NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers have officially voted in their top legislative leaders to oversee the House and Senate for the next two years.

On Tuesday, House Republicans and a small handful of Democrats elected Rep. Glen Casada as the chamber's next speaker. He replaces outgoing Speaker Beth Harwell.

2. Public pressure pushes health care to top priority - Friday, January 4, 2019

Bill Lee waltzes into the governorship later this month with more goodwill on his side than most politicians have the right to expect.

The Republican, who takes the reigns Jan. 19, is inheriting a state with an unemployment rate under 4 percent, an improving education system, companies such as Amazon bringing in thousands of jobs and an approval rating of 57 percent, a Vanderbilt poll taken in December shows.

3. Tennessee House GOP elects Casada as next speaker - Friday, November 16, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee House Republicans on Tuesday elected Majority Leader Glen Casada as the chamber's next speaker, reconfiguring another level of state government leadership as GOP Gov.-elect Bill Lee prepares to take office.

4. Republican Lee elected Tennessee governor, succeeds Haslam - Friday, November 2, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican businessman and political newcomer Bill Lee will become Tennessee's next governor, after he bested Democratic former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean on Tuesday

5. Casada jumps into contested Tennessee House speaker race - Friday, September 14, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Republican House Majority Leader Glen Casada has made his run for House speaker official, setting up at least a three-way race to succeed Speaker Beth Harwell.

6. Siloam Health expands board of directors - Friday, September 14, 2018

Siloam Health, a faith-based, charitable health center for the uninsured, especially the immigrant and refugee community, has added four health, community and religious leaders to its board of directors.

7. Legislators work all the angles for leadership posts - Friday, September 7, 2018

With apologies to Robert Zimmerman, “the times they are a-changing.” Unlike Bob Dylan’s 1964 song of rebellion, Capitol Hill isn’t turning into a hotbed of liberals, although someday the first could be last. In fact, it could turn more conservative this fall before things take a different direction.

8. Panel dismisses GOP gov race campaign finance complaints - Friday, August 17, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee panel has dismissed campaign finance complaints against two Republican gubernatorial candidates that preceded the Aug. 2 primary election.

The Registry of Election Finance on Wednesday dismissed a complaint about GOP gubernatorial nominee Bill Lee from June. The complaint claimed Lee used his businesses to supplement his campaign without disclosure and beyond limits.

9. Nashville attorneys included in 2019 Best lawyers list - Friday, August 24, 2018

The Best Lawyers in America, a nationally recognized referral guide to the legal profession that has been published since 1983, has selected several Nashville attorneys for inclusion on its 2019 list. Attorneys selected for the publication are reviewed by professional peers through an extensive survey.

10. Hawk announces Tennessee House speaker bid in contested race - Friday, August 10, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Republican Rep. David Hawk has announced that he is running for state House speaker, setting up a contested race to succeed Speaker Beth Harwell.

11. Blackburn unanimously elected presiding judge - Friday, August 17, 2018

Davidson County General Sessions judges have unanimously elected Judge Melissa Blackburn to serve as presiding judge through Sept. 2019.

Blackburn has been serving as presiding judge since Dec. 2017 when Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton was elevated to the 20th District Criminal Court by Gov. Bill Haslam. She was elected to serve as judge of the Division II General Sessions Court in 2014.

12. Top Middle Tennessee residential sales for July 2018 - Friday, August 17, 2018

Top residential real estate sales, July 2018, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

13. Controversial former GOP lawmaker fails in comeback bid - Friday, August 3, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A former Tennessee lawmaker known for being skewered on late-night comedy shows has failed in his bid to return to the state legislature.

Stacey Campfield finished third in a GOP primary for House District 89 in the Knoxville area, one of 86 contested state legislative races in Tennessee on Thursday. Justin Lafferty, a small business owner and stay-at-home dad, won the nomination to replace state Rep. Roger Kane, who chose not to seek re-election.

