORE INFORMATION ON THE AVAILABLE JOBS, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE.WBBJTV.COM AND CLICK SEEN ON 7.
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BURRIS SENATE
TURNING TO POLITICAL HEADLINES. IT'S BEEN A TOUGH ROAD FOR ROLAND BURRIS. BUT YESTERDAY SENATE DEMOCRATS ACCEPTED HIM AS THE NEW SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS.
BURRIS SAYS HE'S HONORED, HUMBLED AND THANKFUL.
HE'S EXPECTED TO TAKE HIS SEAT NEXT WEEK.
BURRIS WAS PICKED TO FILL THE SEAT VACATED BY BARACK OBAMA BY EMBATTLED GOVERNOR ROD BLAGOJEVICH.
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OBAMA/ECONOMY
WITH JUST ONE WEEK TO GO BEFORE HE TAKES OVER THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND THE NOSE-DIVING ECONOMY. PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA HAS MOVED TO PUT HIS OWN STAMP ON POLICY.
AT OBAMA'S URGING. PRESIDENT BUSH HAS ASKED CONGRESS TO RELEASE 350-BILLION DOLLARS IN FINANCIAL BAILOT MONEY.
THE IDEA IS THAT *PRESIDENT* OBAMA WILL HAVE QUICK ACCESS TO THE MONEY. AND, HE SAYS. A BETTER WAY TO SPEND IT.
ABC'S T-J WINICK EXPLAINS.


AS HE CONTINUES TO TRY AND GET A HEAD-START ON TURNING THE AMERICAN ECONOMY AROUND, PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA ASKED PRESIDENT BUSH TO SEEK THE REMAINING $350 BILLION OF THE $700 BILLION FINANCIAL INDUSTRY BAILOUT.
OBAMA: I CALLED ON PRESIDENT BUSH TODAY TO TRIGGER THE SECOND HALF OF TARP. I DID SO IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND TOP ECONOMIC ADVISORS.
THE TROUBLED ASSETS RELIEF PROGRAM HAS MOSTLY BEEN USED TO GIVE BANKS FRESH CAPITAL SO THEY CAN RETURN TO NORMAL LENDING.
BUT OBAMA WANTS MORE OF THE MONEY TO GO DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS STRUGGLING WITH A WAVE OF HOME FORECLOSURES AND TO AID SMALL BUSINESSES.
OBAMA: IN THE INITIAL VOTE BY CONGRESS THERE WAS AN EXPECTATION OF TRANSPARENCY. MANY OF US HAS BEEN DISAPPOINTED IN THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY, THE TRACKING OF HOW THE MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT. MY COMMITMENT IS WE'RE GOING TO CHANGE SOME PRACTICES USING THE NEXT PHASE FOR HOUSING AND SMALL BUSINESSES.
DEMOCRATS, WHO CONTROL BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE, ARE ENCOURAGED BY OBAMA'S PLEDGE.
THEY'VE BEEN HESITANT ABOUT RELEASING THE REMAINING TARP FUNDS UNLESS STRICTER GUIDELINES ARE PLACED ON HOW THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS ARE USED.
SEN. CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, D-CT, SENATE BANKING CMTE.: IT'S BEEN TOTALLY MISMANAGED, IN MY VIEW, BY THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION. AND WE'VE SEEN THAT OVER THE LAST NUMBER OF WEEKS. AGAIN, THE GOOD NEWS HERE, BARACK OBAMA, THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, HAS SAID HE IS ENTIRELY -- GOING TO RE-BRAND THIS EFFORT ENTIRELY AND DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY AND I AGREE WITH HIM.
MANY ON CAPITOL HILL, BOTH REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS, ARE SO UPSET ABOUT HOW THE FIRST HALF OF TARP WAS SPENT. THEY WANT WRITTEN ASSURANCES FROM OBAMA IF THEY AGREE TO RELEASE THE REMAINING 350 BILLION DOLLARS.
TJ WINICK, ABC NEWS, WASHINGTON.
