THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2011

Governor talks with local teachers ... over Big Ed's pizza in Oak Ridge (Oak Ridger

Education is important to Gov. Bill Haslam and the Repblican governor took time Wednesday to meet loc teachers and school administrators -- all over lunch at Big Ed's Pizza. Haslam met with Oak Ridge High Scho Principal Jody Goins, Anderson County Director of Schools Larry Foster, Clinton Elementary School teache Darlene Hatmaker and Cindy Boshears, Anderson County teachers Hoppie Merriman and Nancy Stokes a Clinton Middle School Principal Bob Stokes. The local teachers and school administrators ate lunch and talked w Haslam about their jobs and the challenges they face in the world of education. "The things he listened to ma him more aware," teacher Cindy Boshears told The Oak Ridger after the lunch. http://www.oakridger.com/newsnow/x1223070631/Governor-talks-with-local-teachers-over-Big-Eds-pizza

Oak Ridge educators, Haslam meet over pizza (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Fowler)

While pizza was on the menu, upcoming new teacher evaluations were on the minds of educators during luncheon with the governor at an Oak Ridge landmark. W ednesday's get-together at the iconic Big Ed's Pizza w another in Gov. Bill Haslam's sessions with local educators across the state and the first since the Legislatu adjourned in May. Teachers and principals, at the invitation of Oak Ridge and Anderson County scho administrators, joined the governor. The upcoming evaluations were enacted as part of state legislation to comp with guidelines for the $500 million in federal Race to the Top funding that Tennessee received. The evaluatio will also play a key role in tightened teacher tenure guidelines approved by lawmakers during their latest sessio Haslam called the new evaluation process "a good one." "I think it's important to have standards and rai standards," he said. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/14/oak-ridge-educators-haslam-meet-over-pizza/

Haslam discusses future of education over pizza (WBIR-TV Knoxville)

Education reform has been a focus for Tennessee's legislators, with several new laws taking effect this mon Wednesday, Governor Bill Haslam spent time with local educators to get input for future legislation. "If you had child who was 20, thinking about what they would do with their life, and they say they're thinking about being educator, would you encourage them or discourage them?," Haslam asked the small group gathered at Big Ed Pizza in Oak Ridge. One of the biggest concerns raised is the amount of paperwork associated with new teach evaluations starting this year. "We piloted that in Anderson County, and it is overwhelming," said Larry Fost Director of Schools in Anderson County. It's something Haslam says he's heard from other teachers throughout t state. "I think it's important to have standards and raise standards, but we want to make sure the process tracking something doesn't become so laborious itself that it takes their time away from teaching," Haslam said. http://www.wbir.com/news/article/176086/2/Haslam-discusses-future-of-education-over-pizza

Haslam's table talk: education in TN (W VLT-TV Knoxville)

With a new school year only weeks away for some, teachers around the state are gearing up for differences. Ne laws governing teacher tenure, evaluations and collective bargaining begin this fall. After a season of changes, t table talk is what's next for Tennessee's teachers and students? "Education inside a classroom is often ve different than education is perceived by people passing legislation on education or people making policy," sa Hoppy Merryman. Merryman teaches seniors and freshman classes at Clinton High School. Governor Bill Hasla sat down to hear the story straight from the educators themselves -- teachers and administrators from Anders County, Oak Ridge and Clinton school districts. Over pizzas and cokes here at Big Ed's in Oak Ridge, the teache did most the talking. Telling Gov. Haslam about everyday issues in education. http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Haslams_table_talk_education_in_TN_125525148.html?ref=148

Gov. Bill Haslam talks Department of Energy issues with officials (N-S/Munger)

Both sides acknowledge tough times ahead with emphasis on cuts It was a briefing, not a negotiation, but the was plenty of give and take Wednesday when Gov. Bill Haslam and members of his administration met with fede officials in Oak Ridge to discuss budgets, cleanup and other issues that could become contentious in the mont and years ahead. Following the meeting at Y-12's New Hope Center, Haslam said he wants the state to have good working relationship with the Department of Energy - one that doesn't involve disputes and court battles. B he emphasized, members of his administration don't want that good will used against them. He noted that O Ridge hasn't fared as well as other DOE sites around the country when it comes to funding for cleanup projec which are important for the environment and the economy. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/14/bill-haslam-talks-doe-issues-with-officials/

Gov. Haslam: Oak Ridge cleanup funding a top concern (Oak Ridger)

State officials are concerned about a possible reduction in cleanup funding for federal sites in Oak Ridge, Gov. B Haslam said today. The governor is also concerned that Oak Ridge has not been getting an equitable portion federal cleanup money. Im not convinced that we have been getting our fair share, Haslam said during a br interview at The Oak Ridger Wednesday afternoon. Prior to his visiti to The Oak Ridger, Haslam visited with loc educators at Big Ed's Pizza. http://www.oakridger.com/features/x1223070476/Gov-Haslam-Oak-Ridge-cleanup-funding-a-top-concern

