wed., june 6 news summary

7/31/2019 Wed., June 6 News Summary

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Want to avoid I-75, I-24 traffic jams? Gov. Haslam says app on the way (TFP/SherTennessee motorists will have access to real-time traffic information under a smartphone app the stTransportation Department is developing, Gov. Bill Haslam said today. The governor said officials are developan application that will let iPhone and Android users easily access traffic and incident report information, whichalready online. He said he hopes the free service will be ready by the fall. TDOT has a lot of information wtheir [SmartWay] camera approach, a lot of information on roads and drive times, Haslam said. Sometimes post it on the interstate signs. Officials are working on developing that and putting it on an app, so you can sIm going from Church Avenue to Brentwood [in Middle Tennessee], and they can come back and say thagoing to take you 17 minutes, he said.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/05/want-avoid-i-75-i-24-traffic-jams-gov-bill-hasl am-/?local

Haslam says TN working on traffic apps, driver's licensing upgrades (CA/LockerStuck in traffic? Gov. Bill H aslam said Tuesday that there will soon be an app for that. The governor said Tennessee Department of Transportation is working on an application for smartphones to make it easier motorists and others to tap into the agency's real-time traffic and incident report data, much of which is alreaonline. He hopes the free service will be rolled out in the fall. "TDOT has a lot of information with th(SmartWay) camera approach, a lot of information on roads and drive times. Sometimes we post it on tinterstate signs. They're working on developing that and putting it on an app," he said. Speaking at a conferenof government information-technology specialists in Nashville, Haslam also said the state is working to upgrathe driver's licensing system, making him the latest in a long line of governors trying to m ake that process mouser-friendly.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/05/gov-haslam-says-tennessee-working-traffic-info-app/(SUB)

TDOT Developing Traffic App Using SmartWay Data (WPLN-Radio Nashville)The Tennessee Department of Transportation is working on a smartphone app using the traffic data it alreacollects. Its tentatively set to be available later this year. At a digital government conference in NashviGovernor Bill Haslam told attendees that he just wants other drivers to have what he has. If youre the goverand youre riding around with state troopers and youre wondering how does I-40 look? or whats the best rohome today? I can get all that information real easy, but we want to m ake that so that everybody can. [laughAlthough it might m ess up some of my fast ways home, but Im willing to take that chance. The state alreawatches traffic congestion through a system of highway cameras, posting estimated drive times on Interstsigns. Haslam says a smartphone program is meant to customize that information and put it in one plahttp://wpln.org/?p=379 28

Haslam Signs Food Tax Reduction Bill (Clarksville Now)Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam traveled to M arion County to sign legislation to reduce the state portion of sales tax on groceries from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent. Were focused on making state government moefficient and more effective while reducing the cost to taxpayers, said Haslam. The sales tax on food touchall Tennesseans, and this is an effort to lower the burden. I applaud the General Assembly for passing timportant piece of legislation this year. The bill, SB 3763, HB 3761, was introduced by the governor and wone of three tax cuts passed by the legislature and signed by Haslam this year as the state continues its wtoward providing the best customer service at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers. The governor was joinedthe events by bill sponsor House M ajority Leader Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga), Rep. David Alexander Winchester) and Marion County Mayor John Graham. Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) sponsored the bil
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/05/want-avoid-i-75-i-24-traffic-jams-gov-bill-haslam-/?localhttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/05/gov-haslam-says-tennessee-working-traffic-info-app/http://wpln.org/?p=37928http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/05/want-avoid-i-75-i-24-traffic-jams-gov-bill-haslam-/?localhttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/05/gov-haslam-says-tennessee-working-traffic-info-app/http://wpln.org/?p=37928


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the Senate. The reduced tax rate does not apply to prepared foods such as a meal at a restaurant, candalcoholic beverages or tobacco.http://www.clarksvillenow.com/pages/13330808.php

Haslam Helping Maggart, Says GOP Key in Advancing His Agenda (TN Report)Gov. Bill Haslam hasnt thought much about what his perfect General Assembly would look like, but says therno doubt the scores of Republicans in the Legislature have helped him advance his agenda. Despite politi

division between moderate and conservative Republicans on several hot topics this year, Haslam says mGOP members in the Legislature means his team will have an easier time passing much of his legislation, lthey did the last two years approving civil service and education reforms. Id love to say its all my wisdointelligent approach to legislation. But the reality is when you have more people that are on your side, things teto go a little easier, Haslam told reporters after speaking at the Digital Government Summit in downtoNashville Tuesday.http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/06/05/video-haslam-helping-maggart-says-gop-key-in-advancing-h is-agenda/

Maggart to Get Reelection Help from Governor (WPLN-Radio Nashville)Governor Bill Haslam is slowly revealing which state lawmakers will get his help with their reelection campaigRep. Debra Maggart will be one of the first. Maggart has been under assault from the Tennessee FirearAssociation for her role in helping the Haslam Administration block gun legislation. The bill would have allow

people to keep weapons in their vehicles while parked at work. A recent fundrais ing letter says Hendersonville Republican should be removed from office as an example to others. Governor Haslam calls attacks from gun owners unmerited. I think anybody who would question Debras conservatism I thinkmissing something. But this isnt just about Debra. Its about helping a lot of folks who can be helpful to us in process. Twenty-three Republican lawmakers are facing opposition in the August 2nd primary. Thats way from previous years, though some races are just an effect of redist ricting.http://wpln.org/?p=379 24

State health commissioner visits Dyersburg (State Gazette)Tennessee Commissioner of Health Dr. John Dreyzehner visited the Dyer County Health Department Thursday morning as a part of the new commissioner's tour of West Tennessee. Dreyzehner, who wappointed to serve as health commissioner by Gov. Bill Haslam in September, traveled to public headepartments in several West Tennessee communities on Thursday, May 31. Accompanying him were Dep