14. Rough governor's race highlights Tennessee primary election - Friday, August 3, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Four candidates who have spent tens of millions of dollars of their own wealth fighting over who is more devoted to President Donald Trump face off Thursday in the Republican primary for Tennessee governor.

15. Rough governor's race highlights Tennessee primary election - Friday, July 27, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Four candidates who have spent tens of millions of dollars of their own wealth fighting over who is more devoted to President Donald Trump face off Thursday in the Republican primary for Tennessee governor.

16. Hard to find an ‘adult in the room’ in this year’s campaign ads - Friday, August 3, 2018

TV executives, ad reps and political consultants will hate to see this governor’s primary race end. But they can take solace from all the pain they’ve helped dole out while dining on caviar and grilled halibut while in the Caribbean Islands this fall, if they like fish eggs.

17. New faces in Tennessee legislative primaries as dozens leave - Friday, July 27, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — An exodus of more than two dozen state lawmakers means new faces are running for the Republican-led Tennessee General Assembly, setting up primary fights that could have early implications on the jockeying to become the House's new leader.

18. Pence throws support behind Black in Tennessee GOP gov race - Friday, July 27, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence is throwing his support behind U.S. Rep. Diane Black just days before a heated four-way Republican primary election for Tennessee governor.

19. Spending in Tennessee governor's race tops $51M - Friday, July 27, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee governor's race tab has topped $51 million before the Aug. 2 primary.

Adding activity from July 1 to 23, four Republicans have spent $45.7 million, infused $40.2 million of personal money and raised $13.2 million otherwise.

20. 2 Dems give final debate pitch before Tennessee gov primary - Friday, July 20, 2018

KNOXVILLE (AP) — Two leading Democratic candidates for Tennessee governor were largely in agreement on the issues during their final debate Sunday night before the Aug. 2 primary.

At Pellissippi State Community College, ex-Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and state House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh were on the same page in support of raising the minimum wage and expanding Medicaid, and against Confederate flag vanity license plates in Tennessee and a new anti-sanctuary cities law.

21. What statewide candidates have to say about education - Friday, July 20, 2018

Gov. Haslam and the General Assembly have invested in education during the last eight years. Has that been a good investment and should it continue? What do the candidates propose for the next four to eight years?

22. Tennessee Republican governor race debate canceled - Friday, July 13, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Republican debate in the Tennessee governor's race is canceled after three of four leading candidates dropped out.

According to WKRN-TV, on Friday former state economic development chief Randy Boyd announced he was pulling out of the Nexstar debate Sunday night due to a scheduling conflict. Boyd said early voting already started and he will be out visiting with voters.

23. Tennessee GOP gov race: Candidates chip in $33M, spend $33M - Friday, July 6, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Four Republicans have spent $33 million-plus in Tennessee's primary for governor, unleashing about $33 million of personal wealth.

Reports through June show ex-state economic development commissioner Randy Boyd has added $14.2 million in personal cash and spent $15.7 million since the race began.

24. What statewide candidates have to say about rural Tennessee? - Friday, July 13, 2018

Like most of America, Tennessee’s metropolitan areas have prospered during the last eight years, while the rural areas have lagged in almost every measure. The state has 19 of its 95 counties classified as “distressed.” What can and should we do to give every Tennessean a chance to succeed?

25. Lee: GOP governor race attack ads 'not what a leader does' - Friday, July 6, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Bill Lee has released an ad criticizing what he calls dishonest attack ads in the GOP gubernatorial primary, saying he's "not going down that road."

With early voting approaching Friday, Lee's ad argues the attacks aren't what a leader does and show some candidates will say and do anything to get elected.

26. What statewide candidates say about opioids, public safety - Friday, July 6, 2018

The spread of opioid abuse claimed more than 1,600 lives in Tennessee in 2016, and it is getting worse. Methamphetamine abuse, while not getting the headlines, has increased. Gun violence and murder is increasing. What proposals do our candidates have to help Tennesseans address these public safety issues?

