State Sen. Lee Harris easily beat County Trustee David Lenoir to become the next Shelby County mayor in the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general election, leading a Democratic resurgence in county politics.

2. Harris Elected County Mayor, Bonner as Sheriff - Friday, August 3, 2018

State Sen. Lee Harris easily beat County Trustee David Lenoir to become the next Shelby County mayor in the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general election, leading a Democratic resurgence in county politics.

3. Last Word: TNReady Blinks Again, Gov. Debate Thoughts and Mud Island's Museum - Friday, April 20, 2018

There was a point Thursday morning during the troubled TNReady testing at some Tennessee school districts when there was a “brief” slow down in the online testing, according to the Tennessee Education commissioner’s office. By noon that had been resolved and more than 250,000 completed tests had been submitted since testing began Monday. One can only imagine what some of the thoughts were in the office during the slow down and the gap between how long the slow down seemed and how long it actually was.

4. Three Incumbents Unopposed at August Primary Ballot Deadline - Monday, April 9, 2018

Three incumbent Democratic state House members in the Shelby County delegation to the Tennessee Legislature were effectively re-elected Thursday, April 5, at the noon deadline for candidates in the Aug. 2 state and federal primaries to file their qualifying petitions.

5. Three Incumbents Unopposed at August Primary Ballot Filing Deadline - Friday, April 6, 2018

Three incumbent Democratic state House members in the Shelby County delegation to the Tennessee Legislature were effectively re-elected Thursday, April 5, at the noon deadline for candidates in the Aug. 2 state and federal primaries to file their qualifying petitions.

6. Lawmakers See Conspiracy In UT Board Alterations - Thursday, April 5, 2018

It’s not that hard to light a fire under some state lawmakers, but the University of Tennessee FOCUS Act raised blood pressure considerably in the House of Representatives before barely passing with 51 votes.

7. Caldwell and Miller File for August Ballot - Saturday, January 27, 2018

District 88 state Rep. Larry Miller and Shelby County Schools board member Chris Caldwell have filed for re-election on the August ballot.

8. Caldwell and Miller File for August Ballot - Thursday, January 25, 2018

District 88 state Rep. Larry Miller and Shelby County Schools board member Chris Caldwell have filed for re-election on the August ballot.

9. Last Word: The Snow Split, Amazon Post-Mortem and Intermodal Comeback - Friday, January 19, 2018

A split verdict on Snow Day 4. Some school systems and colleges and universities are out again Friday, others are not and still others are opening later in the day. Shelby County Schools, which is out, says it has 13 extra days built into its schedule for just such an event or events – that is 13 days extra beyond the 180 days the state requires as the bare minimum for a school year.

10. Sawyer, Goff Kick Off Commission Campaigns - Thursday, November 30, 2017

Tami Sawyer and Sam Goff may be seeing each other on the August county general election ballot. But between now and May, they have separate primary races for the District 7 seat on the Shelby County Commission.

11. The Next Four Years - Saturday, November 18, 2017

A week before candidates for the 2018 Shelby County elections could pull qualifying petitions to run, Shelby County Commissioner David Reaves was thinking out loud on Facebook.

“Next four years,” was how it began.

12. Last Word: Fincher in Autumn, Brooks and Mud Island and 115 Years of Chocolate - Wednesday, October 18, 2017

This is a very autumnal part of the political season. Leaves falling and moving toward the end of the calendar year. But before you get too into the year-end holidays, candidates are making their declarations about what they will be running for in the new year. It’s a light touch when it’s done right – just a way of letting you know they will be around once the holiday trappings are put back in the closet on the other side of New Year’s.

13. Last Word: Minority Business Mic Drop, Truckers & Taxes and Confederate Statues - Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Quite the buzz around the minority business discussion on “Behind The Headlines” – notably the progress report from Greater Memphis Chamber board chair Carolyn Hardy about what’s working and, more to the point, what is not working. In Hardy’s view that would be general minority business goals that she said amount to black-owned businesses being left out some three years into the renewed push for minority business growth – in government contracts and private business-to-business contracts.