Director of Regional and Local Health Rick Long, acting D irector for the Division of Com munity Health ServicLeslie Humphries and Regional Director Marilyn Barnes. The commissioner was welcomed to the headepartment by County Director Tim James, who leads several West Tennessee counties. James joined tgroup to continue the tour. As imposing as his height and last name might seem, the comm issioner was vpersonable and approachable. He made a point to meet all members of the staff, chatting with them about thpositions and their background in health services.http://www.stategazette.com/story/1856690.html

Marion man arrested on doctor shopping charges (WRCB-TV Chattanooga)A Marion C ounty m an has been arrested on charges of TennCare fraud. Randy W . Troy, 44, of Whitwell, warrested in Bradley County Tuesday, accused of "doctor shopping." Doctor shopping is the practice of goingmultiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs before it is reported to the state. "Wh

individuals misuse their TennCare benefits, it's a serious issue the Office of Inspector General will not toleraInspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. "Anyone committing TennCare fraud will be investigatprosecuted, and arrested by the OIG." TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two yein prison. District Attorney General Steven Bebb will be prosecuting this case.http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/18706841/marion-man-arrested-on-doctor-shopping-charges

Marion County Man Charged W ith Doctor Shopping (WDEF-TV Chattanooga)A Marion County faces charges in nearby B radley County for TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, whinvolves going to multiple doctors to obtain drugs. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistancethe Bradley County Sheriffs Office today announced the arrest of Randy W . Troy, 44, of Whitwell. He is chargwith one count of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by doctor shopping, or going
http://www.clarksvillenow.com/pages/13330808.phphttp://www.clarksvillenow.com/pages/13330808.phphttp://tnreport.com/blog/2012/06/05/video-haslam-helping-maggart-says-gop-key-in-advancing-his-agenda/http://wpln.org/?p=37924http://wpln.org/?p=37924http://www.stategazette.com/story/1856690.htmlhttp://www.wrcbtv.com/story/18706841/marion-man-arrested-on-doctor-shopping-chargeshttp://www.clarksvillenow.com/pages/13330808.phphttp://tnreport.com/blog/2012/06/05/video-haslam-helping-maggart-says-gop-key-in-advancing-his-agenda/http://wpln.org/?p=37924http://www.stategazette.com/story/1856690.htmlhttp://www.wrcbtv.com/story/18706841/marion-man-arrested-on-doctor-shopping-charges


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multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescription drugs. When individuals misuse their TennCbenefits, its a serious issue the Office of Inspector General will not tolerate, Inspector General DeborahFaulkner said. Anyone committing TennCare fraud will be investigated, prosecuted, and arrested by the OIGTennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney GeneSteven Bebb w ill be prosecuting this case.http://www.wdef.com/content/news/crime/story/Marion-County-Man-Charged-With-Doctor-Shopping/iOpdaw-xS0eJ2xp0nyEedQ.cspx

Wom an faces TennCare fraud charges in Carter County (Elizabethton Star)A Greene County woman has been charged in Carter County with TennCare fraud for allegedly sellprescription drugs paid for by TennCare. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) on Monday announced the arrof Phyllis Hamm, 55, of Chuckey, after a joint investigation with the 1st Judicial District Drug Task Force, tJohnson City Police Department Vice Unit, the Carter County Sheriffs Department and the Elizabethton PolDepartment. Hamm, who was arrested Thursday by Deputy Tracie Phipps of the CCSD, is charged with ocount of TennCare fraud and one count of sale of a Schedule III controlled substance. The OIG stated in a nerelease that Hamm is accused of using TennCare benefits to obtain a prescription for Suboxone, a painkiused to treat addiction to drugs such as morphine, later selling a portion of the prescription. We are workclosely with local law enforcement officers in an aggressive effort to go after anyone who are misusing thTennCare benefits, Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. Were intent on stopping illegal drug activityTennCare.http://www.starhq.com/2012/06/05/woman-faces-tenncare-fraud-charges-in-carte r-county/

Major new Roane State building launched in Oak Ridge (N-S/Fowler)Speaker after speaker Tuesday praised a spirit of cooperation that resulted in funding for a huge new buildingthe city's Roane State Community College campus. Originally, the Health Sciences and Technology Buildwasn't on a list of planned state college construction projects, Roane State President Gary Goff said. But ORidge and Anderson County governments chipped in $500,000 each to help match $9 million for a two-stbuilding should that state funding become available, he said. Corporations and individuals also contributbringing the total in local donations for the match to $2.5 million, Goff said. Then, the college cobbled togethanother $1.3 million to fund a shell for a needed third story. Finally, Goff said, state legislators, spearheadedveteran lawmaker Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, found $1 million in the latest state budget to finish tthird floor. "This has been a miracle no kidding," said David Coffey, a former state representative who hbeen a longtime Roane State booster and co-chaired the latest fundraising efforts. "Everybody did that exth ing to make th is happen."http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/05/major-new-roane-state-building-launched-in-oak/

Motlow to more than double its size (Daily News Journal)Officials break ground on new classroom building Ground w as broken on new 35,000-square-foot building on Motlow State campus Tuesday morning, marking a major leap forward for the growing community colleMaryLou Apple, the colleges president, told a gathered audience of about 75 individualsmade up of facuand students, along with state, city and county government o fficialsthe expansion means only good things the Smyrna com munity. An educated society is directly related to a healthy economy, she said, explaining tthe expansion will allow Motlow to now enroll 3,500 students instead of only 2,000. The new two-story buildiwhich is more than double the size of its current 17,000-square-foot building, will be constructed by Nashvibased Messer Construction on land adjacent to the current facility. Messers target completion date for project is June 2013. Among the educators in attendance at the groundbreaking was MTSUs President SidnMcPhee, who explained Motlow and M TSUs important relationship with one another, and how it encouragfurther education in the comm unity and state.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120606/NEWS07/306060029/Motlow-more-than-double-its-size?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Jobs Data Signals Slower Recovery (Memphis Daily News)The next employment data showing jobless figures for the state of Tennessee will be released next week. Tnext local data comes the week after that. They are the next markers in whats been a long parlor game since depths of the financial crisis, one thats been played from Washington to Main Street and everywhere
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between. It takes various forms, with economists, politicians, business leaders and others stepping up eamonth to divine meaning behind the data, and the analyses all start at that same point: What w ill the next joblenumbers show? And, once theyre released, what do the numbers mean? The nation got a depressing jolt a fdays ago, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that May saw just 69,000 new nonfarm payroll joThats far off from the approximately 100,000 jobs needed each month just to absorb new entrants into tworkforce.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/6/jobs-data-signals-slower-recovery/