27. Black fires 1st candidate attack ad in Tennessee gov's race - Friday, June 29, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Congresswoman Diane Black labels businessmen Randy Boyd and Bill Lee moderates in the first Tennessee gubernatorial race attack ad by a campaign.

28. What do statewide candidates say about infrastructure investment? - Friday, June 29, 2018

Is investment in public infrastructure important? And should Tennessee have more dedicated revenue sources to pay for construction and maintenance of infrastructure across the state, or is the existing tax structure – primarily the state tax on fuel, and wheel taxes – sufficient to pay for what Tennessee needs to sustain and grow its economy?

29. McCormick: No scandal, at least no evidence of any - Friday, June 29, 2018

Mercurial Republican Rep. Gerald McCormick went from kicking ass to kicking back. Only three days after saying his now-former Democratic opponent, David Jones, would realize how little he has in common with District 26 in Chattanooga “when he gets his ass beat in November,” McCormick abruptly announced he would not seek re-election this year and would be leaving the House effective Oct. 1.

30. NRA endorses Black in Tennessee governor's race GOP primary - Friday, June 22, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — U.S. Rep. Diane Black has landed the endorsement of the National Rifle Association in a crowded Republican primary field for Tennessee governor.

In a news release Thursday, the influential gun rights group's Political Victory Fund said Black is the only Tennessee gubernatorial candidate with an "A'' rating and a "perfect record" on Second Amendment issues.

31. In debate, GOP Tennessee governor hopefuls align with Trump - Friday, June 22, 2018

HENDERSONVILLE (AP) — The leading Republican candidates for Tennessee governor tried not to second-guess President Donald Trump during a debate Wednesday night, including pledging support for his administration's "zero tolerance" immigration policy.

32. In debate, GOP Tennessee governor hopefuls align with Trump - Friday, June 15, 2018

HENDERSONVILLE (AP) — The leading Republican candidates for Tennessee governor tried not to second-guess President Donald Trump during a debate Wednesday night, including pledging support for his administration's "zero tolerance" immigration policy.

33. What statewide candidates say about health care - Friday, June 22, 2018
According to Think Tennessee’s State of Our State dashboard, the state ranks near the bottom in the number of adults with heart disease, obesity and diabetes. It also ranks near the bottom of all states for the health of senior citizens, infant mortality and number of adults who smoke, and at the absolute bottom in childhood obesity. Tennesseans are, on the whole, not healthy. What can and should our next political leaders do about it?

34. After 300-vote loss last year, Carfi goes after Pody again - Friday, June 22, 2018

On the heels of a near upset in December, 2017, Mary Alice Carfi isn’t banking on a blue wave to defeat Republican Sen. Mark Pody in the race for state Senate District 14 just east of Davidson County.

35. Republican candidates for Tennessee governor debate tonight - Friday, June 15, 2018

HENDERSONVILLE (AP) — Republican candidates for Tennessee governor are set to square off in a debate.

The one-hour debate will be held at 7 p.m. CT Wednesday at Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville. Legislative issues and crime are among the topics of discussion.

36. Tennessee House speaker contender won't seek re-election - Friday, June 15, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A longtime Tennessee lawmaker who had expressed interest in running for House speaker says he won't seek re-election.

Republican Rep. Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga tells the Chattanooga Times Free Press he will withdraw from his House race Monday and will resign Oct. 1 to take a full-time job with Asa Engineering and Consulting in Nashville.

37. Marijuana law reform supported by Fitzhugh, Dean at forum - Friday, June 15, 2018

MEMPHIS (AP) — Former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Tennessee House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh expressed support Thursday for eliminating criminal punishment for possessing small amounts of marijuana statewide if elected governor.