Governor Haslam Brings Enhancement Grant to Cookeville (UC Daily News)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam joined state and local leaders today to announce the award of a $600,0 transportation enhancement grant to the City of Cookeville for Phase I of the Tennessee Central Heritage Tr Project. This Tennessee Central Heritage Trail Project will create an 8-foot-wide asphalt trail, which will begin the Cookeville Depot Trailhead (Broad Street) and will proceed in a northerly direction paralleling the Nashville a Eastern Railway for more than 18,000 linear feet to the Algood Ball Field Trailhead. The city of Cookeville h partnered with Putnam County, as well as the cities of Algood and Monterey, to provide its residents and visito with a livable, walkable community, Haslam said. The Tennessee Central Heritage Trail project gives a uniq opportunity to showcase the areas history and character. Im pleased we could make this investment in Putna County as we work to make Tennessee an even better place to live, work and play. http://www.ucdailynews.com/news/local/Wednesday-Governor-Haslam-Brings-Enhancement-Grant-to-Cookeville 125538718.html

Governor Offers Rewards on Missing Persons Investigations (TN Report)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is offering three rewards in three separate cases for information leading to t apprehension, arrest and conviction of the person or persons who are criminally responsible in each case. Hasla is offering a $10,000 reward in the case of Shelley Mook who was last seen on February 28 at the home of her e husband in Bedford County where she had taken her child. Several hours later, her car was discovered burning Rutherford County. Authorities believe Mook is the victim of an aggravated kidnapping and/or intentional homicid The governor is making the reward available at the request of District Attorney General for the 17th District Charl Crawford and the Bedford County Sheriffs Office. http://www.tnreport.com/2011/07/governor-offers-rewards-on-missing-persons-investigations/

Haslam offers rewards in 3 cases (Tennessean/Young)

Gov. Bill Haslam is offering rewards for information in three cases. A $10,000 reward is offered in the case Shelley Mook, a missing Shelbyville teacher. Mook was last seen Feb. 28 when she dropped off her 6-year-o daughter at the home of her former husband in Bedford County. Several hours later, her car was found burning Rutherford County. The second reward, also for $10,000, is being offered in the case of Lydia Naomi Gutierre who was strangled and stabbed to death in her apartment in Gallatin on Aug. 12 while her two sons, ages 1 and were there. Her third son, who was 8, found her body when he got home from school. A Hendersonville man w was seeing Gutierrez before her death was charged in the case, but those charges were dismissed late last year the states request because of insufficient evidence. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/NEWS21/307140063/Gov-Haslam-offers-rewards-3-cases? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Governor offers $10,000 reward in Shelley Mook case (Times-Gazette)

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A $10,000 reward is being offered by Gov. Bill Haslam for information in the Shelley Mook case. Mook was la seen Feb. 28 at the home of her ex-husband in Bedford County where she had taken their child.Her car w

discovered burning near Murfreesboro several hours later. Authorities believe Mook is the victim of an aggravat kidnapping and/or intentional homicide. Haslam is making the reward available at the request of 17th Distr District Atty. General Charles Crawford and the Bedford County Sheriff's Department. A second $10,000 reward being offered in the case of Lydia Naomi Gutierrez, who was stabbed and strangled in her Gallatin apartment Aug. 12, 2010 while her two sons, ages 1 and 2, were there. A third son, who was 8, found his mother's body wh he got home from school. http://www.t-g.com/story/1743978.html

Governor Offering Rewards In Three Unsolved Cases (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

Governor Bill Haslam is offering thousands of dollars in rewards for information in three separate unsolved cas from the last year. The money goes to anyone with information leading authorities to find criminals responsib arrest and convict them Haslam is offering $10 thousand in the case of Shelley Mook, last seen taking her child her ex-husbands house at the end of February. The Shelbyville middle-school teachers burning car was fou hours later near Murfreesboro. Authorities believe she may have been kidnapped or murdered. Another $ thousand reward concerns the case of Lydia Naomi Gutierrez, who was stabbed and strangled in her Galla apartment last summer while her one- and two-year-old sons were http://wpln.org/?p=28782 home.