Court denies Niles new trial (Times-Gazette)Tennessee's Court of Criminal Appeals has rejected a petition from a Bedford County man serving a sentence for first-degree murder. David Edward Niles, who was convicted in the Jan. 11, 2010, shooting deathLaura Parker, 26, claimed that Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler erred by denying his motion to suppreevidence seized during the search of his residence. Niles also claimed there wasn't enough evidence to convhim and that Crigler abused his discretion in denying a motion for funds for a psychiatrist. Psychiatric exAccording to the appeal, public defenders in the case discovered that N iles had informed a Bedford County jathat God told him to kill Parker because she was an unfit mother to their then 4-year-old son. Niles told lawyers that he first thought it was God speaking, but later believed that "it might have been the devil." Crighad ruled that Niles had already been examined w hile the case was still in G eneral Sessions Court and wfound competent to stand trial.http://www.t-g.com/story/1856536.html

Officer's ire spurs law change (Jackson Sun)Investigator pushes to strengthen law for sentencing sex offenders A state law dealing with sentencing for soffenders was changed because one Jackson police officer was mad and determined to make a differencInvestigator Mark Headen oversees sex offender crimes for the department. In M arch 2011, he received a repabout Union University security getting a license plate number for Jason Nickell, a registered violent soffender. Two women fi led reports that a white male had been stalking them. Once Nickell s picture wreleased, 13 more women came forward as victims, H eaden said. Hes a violent sex offender from Texasmisdemeanor he committed there was what put him on the registry, he said. After looking over his historymade me mad. For this man, I knew the most I could do was put him in jail for 30 days. Before Headen workto change the law, anyone charged with indecent exposure would be charged with a Class B misdemeanwhich is punishable with a maximum 30 days in jail. Previously, a stalking charge was a Class A misdemeanwith a maximum sentence of 11 months and 29 days. Headens proposed amendment increased the indecexposure and stalking charges to Class E felonies punishable by up to six years in prison if the crimecommitted by a registered sex offender.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120606/NEWS01/306040020/Officer-s-ire-spurs-law-change?nclick_check=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

State-Approved Charters Raise Eyebrows On M etro School Board (WPLN-Radio)A top M etro education official is skeptical, after the state gave permission to three new charter schools to starNashville. The Metro school board has its own system for vetting charters, but the state recently gained tpower to sometimes approve them as well, to teach students zoned for the weakest schools. At a meeting lweek on new charter proposals, the Metro boards vice chair, Mark North, singled out one from KIPP. Nopointed to test scores at the school KIPP already has in East Nashville, arguing theyre not good enough to aanother facility. But just days after the Metro board rejected that application, the state approved a different ofor a KIPP school in Nashville. North was guarded in his reaction, saying he doesnt want to raise tensions wstate officials. Part of the issue is that each student who leaves a traditional school for a charter represethousands of dollars in diverted funding. Even more than that, is that it undercuts the good work were doithrough the Innovation Zone, and the good work were doing in those schools.http://wpln.org/?p=3793 9\

Nashvillians weigh in on Dean's property tax hike (City Paper/Garrison)Metro has a spending problem emerged as a reoccurring battle cry among those sporting fluorescent yellshirts at the Metro Council Tuesday night. They were the ones lined up to oppose Mayor Karl Deans propos53-cent property tax increase. These Nashvillians took turns hammering what would amount to a 13 percbump on their property tax payment during the worst economy of our lives, as one tax-hike critic put it. Th
http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/6/jobs-data-signals-slower-recovery/http://www.t-g.com/story/1856536.htmlhttp://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120606/NEWS01/306040020/Officer-s-ire-spurs-law-change?nclick_check=1http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120606/NEWS01/306040020/Officer-s-ire-spurs-law-change?nclick_check=1http://wpln.org/?p=37939%5Chttp://wpln.org/?p=37939%5Chttp://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/6/jobs-data-signals-slower-recovery/http://www.t-g.com/story/1856536.htmlhttp://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120606/NEWS01/306040020/Officer-s-ire-spurs-law-change?nclick_check=1http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120606/NEWS01/306040020/Officer-s-ire-spurs-law-change?nclick_check=1http://wpln.org/?p=37939%5C


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message to the council: Vote down Deans tax plan. And their pleas were passionate. I cant think of a wortime to raise taxes that specifically increase businesses rent, Mia Calderon, a realtor who works in EaNashville, told the council. This is not only a direct tax on our mom-and-pop small businesses but on the familthat support them. But before they had their say, Dean enjoyed an equally strong showing Tuesday of budsupporters, those who said a sacrifice is sometimes required to ensure key government services. Mahighlighted items the tax increase would deliver: a long-awaited pay increase for Metro employees and bumpteacher salaries, the renovation of dilapidated school buildings, expanded transit services and a full stablecops patrolling Nashvilles streets.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/nashvillians-weigh-deans-property-tax-hike-budget-pro posal-advances