14. Haslam Signs Bill to Increase Penalties for Targeting Police - Friday, May 5, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has signed a bill into law that will force people to face stiffer penalties for committing a violent offense against a police officer.

15. Questions About Shelby County Schools Voucher Bill Postpone It for the Year - Friday, April 28, 2017

NASHVILLE – Questions about student testing within a proposed pilot voucher bill affecting Shelby County Schools forced the bill’s sponsor to postpone it until next year.

Rep. Harry Brooks, R-Knoxville, sent the bill to the first calendar of the 2018 House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee Wednesday, April 26, telling lawmakers he needs more time to work out details in the legislation. One of those questions dealt with the effective date of the voucher program and the other with an amendment enabling private schools that would accept public students to opt out of state-required testing, the TNReady.

16. Shelby County Schools Voucher Bill Postponed for the Year - Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Questions about student testing within a proposed pilot voucher bill affecting Shelby County Schools forced the bill’s sponsor to postpone it until next year.

Rep. Harry Brooks, R-Knoxville, sent the bill to the first calendar of the 2018 House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee Wednesday, April 26, telling lawmakers he needs more time to work out details in the legislation. One of those questions dealt with the effective date of the voucher program and the other with an amendment enabling private schools that would accept public students to opt out of state-required testing, the TNReady.

17. Memphis, Nashville Mayors Praise Passage of Haslam’s Road Funding Bill - Thursday, April 20, 2017

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland lauded the Tennessee Legislature for passing the IMPROVE Act, including a combination of fuel tax and fee increases designed to improve transportation funding.

18. Immigrant Student Tuition Bill Fails In House Education Committee - Friday, April 14, 2017

Karla Meza dreams of enrolling in the University of Tennessee Law School after growing up in Knoxville and watching college students walk along Cumberland Avenue.

But that dream is on hold after a House Education committee refused Tuesday, April 11, to allow all students, including illegal immigrants, who graduate from Tennessee high schools to pay in-state tuition at state colleges.

19. House Committee Moves Voucher Bill Past Delay With ‘Neutral’ Recommendation - Friday, April 14, 2017

Legislation setting up a pilot voucher program for low-income students in Shelby County emerged Wednesday, April 12, from the House Government Operations Committee after two weeks of delay.

But an amendment enabling private schools who accept public students to opt out of state-required testing could cause it to go back to the starting line.

20. House Committee Moves Voucher Bill With ‘Neutral’ Recommendation - Thursday, April 13, 2017

Legislation setting up a pilot voucher program for low-income students in Shelby County emerged Wednesday, April 12, from the House Government Operations Committee after two weeks of delay.

But an amendment enabling private schools who accept public students to opt out of state-required testing could cause it to go back to the starting line.

21. Immigrant Student Bill Fails in House Education Committee - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Karla Meza dreams of enrolling in the University of Tennessee Law School after growing up in Knoxville and watching college students walk along Cumberland Avenue.

But that dream is on hold after a House Education committee refused Tuesday, April 11, to allow all students, including illegal immigrants, who graduate from Tennessee high schools to pay in-state tuition at state colleges.

22. Civil Rights Activist Owens Calls Out Memphis Lawmaker - Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Memphis civil rights activist Bill Owens, who campaigned for Republican Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential race, is criticizing a state legislator who refused to back his political efforts in a statement on the House floor.

23. U of M Students, Faculty Do Social Work on the Hill - Saturday, April 8, 2017

The University of Memphis Department of Social Work recently participated in the annual Social Work Day on the Hill.

More than 50 students and six faculty members in bachelor’s and master’s programs traveled to Nashville to gain practical experience in speaking to legislators, building interdisciplinary professional relationships, and advocating for policies primarily related to mental health and child welfare.

24. U of M Students, Faculty Do Social Work on the Hill - Friday, April 7, 2017

The University of Memphis Department of Social Work recently participated in the annual Social Work Day on the Hill.