Governor Offers Rewards In 3 Missing Persons Cases (WTVF-TV Nashville)

Governor Bill Haslam announced Wednesday that his office is offering rewards for information leading to t apprehension, arrest, and conviction of the people involved in three separate missing persons cases. A $10,0 reward is being offered in the case of Shelley Mook. She was last seen on February 28 at her ex-husban Bedford County home when she dropped of her daughter. Several hours later, Mook's car was found in flames Rutherford County. Investigators believe Mook was the victim of an aggravated kidnapping and/or intention homicide. Another $10,000 is offered for information on Lydia Gutierrez's killer. She was found stabbed a strangled in her Gallatin apartment on August 12, 2010. Her two sons, ages one and two, were in the apartment the time of the murder. Her 8-year-old son found her body when he came home from school. http://www.newschannel5.com/story/15076783/governor-offers-rewards-in-3-missing-persons-cases

DA asks Haslam for Palmgren reward (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Harrison)

The Hamilton County District Attorneys Office is asking Gov. Bill Haslam to offer a reward in the search for missing Signal Mountain woman. In a letter sent to Haslams legal counsel Wednesday, District Attorney Gene Bill Cox requests a monetary reward for information or assistance in locating Gail Palmgren, 44, who has be missing since April 30. In the letter, Cox specifies that Palmgren last spoke with her husband, Matthew Palmgre that day and he writes that, since then, no reported communication with her has existed. Its unusual for the sta to offer a reward in a missing person case, but its not unprecedented. Less than a week after 20-year-old Ho Bobo was reported kidnapped from her Parsons, Tenn., home this year, Haslam endorsed a $50,000 reward information leading to her recovery. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/14/da-asks-haslam-palmgren-reward/?local

DA's Office Seeks Reward to Help Find Gail Palmgren (WTVC-TV Chattanooga)

The last time family and friends saw or heard from Gail Palmgren was April 30, 2011. The Signal Mountain moth of two remains missing but the Hamilton County District Attorney's Office hopes the establishment of a rewa might help find out what happened to her. Hamilton County investigators have searched her home and oth properties belonging to her husband Matthew Palmgren and have found no evidence of foul play. District Attorn Bill Cox has sent a letter to Governor Bill Haslam's office asking that it offer a reward for information or assistan in locating Mrs. Palmgren. http://www.newschannel9.com/news/palmgren-1002946-reward-office.html

Bredesen, mom no longer get Haslam news summary (Associated Press/Schelzig)

Among those no longer receiving Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's daily news roundup are 74 lawmakers, five de people, former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen and Bredesen's mother. Haslam's staff cut distribution of t widely read "Daily News Clips" email from more than 1,200 to 183. A spokesman has said the change makes t email list more manageable and hasn't saved any money.Documents turned over to The Associated Press afte public records request show that among the lawmakers dropped are 42 Republicans, 32 Democrats and o independent. Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey remains on the list, but fellow Republican House Speaker Beth Harw does not. "We talked to legislative leadership before the change and asked them to identify who should receive t clips to get them distributed to the larger body, so our list reflects the staff that was identified," Haslam spokesm 3

David Smith said in an email. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36959979.story

Haslam denies raises for some state workers (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Sher

Departing from long-standing state practice, Gov. Bill Haslam is refusing to grant legislatively mandated pay rais to hundreds of state workers who have been disciplined over the past year. Tennessee State Employe Association leaders call the move mean-spirited and say they are exploring legal action. TSEA officials, howev acknowledge courts might come out with a liberal interpretation and affirm the Republican governors ability deny the raises. The across-the-board pay increases of 1.6 percent for an estimated 42,000 executive bran workers their first in four years went into effect July 1. Most were implemented, but in a June 28 Cabin meeting, according to a memo written by state Human Resources Commissioner Rebecca Hunter, the govern and top officials excluded employees who have been demoted, suspended or received more than one writt warning in the past year. http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/14/haslam-denies-raises-some/

Hundreds Of State Employees Not Getting A Raise (W TVF-TV Nashville)

Getting a raise was the news some 40,000 state employees had waited four years to hear. Governor Bill Hasla claimed it would be an across-the- board, 1.6 percent pay increase. But because of a sudden rule chang hundreds of employees have just learned they won't be getting that raise after all. A DCS employee came NewsChannel 5 with their situation. Overall, the employee had a pretty good performance evaluation, but becau of being written up once for filing a late report, the employee will not be getting a raise. "I was just in shock, I w just in awe, how could people do that," the employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said. The shock cam from a letter from the DCS Commissioner, which said "I have based my recommendation on your curre unsatisfactory job performance, evidenced by you receiving a disciplinary suspension in the past 12 months." doesn't make sense to the employee who has a three rating. http://www.newschannel5.com/story/15077928/hundreds-of-state-employees-not-getting-a-raise

Governor declares Day of Recognition for Whirlpool (Cleveland Daily Banner)