Budget moves ahead as public has say on tax (Tennessean/Cass)Hundreds on both sides state their case The people of Nashville finally had their say Tuesday on Mayor KDeans proposal for a 53-cent property tax increase, and they had a lot on their minds. Metro Council signed on the proposal and the $1.71 billion budget it would help fund on second reading in a voice vote arou10 p.m. But that was largely a formality because Deans plan w ould have become law if the council did nothiA final, definitive vote on the budget is expected at the next regularly scheduled council meeting June 19, whmembers probably will have to declare where they stand during a roll-call vote. Tuesdays vote came afhundreds of residents poured into the courthouse to tell council members why they should or shouldnt suppthe m ayors proposal. Many tax increase supporters wore blue outfits or sported w hite Moving NashvForward T-shirts. Many opponents wore yellow T-shirts with the word TAX inside a circle with a line drathrough it. Ben Cunningham, a leader of the anti-tax forces, told reporters arriving at 5:45 that the counchamber was full and had already been closed. A large crowd also gathered in the second-floor lobSupporters, who got to speak first, lined up at the lectern for more than 90 minutes, saying the tax increawould allow Nashville to enhance or at least preserve services in education, public safety, mass transit, arts and other areas.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS0202/306060118/Budget-moves-ahead-public-has-say-taodyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&gcheck=1&nclick_c heck=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Bradley County budget faces another tight year (Times Free-Press/Leach)The proposed 2012-13 budget for Bradley County is a little smaller than the current budget, but it contains cuts or tax increases. Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis presented next year's proposed budget to coucommissioners Monday, saying the numbers show the county "can live within its means." "I am confident tthis budget will meet the obligations of the county and m aintain the services that the residents have becoaccustomed to, that they've come to expect, and we're doing it without placing an additional tax burden on tcitizens," he said. The proposed budget totals $133 million, which is $3 million less than the budge t for 2011-and makes the fourth straight lean year for the county, Davis said. The proposed budget is intended to achiethree key objectives, Davis said -- no tax increases, increase the general fund balance and increase salariesfull-time county employees. The fund balance and salary increases were minimal but achievable in lightexpected flat revenue growth in the coming year, he said.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/cleveland-bradley-faces-another-tight-y ear/?local

City Council rejects property tax hike (Commercial Appeal/Maki)Reduces rate, but increases health care costs for city workers, retirees The Memphis City Council on Tuesdrejected Mayor A C Wharton's call for a 47-cent property tax hike, using one-time funds and budget cutsdeliver a property tax reduction to taxpayers. The council set the city's overall tax rate at $3.11 per every $100assessed value, down from the current $3.19. The annual city property tax for a $150,000 house would dfrom $1,196 to $1,166. The budget Wharton had presented to the council called for a tax rate of $3.66, w$3.01 for city operations and the rest to cover the last year of funding for Memphis City Schools. The counvoted to use $19.6 million of the city's $81 million in reserves, $9 m illion from the sale of the Defense Depot a$20 million from a reserve fund established for retiree health care costs to reduce the tax rate. "We have to reasonable and plan for the future," said Councilman Harold Collins, who sponsored the $3.11 tax rate. Counmembers Collins, Bill Boyd, Joe Brown, Janis Fullilove, Wanda Halbert, Lee Harris and Reid Hedgepeth votfor the budget. Council members Kemp Conrad, Shea Flinn, Edmund Ford Jr., Myron Lowery, Bill Morrison aJim Strickland voted against the plan.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/council-rejects-property-tax-hike/(SUBSCRIPTION)
http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/nashvillians-weigh-deans-property-tax-hike-budget-proposal-advanceshttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/nashvillians-weigh-deans-property-tax-hike-budget-proposal-advanceshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS0202/306060118/Budget-moves-ahead-public-has-say-tax?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS0202/306060118/Budget-moves-ahead-public-has-say-tax?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/cleveland-bradley-faces-another-tight-year/?localhttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/council-rejects-property-tax-hike/http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/nashvillians-weigh-deans-property-tax-hike-budget-proposal-advanceshttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/nashvillians-weigh-deans-property-tax-hike-budget-proposal-advanceshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS0202/306060118/Budget-moves-ahead-public-has-say-tax?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS0202/306060118/Budget-moves-ahead-public-has-say-tax?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/cleveland-bradley-faces-another-tight-year/?localhttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/council-rejects-property-tax-hike/


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Resident p lans to ask Hamilton County commissioners to stop pray

(TFP/Haman)Tommy Coleman plans to ask Hamilton County commissioners today to hold a moment of silence rather thaprayer before their meetings. Coleman, a 28-year-old University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student, said decided to take up the matter locally after the Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter to cou

commissioners on May 21. Though Coleman is not a m ember of the foundation, he said he supports its positiThe foundation, based in Madison, Wis., sent the letter after an unidentified local resident complained to tgroup, staff attorney Patrick Elliott said. "Every 2012 prayer so far has been given 'in Jesus' name,'" Elliott wrto the commission, and he asked commissioners to stop holding official prayers before meetings. "Myself aothers feel that this is a separation of church and state issue and it is also a matter of policy for the HamiltCounty Commission," Coleman said. "This has nothing to do with my religious belief or lack thereof. They specifically praying in a Christian m anner, which is O K, except that they are acting in an official capacity." Suprayers exclude residents who are Jew ish, Muslim, Mormon and other faiths, Coleman said.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/chatta-residents-plan-to-ask-commissioners-to- stop/?local

Tennessee's 3rd District election splits Republicans (Times Free-Press/Carroll)Tennessee's most powerful Republicans appear divided on U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann. U.S. Sen. Lam

Alexander and former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist are headlining at separate fundraising events this mofor Fleischmann, making the congressman the definite 3rd Congressional District leader in high-proendorsements thus far. But Gov. Bill Haslam and U.S. Sen. Bob Corker remain publicly ambivalentFleischmann's re-election despite the first-term congressman's struggle to em erge as the obvious front-runnea contested Republican primary. Fleischmann's biggest GO P threats, Scottie M ayfield and W eston Wamp, haties to Corker and Haslam, and neither the governor nor Tennessee's junior senator seems willing to rock tboat. In April, Corker would not say whether Fleischmann is the best choice of the three. "I'm basically ninvolved in the 3rd District race right now and haven't been," he said. In a written statement Tuesday, ToWomack, the senator's chief of staff, declined to answer whether Corker would formally endorse Fleischmainstead saying Corker "has shown support for Congressman Fleischmann by hosting events for him." DuringChattanooga Times Free Press editorial board meeting on Monday, Haslam said he has worked wFleischmann on "several things" since both men took office, but said "probably not" when asked if he wouendorse the congressman or anyone else in the ra

