Manmade Diamond Could Replace Silicon in Future Electronics: Vanderbilt Engineer

The microchips that power everything from supercomputers to smart phones are made of the same material – silicon. But a Vanderbilt professor says diamonds may turn out to be a processor’s best friend. Electrical engineer Jim Davidson figures using manmade diamonds could make more powerful and more efficient microchips.

The state wants to change the way judges assign lawyers to indigent clients. That proposal is raising concerns that local courts will lose some independence.

Governor Bill Haslam has asked state department heads to prepare budgets that cut 30 percent from current spending. A letter went out yesterday from Finance Commissioner Mark Emkes to all departments and state agencies using federal funds.

Tennessee’s governor and other officials are due to travel to New York City in September for the annual review of state creditworthiness by bond rating agencies. It’s a visit usually called “routine,” but this year is anything but.

Middle Tennessee State University has landed a partnership with the U.S. Army that will promote the study of unmanned aircraft. As part of the deal, the Army will give MTSU three remote contolled aircraft called Ravens.

Tennessee Congressman Chuck Fleischmann underscored the United States’ devotion to Israel today, calling it America’s “steadyfast ally” and a “beacon of democracy.” Fleischmann spoke to reporters on a conference call from Israel, where more than 80 members of Congress are traveling during the August recess.

A Kurdish group making a good will tour of the U.S. visited with officials at the state capitol in Nashville today.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is picking up steam on nuclear power. The utility’s board of directors voted Thursday to restart another mothballed nuclear plant called Bellefonte, in northeast Alabama.

Fewer people were looking for work in Tennessee last month – but not necessarily because they found jobs. The state’s monthly unemployment rate stood still in July, holding at 9.8 percent, above the national average. Overall U.S. unemployment for the month was down slightly from June, to 9.1 percent.

The United States Humane Society has been called to Tennessee more than anywhere else in the country – 17 deployments in the last three years to rescue starving horses and raid puppy mills.