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MONEYSCOPE
WELL. THAT'S A LOOK AT YOUR NATIONAL HEADLINES.
NOW WITH THE LATEST BUSINESS NEWS HERE'S ABC'S VINITA NAIR.
GOOD MORNING. HERE IS YOUR MONEYSCOPE REPORT.
CORPORATE EARNINGS SEASON IS OFF TO A ROCKY START. ALUMINUM GIANT ALCOA KICKED THINGS OFF BY REPORTING A LOSS OF 1-POINT-2 BILLION DOLLARS. THE COMPANY HAS BEEN HIT HARD BY SLUMPING DEMAND AND PLUNGING ALUMINUM PRICES. ALCOA'S STRUGGLES ARE A SIGN OF THE PROBLEMS IN SOME OF THE INDUSTRIES IT SUPPLIES. SUCH AS THE AUTOMOTIVE AND CONSTRUCTION BUSINESSES.
PESSIMISM ABOUT CORPORATE EARNINGS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A QUICK RECOVERY FOR THE ECONOMY SENT STOCKS TUMBLING MONDAY. THE DOW FELL 125 POINTS. THE NASDAQ LOST ALMOST 33.
STOCKS ARE SLIDING OVERSEAS THIS MORNING AFTER A REPORT SAID SONY IS HEADING FOR ITS FIRST ANNUAL LOSS SINCE 1995. THE ELECTRONICS MAKER IS EXPECTED TO LOSE MORE THAN A BILLION DOLLARS. JAPAN'S NIKKEI AVERAGE PLUMMETED NEARLY 5 PERCENT. HONG KONG'S HANG SENG IS DOWN MORE THAN 2 PERCENT.
PRICES AT THE PUMP ROSE FOR THE SECOND WEEK IN A ROW. AS OIL PRICES MOVED HIGHER. GAS JUMPED ANOTHER DIME. TO AN AVERAGE OF A DOLLAR- 78 A GALLON. BUT GAS IS STILL DOWN MORE THAN 40 PERCENT FROM A YEAR AGO.
GENERAL MOTORS HAS ANNOUNCED AMBITIOUS PLANS THAT WILL HELP CREATE JOBS IN DETROIT. G-M SAYS IT WILL ASSEMBLE THE BATTERIES FOR THE CHEVROLET VOLT ELECTRIC CAR IN MICHIGAN. G-M ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT IT'S STARTING A BATTERY LAB TO HELP DEVELOP NEW TECHNOLOGIES. THE VOLT GOES ON SALE LATE NEXT YEAR.
RESEARCHERS MAY HAVE PUT THEIR FINGER ON WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE MONEY ON WALL STREET. A STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE FOUND MEN WITH RING FINGERS THAT ARE LONGER THAN THEIR INDEX FINGERS TEND TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL IN THE FAST- PACED WORLD OF FINANCIAL TRADING. THE TRAIT IS CAUSED BY HIGHER EXPOSURE TO TESTOSTERONE IN THE WOMB. AND CAN LEAD TO INCREASED CONFIDENCE AND RISK- TAKING. WHICH ARE IMPORTANT FOR TRADERS.
COMING UP ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA CREATIVE WAYS TO CUT YOUR BUDGET AND INCREASE YOUR SAVINGS. THAT'S AFTER YOUR LOCAL NEWS.
AND THAT'S YOUR MONEYSCOPE REPORT. I'M VINITA NAIR.
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HUNTINGDON MURDER
WE START THIS HOUR IN CARROLL COUNTY. WHERE A 16-YEAR OLD GIRL IS CUSTODY THIS MORNING AFTER BEING ACCUSED OF KILLING ANOTHER YOUNG GIRL.
THIS HOUSE ON SOUTH FORKS CREEK ROAD IN HUNTINGDON IS WHERE POLICE SAY THEY FOUND THE FIFTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL WITH A FATAL STAB WOUND JUST BEFORE THREE SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
OFFICERS TOOK A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL, WHO WAS ALSO AT THE HOME, INTO CUSTODY.
