Author: Associated Press

Johnson concedes to incumbent Smith in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Democratic challenger Gloria Johnson has conceded to incumbent state Rep. Eddie Smith in their close race in Knoxville. The Knoxville News Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/2fcGhK0 ) that Johnson decided to stop fighting the 154-vote result after finding…

Houston County couple dead following explosion at their home

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Houston County couple have been killed in an explosion at their home. The Leaf-Chronicle of Clarksville reports (http://leafne.ws/2eBhmDx ) that firefighters responded to the blaze at the mobile home in Stewart on Monday night. Houston…

Gas pump disputes leads Tennessee lawmaker to call police

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A dispute about gas prices led a Tennessee lawmaker to call the police. WKRN-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2gbpiff ) that Republican state Rep. Mike Sparks of Smyrna claims he was charged for the price of premium gas when…

Tennessee firearms group calls Harwell ‘pink elephant’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Firearms Association is denouncing Tennessee's first female House speaker as the "pink elephant in the room" in calling for Beth Harwell's replacement as the chamber's leader. Harwell is seeking the Republican nomination for a…

Corrections Center official resigns after Facebook post

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - A deputy director of the Shelby County Corrections Center has resigned because of derogatory posts made on his Facebook page. The corrections center said in a news release that David Barber resigned Tuesday. The release said…

As fires torch South, burn bans enacted, arson investigated

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - As drought-stressed forests burn across much of the South - including a blaze scorching a Manhattan-sized area of north Georgia - some traditional outdoor activities are now banned. Starting campfires, lighting fireworks, smoking cigarettes, even parking…

Tennessee sets new record in drug overdose deaths in 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee health officials say the state hit a record in drug overdose deaths in 2015. The state Department of Health on Tuesday said 1,451 people died of drug overdoses last year. In 2011, 1,062 deaths were…

Tennessee Supreme Court OKs new divorce forms

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Supreme Court has adopted plain-language forms and instructions that couples with children can use for uncontested divorces. The Administrative Office of the Courts says the forms are intended to simplify divorce proceedings for people…

Unfinished nuclear power plant sold for $111 million

HOLLYWOOD, Ala. (AP) - The Tennessee Valley Authority has sold an unfinished nuclear power plant in northeast Alabama for $111 million. Nuclear Holdings LLC purchased the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant at auction Monday. The sale price was more than three times…

New FEMA maps could mean thousands need flood insurance

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Thousands of property owners may have to purchase flood insurance policies for the first time as new flood maps go into effect next year in Davidson County. The Tennessean reports (http://tnne.ws/2fRUYDT) the Federal Emergency Management Agency…

Democratic donor Freeman wants new state party leader

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Democrat Bill Freeman, who came in third in Nashville's mayor's race despite spending $3.5 million of his own money, says the state party should replace Chair Mary Mancini following last week's election results. Freeman tells The…

Ex-Tenn. school officials respond to lawsuit in rape case

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - Three former officials at a Tennessee high school are seeking a dismissal of a lawsuit filed against them regarding the rape and assault of a freshman basketball player in an apparent hazing incident. The former principal,…

Tennessee sheriff suspended without pay amid e-cig charges

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) - A jailed Tennessee sheriff faces suspension without pay while he awaits word whether he'll lose his job amid allegations he profited from the sale of electronic cigarettes to inmates. The Tennessean reports (http://tnne.ws/2fTpblT ) that Davidson…

Power restored to Tennessee’s largest state office building

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee's largest state office building will reopen Tuesday after being closed because of a power outage. About 2,100 state employees work in the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, which is located near the state Capitol in…

Corker and Sewanee professor argue about Trump on hike

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - A Sewanee professor's chance encounter with Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Corker during a weekend hike gave him a chance to vent his frustrations about the former Chattanooga mayor's support for President-elect Donald Trump. The Chattanooga Times…

