Ten Thousand Tennesseans’ Names, Social Security Numbers on Stolen Laptop

The computer belonged to a contractor for DentaQuest, which manages dental benefits for several government agencies, including TennCare. Officials say there’s no sign the information has been used illegally, but they’re offering identity theft protection to those affected.

Tennessee’s House of Representatives passed a version of the “Health Freedom Act” today, in an attempt to “send a message” to Washington disapproving of the federal health care overhaul.

Tuition at community colleges and many state universities is set to jump again soon. Students in a Tennessee Board of Regents university who are taking 12 credit hours can expect to pay an extra $120 this fall.

A newly commissioned officer stationed at Fort Campbell was killed Sunday on patrol in eastern Afghanistan. 2nd Lt. Michael McGahan’s unit came under small arms fire near the Pakistani border in Nangarhar province.

Goodlettsville-based Dollar General reported record sales in the company’s first quarter Tuesday. The discount retailer is making more money, in part, because it’s getting more of its goods from overseas.

In the coming months, state mental health officials expect an increase in victims seeking counseling following last month’s flood. The state plans to apply for federal grants to continue services throughout the year.

Last month’s flood has left more kids in need of the Summer Food Service Program run by the Metro Action Commission. The program provides breakfast and lunch to underprivileged children in Davidson County.

Tennessee legislators have been fighting since February over a proposed reprimand of the federal government’s health reform act. The Senate and the state House are now poised to hash out a final version of what’s called the Health Freedom Act.

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker is working to reduce the broad authority given to a new consumer protection agency. He returned to Washington Monday to start working out the differences between financial reform legislation passed in both chambers.

State lawmakers may have passed a budget, but disagreement over minority contracts in Tennessee is keeping them from adjourning for the year.