INVESTIGATORS SAY THEY AREN'T SURE WHAT CAUSED THE FATAL FIGHT. AND NEIGHBORS TELL US THEY ARE ALSO AT A LOSS FOR A REASON WHY.
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B-HUNTINGDON MURDER
SHE WAS A GOOD KID.SHE SMILED SHE LAUGHED.SHE WASN'T AN ENEMY.
BECAUSE OF THEIR AGES WE ARE NOT RELEASING EITHER GIRLS' NAME.
THE VICTIM'S BODY HAS BEEN SENT TO NASHVILLE FOR AN AUTOPSY.
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TRANSOU IN COURT
IN OTHER NEWS. A MAN ACCUSED OF FORCING HIS WAY INTO A JACKSON HOME AND ASSAULTING THE COUPLE INSIDE HAS TURNED HIMSELF IN
MICAH TRANSOU WAS OFFICIALLY CHARGED YESTERDAY WITH BURGLARY AND ASSAULT IN CONNECTION WITH THE THURSDAY MORNING INCIDENT.
HE IS CURRENTLY FREE ON TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND.
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LEXINGTON DRUG BUST
INVESTIGATORS IN HENDERSON COUNTY SAY DRUG DEALERS WHO USED U-P-S TO GET 52-POUNDS OF MARIJUANA FROM TEXAS TO TENNESSEE ARE NOW BEHIND BARS.
THIS PICTURE SHOWS THE DRUGS SEIZED BY THE LEXINGTON-HENDERSON COUNTY NARCOTICS UNIT FROM A HOME ON HIGHWAY 22 IN WILDERSVILLE.
OFFICERS ARRESTED RONAELE HINSON, WHO LIVES AT THE HOUSE. AND FOUR OTHER PEOPLE FROM TEXAS. INCLUDING TWO WOMEN WHO WORKED FOR U-P-S.
ALL FIVE ARE FACING SEVERAL DRUG CHARGES.
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HARRINGTON
FROM GIBSON COUNTY. A TRIAL DATE HAS BEEN SET FOR A BRADFORD POLICE OFFICER ACCUSED OF STATUTORY RAPE.
JAMES KEVIN HARRINGTON'S TRIAL HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR MAY 21ST IN GIBSON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT.
HARRINGTON IS CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS IN CONNECTION WITH A MAY 2008 INDICTMENT WHERE HE'S ACCUSED OF HAVING SEX WITH A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL.
HARRINGTON HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FROM THE BRADFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT SINCE THE INVESTIGATION BEGAN IN MARCH.
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WETHERALL
ALSO FROM GIBSON COUNTY.RUTHERFORD POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM WETHERALL FACED A JUDGE YESTERDAY. WHERE HE WAS OFFICIALLY CHARGED WITH RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON AND AGGRAVATED ASSAULT.
T-B-I AGENTS SAY WETHERALL WAS ON DUTY IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR WHEN HE CHASED A MAN WHO WAS ON A STOLEN FOUR-WHEELER AND OPENED FIRE. GRAZING THE MAN'S BACK WITH A BULLET.
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MONTGOMERY
THE MAN OFFICER WETHERALL WAS PURSUING. JOSHUA RAY MONTGOMERY. WAS ALSO IN COURT YESTERDAY.
HE FACES SEVERAL CHARGES INCLUDING EVADING ARREST, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON AND THEFT.
MONTGOMERY'S TRIAL HAS BEEN SET FOR MAY 13TH.
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LEGISLATURE PREVIEW
IN STATE NEWS. THE 106TH TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL CONVENE IN NASHVILLE IN JUST A FEW HOURS.
AND WHEN THEY DO. REPUBLICANS WILL HOLD NEW MAJORITIES IN BOTH CHAMBERS.
THE MEMBERS WILL ALSO HAVE TO OPERATE UNDER A BUDGET SHORTFALL THAT'S EXPECTED TO REACH 1-BILLION DOLLARS BY THE END OF JUNE.