Land Between the Lakes offers free Christmas tree permits

STEWART COUNTY, Tenn. (AP) -- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is offering free cedar Christmas tree permits starting later this month. The park says the permits will be available online from Nov. 25 to Dec. 24, at their…

3 fatalities identified in fiery I-40 crash near Crossville

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Highway Patrol has identified three people who died in a fiery crash on Interstate 40 near Crossville. The Knoxville News Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/2fM2phA ) that Erik New was driving eastbound in a tractor-trailer when he…

Hamilton County school board denies liability in rape case

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Hamilton County Board of Education argues in court filings that it should not be held liable for the rape of a freshman basketball player. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports (http://bit.ly/2g0cfhq ) that the legal repose…

Dry, windy conditions feed wildfires across the Southeast

ATLANTA (AP) - More than 5,000 firefighters and support staff from around the nation have come to the Southeast, because that's where the wildfires are right now. Regional aviation director Shardul Raval of the U.S. Forest Service said Thursday that…

Summit held for beginning farmers in Kentucky, Tennessee

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Farmers who are just starting out can get information about federal programs, planning, financing and other topics at the Kentucky-Tennessee Beginning Farmer Summit being held in Louisville. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture says the daylong event…

Lewis County restaurant owner charged with arson

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Authorities have charged a Lewis County restaurant owner with setting fire to his business for the insurance money. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Thursday that Nick Spicer set fire to Nick and Bubba's Beer, Butts…

Audit: Tennessee venture capital program recovers little

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - An audit of a state venture capital program called TNInvestco has found that Tennessee has recovered only $5 million of its $200 million investment. The program enacted in 2009 was aimed at encouraging start-up companies to…

Despite lower electric sales, TVA posts record net income

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Valley Authority has posted a record net income despite falling electric sales. According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://bit.ly/2fB9vTJ ), the Tennessee Valley Authority says its 2016 budget year net income rose about…

Neighbors draw messages of hope on sidewalk for Muslims

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A mother has inspired dozens of residents to gather in front of the Islamic Center of Nashville, take up pieces of sidewalk chalk and draw messages of support for their Muslim neighbors. News outlets report that…

Haynes won’t seek another term as Tennessee GOP chairman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Former state Rep. Ryan Haynes says he won't seek another term as chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party following a tumultuous presidential election cycle. Haynes made several critical statements about Donald Trump during the presidential primary…

Inmate could soon be released 2 years after wife’s lie

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Nashville man in prison on false allegations that led to his revoked parole two years ago is a step closer to being released. The Tennessean reports (http://tnne.ws/2fXjnv1) that Polk and Tennessee Board of Parole hearing…

Crews finish restoration work on Alum Cave Trail in Smokies

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) - Crews have wrapped up a major restoration project on Alum Cave Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. WBIR-TV reported Friday that (http://on.wbir.com/2fWFsd1) the official ribbon-cutting is just days away for the revitalized 5.5 mile trail that…

Tennessee Rep. Blackburn named to Trump transition panel

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn has been named to the 16-member executive committee of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team. Blackburn, who has represented the 7th Congressional District since 2002, was named to the panel on Friday…

ExpressJet to close its facility in Shreveport

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - ExpressJet, which operates a jet maintenance facility at Shreveport Regional Airport, plans to close it next year and shift those operations to its facility in Knoxville, Tennessee - costing nearly 300 people their jobs. ExpressJet spokeswoman…

Outrage and fear fuel continuing anti-Trump protests

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Spurred by fear and outrage, demonstrators around the country are marching again to protest Donald Trump's presidential election victory. The spirited demonstrations Friday on college campuses and along downtown streets were mostly peaceful following previous outbreaks…

Haslam announces departure of Revenue Commissioner Roberts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts is leaving Gov. Bill Haslam's Cabinet. The governor announced Wednesday that Roberts' last day at the agency responsible for state tax collections will be Dec. 2. Haslam called Roberts a "valuable…