Still in the middle of a centennial celebration that kicked off last Veterans Day, Whirlpool Corporation this we received a Happy Birthday of sorts from the state of Tennessee when Gov. Bill Haslam declared Monday as Day of Recognition for Whirlpool. Monday was selected as the special day for Bradley Countys largest employ because throughout its yearlong centennial bash, W hirlpool has held celebratory activities on the 11th day of ea month. Whirlpool was founded Nov. 11, 1911, in Benton Harbor, Mich., under the original name Upton Machi Company. Named after its founders, the company was eventually renamed Whirlpool Corporation in 1950 in hon of its newest product brand that was established 61 years ago. The Whirlpool 100th anniversary is commemorat inside todays issue of the Cleveland Daily Banner with a special keepsake edition dedicated to the story Whirlpool, its long history and also the local histories of the existing Whirlpool manufacturing campus at 740 Ki Edward Ave. S.E. http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/14687365/article-Governor-declares%E2%80%98Day-of-Recognition-for-W hirlpool%E2%80%99?instance=latest_articles

Governor Haslam to become a grandfather (WBIR-TV Knoxville)

Bill Haslam is about to have a new title: Grandpa. The Governor of Tennessee confirms the news to 10News th his son Will and daughter-in-law Hannah are expecting a child. "Crissy and I are very excited," Governor Hasla told 10 News during a recent stop in Scott County. "In the midst of being Governor, which I think is the greatest j anywhere, you're still a husband and father so I'm looking forward to adding the role of grandfather." The Govern tells 10 News the baby boy is due in the fall. http://www.wbir.com/news/article/176082/8/Governor-Haslam-to-become-a-grandfather

Grinder discusses Afghanistan, progress for veterans (Gallatin News Examiner)

State Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder understands the struggles of military families. Throu blood and marriage, her immediate and extended family form an impressive list of military experience over differe generations and wars, giving Grinder a unique view of veterans issues. Speaking Monday at the Gallatin Chamb of Commerce monthly luncheon, the Gallatin resident shared her experiences in Afghanistan and talked abo progress for local veterans. Col. Grinder went to Afghanistan in 2007-08 working for the International Pol Coordination Board to help standardize the training and equipment for Afghan police. A lot of countries are tryi to help, all with great intentions, she said. But its all different countries with different weapons, different uniform 4

and trainers that have all these different concepts with how police work should be done. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/GALLATIN01/307140048/Grinder-discusses-Afghanistan-progress veterans

New website hopes to encourage reading (WBIR-TV Knoxville)

Members of the Tennessee Department of Education have launched a website to encourage reading in the ea grades. Read-Tennessee.org is designed to help teachers, parents and community members understand ne curriculum standards and increase expectations for learning. The online took kits provide information on promoti early grades reading and accelerating students achievement for young students across the state. http://www.wbir.com/rss/article/176119/2/New-website-hopes-to-encourage-reading

Paradigm Health Settles TennCare Fraud Case (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

A mental health services company has agreed to pay Medicare and the TennCare Bureau $220,000 to settle case of fraud. At issue are bills for therapy sessions that never happened in Tennessee nursing homes. A form employee of Paradigm Health Services submitted multiple invoices for patients, some of whom shed only seen moments. Renee Vaughn pleaded guilty to health care fraud. She was sentenced to three years probation a banned from participating in any federal health care program. The settlement announcement clarifies that there no evidence the company was aware of the wrongdoing. http://wpln.org/?p=28781

Mentally disabled sue Tenn. over cuts to home care (Associated Press)

A group of 39 disabled Tennesseans is suing the state over cuts to in-home care services they say will force the from their homes. The state Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities announced in June it wou restrict one-on-one nursing services to 12 hours per day and personal assistance services to 215 hours per mon which equals about 7 hours per day. A lawsuit filed in federal court in Nashville on Monday claims the cuts viola the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal protections by forcing the disabled into segregated gro homes, according to The Tennessean. "You're segregating individuals in either homes of two or three, and th violates the ADA and doesn't keep them in the most integrated community setting, which in this case, is with th families, who have committed their lives to taking care of these folks," said Lenny Croce, an attorney with Leg Aid, which is handling the lawsuit. "They need a little help to do that, but they're going to be there with commitme and care and love." The plaintiffs range in age from 7 to 52 and have a range of physical and mental ailments. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20110714/NEWS01/107140306/Mentally-disabled-sue-Tenn-over-cuts-homecare

1 remaining elk hunt permit set for eBay auction (Associated Press)

The final permit for Tennessee's third managed elk hunt will go to the successful bidder in an eBay auction starti Thursday through July 23. Proceeds from the auction benefit the state's elk restoration program. The Tenness Wildlife Resources Agency donated a permit to a non-governmental organization to join four others picked in computer drawing. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation received this year's donated special take perm The successful bidder for the foundation permit will take part in the hunt along with Richard R. Rutherford Walland, Terrell S. Holt of Columbia, John Mark Alston of Knoxville and Jody A. Moore of Loudon. The 2011 hu is set Oct. 17 through Oct. 21 at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area in East Tennessee. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36963053.story