REPUBLICANS SAY THEY'RE CONFIDENT ABOUT PASSING SEVERAL MEASURES TRADITIONALLY OPPOSED BY DEMOCRATS.LIKE CLEARING THE WAY FOR MORE CHARTER SCHOOLS, LIMITING DAMAGES AWARDED IN LAWSUITS AGAINST DOCTORS AND BEGINNING THE LENGTHY PROCESS OF PLACING AN ABORTION-LIMITING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BEFORE VOTERS IN 2014.
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TECH BYTES
THANKS, NICK
IN TECHNOLOGY NEWS.
IT LOOKS LIKE SHOPPING ONLINE MAY SOON PROVE TO BE A *TAXING* EXPERIENCE.
WITH THE DETAILS, HERE'S ABC'S JEREMY HUBBARD
IN TODAY'S TECH BYTES. THE DAYS OF TAX- FREE SHOPPING ON THE INTERNET COULD SOON BE A THING OF THE PAST. MORE STATES ARE MOVING AGGRESSIVELY TO BEGIN COLLECTING TAXES ON INTERNET SALES. AS THEY LOOK TO FILL HOLES IN THEIR BUDGETS CAUSED BY THE RECESSION. ONLINE SALES WERE EXPECTED TO TOP MORE THAN 200 BILLION DOLLARS LAST YEAR. WHICH COULD GENERATE ROUGHLY 3 BILLION IN NEW REVENUE FOR GOVERNMENTS. GENERALLY, ONLY BUSINESSES WITH A PHYSICAL PRESENCE IN A STATE COLLECT SALES TAX ON PRODUCTS SOLD IN THAT STATE.
DELL AND AT&T ARE TEAMING UP TO SELL A NETBOOK COMPUTER SIMILAR TO THE WAY CELL PHONES ARE SOLD. DELL'S "INSPIRION MINI 9" IS BEING OFFERED FOR 99 DOLLARS WITH A TWO YEAR CONTRACT FOR AT&T'S NATIONWIDE MOBILE BROADBAND SERVICE. THE COMPUTER REGULARLY SELLS FOR 450 DOLLARS. BUT COMES WITH A REBATE WHEN YOU SIGN UP. THE BROADBAND SERVICE COSTS 60 DOLLARS A MONTH. THE OFFER IS GOOD THROUGH THE END OF THIS MONTH.
ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO SIMPLY CAN'T GET ENOUGH POLITICS? NOW YOU CAN KEEP UP WITH CONGRESS ON YOU-TUBE. THE VIDEO SHARING SITE HAS LAUNCHED TWO NEW WEB PAGES FOR LAWMAKERS-- ONE FOR THE HOUSE AND ONE FOR THE SENATE. EVERY LAWMAKER WILL BE ALLOWED TO CREATE A VIDEO CHANNEL AND LINK IT TO THESE HUBS. THEY WILL GIVE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS A PLACE TO BOTH PROMOTE THEIR AGENDAS AND STAY IN TOUCH WITH CONSTITUENTS.
FINALLY. ORDERING A BURRITO ON AN I-PHONE. MEXICAN FAST- FOOD CHAIN CHIPOTLE APPEARS TO BE PREPARING A MOBILE ORDERING APPLICATION FOR THE I-PHONE AND I-POD TOUCH. IT LETS USERS FIND THE NEAREST RESTAURANT, CUSTOMIZE THEIR ORDERS, SAVE THEIR FAVORITES AND PAY BY CREDIT CARD. THE APP WAS TEMPORARILY AVAILABLE ON THE I-TUNES APP STORE ON MONDAY. BUT REPORTEDLY HAD A FEW GLITCHES.
FOR INFORMATION ON ALL OF THESE STORIES-- LOG ON TO THE TECHNOLOGY PAGE OF ABC NEWS DOT COM. THOSE ARE YOUR TECH BYTES, I'M JEREMY HUBBARD.
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HILLARY CLINTON
FROM FIERCE OPPONENT TO LOYAL CABINET MEMBER. SENATOR AND FORMER FIRST LADY HILLARY CLINTON HEADS TO CAPITOL HILL TODAY TO FACE A NOMINATION HEARING TO BE BARACK OBAMA'S SECRETARY OF STATE.