Man wanted in Memphis killing arrested in Minnesota

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The U.S. Marshals Service says a man charged with murder in the shooting death of a former University of Memphis student has been caught in Minnesota. The service said Wednesday that Terrance Harris has been arrested…

High school honors Massachusetts marine slain in Tennessee

CHICOPEE, Mass. (AP) - A marine from Massachusetts killed in the attacks on military facilities in Tennessee last year is being honored by his high school. Pope Francis High School on Wednesday held a ceremony to announce that a plaza…

Southern fires rage with 41.6 million now living in drought

ATLANTA (AP) - Federal authorities say warmer-than-average temperatures and no rainfall are deepening a drought that's sparking forest fires across the Southeastern U.S., forcing people to evacuate dozens of homes. Thursday's national drought report shows 41.6 million people in parts…

Trump protesters block Nashville, students rally at UT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Students at Fisk University held a protest that blocked traffic in downtown Nashville Wednesday afternoon to express their disagreement with Donald Trump being elected president. And in Knoxville, hundreds of students held an anti-Trump rally on…

GM may find jobs for laid-off workers at other factories

DETROIT (AP) - The head of the United Auto Workers union says about 2,000 General Motors factory workers who face layoff in January could be placed at other company factories. President Dennis Williams told reporters Thursday that the UAW is…

Pharmacy owner gets probation, fine for financial crimes

BOSTON (AP) - The majority owner of a Massachusetts pharmacy blamed for a deadly fungal meningitis outbreak has been sentenced to a year of probation and fined $4,500 for financial crimes. Carla Conigliaro was sentenced Wednesday in federal court after…

Pharmacist from Kentucky indicted in Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says a pharmacist from Kentucky has been indicted on charges that he submitted fraudulent claims for prescription medications to Medicare and TennCare. TBI said in a news release Tuesday that 56-year-old…

Man indicted in death of 71-year-old in Shelby County

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - A man who was the caregiver for a 71-year-old man who died last year of complications from multiple blunt force injuries has been indicted in West Tennessee on second-degree murder and other charges. Shelby County District…

Possible world record deer killed in Sumner County

GALLATIN, Tenn. (AP) - Hunting officials say a man has killed a whitetail deer that might break the world record. The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/2fD7S6K ) reports that 26-year-old Stephen Tucker of Gallatin shot the deer with a muzzleloader Monday afternoon in…

Trump wins Tennessee by 26 points in final vote tally

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Will all precincts reporting, Republican Donald Trump has won Tennessee's presidential election by 26 percentage points. More than 1.5 million voters cast their ballots in favor of Trump, or 61 percent, compared with about 866,000 for…

Republican Steve McManus of Memphis loses Statehouse seat

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Republican state Rep. Steve McManus of Memphis has lost his Tennessee Statehouse seat to Democrat Dewayne Thompson. McManus, who served as chairman of the House Insurance and Banking Committee, lost by 373 votes. Delays in vote…

Forest fires trap firefighters, cause excessive smoke

CHURCH HILL, Tenn. (AP) - Ongoing wildfires in Tennessee are causing problems, trapping firefighters and filling the region's air with smoke. Media outlets report that seven firefighters were trapped Tuesday evening in a forest fire near Laurel Run Park, causing…

Southern wildfires create haze of smoke in metro Atlanta

ATLANTA (AP) - Authorities say drought-fueled wildfires burning across the South have created a smoky haze over metro Atlanta, and the smell of forest fires from several states is expected to linger. The National Weather Service says gusty winds from…

Addiction treatment center in Gray receives final approval

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) - Mountain States Health Alliance and East Tennessee State University officials have received final approval to open an addiction treatment clinic in the Johnson City suburb of Gray. The Johnson City Press reports (http://bit.ly/2fD0P1w) that on…

Gregg Allman cancels shows due to vocal cord injury

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Rocker Gregg Allman has cancelled or rescheduled his shows for the rest of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 after a vocal cord injury. The 68-year-old musician said in a statement posted on his website Tuesday…