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/tennessee-3rd-district-election-splits-republic ans/?local

Memphis added 9,200 jobs during past year (Memphis Business Journal)Memphis was on the right side of job creation during the past year, adding 9,200 jobs to its payrolls. The BlCitys job gains ranked it 29th of the 100 largest metro areas in the U.S., according to MBJ affiliate On NumbeMemphis had 602,000 nonfarm jobs in April 2012 compared to 592,800 in April 2011, a 1.55 percent boostterms of percent change, the Memphis metro area was 22nd nationally. On Numbers used newly released dafrom the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to total the latest employment figures for the nations 100 biggest lamarkets. As a w hole, the 100 markets added nearly 1 million total jobs. New York C ity posted the strongest rgain, adding 85,000 nonfarm jobs in 12 months. Twenty-eight markets added at least 10,000 nonfarm jobetween April 2011 and April 2012. M emphis finished just short of that group with its 9,200 added positioBehind New York were Houston (up 81,200), Dallas-Fort Worth (up 52,000), Los Angeles (up 51,900) a

Phoenix (up 36,500).http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/06/05/memphis-added-9200-jobs-duringpast.html

Nashville officials to break ground on health site (Tennessean/Wilemon)Nashville officials will unveil construction plans today for the new Lentz Public Health Center at a groundbreakceremony. Mayor Karl Dean, Metro Public Health Director Dr. Bill Paul and Stephen C orbeil, president of HCTriStar division, will preside over the event. The ceremony takes place at 1 p.m. at the corner of 26th AvenNorth and Charlotte Avenue. The hospital company and the health department are swapping properties. HCA build the new public health facility for no more than $28.5 million in exchange for the old health departmeproperty, which is about a half mile away. The city gave HCA tax breaks in exchange. Gresham, Smith aPartners is the architectural and engineering firm for the project. A contractor has not been announced.
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http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS07/306060135/Nashville-officials-break-ground-health-siteodyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1

Volkswagen supplier holds jobs fair in Chattanooga (Times Free-Press/Pare)Evelyn Donegan works at the Pilgrim's Pride chicken processing plant in Chattanooga, but the company hannounced it's planning layoffs. On Tuesday, she showed up at M AU W orkforce Solutions to apply for a job focompany that's a supplier to the Volkswagen auto assembly plant. "I've done several things," said

Chattanooga woman, citing her background at a number of different jobs. "I believe in learning how to do variothings." MAU, a recruiting and staffing company, was expected to interview about 100 people Tuesday forjobs for a VW supplier it didn't want to immediately identify. Some VW supplie rs are ratcheting up hiring as German automaker's Chattanooga plant brings on a third team of employees to produce even more cars. JFuller, general manager of Chattanooga Seating Systems, said Tuesday he's looking to add workers, thoughwasn't sure how m any yet. Currently, the company that supplies seats for the Chattanooga-made Passat sedhas 120 em ployees. "I'm looking to tool up my sh ift," he said. "We mirror [VW] exactly."http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/12-66-vw-supplier-jobs-fair-chattanooga/ ?business

Pilgrim's Pride announces 105 more layoffs in Chattanooga (TFP/ONeill)The Chattanooga P ilgrim's Pride deboning plant will lay off 105 more workers by Saturday for a total of 190 jocut in less than a m onth. Company officials expect this will be the last round of layoffs aimed at improving pl

efficiencies. Chattanooga used to house the only major deboning facility in the region for the company, officials decided to expand deboning operations to other plants in an effort to save on transportation cos"While the decision to reduce the workforce in Chattanooga was not made lightly, we are confident that theactions will improve the efficiency of our plant, maintain our mutually profitable relationship with growers, astrengthen our ability to produce quality poultry products in Tennessee," local complex manager Tim Lawssaid in a statement. "The Chattanooga operation remains a vital part of our ongoing strategy." M ost affecemployees were told of the layoffs over the weekend and Monday. At one point, Pilgrim's Pride expected it cocut as many as 400 jobs from Chattanooga, according to information from the Tennessee Department of Laband Workforce Development. But filings with the state labor department typically show a worst-case scenarand the company ultimately decided that drastic of cuts was unnecessahttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/66c1-pilgrims-pride-announces-105-more-layoffs/?businesstnvalley

State ASD Charter Schools Unveiled (Memphis Daily News)Memphis City Schools officials formally turned over the school buildings Tuesday, June 5, that w ill become pof the state-run Achievement School District starting with the new school year in August. That includes the thrschools in Frayser managed by the ASD and two other schools that charter school operators under contract wthe ASD will run in existing Mem phis City Schools. As that was happening, Achievement School District officnamed five more charter operators who will work in the local public school system the following school yea2013-2014 the first year of the merger of Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools. The foperators named in Nashville Monday, June 4, include Gestalt Community Schools, which operates PowCenter Academy in Hickory Hill. Gestalt will also run a charter school within Gordon E lementary School when 2012-2013 school year begins in August. Cornerstone Prep will open at Lester Elementary School in AuguThe other charter school operators named this week as part of the ASD district in the following school year aspecifically the M emphis part of the district are Aspire Public Schools, Capstone Education Group, KIMemphis and Rocketship Education.http://www.mem phisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/6/state-asd-charter-schools-unveiled/