SO FAR, SHE'S FACE NO OPPOSITION FROM HER SENATE COLLEAGUES.
ABC'S VIVIANA HURTADO IS IN WASHINGTON THIS MORNING WITH THE DETAILS.

NEW YORK'S JUNIOR SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WILL TESTIFY LATER TODAY BEFORE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE.
HER COLLEAGUES ARE EXPECTED TO CONFIRM HER AS THE NATION'S NEXT SECRETARY OF STATE.
CLINTON : "I AM PROUD TO JOIN YOU ON WHAT WILL BE A DIFFICULT AND EXCITING ADVENTURE IN THIS NEW CENTURY."
THE FORMER FIRST LADY HAS BEEN PREPARING FOR HARD QUESTIONS THAT RANGE FROM HER HUSBAND'S BUSINESS DEALINGS FOR THE CLINTON FOUNDATION.
.TO THE POLITICAL EPIC BATTLE SHE WAGED AGAINST HER FUTURE BOSS DURING THE PRIMARIES.
OBAMA : "I ASSEMBLED THIS TEAM BECAUSE I'M A STRONG BELIEVER IN STRONG PERSONALITIES AND STRONG OPINIONS. I THINK THAT'S HOW THE BEST DECISIONS ARE MADE. / BUT UNDERSTAND, I WILL BE SETTING POLICY AS PRESIDENT."
AND A STRONG PERSONALITY IS WHAT PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA MAY NEED AS THE U.S. NAVIGATES THREATS SUCH AS THE CONTINUING FIGHTING IN GAZA, IRAN'S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS, AND THE INSTABILITY IN SOUTH ASIA WHERE EXTREMISTS ARE ROOTED.
BRAZILE: "THERE WILL NOT BE A TRANSITION WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING AMERICA SAFE AND SECURE. THE TERRORISTS WILL NOT WAIT."
CLINTON'S CONFIRMATION HEARING COULD LAST A COUPLE OF DAYS, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE BROUGHT TO THE FULL SENATE FOR A VOTE ON JANUARY 20TH, THE DAY THE PRESIDENT-ELECT BECOMES PRESIDENT OBAMA.
VIVIANA HURTADO, ABC NEWS, WASHINGTON.
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HUMBOLDT ROBBERY
STARTING THIS HALF-HOUR IN GIBSON COUNTY. POLICE IN HUMBOLDT SAY THEY ARE LOOKING FOR THREE MEN THEY BELIEVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROBBING A LOCAL LIQUOR STORE.
POLICE SAY THE ROBBERY HAPPENED JUST AFTER 7-30 LAST NIGHT AT SOUTH SIDE WINE AND LIQUOR ON BURROW STREET WHEN THREE THREE MEN WALKED INTO THE STORE AND DEMANDED CASH.
AT LEAST ONE OF THE MEN IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN ARMED.
IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS ROBBERY, CALL HUMBOLDT POLICE OR GIBSON COUNTY
CRIME STOPPERS.
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CIRCLE K ROBBERY
A CONVENIENCE STORE IN WEST JACKSON WAS ALSO THE TARGET OF AN ARMED ROBBERY.
POLICE SAY A MAN THREATENED A CASHIER WITH A HANDGUN AT THIS CIRCLE K CONVENIENCE STORE NEAR THE BYPASS AND OLD HICKORY BOULEVARD EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS CAUGHT THE MAN AS HE WALKED IN, SHOWED A GUN AND DEMANDED MONEY FROM THE CLERK.
WITNESSES NEARBY TOLD POLICE THEY MAY HAVE SEEN THE MAN IN A DARK-COLORED OR BLACK S-U-V WITH ANOTHER WOMAN.
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SUPERWAY ROBBERY
JACKSON POLICE ARE ALSO SEARCHING FOR A MAN WHO HELD UP A THE SUPERWAY CONVENIENCE STORE IN WEST JACKSON CONVENIENCE STORE AROUND 8-30 LAST NIGHT.