Republicans select gun bills task force (Tennessean/Sisk)

Republican leaders in the state House are putting together a task force of Republican members to decide whi gun bills will be considered when the legislature reconvenes in January. This Task Force will study ways we c protect the Second Amendment rights of Tennesseans and will make recommendations to our Majority about go public policy we all can support, Majority Leader Gerald McCormick said in a statement announcing the move. think this is a worthwhile effort to streamline the process and build consensus within the General Assembly. T task force should help Republican leaders manage debate over guns next year. Gun rights groups ha complained that the Republican majority did little to roll back restrictions, creating pressure on lawmakers to ta up the issue next year. Republican leaders have tried to keep guns from becoming an overwhelming issue. A ta force would make it easier for them to control the number and nature of gun bills that are brought out of committe http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/NEWS0201/307140074/Republicans-select-gun-bills-task-force? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s 5

Parks money is drying up in Middle Tennessee cities (Tennessean/DeVille)

Goodlettsvilles only public swimming pool will close for good next month, the casualty of a tightened city budg Goodlettsville officials estimate the city would incur costs of about $100,000 to improve the 60-year-old Pleasa Green Pool. A recent Metro Health Department inspection cited a deteriorating deck. The citys board commissioners approved a budget last month that excludes funds to reopen the pool, which they estimate tak about $40,000 to $50,000 to operate annually. Parks departments across Middle Tennessee have tightened th spending as cities struggle to maintain recreational amenities in the face of severe budget cuts. Many have c park maintenance schedules and put capital projects on hold. Portland will keep its swimming pool a reven generator but cut back on mowing, Mayor Kenneth Wilber said. Residents in Mt. Juliet wont see repaving their park trails this year, but the staff will fill in patches from time to time. Its a difficult balance with all c services, and parks seems to fall to the bottom of the food chain, said Jay Cameli, director of Mt. Juliet Parks a Recreation. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/NEWS01/307140065/Parks-money-drying-up-Middle TN-cities?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Wiretap usage by police, prosecutors soars in Tennessee (Tennessean/Haas)

Device proved key in busts, but some worry about abuse In Tennessee and across the nation, police a prosecutors are relying more heavily on wiretaps. They say listening in on suspects cellphone calls is an effecti way to combat drug trafficking and gang activity, but defense attorneys say the government should be careful n to go too far. According to the newly published Wiretap Report by the Administrative Office of the United Stat Courts, authorities across the nation acquired more wiretap orders in 2010 than any prior year 3,194 cases which is a 168 percent jump since 1997. Nashville, which accounted for nearly every wiretap order in Tenness during that same time frame, has gone from zero wiretaps a decade ago to one every 11 days in 2010. Th includes both local and federal authorities. Wiretaps are the most effective way to infiltrate and disru international drug conspiracies. Thats just the reality of it, U.S. Attorney Jerry Martin said. Its a very effecti tool, and while it may be on the upswing, its a tool that we use very carefully. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/NEWS03/307140073/Wiretap-usage-by-police-prosecutors-soarsTennessee?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

The Unions Go Public (Memphis Flyer)

Discontented city employees make their pay and benefits a federal case. It is no secret that long-standi relationships between public employees' unions and governmental units are in jeopardy. For much of the sprin national attention was fixated on efforts by Wisconsin state government to disenfranchise teachers' unions. An here in Tennessee, the abolition of bargaining rights for the Tennessee Education Association and its affiliates w arguably the most dramatic single event to emerge from the 2011 session of the General Assembly. Now the bat is being joined between the city of Memphis and 13 local unions. At a press conference held by uni representatives on Government Plaza Monday morning, Mike W illiams, vice president of the Memphis Poli Association, charged that union-busting and not money was the key issue in the unions' dispute with the city, o which has now been formalized in a class action suit against the Memphis City Council and the administration Mayor A C Wharton. http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/the-unions-go-public/Content?oid=3020393

37 abandoned mines closed at Big South Fork (Associated Press)

Thirty-seven abandoned coal mines have been closed at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Ar straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky border. Using federal stimulus funds, the mines were barred with steel gate wire netting and closed using other methods.According to a news release from the recreation area, the mines s could pose a danger to the public such as roof collapse and blowouts due to water accumulation inside. The min had been used before the park was established in 1974. Officials said they had been abandoned for more than years.http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36963063.story

Bernanke: More stimulus possible (Associated Press/Crutsinger)

