John Walker

A measure that would create a special panel to authorize charter school applications is advancing in the Tennessee state Legislature.  The measure was approved on a voice vote in the House Government Operations Committee on Wednesday, and the Senate Education Committee unanimously passed the companion bill later that evening.

Police in Clarksville are investigating the death of an Army officer from Fort Campbell, Ky., who was found dead at his home over the weekend.  Fort Campbell spokesman Robert Jenkins said the officer was 24-year-old 1st Lt. Chris Rogan, who was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. Jenkins said his family has been notified and he couldn't provide more details while the death was under investigation.

From NPR: For commentator Frank Deford, it seems unfair that students who pursue other extracurricular talents — like music — should be placed in a subsidiary position to their classmates who happen to play sports.

A Kentucky panel that investigates the deaths and near deaths of children in abuse and neglect cases now has the official backing of the General Assembly. Governor Steve Beshear created the panel last year by executive order.

Anglers are on the hunt in western Kentucky for a pesky fish whose exploding population is threatening two of the state's most popular lakes. They're seeking out the fast-breeding Asian carp, which is gobbling up food supplies and starving out other fish species.

The University of Tennessee at Martin will receive a $706,000 state grant for the school's Healthy Families Initiative. U-T-M officials say the state Department of Health grant will fund three years of work to increase the number of healthy pregnancies and births in at-risk communities. The project will target women and at-risk children from Dyer, Lake and Lauderdale counties. The university says the percentage of children living in poverty in each of these counties exceeds the Tennessee average of 26.3 percent.

From NPR: In the Sistine Chapel, cardinals will begin voting. It takes the votes of two-thirds (77 cardinals) to become pope. If no one gets that many on the first ballot, the cardinals will be "busy murmuring in each others' ears over coffee and pasta" as they form alliances, NPR's Sylvia Poggioli says.

Tennesseans could be a bit more discreet about carrying a handgun under a bill approved in the state House last night. The legislation would close carry permit records to the public.

The bill gives just one exception. If someone is suspected of being a felon or illegal alien – precluded from having a carry permit – the person’s information could be released. But there has to be some sort of evidence to show the Department of Safety in the form of a government document, such as a warrant or a restraining order. 

A proposal to eliminate hotel allowances for some Tennessee lawmakers passed the House today despite concerns that it might hurt those who use the excess to defray other unreimbursed expenses. The measure sponsored by Republican Rick Womick of Murfreesboro was approved 71-15 yesterday. It would eliminate a $107-per-night hotel payment for the 33 legislators who live within 50 miles of the state Capitol. The legislation would continue to provide a $66 daily meals allowance for all lawmakers. Womick said the main purpose is to let taxpayers know their money isn't being wasted.

The Kentucky GOP executive committee has passed a resolution applauding U.S. Senator Rand Paul as a "shining example of Republican leadership" for last week's nearly 13-hour filibuster. Once a political outsider in Kentucky, the resolution suggests that Paul has won support even among establishment Republicans in the state.