NATIONAL BRIEFS

TENNESSEE: First Tea Party convention

The grass-roots movement that exploded across the nation last year in revolt against President Barack Obama's economic policies and health-care agenda is reaching a critical milestone. Hundreds of conservative activists converged Thursday in Nashville for the start of the inaugural National Tea Party Convention. Attendees have been charged $549 each to gather for three days at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center. Some of the funds will cover former Alaska governor Sarah Palin's reported $100,000 fee for Saturday's keynote address.

ILLINOIS: Hynes concedes to Quinn

State Comptroller Dan Hynes conceded defeat Thursday in the Democratic primary for governor, promising to help acting Gov. Pat Quinn win in November. In the Republican race, state Sen. Bill Brady led by just a few hundred votes over Sen. Kirk Dillard.

WASHINGTON: Troops' contraception aid

The Pentagon for the first time will require military bases worldwide to offer emergency contraception or the so-called morning-after pill. An independent panel of doctors and pharmacists determined in November that emergency contraception should be added to the military's list of medications that must be stocked at each military facility, Defense Department spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said Thursday.

TEXAS: Fires strike eight churches

Eight east Texas churches barely 150 miles apart have caught fire since New Year's Day, putting congregations on edge. Seven fires were intentionally set and an eighth that broke out Thursday is being investigated. There have been no reported injuries or arrests.

CALIFORNIA: 5.9 quake in Humboldt

Northern California's Humboldt County was rocked by a magnitude-5.9 earthquake Thursday. There were no immediate reports of major injury or damage from the area's second large temblor within a month.