Bald eagles are popping up in unusual parts of Tennessee, according to the state ornithologist. Numbers are thought to be on the rise around the country.

State workers – at least those surveyed by the Haslam Administration – want civil service rules to change. The governor proposed legislation this week that would loosen hiring restrictions and make pay more flexible.

The Tennessee Regulatory Authority – which oversees private utility rates – has nothing to say about a proposal to do away with its four full-time directors. The TRA is one of 22 boards and commissions Governor Bill Haslam wants to overhaul.

The state will spend millions of dollars over the next few years to upgrade insulation, switch to more efficient lights and heaters, and effectively cut air pollution. And it will dole out millions more in grants – for businesses, local governments, utilities, and others to do the same, or add wind or solar power.

Corporations relocating to Tennessee could soon be eligible for cash instead of just state tax credits.

On the same day the 2012 legislative session convened, committees in the General Assembly approved new voter district lines. They now go the full state House and Senate. But some lawmaker want more time to look the plans over.

Governor Bill Haslam wants to completely revamp civil service rules for state workers. As part of his legislative package unveiled Tuesday, Haslam proposed loosening hiring restrictions and allowing performance pay.

Realtors in Nashville cheered when Senator Bob Corker told them the best thing government can do is “stay the heck out” of the housing market. But the applause stopped Tuesday as Corker outlined his plan to get the government out of the mortgage market.

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker says he’s concerned about Iran and its pursuit of a nuclear weapon.

In a brief statement today, Murfreesboro State Senator Bill Ketron did not rule out a congressional challenge of a fellow Republican — a primary fight with freshman representative Scott DesJarlais.