News Around the Region from TRN...
Click here to download the audio version of today's news

Long-Time Radio Personality Services Today
FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD TODAY FOR UNION CITY RADIO PERSONALITY STEW BYARS.  "STEW MAN" WAS A PERSONALITY ON K-Y-T-N AND ON W-C-M-T IN MARTIN.  HE DIES EARLY SATURDAY OF CANCER.  BYARS IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE GINGER AND A SON AND DAUGHTER.  VISITATION IS FROM 12 TO 1 TODAY AT WHITE RANSOM FUNERAL HOME IN UNION CITY... THE MEMORIAL SERVICE IS TO FOLLOW.

Salmonella
Government inspectors have found the same bacteria on a single Mexican-grown jalapeno pepper handled by a small Texas produce shipper and is advising consumers to avoid eating any fresh jalapenos, or products made with them, such as fresh salsa. Tomatoes are considered safe to eat. With 1,251 confirmed cases nationwide, including some in Tennessee, the salmonella outbreak isn't over yet.

State Buyouts, Layoffs
Governor Phil Bredesen says only about 1,400 state employees have signed up for the buyout. Public employees have until August 5th to apply for the buyout package. The governor says the state can't make the buyout plan more appealing by throwing in extra incentives or it would face legal problems. If the state can't trim 64-million per year from the budget, then the Legislature will decide whether layoffs are necessary when its session begins in January.

Motorcycle Accidents Down In TN
Trauma doctors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center report a higher number of injuries from motorcycle accidents. The Tennessee Department of Revenue reports that 8,000 people have registered motorcycle and scooters in the state. Ironically, motorcycle fatalities are down so far this year. The Department of Safety says that helmets and safety equipment can take some credit as can doctors at hospitals like Vanderbilt for saving lives.

Fuel Tax
Americans have reduced their dependence on fuel, just as gas prices seemed to have level off. All of that reduction in fuel usage may cause the price at the pump to jump as much as 10-cents. The federal highway fund is not being replenished. Tennessee transportation officials say roads can't survive without federal funds. In the Volunteer State, revenue from the gasoline tax is actually up, but not enough to offset the revenue loss at the federal level.

Sports Wrap
IT'S ROUND TWO OF CARDINALS / BREWERS BASEBALL TONIGHT AT BUSCH.  THE ON-DECK SHOW STARTS AT 6:32 ON OLDIES 1450 AM AND 101.7 FM.

Weather Where You Are