POLICE SAY A MAN WITH A GUN WALKED INTO THE CONVENIENCE STORE DEMANDING MONEY.
HE'S DESCRIBED AS AT LEAST 5-5.AND WAS WEARING A BLACK PUFFY JACKET WITH FUR AROUND THE HOOD.
HE'S BELIEVED TO BE IN HIS LATE TEENS OR EARLY 20'S.
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SUBWAY
LESS THAN AN HOUR LATER.THIS SUBWAY ON CARRIAGE HOUSE DRIVE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER ARMED ROBBER.
INITIAL REPORTS INDICATE A MAN ARMED WITH A HANDGUN ENTERED THE STORE AROUND 9-20 AND DEMANDED MONEY.
WITNESSES SAY THE MAN IS ABOUT 6-ONE. AND WAS WEARING BLACK SHOES, BLACK JEANS AND A BLUE ZIP-UP JACKET WITH A HOOD. HE WAS ALSO WEARING A MASK.
HE WAS LAST SEEN RUNNING OUT OF THE BACK DOOR OF THE STORE WITH AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF CASH.
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NEW AIRPORT DIRECTOR
IN OTHER NEWS. AN OFFER IS ON THE TABLE FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MCKELLAR-SIPES REGIONAL AIRPORT.
STEVE SMITH. THE FORMER MCNAIRY COUNTY AIRPORT DIRECTOR. IS THE UNANIMOUS CHOICE OF THE BOARD. ACCORDING TO CHAIRMAN BILL DOUGLASS.
THE VOTE CAME LAST NIGHT AFTER THE FINAL THREE CANDIDATES WERE INTERVIEWED YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.
BOARD MEMBERS SAY SMITH'S EXPERIENCE IS WHAT INFLUENCED THEIR CHOICE MOST.
IF HE ACCEPTS THE OFFER, SMITH COULD START THE JOB AS SOON AS FEBRUARY 2ND.
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GIB. CO. COURT
SWITCHING GEARS. *WHERE* COURT IS HELD IN GIBSON COUNTY WAS A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSION YESTERDAY
CURRENTLY, THE COUNTY IS SPLIT. SOME CASES ARE HEARD IN HUMBOLDT WHILE OTHERS GO TO TRENTON WHERE THERE ARE ALSO CHANCERY, CIRCUIT AND GENERAL SESSIONS COURTROOMS.
MAYOR JOE SHEPARD WILL HELP ORGANIZE A COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF THE HUMBOLDT COURTS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL LOOK INTO THE FINANCES OF HAVING THE DUEL COURT SYSTEM.
THE TOPIC WILL BE UP FOR DISCUSSION AGAIN AT THE NEXT MEETING IN MARCH.
 Return to index of stories...
KENTON HIGHWAY
ALSO AT THE MEETING. THE COMMISSION APPROVED A REQUEST FOR THE STATE AND THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO REEVALUATE HIGHWAY 45'S EXPANSION THROUGH THE CITY OF KENTON.
PLANS CURRENTLY CALL FOR THE FOUR LANE HIGHWAY TO GO AROUND KENTON INSTEAD OF THROUGH THE TOWN.
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GIB. CO. COMMISSION MEETING
ALSO AT THE MEETING. KENNY FLOWERS WAS APPROVED TO FULFILL THE REST OF REPRESENTATIVE CURTIS HALFORD'S TERM.
HALFORD WON THE POSITION OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTION. FORCING HIM TO FORFEIT HIS COMMISSION SEAT.
FLOWERS WILL BE SWORN IN AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF DISTRICT 19, POSITION ONE AT A LATER DATE.
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CENSUS
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A JOB. THE U-S GOVERNMENT MIGHT HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU. AT LEAST TEMPORARILY.
THE U-S CENSUS BUREAU IS HIRING 3-THOUSAND WORKERS IN TENNESSEE TO PREPARE FOR THE 2010 CENSUS.
THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY IS FILLING BOTH FULL AND PART-TIME POSITIONS.
