jacquelinefellows

Kent Williams first term as House Speaker was neither stellar nor disastrous. Though he is not officially a member of the Tennessee Republican Party any longer, the self described “Carter County Republican” did win some points among the GOP. WPLN’s Jacqueline Fellows and Joe White discuss how Republicans and Democrats responded to his leadership style.

The slumping economy has made putting together Tennessee’s budget much harder. First, the Governor delayed his budget proposal until after the state knew how much federal stimulus it was getting and now state legislators are waiting for yet another, more slimmed down version, because April’s tax revenues came in 10% short. WPLN’s Jacqueline Fellows and Joe White discuss the how legislators will bridge their partisan differences on a budget shortfall seems to get bigger by the month.

Moody’s Investors Services has downgraded Nashville-based Gaylord Entertainment’s credit rating. It moved down to a “B3” from a “B2”, both are poor ratings.

State health officials say, for now, they will not change their policy on schools affected by the swine flu. The Centers for Disease Control’s recommendation on how long schools should be closed is being re-evaluated.

State health officials say the one confirmed case and the eight other probable cases of the swine flu in Tennessee are mild.

Trial judges in Tennessee are elected, so why not elect the state’s high court and appellate judges too? It’s something the GOP wants to do, but the bill they’re pushing to change how those judges come to power doesn’t include that particuluar provision. WPLN’s Jacqueline Fellows and Joe White explain why and how the state House is trying alter Tennessee’s judicial selection.

Tennessee health officials announced the state’s first probable instance of swine flu is now its first confirmed case of the virs.

Another possible case of swine flu has shown up in a local private school.

Germany-based Wacker Chemie AG has chosen Bradley County for its new $1 billion dollar plant. It could bring as many as 500 jobs to the area.