Board talks of teacher evaluations (Leaf Chronicle)Teacher evaluation talk animated the typically subdued School Board Tuesday night, with several membequestioning the states recently adopted evaluation model. How confident are we that the state really knowhat theyre doing? board member Jimmie Garland asked during an explanatory presentation, capturing tboards wariness about the Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model, which attracted criticism throughout academic year. Chief among those critiques was the time-consuming nature of the model, which initially calfor four evaluations for every certified teacher every year and six for those without certifications. It takes a lotime, said Priscilla Story, director of elementary schools. This process really kept (principals) away from th
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS07/306060135/Nashville-officials-break-ground-health-site?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS07/306060135/Nashville-officials-break-ground-health-site?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/12-66-vw-supplier-jobs-fair-chattanooga/?businesshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/66c1-pilgrims-pride-announces-105-more-layoffs/?businesstnvalleyhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/66c1-pilgrims-pride-announces-105-more-layoffs/?businesstnvalleyhttp://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/6/state-asd-charter-schools-unveiled/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/6/state-asd-charter-schools-unveiled/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/6/state-asd-charter-schools-unveiled/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS07/306060135/Nashville-officials-break-ground-health-site?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120606/NEWS07/306060135/Nashville-officials-break-ground-health-site?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/12-66-vw-supplier-jobs-fair-chattanooga/?businesshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/66c1-pilgrims-pride-announces-105-more-layoffs/?businesstnvalleyhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/06/66c1-pilgrims-pride-announces-105-more-layoffs/?businesstnvalleyhttp://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/6/state-asd-charter-schools-unveiled/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/6/state-asd-charter-schools-unveiled/


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daily walkthroughs However, Story and other CMCSS administrators noted, the state had responded to distfeedback by changing some elements of the model. That included lowering the minimum number of annuevaluations to two for certified teachers and four for non-certified teachers.http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20120605/NEWS01/306060004/Board-talks-teacher-evaluations?nclick_check=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

School system to start spending new money by fall (News-Sentinel/McCo

Donila)66 full-time positions will be added Knox County Schools will begin spending $7 million in newly allocated monnext school year. "Today, we are focused on implementation. We're focused on making sure we put in plathose educational initiatives in a way that will make a difference in student learning and student success," sSchools Superintendent Jim McIntyre. Knox County Commission voted 7-4 Monday night to increase school's budget by $7 million above natural spending growth of $13 million. That would bring Knox CouSchools' operating budget, the largest segment of county spending, to just over $404.71 million in the new fisyear. "The action that was taken last night, I believe it's a very good short-term outcome for our kids and a vgood first step in making the types of investments that we need to make to ensure our children are going to haa bright, competitive and successful future," McIntyre said.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/school-system-to-start-spending-new-money-by/

County says school money needs approval next year, too (News-Sentinel/DonilaKnox County Commissioners on Monday assumed as much as half and maybe even all of the $7 m illion thallotted to the school system for a series of education initiatives would fall under the so-called "maintenanceeffort" funding meaning it would recur in future years. But that might not be the case. So the county couldin for another budget battle next year. Under the $7 m illion plan, commissioners opted 7-4 to use $3 m illion tthe mayor earmarked for an early literacy program. Another $1 million would come from expected additiostate Basic Education Program funding. The plan also envisioned the county and school board each throwing$1.5 million from their respective reserve funds. Mayor Tim Burchett's administration, after talking with the ldepartment and with officials from the University of Tennessee County Technical Assistance Service, sMonday night's appropriation is not a guarantee next year. "There's no identified revenue source for it to considered maintenance of effort money, and that's the issue," said Chris Caldwell, Knox County interim finandirector.

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/county-administration-school-money-needs-next/

Sullivan BOE wrangling with $6.9 million budget shortfall (Times-News)As Sullivan Countys school system sails into some uncertain financial waters, school officials are emphasizthey value and want to keep current em ployees employed. Every effort will be made to keep everyone whworking working, Sullivan County Board of Education Chairman Ron Smith said during Tuesday nights BOmeeting. The BOE will meet later this month to begin wrangling with an initial budget shortfall of $6.9 milliowhile the County Commission is facing about a $5 million issue in non-school areas. Among BOE audienmembers Tuesday night were some support staff of Weaver Elementary School in eastern Sullivan County. Thsaid they are concerned in the short term about job cuts to balance the budget and in the long term about tlikely closure of their school. No decisions have been made, Director of Schools Jubal Yennie said after tmeeting. We have a lot of open positions. In addition, Yennie said the support staff of Cedar Grove, Kings

and Brookside elementary schools have been folded into the new Ketron Elementary STEM (scientechnology, engineering and math) school. Those schools in the Sullivan North High School zone closed at end of the 2011-12 school year.http://www.timesnews.net/article/9047546/sullivan-boe-wrangling-w ith-69-million-budget-shortfall

New York: Cost of Prekindergarten Special Education Is Soaring (New York TimeNew York City is paying private contractors more than $1 billion this year to operate a little-known speceducation program for 3- and 4-year-olds, nearly double the amount it paid six years ago. The program serv25,000 children with physical, learning, developmental and other disabilities. While the number of children in program has risen slowly in recent years, annual costs have soared to about $40,000 per child, according to
http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20120605/NEWS01/306060004/Board-talks-teacher-evaluations?nclick_check=1http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20120605/NEWS01/306060004/Board-talks-teacher-evaluations?nclick_check=1http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/school-system-to-start-spending-new-money-by/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/school-system-to-start-spending-new-money-by/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/school-system-to-start-spending-new-money-by/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/county-administration-school-money-needs-next/http://www.timesnews.net/article/9047546/sullivan-boe-wrangling-with-69-million-budget-shortfallhttp://www.timesnews.net/article/9047546/sullivan-boe-wrangling-with-69-million-budget-shortfallhttp://www.timesnews.net/article/9047546/sullivan-boe-wrangling-with-69-million-budget-shortfallhttp://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20120605/NEWS01/306060004/Board-talks-teacher-evaluations?nclick_check=1http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20120605/NEWS01/306060004/Board-talks-teacher-evaluations?nclick_check=1http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/school-system-to-start-spending-new-money-by/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/school-system-to-start-spending-new-money-by/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/county-administration-school-money-needs-next/http://www.timesnews.net/article/9047546/sullivan-boe-wrangling-with-69-million-budget-shortfallhttp://www.timesnews.net/article/9047546/sullivan-boe-wrangling-with-69-million-budget-shortfall


