News Briefly
Leave no veteran behind
George Bush and John Kerry will both make appearances in Nashville next week to address the National Convention of the American Legion at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. The prez will visit Tuesday, Aug. 31, while contender Kerry will stump for vet votes the following day. In a race that's currently about a decades-old war, next week's political pandering should be front and center in the public eye.
Deputy Dave on the hot seat
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the dismissal of a speeding ticket given to deputy governor Dave Cooley six months ago. Cooley says he didn't know his ticket was being dismissed; attorney general Paul Summers says we'll see about that. In a state where "professional courtesies" die hard, this doesn't look good for Governor Phil. One thing inquiring minds want to know: Who sent out the anonymous letter complaining about the ticket dismissal to begin with?
Sounds to walk the plank?
The Pittsburgh Pirates are moving to sever their ties with AAA baseball's whipping boys, the Nashville Sounds. Yes, matey, the Pirates said they wanted to move their affiliate franchise into a different league and that they were disappointed with the condition of the Sounds' stadium. The plot thickens.
Other sports facility news
With NHL hockey set to undergo a work stoppage instead of a season of play, the Gaylord Entertainment Center finds itself on thin ice. The venue, not known for its particularly sound financial situation, is booking as many non-hockey events as it can to make up for missed Predators games. It's going to take a lot of "Sesame Street Live" to pick up the Preds' slack.
