Nissan is starting to build the Leaf at its plant in Smyrna. Until now the electric car was made exclusively in Japan. Nissan says producing it in Tennessee is part of a broader push to get 85 percent of U.S. sales made in America in the next few years.
Nissan Leaf Production Underway in Smyrna
Liquor Stores Have Law on Their Side
Many of the state’s police chiefs and sheriffs oppose wine being sold in grocery stores and corner markets. They say they have enough alcohol-related incidents as it is.
CHS Looks to Non-Profit Hospitals for Bottom Line Boost
Community Health has purchased more than 100 hospitals since 2000. Smith says about half of those were non-profits, mostly owned by cities and counties. Now they’re an important part of the company’s bottom line
Alexander Says Medicaid Should Be Washington’s Problem
Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander says the federal government should be fully responsible for Medicaid, which provides health care for the poor. And he’s willing to make a trade. Alexander floated the idea during a speech to the state’s General Assembly.
Certain Teachers Could Pack Guns: Rutherford Sheriff
A Rutherford County sheriff says he would support letting teachers carry guns in schools – within certain limitations. State lawmakers are talking about arming teachers so they can fight back against a school shooter.
Gavel Drop Draws Lobbyists to Capitol
The convening of the state legislature this week has attracted the usual lobbyists and advocacy groups. There are some new faces at the capitol, including a controversial figure in public education.
Proposed Bill Limit Hiked But Not Spiked
House Speaker Beth Harwell has increased her limit on legislative proposals per lawmaker. The move is in response to grumbling from members of her own party.
Costly School Security Upgrade Weighed in Rutherford County
Another Middle Tennessee county is thinking about adding more armed officers to its schools. Rutherford County is weighing the safeguard after last month’s horrific massacre at an elementary school in Connecticut.
Indictment: Escrow Company Owner Defrauded Clients Out of More Than $2 Million
Prosecutors say Garry Christopher Forsythe started defrauding his clients in 2000. His business handled escrow—moving money between buyers of real estate and their lenders. The company had seven offices around Middle Tennessee, processing more than 200 transactions every month. But according to the indictment, Forsythe used the escrow money to pay himself and support the day-to-day operations of his firm.
House Rules Held Up by 10-Bill Limit
A new limit on how many laws can be proposed by each state representative may change how lobbyists do business in the state capitol. At this point, a 10-bill cap is still up for discussion.
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