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said W ednesday that the central bank is prepared to provide addition stimulus if the economy continues to stall. Delivering his twice-a-year economic report to Congress, Bernanke la 6

out three options the central bank would consider. One possibility, he said, was another round of Treasury bo buying. That would make the third such effort since 2009. The Fed chief's reassurances helped drive stock pric higher, but it also underscored the fragile state of the economy more than two years after economists said t recession had ended. Unemployment has risen for three straight months and a debt crisis in Greece and oth European countries threatens to weaken the global economy. And a failure by U.S. lawmakers to raise the natio borrowing limit by Aug. 2 could trigger a major financial crisis, Bernanke said. He warned that if the governme defaults on its debt, it would throw "shock waves through the entire financial system."Bernanke said more stimul would only be necessary if economic conditions worsened and deflation re-emerged as a threat. Deflation is destabilizing period of falling prices. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jul/14/bernanke-more-stimulus-possible/

Nuclear plants need better monitoring, rules, report says (Tennessean/Paine)

TVA says it began making changes after Japan crisis Nuclear plants around the country need improvement several areas, including the monitoring of highly radioactive spent fuel pools and the ability to respond emergencies, according to a Nuclear Regulatory Commission task force report released Wednesday. Still, t plants can be operated safely, says the task force that was formed as a result of the ongoing Fukushima nucle crisis in Japan. The sequence of events seen there is unlikely to happen here, it said. One recommendati referred to the NRCs patchwork of regulatory requirements developed piece-by-piece over the decades. T should be replaced with a logical, systematic and coherent regulatory framework to further enhance reac safety. The Tennessee Valley Authority, which is assessing the task force findings, said it is already maki changes from lessons learned from Japan, where explosions and radioactive releases resulted after a Mar earthquake and tsunami. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/NEWS11/307140060/Nuclear-plants-need-better-monitoring-rulesreport-says?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

TVA defends Browns Ferry after reports of equipment, operator failure (TFP/Sohn)

Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant had far more problems during recent tornadoes than TVA told the public after win took down power lines and the plant went into automatic shutdown. Tennessee Valley Authority statements af the late April tornadoes indicated everything functioned as it should when all three reactors shut down when t power they generated had nowhere to go because more than 300 monster power towers had been blown dow But documents the utility is required to submit to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission show reactor operato became distracted while manually operating cooling water flow to the Unit 1 reactor and water began boiling faster than it was being replaced. Additionally, a valve failed, a diesel-driven fire pump failed, the diesel-driv generator for the security station failed, the warning sirens were lost, power to the chemical lab was lost, and emergency diesel generator keeping cool water flowing to one of three reactors shut down because of volta fluctuations caused by a fluid leak after a brass fitting broke. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/14/tva-defends-browns-ferry-after-reports-equipment-o/?local

Coal ash could be treated as city trash (Tennessean/Bewley)

Committee votes to bar regulation as hazardous waste A House committee approved legislation Wednesday th would bar federal regulation of coal ash as hazardous waste. The bill, passed 35-12 by the Energy and Commer Committee, now moves to the House floor, where a Republican majority probably will pass it. Rep. Mars Blackburn, R-Brentwood, the only Tennessee lawmaker on the committee, voted for the measure. Six Democra joined the committees Republicans in voting for the bill. The Environmental Protection Agency began urgi regulation after more than 5 million cubic yards of coal ash sludge spilled from TVAs Kingston power plant on the banks of the Emory River in December 2008. The ongoing cleanup effort could cost ratepayers more than billion. TVA's Kingston disaster While barring the EPA from regulating coal ash, the legislation would allow stat to treat the ash as municipal waste, placing it in the same category as household garbage and cleaning chemica wastewater and construction debris. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/NEWS11/307140070/Coal-ash-could-treated-city-trash? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Union City mayor hopes to market industrial park (Associated Press)

Union City Mayor Terry Hailey hopes to market the town's industrial park to create jobs to help the 1,800 out work because of the closure of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plant. He told the Union City Daily Messeng 7

"The sun will rise and we will make it through this." The plant shut down Monday after years of cutting t workforce. The company announced in February that the plant would be closing by the end of the year b transferred production to other facilities faster than expected. Former State Rep. Phillip Pinion, now a consulta with the Obion County Joint Economic Development Council, said everything is being done to focus on recruiti new industry to the county. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36963049.story

Register to rearrange 10 failing Metro schools within new zone (CP/Garrison)

Hoping to stave off state intervention at a handful of struggling schools, Director of Schools Jesse Register h opted for a bold move: the creation of a new innovation zone comprised of 10 low-performing Metro schoo designed to direct attention to places that need it most. Through a so-called Office of Innovation, announced Tuesdays school board meeting, Register said he plans to pinpoint the districts lowest achieving schools bas on forthcoming Adequate Yearly Progress data. From there, the schools will become the target of clos monitoring, reform strategies and additional educational resources. The plan kicks off this school year. I basically to get rid of all the road blocks to aggressive change and improvement, Register said, adding that afte school starts toward a downward spiral, its harder to lift it up. Were going to develop this very aggressive strate for the schools that are in the lowest achievement categories that we have. Though AYP results arent expect for a few weeks, Register said Napier Elementary School, Apollo Middle School and Glencliff High School are like among the 10 schools to be clustered together. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/register-rearrange-10-failing-metro-schools-within-new-zone