38. Democrat, Republican debates set in Tennessee governor race - Friday, June 8, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Separate debates for the Democratic and Republican hopefuls in Tennessee's open race for governor are slated for the upcoming weeks.

The Democratic debate with former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and state House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh will take place the evening of June 19 at Belmont University's McAfee Concert Hall.

39. Super PAC boosts Lee in Tennessee GOP governor's race - Friday, June 1, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A super PAC is praising Tennessee Republican candidate for Bill Lee in radio ads as the "conservative outsider we need."

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press , Tenn Values PAC spokesman Chris Butler said the 60-second spot is airing in the Chattanooga, Knoxville and Tri-Cities markets. He didn't disclose how much the ad-buy costs.

40. Trump to rally in Tennessee, where crucial Senate race looms - Friday, May 25, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — President Donald Trump is turning his attention to Tennessee, where he will raise money and rally supporters Tuesday in a crucial race for control of the U.S. Senate.

Trump hopes to boost Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn in the open contest to replace GOP Sen. Bob Corker, who is retiring.

41. If only legislators could focus on important issues - Friday, May 25, 2018

A year-old law enabling Tennessee colleges and universities to keep secret the “proprietary” fees they pay money managers for handling risky investments is likely to be reviewed this year.

42. Tennessee candidate: Florida students used as anti-gun props - Friday, May 11, 2018

NASHVILLE(AP) — A Republican candidate for Tennessee governor claimed Tuesday that the "liberal media," teachers unions and the "far-left lobby" have used students who survived Parkland, Florida's deadly school shooting as "props to push their anti-gun agenda."

43. Jack Daniel's may no longer be scared cow - Friday, May 18, 2018

When Van Halen front man David Lee Roth opened a bottle of Jack Daniel’s on stage back in the ’80s, the last thing he thought about was taxes and court appeals when he took a big swig of whiskey.

44. Tennessee election panel won't pursue Harwell complaint - Friday, May 11, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee panel has voted not to pursue campaign finance complaints that question House Speaker Beth Harwell's help from a political committee and a $3.1 million self-loan to her Republican gubernatorial campaign.

45. Tennessee GOP gov hopefuls mixed feelings on Trump tariffs - Friday, May 11, 2018

MARTIN (AP) — President Donald Trump's plan to raise tariffs on foreign aluminum and steel drew concerns from most candidates for governor at a forum on Thursday, who said they worry a trade war could harm Tennessee's farm exports, particularly soybeans.

46. Tennessee lawmakers wrap election-year legislative session - Friday, April 27, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers wrapped up an election-year legislative session late Wednesday, highlighting their last day by passing legislation that would require state and local law enforcement agencies to detain immigrants for deportation at the request of federal officials without requiring warrants or probable cause.

47. Tennessee lawmakers agree to shield teachers from test problems - Friday, April 27, 2018

The House and Senate broke gridlock Wednesday night on problems stemming from the results of troubled TNReady testing by passing legislation saying no “adverse action” would be taken against teachers, students or schools for poor test scores.

48. Tennessee lawmakers agree to shield teachers from test problems - Friday, April 20, 2018

The House and Senate broke gridlock Wednesday night on problems stemming from the results of troubled TNReady testing by passing legislation saying no “adverse action” would be taken against teachers, students or schools for poor test scores.

49. Tennessee lawmakers wrap election-year legislative session - Friday, April 20, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers wrapped up an election-year legislative session late Wednesday, highlighting their last day by passing legislation that would require state and local law enforcement agencies to detain immigrants for deportation at the request of federal officials without requiring warrants or probable cause.

50. House, Senate can't agree on remedy for TNReady debacle - Friday, April 20, 2018

The day after Republican House leaders called for a review of the state’s TNReady testing vendor, the House of Representatives and Senate got stuck on the impact of botched testing this spring and the potential for incorrect student scores affecting teacher evaluations.

51. Governor's college credit requirement bill fails in House - Friday, April 20, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A bill by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam that would require certain college scholarship students to finish 30 hours of credits annually has failed in the Tennessee House.