More than 50 students and six faculty members in bachelor’s and master’s programs traveled to Nashville to gain practical experience in speaking to legislators, building interdisciplinary professional relationships, and advocating for policies primarily related to mental health and child welfare.

25. House Committee Postpones School Voucher Bill Again - Friday, April 7, 2017

A House committee amended legislation setting up a pilot voucher program for low-income students in Shelby County, enabling private schools who take students from struggling public schools to opt out of state-required tests.

26. Last Word: A New Chapter, The Kissell Dome and The New Bartlett High School - Friday, March 31, 2017

Booksellers of Laurelwood is set to return in most of the same location with a smaller footprint and new owners. John Vergos of the Rendezvous and a former Memphis City Council member is among the investors bringing back the East Memphis institution that closed in February. No word on whether the new group will keep the name or go with a new name.

27. Shelby County Schools Voucher Bill Advances in House - Thursday, March 23, 2017

NASHVILLE – Despite a packed room of Memphis-area people opposed to vouchers for public school students, a House Education Committee advanced a pilot program targeting low-income children in Shelby County Schools system’s low-performing schools.

28. Shelby County Schools Voucher Bill Advances in House - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

NASHVILLE – Despite a packed room of Memphis-area people opposed to vouchers for public school students, a House Education Committee advanced a pilot program targeting low-income children in Shelby County Schools system’s low-performing schools.

29. Parkinson Rejects Owens’ Politics in Legislature - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

NASHVILLE – Recognition for the Rev. Bill Owens turned into a rebuke on the House floor when a Memphis legislator discovered the activist pastor campaigned for President Donald Trump and urged black voters to leave the Democratic Party.

30. Parkinson Rejects Owens’ Politics After He is Honored - Monday, March 20, 2017

NASHVILLE – Recognition for the Rev. Bill Owens turned into a rebuke on the House floor when a Memphis legislator discovered the activist pastor campaigned for President Donald Trump and urged black voters to leave the Democratic Party.

31. Norris Says Proposed School Voucher Legislation ‘Problematic’ - Friday, March 17, 2017

NASHVILLE – Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris expressed reservations Wednesday, March 15, about legislation allowing tax dollars to be used to send low-income students in struggling public schools to private schools.

32. Last Word: Milhaus Sells, Voucher Debate Gets Heated and Boyd's Fly Around - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Highland Row isn’t fully open yet and it is already up for sale as part of a real estate portfolio. The owner, Milhaus, based in Indianapolis, is a development, construction and property management company that works in mixed use development. And the portfolio being on the market could turn into a recapitalization.

33. Shelby County Educators Spar With DeBerry Over Voucher Bill - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

NASHVILLE – A group of Shelby County teachers and parents disappointed that voucher legislation was put off until next week turned their ire Tuesday, March 14, on Rep. John DeBerry, and he responded in kind.

34. Kelsey’s School Voucher Bill Faces Legislative Showdown - Friday, March 10, 2017

NASHVILLE – A showdown is looming over a pilot voucher program targeting Shelby County Schools after the legislation moved out of Senate and House panels this week with unanimous votes.

35. State Democrats Introduce Bill of Rights, Looking For Every Win They Can Get - Wednesday, March 1, 2017

NASHVILLE – House Democrats introduced a People’s Bill of Rights in the State Capitol Monday, Feb. 27, a comprehensive legislative package to ensure rights of Tennesseans affecting everything from jobs to criminal justice to education.

36. DeBerry, Tate Defend School Voucher Pilot Program - Wednesday, February 8, 2017

NASHVILLE – Two Memphis legislators co-sponsoring a Shelby County pilot voucher bill say the measure is one more attempt to give students more options for education.

Rep. John DeBerry and Sen. Reginald Tate, both Democrats, defended their support of the measure sponsored by Germantown Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey the same day the U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s selection of Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education. DeVos has been under fire from Democrats for her support of charter schools and vouchers and a perceived lack of knowledge about public education.