Video clause added to Metro's student conduct code (Tennessean/Hubbard)

The Metro Nashville School Board approved its 2011-12 student code of conduct at a meeting Tuesday. The are basically minor changes, said Fred Carr, Metro Schools chief operating officer. District officials said there an added clause that allows the district to discipline students who record video that disrupts learning or caus harm to other students and put it online. Weve had a lot of kids around the country putting things on(line) abo other kids, pictures or things embarrassing, board member Ed Kindall said. I think parents need to know upfro there are things that wont be tolerated. School officials allow students to use cellphones at school outside class. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/NEWS04/307130138/Video-clause-added-Metro-s-studen conduct-code?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Assistant principals expand skills set (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Harrison)

With 13 years of teaching and three years as an assistant principal under her belt, it would be easy to assum Vanessa Harris already has what it takes to become a principal.But Harris, who is an assistant principal at Brow Academy, says she still wants to develop skills the school system cant necessarily offer business skills. Tha why she applied to join the Principal Leadership Academy. Ive always felt like the schools were not treated like business as they should be, Harris said during the programs first mixer Wednesday evening. Our school is business. Our parents and our students are our clients. I think adopting that mentality can move my school fro good to great. Harris is one of 10 assistant principals across Hamilton County who were selected as proteges the yearlong program, now in its second year. The proteges attend monthly leadership courses and are paired w mentors from the business community who help them hone skills in management, finance and resource allocatio http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/14/assistant-principals-expand-skills-set/?local

School board debates budget cuts, layoffs (Times Free-Press/Garrett)

On the heels of a hotly debated superintendent hire, the Hamilton County school board tonight will debate proposed budget that could cut as many as 30 positions and eradicate a $17.8 million deficit. Fewer teachers a support staff could mean setbacks for schools pressed to meet higher state academic standards set by Race to t Top legislation, officials say. It is very unfortunate, said Dan Challener, president of the Public Educati Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports schools and teacher training. We are impacting not only our childr but also our collective future. Board of Education members are divided on new Superintendent Rick Smith proposed budget. His proposal to cut benefits for contracted school bus drivers likely will be a main point discussion. Cutting insurance benefits for the 49 independent contractors could save the school system $490,00 The school systems total budget is $350 million. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/14/school-board-debates-budget-cuts-layoffs/?local

Alabama: cuts Medicaid drug costs by examining pharmacy receipts (Stateline)

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Three years ago, Carol Steckel, Alabamas Medicaid director, sent a national alert to all of her counterparts arou

the country. She asked them to join her in attacking fraudulent prices published by major drug makers pric that she said inflated the amount all states were paying to pharmacies. At the time, Alabama had won thr lawsuits against drug manufacturers on the grounds that published prices were artificially high. Steckel w working on an entirely new way to set drug prices for Medicaid beneficiaries, one that aimed to lower Alabama overall costs, but also remain sensitive to the needs of local pharmacies to make a profit. Last Septemb Alabama won federal approval for the change Steckel sought. Since then, the state has launched its new prici method, and expects to shave 6 percent off its prescription drug bill this year. In January, Oregon received fede approval to do the same thing. Now, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is urging other states add Alabamas pricing model to their arsenals of ways to cut Medicaid costs. http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=587423

Minnesota: Shutdown Hits Happy Hour (Wall Street Journal)

Minnesota Budget Standoff Leaves Some Bars, Liquor Stores Unable to Restock State parks, horse-racing trac and the state Capitol are all closed because of the government shutdown here. If the budget standoff lingers, t neighborhood watering hole could be next. More than 300 bars and liquor stores can't buy beer, wine or liquor sell to consumers because their $20 alcohol-purchasing licenses, known as buyer's cards, have expired, a casua of the July 1 shutdown. For some proprietors, inventories are dwindling and anger is rising. "This is beyond t realm of anything I ever thought in my wildest dreams," said Trevor Berg, a liquor-store owner in W alker, Min With his annual buyer's card expiring Sunday, he is borrowing cash from friends to buy as much beer and wine he can get his hands on now. Meanwhile, state officials told MillerCoors LLC, the second-largest beer maker in t U.S. behind Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, that it must remove all 39 brands of its beer from shelves statewi because its $1,170 brand-label registration fee wasn't processed before the shutdown. The brewer says it is tryi to negotiate a resolution with state authorities. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304911104576444221268669448.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1 (SUBSCRIPTION)

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OPINION Editorial: Congrats to schools for improved test scores (Daily News Journal)