The Republican-led House's 41-46 vote Monday dealt Haslam a defeat in the final days of his last annual legislative session as governor. Haslam has touted the proposal as helping push students toward graduating on time.

52. House passes bill for monument to unborn - Friday, April 20, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee House has passed a bill that calls for a monument to unborn children to be placed on the state capitol grounds.

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, private funds would be raised for a monument to victims of abortion.

53. Tennessee passes bill to impose work requirements - Friday, April 20, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Republican-led Tennessee Legislature on Thursday passed a controversial bill aimed at imposing work requirements on people receiving Medicaid benefits. In Tennessee, the Medicaid program is called TennCare.

54. Tennessee GOP gubernatorial candidates square off in debate - Friday, April 13, 2018

MEMPHIS (AP) — Republican candidates for Tennessee governor said Wednesday that Memphis did not do the right thing when it removed statues of Confederate-era leaders from city parks last year.

U.S. Rep. Diane Black, Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd and Williamson County businessman Bill Lee squared off in Memphis during the first televised, Republican-only debate during the campaign to replace Gov. Bill Haslam, who faces term limits.

55. Candidates for governor give millions to their own campaigns - Friday, April 6, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee candidates for governor are raising millions of dollars in contributions, but the big money is coming from the contenders themselves.

A campaign finance disclosure report released this week shows that Republicans Diane Black and Bill Lee had the most in contributions this quarter — each around $3.3 million — but both either loaned or gave $3 million of their own money to their campaigns. Republican Randy Boyd raised a little more than $2.6 million, but $2 million was money he gave to himself.

56. Medical marijuana bill clears Tennessee legislative hurdle - Friday, March 23, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A medical marijuana bill has cleared another panel despite opposition from law enforcement, state health officials and Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.

In a 9-2 vote Wednesday, a House committee advanced legislation by Republican Rep. Jeremy Faison to remove criminal penalties for possessing cannabis that can't be smoked for people with any of about a dozen medical conditions. They'd need a doctor's order.

57. Tennessee lawmaker questions motives of female accusers - Friday, March 23, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee lawmaker on Wednesday questioned the motives of three women who accused him of sexual misconduct as their high school basketball coach decades ago, but he didn't outright deny the accusations.

58. In-state immigrant tuition bill halted in Tennessee - Friday, March 23, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee senator says his bill to offer in-state tuition for Tennessee public college students whose parents brought or kept them in the country illegally has halted because House leadership won't let it go forward.

59. Senate leader: Sexual misconduct-accused rep should resign - Friday, March 23, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Senate Speaker Randy McNally is echoing House Speaker Beth Harwell's call for a lawmaker's resignation after three women have accused him in a report of sexual misconduct as their high school basketball coach decades ago.

60. Tennessee House OKs TennCare work requirements push - Friday, March 16, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Republican-led Tennessee House has passed legislation aiming to require certain able-bodied TennCare recipients to spend 20 hours a week working, volunteering or attending school.

61. Tennessee declines to cover legislative California trip - Friday, March 16, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's Republican House and Senate leaders say the state isn't paying lawmakers or staffers to attend a California legislative summit.

In a letter Thursday, Senate Speaker Randy McNally and House Speaker Beth Harwell said the state won't cover the National Conference of State Legislatures conference trip in Los Angeles because of California's ban on state-paid trips to Tennessee.

62. Panel dismisses campaign finance complaints against Black - Friday, March 9, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee panel has dismissed two campaign finance complaints against Republican U.S. Rep. Diane Black in her gubernatorial bid.

63. House OKs bill to ban TennCare money to abortion providers - Friday, March 9, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's Republican-led House has passed legislation seeking federal approval to ban TennCare payments to abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, for non-abortion services.

64. Medical cannabis bill hits momentary delay - Friday, March 2, 2018

State Rep. Jeremy Faison took his medical cannabis bill off notice today – temporarily – because he didn’t have the votes needed to pass it in the House Criminal Justice Committee.

65. 2 Trump gun proposals divide Tennessee governor GOP field - Friday, March 2, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's leading Republican gubernatorial candidates have mixed feelings or aren't taking firm stances on President Donald Trump's ideas to ban bump stocks and bar people under 21 from buying semi-automatic guns.

66. Harwell casts tie-breaking vote to propel medical marijuana bill - Friday, March 2, 2018

Bolstered by House Speaker Beth Harwell’s tie-breaking vote, Rep. Jeremy Faison’s medical marijuana legislation took an important step Tuesday in the General Assembly.

Harwell, a Davidson County Republican running for governor, cast the deciding vote in a 4-3 decision to move the bill out of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. It will be heard next by the full Criminal Justice Committee.

67. Civil War re-enactor outflanked on statues, Medicaid expansion - Friday, March 2, 2018

When state Rep. Steve McDaniel was a youngster he often read the historical marker at the intersection of Highway 22 and Wildersville Road detailing Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest’s first West Tennessee raid in the Battle of Parker’s Crossroads.

68. Harwell casts tie-breaking vote to propel medical marijuana bill - Friday, February 23, 2018

Bolstered by House Speaker Beth Harwell’s tie-breaking vote, Rep. Jeremy Faison’s medical marijuana legislation took an important step Tuesday in the General Assembly.

Harwell, a Davidson County Republican running for governor, cast the deciding vote in a 4-3 decision to move the bill out of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. It will be heard next by the full Criminal Justice Committee.

69. Governor hopefuls largely OK with TennCare work requirements - Friday, February 23, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's gubernatorial candidates are largely fine with proposed TennCare work requirements, with some concerns.

At Tuesday's health care forum, Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell touted legislation seeking TennCare work requirements on able-bodied patients without children under 6. Others expressed support for the concept but had questions.

70. Complaints question Harwell's PAC help, $3.1M self-loan - Friday, February 16, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A campaign finance complaint claims that Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell received help from a political committee beyond what's legally allowed, while another complaint contends she doesn't have the money to back up a $3.1 million self-loan to her campaign for governor.

71. Black draws flak for lobbying against medical marijuana bill - Friday, February 16, 2018

Medical marijuana legislation sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Faison is hitting a hurdle with gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Diane Black opposing it and her husband trying to kill the measure.

Faison, an East Tennessee Republican, confirmed lobbyists employed by The Phoenix Sciences Group, founded and run by David Black, are lobbying against his medical marijuana bill this session.

72. Analysis: TennCare work requirement plan would affect 86K, cost $18.7M - Friday, February 9, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A state analysis says legislation seeking to require certain able-bodied TennCare recipients to work, volunteer or attend school would affect 86,400 people and cost the state $18.7 million annually.

73. Black draws flak for lobbying against medical marijuana bill - Friday, February 9, 2018

Medical marijuana legislation sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Faison is hitting a hurdle with gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Diane Black opposing it and her husband trying to kill the measure.

Faison, an East Tennessee Republican, confirmed lobbyists employed by The Phoenix Sciences Group, founded and run by David Black, are lobbying against his medical marijuana bill this session.

74. Harwell: Tennesseans 'deserve' medical marijuana option - Friday, February 2, 2018

House Speaker Beth Harwell is supporting medical marijuana legislation, saying she believes Tennesseans “deserve” an option to dangerous opioids.

The Nashville Republican who is running for governor after some 30 years in the House of Representative said she plans to back a bill by Rep. Jeremy Faison legalizing medical marijuana.

75. Tennessee governor's race: Black most donors; Harwell most cash - Friday, February 2, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — In the most recent fundraising period of the Tennessee governor's race, U.S. Rep. Diane Black raised the most from donors, with more than $1.7 million, and state House Speaker Beth Harwell ended with the flushest bank account, topping $5 million.

76. Anti-abortion ‘heartbeat’ bill now focuses on ultrasound - Friday, February 2, 2018

One attempt to severely restrict abortions fell by the wayside this week in the state Legislature, but another measure is being introduced to defund abortion clinics in Tennessee.

By necessity, Rep. Micah Van Huss turned his “heartbeat bill” into an ultrasound reporting bill after failing to find the support to pass his proposal in a subcommittee.

77. Boyd buys $300k in TV ad time in Tennessee governor's race - Friday, January 26, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican candidate for governor Randy Boyd will hit TV airwaves this week with an ad buy worth about $300,000.

78. Bill seeks to ban TennCare payments to abortion providers - Friday, January 26, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee Republican lawmaker has proposed a ban on TennCare reimbursements to abortion providers for non-abortion services.

At a news conference Wednesday, Republican Rep. Jimmy Matlock announced legislation seeking a federal waiver to exclude providers from TennCare if "direct or indirect" use of state money will promote or support elective abortions.

79. Tennessee areas get AT&T internet expansion - Friday, February 2, 2018

AT&T has expanded internet access in communities throughout Tennessee.

As part of the FCC Connect America Fund commitment, AT&T has deployed internet service to rural and underserved locations in parts of 51 counties serving more than 37,000 Tennessee locations.

80. A long-shot solution for guns in Cordell Hull - Friday, February 2, 2018

State Rep. Joe Towns was like a lot of other legislators when he arrived at the renovated Cordell Hull Building for the start of the 2018 legislative session.

The Memphis Democrat knew the Legislature’s top leaders had set policy allowing carry-permit holders to bring weapons into the renovated building, but he wasn’t enthused by any stretch of the imagination. Towns wasn’t happy, either, when he saw Tennessee Highway Patrol security at the new building being supplemented by a private company, Allied Universal.

81. Report: 538 public records exemptions in Tennessee law - Friday, January 26, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A report has found that there are now 538 exemptions to Tennessee's public records law, about six times as many as there were three decades ago.

According to the state comptroller's office, the Tennessee Public Records Act only had two statutory exceptions when it was enacted in 1957. By 1988, a legislative committee reported there were 89 exceptions.

82. Immigrant tuition splits Tennessee governor's field in forum - Friday, January 19, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Candidates for governor in Tennessee largely agreed on broad issues facing education during the race's first televised forum Tuesday, except for a partisan split on in-state tuition for immigrants whose parents brought or kept them in the country illegally.

83. Tennessee governor's race hopefuls meet for education forum - Friday, January 19, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Six of the seven leading candidates for governor in Tennessee are meeting for a televised forum on education.

The State Collaborative on Reforming Education forum will take place Tuesday evening at the Curb Event Center at Belmont University.

84. Haslam touts $30m plan to fight opioid epidemic - Friday, January 19, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam is touting a $30 million plan that focuses on prevention, treatment and law enforcement to attack an opioid epidemic that kills three Tennesseans a day.

The Republican released details in a news conference Monday alongside Senate Speaker Randy McNally, House Speaker Beth Harwell, Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Bivins and others.

85. Haslam to unveil opioid plan today - Friday, January 19, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is slated to unveil a plan to combat the state's opioid epidemic.

The Republican governor plans to release the details in a news conference Monday alongside Senate Speaker Randy McNally, House Speaker Beth Harwell and Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Bivins.

86. Medicaid expansion splits governor hopefuls in health forum - Friday, January 19, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A health care forum showed a partisan split in the governor's race over Medicaid expansion, with Democrats ranking it their top priority and Republicans opposing it or espousing other priorities.

87. 2 Tennessee Republicans introduce medical marijuana bill - Friday, January 19, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Two Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation to make medical marijuana legal in Tennessee, but only in oil-based products.

Sen. Steve Dickerson of Nashville and Rep. Jeremy Faison of Cosby announced the bill's filing Thursday amid wide support for medical marijuana in state polls.

88. Littler elevates Rosenblatt to Nashville shareholder - Friday, January 19, 2018

Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has named Rachel Ross Rosenblatt a shareholder in its Nashville office. Rosenblatt is one of 28 attorneys elected to shareholder status across Littler’s U.S. offices, effective January 1, 2018.

89. Middle Tennessee's $1M-plus residential transactions for 2017 - Friday, January 19, 2018

There were 735 homes selling for $1 million or more in Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner and Wilson counties in 2017, according to Chandler Reports.

Davidson County had the most with 386, followed by Williamson (316), Sumner (21), Wilson (10) and Rutherford (2).

90. Despite need, expanding health care not in cards - Friday, January 19, 2018

Springfield resident Felicity Palma struggled mightily when she moved to Tennessee from Florida two years ago after suffering health problems and losing her job.

The 47-year-old former social worker became homeless for a period when she came here, and now she finds herself in a health insurance coverage gap as she tries to get treatment for ulcers, sciatica, fibroids and thyroid disease. Debt is piling up on her, too, for the care she does receive.

91. Tennessee House speaker proposes Medicaid work requirements - Friday, January 12, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell has filed legislation to pursue TennCare work requirements for able-bodied adults without young children.

92. Shot fired from Memphis ignites Civil War rematch - Friday, January 12, 2018

Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest died in 1877, but 140 years later some people just can’t let their hero or the Old South go away.

In fact, the state Legislature is set to reignite the Civil War – to some degree – in 2018. We hope no gunshots are fired.

93. US appeals court: Tennessee abortion amendment vote was OK - Friday, January 5, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — A federal appeals court dealt abortion opponents and state elections officials a victory Tuesday by ruling that Tennessee won't have to recount votes on a constitutional amendment passed in 2014 that allows tougher abortion restrictions.

94. Tennessee lawmakers to start session with elections looming - Friday, January 5, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers are returning for a legislative session colored by upcoming elections, House Speaker Beth Harwell's bid for governor and Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's final lap before he hits his term limits.

95. Tennessee lawmakers head into session with elections looming - Friday, January 5, 2018

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers are returning for a legislative session colored by upcoming elections, House Speaker Beth Harwell's bid for governor and Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's final lap before he hits his term limits.

96. Top adviser to Tennessee House speaker to leave post - Friday, December 29, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — A senior adviser to the Tennessee House speaker is leaving to take a job at a law firm.

In a news release Wednesday, House Speaker Beth Harwell says she has worked with Leslie Hafner in different capacities for more than two decades.

97. Top adviser to Tennessee House speaker to leave post - Friday, December 22, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — A senior adviser to the Tennessee House speaker is leaving to take a job at a law firm.

In a news release Wednesday, House Speaker Beth Harwell says she has worked with Leslie Hafner in different capacities for more than two decades.

98. Black steps down as US House budget chair amid governor bid - Friday, December 22, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — U.S. Rep. Diane Black announced Wednesday that she is stepping down as House Budget Committee chairwoman, but will remain in Congress as she runs for governor of Tennessee.

The Republican's decision follows passage of a wide-spanning tax reform law that she and her committee helped usher through the legislative process. She said she plans to leave the budget leadership post once a successor is chosen in the new year so she can focus more on the campaign.

99. Opioid crisis and juvenile justice - Friday, December 29, 2017

With the state’s budget projected to be tight and lawmakers lining up to run for re-election in 2018, the coming legislative session isn’t expected to yield many surprises.

But the 110th General Assembly still has a long row to hoe as the session starts Jan. 9 with new legislative offices and committee rooms in the renovated Cordell Hull Building in downtown Nashville.

100. Vice President Pence gives $4K to Black's gubernatorial bid - Friday, December 8, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Diane Black can count Vice President Mike Pence among her supporters.