The two political parties in the General Assembly have proposed alternative state budgets, but neither moved off first base Tuesday.

The state Senate has begun debating a plan to let flood victims buy building materials, furnishings and appliances without paying sales tax. House Democrats proposed the idea 10 days ago.

Farmers have reported damage to some 40 percent of the state’s corn crop and 20 percent of winter wheat.

CSX Transportation is re-opening its rail line from Memphis to Nashville ahead of schedule after closing down because of flood damage. Some rails washed out. Rushing water twisted two bridges spanning the Harpeth River.

A new EPA regulation requires contractors be certified to guard against lead poisoning, but Alexander argues that could hinder recovery. Updated with a statement from the EPA.

Jackson National Life Insurance plans to create 400 jobs as it locates a regional headquarters in Cool Springs starting this year. The Michigan-based company made public its expansion plans Tuesday, which could grow to as many as 750 positions.

The legislature is still doing some major tinkering with the budget. Last night the Senate Finance Committee heard a version with considerable diversions from what was proposed by Senate Republicans last week.

Hours after the state House passed a resolution praising Arizona for its treatment of illegal aliens, the state Senate crafted a bill Monday night to require sheriffs to check the citizenship of the people they put in jail.

The Tennessee Board of Regents may spread what’s expected to be more than a 12% tuition hike over the next two years to reduce the immediate pain to college students.

Today a man sentenced to die in Tennessee asked the state’s Supreme Court to commute his death-sentence.