Kudos to Murfreesboro City Schools and Rutherford County Schools for the latest Tennessee Comprehensi Assessment Program scores that showed local students in grades 3-8 making significant strides in the classroo Yes, there's still a ways to go locally and across Tennessee to improve public education, but it's well wo celebrating and saying thanks to the students, teachers, administrators and parents who made these latest scor possible. Both systems ranked within the upper tier of the 130-plus systems statewide in math and reading score That's a testament to the two quality public schools systems that serve Rutherford County families. The mo pleasant surprise was Murfreesboro City Schools. The system's combined math and reading scores improved eye-popping 22.5 percent, making it one of only 18 systems statewide showing better than 20 perce improvement in those core subject areas. The dramatic gains prompted a recent visit to Northfield Elementa School by Gov. Bill Haslam, who rightly praised teachers for their hard work in the classroom to prepare studen for these exams. http://www.dnj.com/article/20110714/OPINION01/107140308/Editorial-Congrats-schools-improved-test-scores

Editorial: High-tech education website great for those with access (Jackson Sun)

Public education is in the news and on a lot of people's minds these days. School starts August 2 in Jackso Madison County, and new opportunities to get students off to a good start and to help them learn will emerge. key component in student learning is parent involvement. A new state website at www.readtennessee.org is good place to start for teachers, parents and anyone interested in helping students.The new website is collaborative effort of the Tennessee Department of Education, the Center for Literacy Studies at the University Tennessee, Tennessee First to the Top, Tennessee Head Start, United Ways of Tennessee and the Office of t First Lady, Crissy Haslam. This comprehensive website is easy to navigate and loaded with up-to-date informati on teaching children to read and write. It was designed by education professionals and contains the late information on best practices, learning tools, learning guidelines, teaching tools suitable for teachers and paren and detailed, age-specific study plans. It also offers suggestions for community involvement. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20110714/OPINION01/107140304/High-tech-education-website-great-thoseaccess

Guest columnist: TSU decisions are difficult, ultimately beneficial (Tennessean)

Tennessee State University, like other colleges and universities statewide, is forced to make tough decisions position itself for success in todays competitive, outcome-based education system. Some of those decisio involve combining or terminating low-producing programs. In fact, last year, a total of 37 low-producing program were cut statewide in the Tennessee Board of Regents and University of Tennessee systems. The level of sta funding for higher education continues to erode even as enrollment continues to grow, costs continue to rise a expectations continue to increase. These pressures come at a time when the state has committed to the goals the Complete College Act of 2010, a comprehensive reform agenda that seeks to transform public high education through changes in academic, fiscal and administrative policies. The 2010 legislation enacted a ne funding formula based in part on successes and outcomes, including higher rates of degree completion. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/OPINION03/307140030/TSU-decisions-difficult-ultimately-beneficia odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Guest columnist: Merger plan will spread digital throughout TN (Tennessean)

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In the 1930s, the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority helped bring electricity and with it econom

development to much of rural Tennessee. The work done by TVA to improve the regions infrastructure was k to creating sorely needed new jobs. Today, economic growth and job creation still depends on improving o infrastructure. Of course, instead of talking about electricity, we are focusing on broadband Internet service. M years in business and in county government have shown me that digital infrastructure is critical to the developme of new jobs and of communities in both the urban and rural parts of Tennessee. Thats why AT&Ts intention merging with T-Mobile is good for Tennessee. AT&T is prepared to invest billions of dollars in building digi infrastructure, which will help lead to job growth, increased competition and spurred economic across Tenness and the United States. Lets face it: This is the digital age, and all aspects of our lives reflect it. People expe businesses and even local governments to make services available online. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110714/OPINION03/307140031/Merger-plan-will-spread-digital-throughout TN?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Times Editorial: Cleaner air on the horizon (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)

The Environmental Protection Agencys new rule requiring non-complying electric utilities in more than two doz eastern states to sharply curb their enormous emissions of the two most harmful pollutants spewed by dirty co fire plants by 2012 is welcome and long overdue. Millions of tons of the target pollutants, sulfur dioxide a nitrogen oxide, would be scrubbed and kept from release to the air under the rule. As a result, air quality a respiratory health would improve dramatically for some 240 million Americans who are now harmed by the va wind-transported pollution from dirty coal-fired plants. Cleaner air resulting from the rule, the EPA calculates, wou prevent approximately 34,000 premature deaths, 15,000 non-fatal heart attacks and hundreds of thousands cases of respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic pulmonary obstruction and forms of bronchitis. The agen estimates the value of health and other environmental benefits would range from $120 billion to $280 billion 2014. The ruling should not be as much of a financial factor for TVA and a group of other power producers th previously would have been effected by the mandate, but have since moved to meet the standard. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/14/cleaner-air-horizon/?opiniontimes ###

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