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analysis of city education spending by The New York Times. The city pays private contractors to provide classas well as individual instruction at homes, day care centers and nursery schools. Children may also prescribed speech, physical and occupational therapy in half-hour sessions, several times a week. Tprekindergarten program is far more expensive in New York than it is elsewhere, and oversight by the city astate has often been lax, according to interviews with officials, regulators and contractors.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/06/education/prekindergarten-costs-in-new-york-city-have-doubled-in -6-years.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper(SUBSCRIPTION)

North Carolina: Agency Is Local Government Lifeline (Stateline)The four states with the nations highest unemployment rate are Nevada, Rhode Island, California and NoCarolina. All except North Carolina are replete with financially stressed local governments, some ninsolvency. North Carolinas success at dodging similar crises is due in large part to a little-known state agencalled the Local Government Commission. Other states have formal and informal tools to assist logovernments, but none has the sam e reach as North Carolinas comm ission, which imposes budget controls aadvises troubled communities. The three national agencies that evaluate municipal bonds think so highly of commission that they have rewarded North Carolina comm unities with bond ratings higher than those in mosthe United States. The higher the rating of bonds sold by local governments, the more money taxpayers saveborrowing costs. The influence and oversight of the Local Government Comm ission is a major reason why NoCarolina local government issuers have been able to weather this recession to this point, says Andrew Teran associate director of the Standard & Poors rating agency. North Carolinas oversight model is one of strongest of any state.http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/north-carolina-agency- is-local-government-lifeline-858993962 42

Wisconsin: Scott Walker survives recall election in Wisconsin (AP/Bauer)Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker beat back a recall challenge Tuesday, winning both the right to finish his term aa voter endorsement of his strategy to curb state spending, which included the explosive measure that eliminatunion rights for most public workers. The rising Republican star becomes the first governor in U.S. historysurvive a recall attempt by defeating Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and the union leaders who rallied for monagainst his agenda. Democrats and organized labor spent millions to oust Walker, but found themselvhopelessly outspent by Republicans from across the country w ho donated record-setting sums to WalkRepublicans hope the victory carries over into November and that their get-out-the-vote effort can help M

Romney become the first GOP nominee to carry the state since Ronald Reagan in 1984. The recall wasrematch of the 2010 governors race. Throughout the campaign, W alker maintained his policies set the statethe right economic track. Defeat, he said, would keep other politicians from undertaking such bold moves in future.http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120606/NEWS08/306060133/Scott-Walker-survives-recall-election-Wisconsin?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p(SUBSCRIPTION)

OPINION

Greg Johnson: Judge Blackwood must be taken off torture-slaying cases (N-S)When your concerned columnist last week lambasted Special Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood for accepting a pbargain between 4th Judicial District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn and former Sevier County Clerk Joe Kee

that allowed Keener to escape jail time for his theft of almost $100,000, he worried he had been a bit hard Blackwood. He worries no more. The 6th Judicial District Attorney General's office is now asking Blackwoodrecuse himself from cases involving the 2007 rape and killing of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsomcourt filings, the DA's office went much further, questioning Blackwood's impartiality. "The Court's actions acommunications lead the State to reasonably question the impartiality of the Court," District Attorney GeneRandy Nichols wrote. "In particular, the State has grave concerns that the Court has engaged in conduct thacontrary to the spirit and letter of the judicial code resulting in the State being denied its right to a fair trial." May 29, Blackwood emailed attorneys involved in the case informing them he had again decided to order netrials for defendants Letalvis Cobbins, LeMarcus Davidson and George Thomas. Even though a recTennessee Supreme Court ruling said the defendants must prove they deserve new trials or the judge mdetermine he can't serve as a 13th juror, Blackwood said there would be "no further hearings regarding torder."
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/06/education/prekindergarten-costs-in-new-york-city-have-doubled-in-6-years.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaperhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/06/education/prekindergarten-costs-in-new-york-city-have-doubled-in-6-years.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaperhttp://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/north-carolina-agency-is-local-government-lifeline-85899396242http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/north-carolina-agency-is-local-government-lifeline-85899396242http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/north-carolina-agency-is-local-government-lifeline-85899396242http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120606/NEWS08/306060133/Scott-Walker-survives-recall-election-Wisconsin?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120606/NEWS08/306060133/Scott-Walker-survives-recall-election-Wisconsin?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/06/education/prekindergarten-costs-in-new-york-city-have-doubled-in-6-years.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaperhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/06/education/prekindergarten-costs-in-new-york-city-have-doubled-in-6-years.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaperhttp://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/north-carolina-agency-is-local-government-lifeline-85899396242http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/north-carolina-agency-is-local-government-lifeline-85899396242http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120606/NEWS08/306060133/Scott-Walker-survives-recall-election-Wisconsin?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120606/NEWS08/306060133/Scott-Walker-survives-recall-election-Wisconsin?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cp


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http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/greg-johnson-judge-blackwood-must-be-taken-off/

Editorial: Com promise a good first step to improve schools (News-Sentinel)The Knox County Commission had the opportunity to provide its students with the opportunity to take a grleap into the future, but wound up settling for a tentative step forward. The panel on Monday rejected ambitious, $35 million annual increase in the schools budget. However, a compromise proffered by ChairmMike Hammond resulted in a $7 mill ion increase over natural revenue growth that will go directly to

classrooms. The additional funds should help improve students' performance, while the debate surrounding school system's proposal should set the tone for future discussions. Knox County Schools Superintendent JMcIntyre developed a five-year budget plan that would have propelled the school system into the 21st centuryrenovating schools, integrating technology into the curriculum, hiring more teachers and establishing comm unschools. The ambitious plan also would have added 31 to 35 cents to the property tax rate, depending on howwas structured. Knox County M ayor Tim Burchett wanted to avoid a property tax increase at all costs, as many commisioners. Hammond's proposal managed to oblige them while finding a way to get more money ithe classrooms.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/editorial-compromise-a-good-first-step-to/

Charlie Daniel Political Cartoon: Watch For Children (News-Sentinel)http://web.knoxnews.com/charlie/latest .jpg

Editorial: Cleaning up voter rolls (Com mercial Appeal)Not to be paranoid, but here's a question: Does the effort by the Shelby County Election Commission to purvoter registration records of nonvoting residents represent a desire to be more efficient? Or, is the efdesigned to suppress voter turnout among groups that are more likely to support Democratic candidates? It'simportant question because it strikes right at the heart of a core American value: the right of every single citizto vote. Not every person does vote, of course. And the Election Commission has now decided to move"inactive" status the names of m ore than 151,800 registered voters who have not voted in either of the two mrecent federal election cycles. If the inactive voters fail to vote in any federal election over the next four yeaand if they do not respond to a letter that gives them an opportunity to fill out a form returning them to actvoting status, their names will be purged from the voter rolls. The Republican-dominated Election Commisssays this change w ill make the county's voting records more accurate and allow all political parties to focus th

efforts on getting out the vote of those people who actually come to the polls.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/editorial-cleaning-up-voter-rolls/(SUBSCRIPTION)

Frank Munger: USEC's centrifuge project continues high-wire act (News-SentineThe financial future of USEC Inc.'s American Centrifuge Project and, in turn, the Oak Ridge role in reseaand manufacturing of centrifuge machines for the project continues to ride the edge of the cliff. USEC said company and the U.S. Department of Energy are making progress on a cost-sharing proposal that would allthe company to move ahead with the research and demonstration program, with the ultimate hope of gaining bbucks loan guarantees. Another deadline came last week, and USEC said it received approval from its cregroup to continue spending for at least the next couple of weeks while working on that deal with DOE. "Tamendment to the credit agreement has been executed permitting continued spending on ACP of up to million through June 15, or until an RD&D (research, development and demonstration) agreement is signe

USEC Vice President Paul Jacobson said via email. US EC has touted its Am erican Centrifuge Project as efficient way to enrich uranium and guarantee the United States has a long-term domestic source of producuranium fuel for the nation's nuclear power reactors.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/frank-munger-usecs-centrifuge-project-continues/

Editorial: VA patients need relief from hospital's shoddy work (Daily New

Journal)Tennessees congressional delegation should step in and take action to help veterans who suffered slopmedical tests at the hands of the Veterans Administration and cant get relief through the courts. At least onethem, Carl Huddleston, claims he contracted hepatitis B after taking a colonoscopy with unclean equipment

1
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/greg-johnson-judge-blackwood-must-be-taken-off/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/editorial-compromise-a-good-first-step-to/http://web.knoxnews.com/charlie/latest.jpghttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/editorial-cleaning-up-voter-rolls/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/frank-munger-usecs-centrifuge-project-continues/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/greg-johnson-judge-blackwood-must-be-taken-off/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/editorial-compromise-a-good-first-step-to/http://web.knoxnews.com/charlie/latest.jpghttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/editorial-cleaning-up-voter-rolls/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/06/frank-munger-usecs-centrifuge-project-continues/


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the York VA Medical Center here. But an appeals court ruled recently that Huddleston filed his claim thrmonths too late to win a medical malpractice case against the federal government. Huddleston took colonoscopy in October 2006 but wasnt notified until February 2009, along with 10,000 other veterans, that needed to be tested for hepatitis B and C and HIV because of mistakes made cleaning endoscopic equipmenMurfreesboro, August, Ga., and Miami VA facilities. The two-and-a-half-year delay in notification was benough, because it almost appeared to be deliberate. For veterans to be turned back by the court systbecause of a technicality is even worse. He filed a tort claim against the VA in December 2009, some 10 m onafter finding out he had the disease. It was deemed to be three months late. Obviously, the VA was negligethroughout this ordeal, from the unclean procedures to the late notification. We hope the agency learned lesson and literally started cleaning up its act.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120606/OPINION01/306060028/EDITORIAL-VA-patients-need-relief-from-hospitas-shoddy-work?nclick_check =1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Editorial: Discouraging news on jobs (Comm ercial Appeal)Obama and Romney will put their political spin on May's rise in unemployment, but that is of little comfort to t12.7 million Americans who are out of work. There's no way to put a happy face on the nation's May jobs repIt stinks. The unemployment rate rose from 8.1 percent to 8.2 percent, ending an 11-month run when the rawas dropping, You can argue -- and the White House will -- that the increase in the unemployment rate wbecause so many Americans, 642,000 of us, tried to re-enter the workforce. Statistically that's true, but it's of litcomfort to the 12.7 million still unemployed, a number that rose by 220,000. The grimmer number is that lmonth the economy created only 69,000 jobs, the fewest in a year. The government also revised downward 49,000 jobs the number of jobs created in the previous two months. To begin returning to robust employment, need to return to the levels of January through March, when jobs were being created at the rate of 226,000month. Construction, a bellwether industry, lost 28,000 jobs while manufacturing, transportation, warehousieducation and health care all added jobs; governments, the hospitality and leisure industry and professioservices all shed jobs.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/editorial-discouraging-news-on-jobs/(SUBSCRIPTION)

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http://www.dnj.com/article/20120606/OPINION01/306060028/EDITORIAL-VA-patients-need-relief-from-hospital-s-shoddy-work?nclick_check=1http://www.dnj.com/article/20120606/OPINION01/306060028/EDITORIAL-VA-patients-need-relief-from-hospital-s-shoddy-work?nclick_check=1http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/editorial-discouraging-news-on-jobs/http://www.dnj.com/article/20120606/OPINION01/306060028/EDITORIAL-VA-patients-need-relief-from-hospital-s-shoddy-work?nclick_check=1http://www.dnj.com/article/20120606/OPINION01/306060028/EDITORIAL-VA-patients-need-relief-from-hospital-s-shoddy-work?nclick_check=1http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/06/editorial-discouraging-news-on-jobs/

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