Proposed New State Scholarship Requirements Could Exclude Thousands

(OAK RIDGE, Tenn.) -- Students may find it tougher to attend college or university in Tennessee if new proposals for the HOPE scholarship are implemented.

According to a report by ABC News affiliate WATE-TV demand for lottery scholarships are increasing while incoming finances remain static, which may result in program funding running out.

Under one proposal, ACT scores would be removed as a qualification for the program, eliminating an estimated 15 percent of students in the state. Other proposals being considered include raising the GPA and ACT requirements. The new proposals could affect thousands of students who attend or plan to attend community colleges, as a majority qualify for the scholarship due to ACT scores rather than the required 3.0 GPA. The Senate Lottery Stabilization Task Force will make a recommendation by a December 1 deadline.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Police Identify State Trooper Killed in Motorcycle Crash

(CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.) -- An off-duty Tennessee state trooper who was killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday afternoon has been identified, ABC News Chattanooga affiliate WTVC-TV reports.

Joe Snipes was killed when his motorcycle collided with a county road department truck Thursday afternoon on Pleasant Grove Road.

Snipes’ wife Sheila, also on the bike, suffered non life-threatening injuries.

Two state lawmakers issued a moment of silence at 9:57 a.m. Friday in honor of Snipes' badge number, 957.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Motorists Reminded to 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over'

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) -- Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee will be stepping up patrols over the Labor Day holiday weekend, aiming to crack down on drunk driving.

Tennessee State Troopers, along with several local law enforcement agencies, will hit the roads over the holiday weekend as part of the nationwide crackdown known as the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign. Authorities will establish checkpoints in various parts of the state, aimed at nabbing impaired drivers and safety belt violators.

Officials say 10 people were killed in crashes over the 2010 Labor Day holiday weekend.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Police Shoot and Kill Gunman after Disturbance at Cafe

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) -- On Thursday, a 28-year-old man was shot and killed in an altercation outside the Magnolia Café.

ABC News affiliate WATE reports that police officer Lynn Clemons, who was moonlighting as a security guard, responded to a call of a man creating a disturbance by Magnolia Cafe at 2405 Magnolia Avenue. Clemons called for backup and Officer Jason Kalmanek responded. The officers reportedly found Jason Pannell, who has a criminal history and was on parole, in the alleyway near the café.

According to police, Panel opened fire on the officers, who returned fire, fatally killing the suspect. The two cops were not injured.

Both officers were placed on routine paid administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Tennessee Drivers Rank among the Nation’s Best

(NORTHBROOK, Ill.) -- Tennesseans are among the nation’s best drivers, according to the seventh annual "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report" released Thursday. Knoxville and Chattanooga both ranked in the top 10 of America's 200 largest cities in terms of car collision frequency, defining an auto crash as any collision resulting in property damage.

Knoxville drivers ranked No. 6, averaging 12 years between collisions. Knoxville drivers were found 18.3 percent less likely to have an accident than the national average.

Chattanooga drivers took the No. 10 spot, averaging a little under 12 years between collisions. Chattanooga drivers were found 16.3 percent less likely to have an accident than the national average.

Fort Collins, Colo. was ranked at the top as the city with the country’s safest drivers -- the city's second consecutive year at No 1. Fort Collins drivers experience an auto collision every 14 years on average, and are 28.6 percent less likely to have an accident than the national average of 10 years.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio