Early in his U.S. Senate campaign, former governor Phil Bredesen shied away from talking about his opponent, Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, preferring to focus instead on ideas.

2. East Meets West as 2 Legislators Run Out of Time - Thursday, May 3, 2018

It wasn’t quite a constitutional crisis, but when Reps. Micah Van Huss and Joe Towns start teaming up, something is amiss.

3. Lots of Noise, But Few Results in Legislature - Thursday, April 12, 2018

Just when you think the Tennessee Legislature is going off the deep end, someone will throw them a bungee cord. Maybe a rope made out of hemp would work better because a bungee cord leaves people bouncing, never quite reeling them in.

4. Last Word: Murals and IRV at City Hall, Alexander on Trump and Schools Standoff - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Sometimes when you look at the Election Commission filings in an election season and no one has so much as pulled a petition let alone filed one, your thoughts tend to be along the lines of what is there to focus on beyond the day-to-day activity. And then you get a press release by email that really makes you remember the volatility of this whole business of running for elected office.

5. Haslam Considering Changes to UT Board of Trustees - Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Gov. Bill Haslam is considering reducing the number University of Tennessee Board of Trustees members and trimming the number of finalists presented for top leadership positions in the UT system, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally has confirmed.

6. Making Best Better - Thursday, November 9, 2017

More than a decade ago, Carolyn Hardy was a vice president with the Coors Brewing Co. in Memphis when she attended the Leadership Development Intensive (LDI), a personal leadership training ground stretched across 3 1/2 days.

7. Haslam Won't Run for Corker's Senate Seat; Blackburn Joins Race - Friday, October 6, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn announced her campaign for U.S. Sen. Bob Corker's seat on Thursday in a video that slams the "totally dysfunctional" Senate and Republicans in particular for their failure to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

8. Last Word: Kustoff at Rotary, Royal's Vibe and The Terms of MEMPOWER - Wednesday, August 2, 2017

The investment group that renovated the Chisca resurfaced Tuesday evening with a plan for the Wonder Bread factory, vacant for the last four years. But don’t look for a return of the bread smell to the Edge area. And if you look at what has started to happen in that particular corridor since Wonder Bread shut down, the mixed-use plan has some precedent. Throw in the move to sell The Commercial Appeal property just a few blocks away and if the economy remains this good, the transformation in this area could be radical in another four years.

9. US Rep. Duncan Says He Won't Run for Re-Election Next Year - Wednesday, August 2, 2017

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Longtime U.S. Rep. John Duncan said Monday that he will not run for re-election next year because he wants to spend more time with his family.

10. Gunman Who Shot Congressman Had History of Anti-GOP Activity - Thursday, June 15, 2017

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) – The gunman who shot a top GOP congressman and several other people Wednesday at a baseball practice outside the nation's capital had a long history of lashing out at Republicans and once frightened a neighbor by firing a rifle into a field behind his Illinois house.

11. Wide Receiver U? That’s So 20 Years Ago - Friday, May 26, 2017

At the 2015 SEC Media Days, Tennessee coach Butch Jones referred to his school as “the original Wide Receiver U.”

The reference goes back to the days when the Vols were loaded with fast, talented pass receivers on the perimeter. In a heady stretch from 1982-91, UT had six wide receivers selected in the first round of the NFL draft – Anthony Hancock, Willie Gault, Clyde Duncan, Tim McGee, Anthony Miller and Alvin Harper.

12. The Week Ahead: May 8-14 - Monday, May 8, 2017

Happy Monday, Memphis! Festival season rolls on this week with plenty of reasons to get outside, celebrate and … well, be festive. Plus, we’ve got details on a couple of great concerts to check out and the (completely unrelated) reason you might hear drumming around Mud Island in The Week Ahead…

13. Live at the Garden Lineup Features New and Old - Saturday, April 29, 2017

The 2017 Live at the Garden concert series at Memphis Botanic Garden is mixing in some current sounds with nostalgia in the summer lineup of five concerts announced Wednesday, April 26.

The concert series is sponsored by Duncan-Williams Inc. The acts slated to perform this season include:

14. Live at the Garden Lineup Features New and Old - Friday, April 28, 2017

The 2017 Live at the Garden concert series at Memphis Botanic Garden is mixing in some current sounds with nostalgia in the summer lineup of five concerts announced Wednesday, April 26.

The concert series is sponsored by Duncan-Williams Inc. The acts slated to perform this season include:

15. Final Goodbye: Roll Call of Some of Those Who Died in 2016 - Monday, January 2, 2017

Death claimed transcendent political figures in 2016, including Cuba's revolutionary leader and Thailand's longtime king, but also took away royals of a different sort: kings of pop music, from Prince and David Bowie to George Michael.

16. Memphis Botanic Garden Names New Director - Saturday, November 26, 2016

Michael D. Allen is the new executive director of the Memphis Botanic Garden, the nonprofit institution’s board of directors announced Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Allen comes to MBG after six years as president and CEO of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee and nearly 25 years with International Paper before that. Allen also serves as director of the Memphis Land Bank.

17. Memphis Botanic Garden Names New Director - Thursday, November 24, 2016

Michael D. Allen is the new executive director of the Memphis Botanic Garden, the nonprofit institution’s board of directors announced Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Allen comes to MBG after six years as president and CEO of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee and nearly 25 years with International Paper before that. Allen also serves as director of the Memphis Land Bank.

18. Ramsey Springs to Haslam's Aid on Tennessee Outsourcing Talk - Thursday, October 29, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey is dismissing rising concerns among fellow Republicans about Gov. Bill Haslam's efforts to privatize elements of state government as a result of complaints from "squeaky wheels" in their districts.

19. Scheduled Good Times: The Next Grizzlies Season - Friday, August 14, 2015

Turns out, Marc Gasol was wrong.

“I don’t think LeBron is coming through that door anytime soon,” Gasol said after the end of last season.

But in fact LeBron James, albeit wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform, will come through the doors at FedExForum for the 2015-16 season opener on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

20. 10 Named to Panel to Review Tennessee K-12 Education Standards - Wednesday, August 5, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam and the speakers of the House and Senate have appointed the 10 members of a committee established to review K-12 education standards in Tennessee.

21. Officials: Timing of Tenn. Supreme Court Justice Vote Unclear - Wednesday, July 29, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A new judicial amendment to the state constitution has left an open question about when voters will get a chance to decide on a new Supreme Court justice.

Justice Gary Wade is retiring from the Tennessee Supreme Court to become dean of the Duncan School of Law at Lincoln Memorial University, he told WBIR-TV. He leaves the bench in September, just one year into an eight-year judicial term.

22. Senate, House Look to Update Bush-Era Education Law - Wednesday, July 8, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP) — It's something most Democrats and Republicans in Congress can agree on — an update to the Bush-era No Child Left Behind education law is much needed and long overdue.

23. Fast Growth for Knoxville Diocese - Saturday, June 20, 2015

For the smallest Catholic diocese in the U.S., the Knoxville diocese knows how to draw a crowd of movers and shakers.

At the April 19 groundbreaking for the new $25 million cathedral, the lineup of both secular and non-secular dignitaries attending a weekend of events was impressive.

24. Cohen Pushes for Student Loan Bankruptcy Protection - Saturday, January 31, 2015

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen sponsored legislation in the Tennessee Senate that led to creation of the HOPE Scholarship, which provides four-year college students with $4,000 a year for their studies.

25. No Child Left Behind Gets Renewed Focus - Tuesday, December 2, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) – The No Child Left Behind education law could be making a political comeback.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, the Tennessee Republican who is the incoming chairman of the Senate committee overseeing education, says his top education priority is fixing the landmark Bush-era law. His goal? Get a bill signed by President Barack Obama early next year.

26. Dobbs the Latest in Line of Dual-Threat UT Quarterbacks - Saturday, November 29, 2014

If the University of Tennessee’s football team gains bowl eligibility with a victory Saturday at Vanderbilt, it can look back to a quarterback change Oct. 25 against Alabama as a pivotal point in the season.

27. TVA President Could Earn More Than $1 Million Extra - Monday, November 10, 2014

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Valley Authority's president and CEO could earn more than $1 million extra this year.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://bit.ly/1smQm6m) reports the agency's board voted unanimously on Thursday to raise Bill Johnson's salary and performance pay after the 60-year-old attorney met all of TVA's targets for 2014.

28. For-Profit Programs Face 'Gainful Employment' Rule - Friday, October 31, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) – For-profit colleges with graduates unable to pay back their student loans could soon face scrutiny by the federal government.

Schools with career-oriented programs that fail to comply with the new rule announced Thursday by the Obama administration stand to lose access to federal student-aid programs.

29. ASD Considers 12 Additional Memphis Schools - Thursday, October 16, 2014

The Achievement School District is considering adding up to 12 Memphis schools to the state-run school district that is now in its third school year.

Leaders of the school district released Wednesday, Oct. 15, the list of schools being considered for the 2015-2016 school year. The schools are taken from the bottom 5 percent of schools statewide in terms of student achievement test results.

30. Pre-K’s Place - Tuesday, September 23, 2014

It isn’t an application for federal pre-kindergarten funding the state filed earlier this month in Washington, the office of Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam emphasizes.

“It’s a note of intent to apply,” said Dave Smith, Haslam’s communications chief, last week.

31. Duncan to Retire From Botanic Garden - Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Jim Duncan, executive director of the Memphis Botanic Garden, will retire at the end of the year.

Duncan announced his retirement Monday, Sept. 15, after 10 years leading the nonprofit.

32. Education Secretary Calls for System-Wide Reforms - Friday, September 12, 2014

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan saw much that he liked in Memphis Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the end of his three-day “back to school” bus tour of schools in three states.

The last stop was Cornerstone Prep Elementary School in Binghampton.

33. Duncan Bus Tour Ends With Binghampton Kudos - Thursday, September 11, 2014

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan wrapped up a three-day “back to school” bus tour of schools in several states Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Cornerstone Prep Elementary School in Binghampton.

34. Sherman Joins Campbell Clinic as Sports Medicine Physician - Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Dr. Henry “Hank” Sherman has joined Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics as a sports medicine family practice physician in its Southaven office. Sherman treats patients who suffer from a variety of orthopedic injuries – from competitive athletes looking to get back in the game to weekend warriors who want to stay active later in life.

35. We’re All Invited - Friday, July 11, 2014

MEMPHIS, SERVED IN THE SHELL. Following up last week’s column, this from a reader:

“We have no civic pride, half the population is intent on killing as many as they can and the other part lives behind walls or gates. There was a time in the fifties when you could leave your front door unlocked and keys in the car.”

36. Ex-Senator Baker Remembered for Crossing the Aisle - Wednesday, July 2, 2014

HUNTSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Former Senate Majority Leader Howard H. Baker Jr. was remembered Tuesday for his ability to bridge political divides in Washington while also establishing the Republican Party as a statewide force in Tennessee.

37. Obama Moves to Extend Student Loan Payment Relief - Tuesday, June 10, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) – Aiming to alleviate the burden of student loan debt, President Barack Obama expanded a program Monday that lets borrowers pay no more than 10 percent of their income every month, and threw his support behind more sweeping Senate legislation targeting the issue.

38. City Council Hears Tentative Plans for Office Building - Thursday, June 5, 2014

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr.’s administration would move the Memphis Police Department, information technology services and six city agencies renting offices on Union Avenue Extended into the Donnelley J. Hill office building if the city goes through with a plan to swap the office building with state government in exchange for parking spaces in the Peabody Place garage.

39. County Commission Discusses School Board Raises - Wednesday, June 4, 2014

After a five-month delay, Shelby County Commissioners resumed action Monday, June 2, on an ordinance that would raise the pay of Shelby County Schools board members.

Commissioners approved Monday on the second of three readings an amended pay raise for school board members.

40. Poll Shows Tennessee Voters Favor Free Tuition Plan - Thursday, May 22, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – A majority of Tennessee voters support Gov. Bill Haslam's program to cover a full ride at two-year colleges for any high school graduate, as well as higher education standards, according to the latest Vanderbilt University poll released Wednesday.

41. City Council Approves Shady Grove Development - Thursday, May 22, 2014

The Memphis City Council approved Tuesday, May 20, a 22-lot residential planned development at the southeast corner of Shady Grove Road and Interstate 240 by Greenbrier Partners LLC.

42. TVA to Cut More Than 10 Percent of Jobs - Saturday, May 10, 2014

The Tennessee Valley Authority says 750 employees have retired or resigned through a voluntary incentive program, another 1,000 vacant positions are being eliminated and more cuts are on the way.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports it will be the largest staff reduction at the federal utility in more than 20 years.

43. TVA to Cut More Than 10 Percent of Jobs - Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Tennessee Valley Authority says 750 employees have retired or resigned through a voluntary incentive program, another 1,000 vacant positions are being eliminated and more cuts are on the way.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports it will be the largest staff reduction at the federal utility in more than 20 years.

44. Haslam Pushing Common Core Standards - Wednesday, March 19, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam reiterated Tuesday that Common Core education standards are crucial to continuing to improve education in Tennessee and he hopes to dismiss misconceptions about them.

45. New Memphis Institute Unveils Exec. Committee - Saturday, February 22, 2014

The New Memphis Institute has announced Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. CEO Jason Little as its board of trustees chair for 2014.

46. New Memphis Institute Unveils Executive Committee - Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The New Memphis Institute has announced Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. CEO Jason Little as its board of trustees chair for 2014.

47. Botanic Garden Stage To Honor Duncan - Thursday, October 24, 2013

The permanent stage being built at the Memphis Botanic Garden will be named in honor of executive director Jim Duncan.

48. Room Service - Friday, October 11, 2013

Hilton Worldwide celebrates its second Global Week of Service this week, and more than 700 Hilton employees are working locally on community involvement projects, such as this year’s signature event at the Pilgrim’s Rest housing facility, 747 Court Ave.

49. Home2 Suites by Hilton Opens in Southaven - Saturday, September 28, 2013

Home2 Suites by Hilton has opened a new all-suites hotel in Southaven.

The Hilton Worldwide brand caters to business travelers and extended stay guests. The four-story, 105-suite hotel is located at 6750 Southcrest Parkway, strategically located near local attractions and business destinations, including Southaven Towne Center, Snowden Grove Amphitheatre and Snowden Grove Park, Downtown Memphis and Graceland. The property is owned by Cohen Realty Inc. and is managed by Vista Host Inc.

50. Home2 Suites by Hilton Opens in Southaven - Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Home2 Suites by Hilton has opened a new all-suites hotel in Southaven.

The Hilton Worldwide brand caters to business travelers and extended stay guests. The four-story, 105-suite hotel is located at 6750 Southcrest Parkway, strategically located near local attractions and business destinations, including Southaven Towne Center, Snowden Grove Amphitheatre and Snowden Grove Park, Downtown Memphis and Graceland. The property is owned by Cohen Realty Inc. and is managed by Vista Host Inc.

51. TVA Board Votes for 1.5 Percent Rate Increase - Friday, August 23, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Tennessee Valley Authority's board of directors voted Thursday to increase its base rate by 1.5 percent, the first increase by the nation's largest public utility in two years.

52. Events - Wednesday, August 21, 2013

The Greater Memphis Chamber will host a conversation with Bill Strickland, CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corp. and author of “Making the Impossible, Possible,” Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Peabody, 149 Union Ave. Strickland’s topic is “The Art of Leadership & The Business of Social Change.” Cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Visit memphischamber.com or call 543-3571.

53. Events - Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Playhouse on the Square will present a Great Wine Performances wine tasting and theater contest Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Playhouse, 66 S. Cooper St. Characters from “Les Miserables” will serve 10 French wines and tests attendees’ knowledge of the musical for prizes. Cost is $65 at the door. Visit playhouseonthesquare.org.

54. Events - Monday, August 19, 2013

Playhouse on the Square will present a Great Wine Performances wine tasting and theater contest Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Playhouse, 66 S. Cooper St. Characters from “Les Miserables” will serve 10 French wines and tests attendees’ knowledge of the musical for prizes. Cost is $50 in advance or $65 at the door. Visit playhouseonthesquare.org.

55. Report: Economic Concerns Drive College Choices - Wednesday, July 24, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – College costs are driving decisions about which schools to attend, what to study and even where to live, according to a report from loan giant Sallie Mae.

Parents no longer foot the largest portion of the bill, according to the lender's annual survey. That role goes to grants and scholarships, with student loans coming in third.

56. Deal Emerging on Student Loans, Talks Continue - Friday, July 12, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – An emerging deal to lower interest rates on student loans took shape Thursday, offering Democrats promises that interest rates would not reach 10 percent and giving Republicans a link between borrowing terms and the financial markets.

57. Back to Negotiations After Student Loan Plan Fails - Thursday, July 11, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The defeat of a student loan bill in the Senate on Wednesday clears the way for fresh negotiations to restore lower rates, but lawmakers are racing the clock before millions of students return to campus next month to find borrowing terms twice as high as when school let out.

58. Senate Introduces No Child Left Behind Successor - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The one-sized-fits-all national requirements of No Child Left Behind would give way to standards that states write for themselves under legislation Senate Democrats announced Tuesday.

59. Events - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Rotary Club of Memphis East will meet Wednesday, May 22, at noon at The Racquet Club of Memphis, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Bill West, founder of The West Clinic, will speak. Cost is $17. R.S.V.P. to Lee Hughes at lmhughes@bellsouth.net.

60. Failed Education Bills on Radar for Next Session - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – In the last few years, Tennessee hasn't shied away from contentious education initiatives as it seeks to remain at the forefront of education reform in the nation.

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has even characterized the state's efforts as "courageous leadership."

61. Events - Saturday, April 13, 2013

New Ballet Ensemble will present Springloaded Friday, April 12, through Sunday, April 14, at Playhouse on the Square, 66 S. Cooper St. The annual event fuses ballet, contemporary and urban dance with works by local and guest choreographers. Visit nbespringloaded13.eventbrite.com for times and tickets.

62. Record Crop Insurance Payout Stirs Subsidy Debate - Monday, March 25, 2013

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Farmers will be paid a record $16 billion in crop insurance claims for 2012 because of the widespread drought, a staggering amount that has critics calling for changes to what they say is an inefficient taxpayer subsidy the government cannot afford.

63. Critics of Vanderbilt Policy Seek to Strip Police Power - Thursday, March 7, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Opponents of a Vanderbilt University policy banning discrimination in student groups want to enact a law to strip the private school of its police powers if it doesn't change its ways.

64. Historically Hip - Thursday, September 13, 2012

There will be meandering crowds, hand-made art, funky tunes, political campaigning, locally sourced foods and a fireworks display.

More than 400 vendor booths are slated to celebrate this year’s 25th anniversary of the Cooper Young Festival on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the corner of Cooper Street and Young Avenue.

65. Obama Takes Tougher Stance on Higher Education - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Access to college has been the driving force in federal higher education policy for decades. But the Obama administration is pushing a fundamental agenda shift that aggressively brings a new question into the debate: What are people getting for their money?

66. Tennessee Granted NCLB Waiver - Friday, February 10, 2012

Tennessee made another cut in the changing federal education reform scene: The state is one of 10 granted a waiver from No Child Left Behind standards.

President Obama said the waivers are a “green light to continue making the reforms that are best for them.”

67. Tennessee Granted NCLB Waiver - Thursday, February 9, 2012

Tennessee made another cut in the changing federal education reform scene: The state is one of 10 granted a waiver from No Child Left Behind standards.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has been anticipating the news from Washington for weeks.

68. TVA Begins Year With Board Vacancies - Wednesday, January 4, 2012

CHATTANOOGA – The Tennessee Valley Authority begins the new year with one third of its board seats vacant.

When Congress adjourned on Christmas Eve, three of TVA's most senior and active board members left the agency's 9-member board. President Obama has yet to nominate any successors to fill the three vacancies.

69. Biz Community Still Seeking Stable Ground - Thursday, December 29, 2011

Small business in 2011 was a mixed bag of serious market hurdles and fresh opportunities for innovation, depending on who you ask.

Many small businesses struggled to navigate a lackluster economy in which millions remained jobless and the outlook for consumer confidence and companies’ confidence in hiring and investing remained generally bleak.

70. SCO’s Steele Receives Optometry Recognition - Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Dr. Glen T. Steele, a professor at the Southern College of Optometry, has received the prestigious William Feinbloom Award from the American Academy of Optometry for his work with InfantSEE.

71. Homewood Suites' Duncan Receives Leadership Award - Friday, November 11, 2011

Bill Duncan, global head of Brand Management for Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites by Hilton, has received the Executive Leadership Award at the Corporate Neighbor Awards breakfast held at the Memphis Botanic Gardens.

72. Obama Lets States Opt Out of Federal School Rules - Monday, September 26, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Nearly everyone agrees the fix needs fixing. The No Child Left Behind law that was supposed to improve American education has left schools grumbling at being labeled "failures," state officials fuming and complaints everywhere about required testing.

73. US Gets Chance to Catch Up on Credit Card Security - Monday, September 12, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – The next time you swipe your credit card at check-out, consider this: It's a ritual the rest of the world deems outdated and unsafe.

The United States is the only developed country still hanging on to credit and debit cards with those black magnetic stripes, the kind you swipe through retail terminals. The rest of the industrialized world has switched –or is in the process of switching– to "smart" chip-based cards.

74. AP Exclusive: Evaluations Worry Teachers - Monday, August 22, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee education officials say they're taking steps to address teachers' concerns about a new evaluation system that for the first time will use students' standardized test scores as part of the process.

75. US Education Secy. Says Tenn. Courageous in Reform - Thursday, August 11, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan applauded Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and other state leaders for what he called courage in making education reforms.

Duncan took part in a panel discussion at a Nashville middle school on Wednesday before heading to a roundtable with school administrators from rural counties.

76. The Belle to Reopen at Blues City Brewery - Thursday, August 11, 2011

A landmark in the local banquet facility industry reopens Saturday, Aug. 13, in Hickory Hill.

The Belle, a banquet hall with riverboat décor, is being reopened by Maxx Management LLC at what is becoming Blues City Brewery at 5241 E. Raines Road.

77. Haslam Named Vice Chair of NGA Committee - Wednesday, August 10, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has been named vice chairman of the National Governors Association Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee.

The committee has jurisdiction over issues in the area of education – including early childhood, elementary and secondary education, and higher education – as well as workforce development and labor.

78. Tenn. May Soon Get Requested School Test Waiver - Tuesday, August 9, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee's request for a waiver to use its reformed education standards to measure schools instead of those mandated by No Child Left Behind is falling in line with a plan by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

79. State Asks Feds For NCLB Waiver - Monday, August 1, 2011

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says the state is asking federal education officials to give the state a waiver in meeting federal education standards under the No Child Left Behind program.

Haslam and Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman announced the application for the waiver as they released figures for state public school districts measuring average yearly progress (AYP) under NCLB.

80. State Asks for NCLB Waiver - Friday, July 29, 2011

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says the state is asking federal education officials to give the state a waiver in meeting federal education standards under the No Child Left Behind program.

Haslam and Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman announced the application for the waiver as they released figures for state public school districts measuring average yearly progress (AYP) under NCLB.

81. Seminar To Detail Reform’s Effect on Biz - Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Philip Johnson is partner with Argyle Benefits Consultants LLC, a chartered life underwriter and certified employee benefits specialist, so he more than understands the ins and outs of federal health care reform, including how the legislation will impact large and small businesses, as well as individuals.

82. Preliminary TCAP Data Show Improved Scores - Friday, July 8, 2011

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam on Thursday applauded the state's improved standardized test scores but acknowledged more work has to be done to meet federal regulations.

Preliminary results from the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program showed math scores in third- through eighth-grade improved by 7 percent this year over last year and reading scores improved by 3.7 percent.

83. Seminar to Examine Health Care Reform - Wednesday, June 29, 2011

One of the most contentious and complex issues facing the nation today will be the focus of the latest seminar hosted by The Daily News.

Health care reform will be the topic at hand on Thursday, July 14, at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Ave.

84. Feds Dismissed From Schools Consolidation Suit - Monday, May 30, 2011

Federal Judge Hardy Mays has dismissed the federal government from the schools consolidation lawsuit.

Mays’ court order follows a motion for dismissal by the Shelby County Schools system, which had included the U.S. departments of education and justice as well as Education Secretary Arne Duncan and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in its Feb. 11 lawsuit.

85. Mays to Begin Schools Suit Decision in July - Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Federal Judge Hardy Mays will begin deciding the schools consolidation lawsuit in July. And he will do it without further oral arguments or a trial.

The case had originally been scheduled for trial in September.

86. Obama Trip Highlights Local School Concerns - Wednesday, May 18, 2011

President Barack Obama’s visit to Memphis this week comes at an important time for education reform in Memphis as well as the state.

It also comes as local, state and federal voices in the reform discussion are asking some very specific questions about what standards matter in judging the value of a high school diploma.

87. Schools High on Haslam’s ‘To-Do’ List - Monday, April 11, 2011

The legal documents in the schools consolidation lawsuit include the name of Patrick Smith, the acting state commissioner of education when the lawsuit was filed Feb. 11 by the county school system.

88. Senators Announce Bill for Education Task Force - Friday, March 18, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Michael Bennet of Colorado plan to introduce a bill to establish a national task force to examine regulations and testing governing public schools.

89. Hilton Opening First New Brand in 20 Years - Thursday, February 3, 2011

MEMPHIS (AP) – Hilton is launching its first new hotel brand in 20 years.

With Thursday's scheduled opening of the first Home2 Suites in Fayetteville, N.C., Hilton Worldwide is venturing into a mid-tier extended stay market that remains relatively competitive amid a slowly recovering economy.

90. From Private to Public - Monday, January 31, 2011

Those who run for and hold elected office will tell anyone who listens that running for office and governing are two different points on the same line.

In the gap between them is a middle ground of appointed officials, citizens who serve on boards and commissions, and those involved in a growing number of private institutions tackling the same public policy questions.

91. Hutchison School Receives Major Gift for Leadership Program - Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Hutchison School’s leadership program has been bolstered by a “seven figure gift” announced by the school Monday from alumna and Hutchison trustee Abbie Ware Williams and her husband, Duncan Williams, president and CEO of Duncan-Williams Inc. investment banking firm.

92. Brighter Future - Friday, July 23, 2010

The financial services industry in Memphis is apparently back to thinking about tomorrow, rather than simply making it through today.

Firms are hiring again, deepening their bench strength in key areas, recommitting to a focus on customer relationships – and, in some cases, once more turning a tidy profit.

93. Status Quo Must Go, Education Secretary Says - Monday, June 28, 2010

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has been more than a distant observer of recent education reform efforts in Memphis and in Tennessee.

Duncan, a former leader of the Chicago school district, worked the phones in 2009 when the Tennessee Legislature lifted its cap on charter schools. The higher number of such schools was key to Tennessee winning one of the first two grants of Race to the Top federal funding for education reform.

94. Reform Views Vary Among Local Bankers - Monday, June 14, 2010

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., slammed the debate over financial reform legislation in no uncertain terms during the Tennessee Bankers Association annual meeting last week in Nashville.

“My strategy is to pray,” said Corker, who’s also a member of the congressional negotiating team that will reconcile differences between separate reform bills and merge them together.

95. US Education Secretary to Speak in Memphis - Friday, June 4, 2010

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will speak at the National PTA Convention in Memphis June 11 at 5:30 p.m.

The 114th Annual National PTA Convention will be held June 10-13 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

96. Memphis Integral in Race to the Top Effort - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

When Tennessee made its pitch to federal officials for $500 million, Memphis school board member Tomeka Hart was part of the five-person Tennessee team.

And as the state formulated its proposal for the Race to the Top funding, Teresa Sloyan of the Memphis-based Hyde Foundation worked with Hart and others to put together the “ask.”

97. Race to Top Funding Awarded to Tennessee - Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Tennessee always had an inside track on winning a share of federal Race to the Top funding.

The $500 million application from the state and a similar application from Delaware were chosen in the opening round of the grant program, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

98. Tennessee Selected as a Race to the Top Recipient - Monday, March 29, 2010

The Wall Street Journal reports Tennessee has won a share of federal funding from the Race To The Top education reform program.

The $500 million application from the state and a similar application from the state of Delaware were picked in the opening round of the grant program, according to the report.

99. Gibbons Seeks Local Support in Governor’s Race - Thursday, March 18, 2010

Bill Gibbons told several dozen Young Republicans Tuesday evening that he needs a big turnout in Shelby County to have a chance in the August GOP primary for governor.

100. Congress: Connections With Toyota - Thursday, February 25, 2010

Several lawmakers on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is holding a hearing Wednesday on the Toyota recalls, have Toyota factories and offices in their states or even their districts. A look at some of the automaker's ties: