News Around the Region from TRN...
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Surprise Highway Checks by THP
The Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted a surprise road check of tractor trailers on Interstate 65 as part of a plan by the US Department of Homeland Security to remove drivers, who put others in jeopardy. During the road check, officers handed out fines to truckers breaking the law. T-H-P plans to hold these surprise security road checks, about once a month across the state.

Oil Prices Fall.. Average Still High
Oil prices took a nosedive and the Dow closed below 11-thousand for the 1st time in 2-years. The price of a barrel of oil closed at almost 136-dollars yesterday, a drop of more than nine dollars. The biggest decline in one day in 17-years. Our economy in Tennessee is uncertain and a variety of factors are at play, including the housing crisis, rising gas prices and thousands of job layoffs. In a related story, Triple-A's daily fuel-gauge report showed the national price of a gallon of regular Tuesday remained at a record high of just under 4-11. That's a dollar, six cents higher than a year ago. Even so, some analysts are looking for a price drop later this year as demand backs off. You can bookmark the Triple-A reports by visiting FUEL GAUGE REPORT DOT COM.

State Recognizes Public Safety Officers
Governor Bredesen signed a proclamation making this Probation and Parole Officers and Community Corrections Officers Week in Tennessee. This annual observance coincides with the national one that recognizes the role of probation, parole and community corrections professionals in protecting public safety in communities across America.

TennCare Employee Says 'No' in Ford Trial
A TennCare employee testifying Tuesday in the corruption trial of John Ford says the former senator did not influence a decision to award an exclusive state dental contract to a Wisconsin company. Ford is accused of pocketing more than 800-thousand dollars to advance the interests of two TennCare contractors in the legislature. The former Memphis lawmaker is currently serving a 5 1/2 year prison sentence for a separate bribery conviction.

 

Sports Wrap
The Tennessee Titans now have two of their seven draft picks under contracts. They have agreed to terms with California receiver Lavelle Hawkins. The Titans also agreed to terms with Purdue linebacker Stanford Keglar. Training camp opens July 25th.

The Tennessee Titans and Albert Haynesworth have no deal in place. Both sides missed a deadline to reach a long-term contract for franchised players. Now the All-Pro defensive tackle must decide if he'll sign the tender paying him seven and a quarter million dollars for the season.
 

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