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MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) – Tennessee higher education has received its first increase in general operating funds from the state in a decade.

In the legislative session just concluded, Tennessee lawmakers approved Governor Haslam’s full budget request of slightly more than $1.2 billion for the state’s universities, colleges and technical schools. The appropriation includes $78.7 million in new money, an increase of about 7 percent.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  Murfreesboro Police say they’re preparing to step up enforcement against panhandlers in response to public complaints.

In a statement released this morning, the MPD notes that pedestrians can be charged for stepping into the street, obstructing a sidewalk, or trespassing on private property. Motorists can be ticketed for obstructing traffic.

The department says its already issued 30 citations to people officers have seen stepping into the street.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  The Humane Society of the United States says it was involved Thursday in the seizure of 19 animals from a Walking Horse training stable in East Tennessee.

The Society says trainer Larry Wheelon of Maryville was charged with animal cruelty by the Blount County Sheriff's Office in connection with the case.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — Middle Tennessee State University's new science building is still under construction, but new video and images illustrate what the building's interior will look like once complete.

Final completion on the $147 million project on the Murfreesboro campus is scheduled to be ready for faculty and staff to move in by the fall of 2014. The first classes will start in the 2015 spring semester.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Legislation to bar public universities and colleges from implementing nondiscrimination policies for student groups has been signed by the governor.

The Senate unanimously passed the measure 30-0 and the House approved it 75-21.

The legislation does not include private institutions like Vanderbilt University — a provision that caused Republican Gov. Bill Haslam to veto last year's version.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Organizers of the Country Music Marathon are beefing up security for their April 27 event in the wake of last week’s bombings at the Boston Marathon.

Competitor Group Inc., the group that runs the marathon, announced Friday it would increase security presence at the start and finish lines, with more than 150 private security officials added to the staffing plan. Security will control entry and exit into the 32 runner corrals. All participants may be subject to random bag checks at the April 25-26 health and fitness expo as well as at the race.