TO BE ELIGIBLE, YOU MUST BE A U-S CITIZEN, EIGHTEEN OR OLDER, AND PASS A BASIC APTITUDE TEST.
FOR LINKS TO THE BUREAU'S WEBSITE AND MORE INFORMATION ON THE AVAILABLE JOBS, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE.WBBJTV.COM AND CLICK SEEN ON 7.
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HOLLYWOOD MINUTE
IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS. THE TRAVOLTA FAMILY IS THANKING THOSE WHO PROVIDED SUPPORT FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THEIR SON.
NINETTE SOSA HAS THE DETAILS IN TODAY'S HOLLYWOOD MINUTE.

JOHN TRAVOLTA AND KELLY PRESTON ARE THANKING THEIR HOMETOWN OF OCALA, FLORIDA FOR ITS SUPPORT FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THEIR SON JETT.
THE LOCAL PAPER PUBLISHED A LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF OCALA MONDAY WHICH THANKED THE TOWN FOR ITS "COMFORTING WORDS, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS."
THE TRAVOLTAS SAID THEY HAVE BEEN TREATED AS FAMILY, WHICH HAS HELPED THEM THROUGH THEIR LOSS.
16-YEAR-OLD JETT DIED SUDDENLY OF A SEIZURE ON JANUARY SECOND DURING THE FAMILY'S VACATION IN THE BAHAMAS.

AMY WINEHOUSE'S JAILED HUSBAND, BLAKE FIELDER-CIVIL, IS TRYING TO DIVORCE HIS WIFE ON THE GROUNDS OF ALLEGED INFIDELITY.
CELEBRITY LAWYER HENRI BRANDMAN CONFIRMS FIELDER-CIVIL ASKED HIM QUOTE - "TO COMMENCE DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS ON THE GROUNDS OF AMY'S ADULTERY."
THIS AFTER WINEHOUSE'S HUSBAND REPORTEDLY SAW PHOTOS OF THE 25-YEAR-OLD SOUL-SINGER WITH ANOTHER MAN IN THE CARIBBEAN.
THE LONDON TABLOID THAT PUBLISHED THE PICTURES ALSO QUOTED WINEHOUSE LAST WEEK SAYING SHE HAS A NEW MAN IN HER LIFE -- 21-YEAR-OLD ACTOR JOSH BOWMAN, AND SHE'S "OFF THE DRUGS FOR GOOD."
WINEHOUSE HAS HAD A VERY PUBLIC STRUGGLE WITH DRUGS.
FIELDER-CIVIL IS IN AN ENGLISH JAIL BECAUSE HE FAILED A DRUG TEST LAST YEAR.

FOR HOLLYWOOD MINUTE, I'M NINETTE SOSA, REPORTING FROM ATLANTA.
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BUSH FAREWELL
IN HIS LAST WEEK IN OFFICE. PRESIDENT BUSH LOOK BACK YESTERDAY AT THE LAST EIGHT YEARS HE HAS WORKED IN THE OVAL OFFICE.
ABC'S T-J WINICK TAKES A LOOK AT THE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE OF THE 43RD PRESIDENT.

HIS 47TH AND FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE WAS A LOOK BACK FOR GEORGE W. BUSH. A LOOK BACK ON 8 YEARS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND, ADMITTEDLY, SOME MISTAKES.
POTUS: I'VE THOUGHT LONG AND HARD ABOUT KATRINA - YOU KNOW, COULD I HAVE DONE SOMETHING DIFFERENTLY / THERE HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTMENTS. ABU GHRAIB OBVIOUSLY WAS A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT DURING THE PRESIDENCY. NOT HAVING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION WAS A SIGNIFICANT DISAPPOINTMENT.
AND THEN THERE WAS DECLARING A PREMATURE END TO THE IRAQ WAR.
POTUS: CLEARLY PUTTING "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" ON AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER WAS A MISTAKE. IT SENT THE WRONG MESSAGE. WE WERE TRYING TO SAY SOMETHING DIFFERENTLY, BUT NEVERTHELESS, IT CONVEYED A DIFFERENT MESSAGE. OBVIOUSLY SOME OF MY RHETORIC HAS BEEN A MISTAKE.
CONCERNING IRAQ, MR. BUSH BELIEVES THE TROOP SURGE AND OTHER STRATEGIES CAN ONLY BE JUDGED BY FUTURE HISTORIANS.
POTUS: I DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND SENT 30,000 TROOPS IN AS OPPOSED TO WITHDRAWING. AND SO THAT PART OF HISTORY IS CERTAIN, AND THE SITUATION DID CHANGE. NOW THE QUESTION IS, IN THE LONG-RUN, WILL THIS DEMOCRACY SURVIVE? AND THAT'S GOING TO BE THE CHALLENGE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS.
AS FOR WHAT'S NEXT?
POTUS: I'M A 'TYPE A' PERSONALITY, YOU KNOW, I JUST - I CAN'T ENVISION MYSELF , YOU KNOW, THE BIG STRAW HAT AND HAWAIIAN SHIRT SITTING ON SOME BEACH. PARTICULARLY SINCE I QUIT DRINKING.
PRESIDENT BUSH WILL MAKE A 10-15 MINUTE FAREWELL ADDRESS THURSDAY NIGHT FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.
THIS WILL BE MR. BUSH'S LAST SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCE BEFORE THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA
TJ WINICK, ABC NEWS, WASHINGTON.
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FRANKEN SENATE
FOR AL FRANKEN.HE'LL HAVE TO WAIT A LITTLE LONGER BEFORE HE CAN ASSUME A SEAT IN THE SENATE.
MINNESOTA'S GOVERNOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE HAVE TURNED DOWN THE DEMOCRATS REQUEST FOR AN ELECTION CERTIFICATE.WHICH WOULD ALLOW HIM TO TAKE OFFICE.
THAT'S BECAUSE HIS REPUBLICAN OPPONENT NORM COLEMAN.IS SUING OVER FRANKEN'S 225-VOTE VICTORY.
ACCORDING TO MINNESOTA STATE LAW.STATE LEADERS CANNOT SIGN A CERTIFICATE WHILE ELECTION RESULTS ARE BEING CONTESTED IN COURT.
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TUITION RATES
LISTEN UP COLLEGE STUDENTS.AND PARENTS.IT COULD COST YOU A LOT MORE TO TAKE CLASSES THIS FALL.
AS A WAY TO MAKE UP FOR BUDGET CUTS.THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS COULD ALLOW ITS UNIVERSITIES TO CHARGE HOURLY RATES INSTEAD OF FLAT RATES FOR COLLEGE COURSES.
CURRENTLY, STUDENTS WHO TAKE MORE THAN 12-HOURS PER SEMESTER ARE NOT CHARGED FOR THOSE HOURS.
UNDER THE NEW PLAN SET TO BEGIN THIS FALL.STUDENTS WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR EACH HOUR THEY TAKE.HOWEVER, THE BOARD HAS NOT DECIDED HOW MUCH THE TUITION CHARGE WILL BE.
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OBION ATTEMP MURDER SUICIDE
AN OBION COUNTY MAN IS DEAD AND HIS WIFE IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER AN APPARENT ATTEMPTED MURDER-SUICIDE THIS MORNING.
OBION COUNTY SHERIFF JERRY VASTBINDER SAYS DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO A CALL JUST BEFORE EIGHT TO THIS HOUSE ON COCA COLA SMITH ROAD.
WHEN THEY ARRIVED, INVESTIGATORS FOUND 30-YEAR OLD AMY BURTON WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND TO HER ABDOMEN, AND HER HUSBAND, 34-YEAR-OLD JACK BURTON JUNIOR, DEAD.
DEPUTIES BELIEVE JACK FIRST SHOT HIS WIFE FROM BEHIND, AND THEN TOOK HIS OWN LIFE IN THE BACKYARD BY SHOOTING HIMSELF IN THE HEAD.
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