37. Parkinson: Memphis School Voucher Bill ‘Unfair’ - Monday, February 6, 2017

NASHVILLE – Rep. Antonio Parkinson lashed out Thursday at fellow Shelby County delegation member Sen. Brian Kelsey, calling his pilot voucher bill for Memphis schools “insulting, both personally and professionally.”

38. Parkinson: Memphis School Voucher Bill ‘Unfair’ - Friday, February 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Rep. Antonio Parkinson lashed out Thursday at fellow Shelby County delegation member Sen. Brian Kelsey, calling his pilot voucher bill for Memphis schools “insulting, both personally and professionally.”

39. Malone Takes Reins, Plans Changes At Memphis Branch NAACP - Tuesday, January 24, 2017

The Memphis branch of the NAACP has one full-time employee and is looking for a new executive director in what amounts to a major overhaul of the chapter as it marks its centennial year.

The new president of the Memphis branch of the nation’s oldest civil rights organization told a group of 50 members Sunday, Jan. 22, that she is moving to rebuild and rebrand the chapter.

40. Memphis Democrats Claim Five Leadership Posts - Saturday, December 3, 2016

Memphis Democrats claimed five of the nine leadership positions in the state House Democratic Caucus over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The caucus for the upcoming 2017-2018 legislative session selected Representative Joe Towns as assistant minority leader to returning minority leader Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley.

41. Memphis Democrats Claim Five Leadership Posts - Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Memphis Democrats claimed five of the nine leadership positions in the state House Democratic Caucus over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The caucus for the upcoming 2017-2018 legislative session selected Representative Joe Towns as assistant minority leader to returning minority leader Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley.

42. Last Word: After The Fire, Hard Changes at Fred's and Durham Doesn't Go Quietly - Wednesday, September 14, 2016

The immediate questions have simple answers. It was a short in an air conditioner cord that caused the fire that killed 9 people – three adults and six children – before dawn Monday morning in South Memphis.

43. Kustoff Victory Caps TV, Outsider Heavy Congressional Campaign - Monday, August 8, 2016

Former U.S. Attorney David Kustoff claimed the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 8th Congressional district Thursday, Aug. 4, in a 15-county contest in which the eastern parts of Shelby County played a decisive role.

44. Kustoff Claims 8th GOP Primary, Todd Upset by Lovell, Jenkins Over Newsom - Friday, August 5, 2016

Former U.S. Attorney David Kustoff claimed the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 8th Congressional district Thursday, Aug. 4, in a 15-county contest in which the eastern parts of Shelby County played a decisive role.

45. Last Word: The One Before November, Defining The Outsider and Stock Exchange - Thursday, August 4, 2016

Election Day arrives in Shelby County.

And this election cycle, in the shadow of the November Presidential general election, has turned out to be pretty interesting.

46. The Rest of the August Ballot - Saturday, July 9, 2016

If all goes according to plan on the Aug. 4 election day, Linda Phillips hopes the result is that you don’t see her in any of the reporting on election night.

47. Pat Summitt Latest Exception to Tennessee Flag-Lowering Rule - Monday, July 4, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam's order for flags to be flown at half-staff following the death of former University of Tennessee coach Pat Summitt is the latest exception to state protocols that normally reserve the honor for members of the military.

48. August Ballot Known for What’s Not at the Top - Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Just before the Memorial Day weekend, candidates in the most hotly contested races on the Aug. 4 ballot got the packages they’ve been waiting on – yard signs.

And social media messages were out by Friday afternoon urging supporters to sign up for them.

49. Last Word: The Bible Veto Override Vote, Grizz Nostalgia and Kroger Goes Online - Thursday, April 21, 2016

The Tennessee Legislature hoped to end its 2016 session Wednesday at the end of an eventful day that included a failed attempt to override Gov. Bill Haslam’s veto of the bill that would have made the Bible the official state book.
But into Wednesday evening, the state House was still debating the Hall tax on dividends – specifically further roll backs of it. And the Senate had gone home for the night.
So Thursday looks like a good bet for the adjournment for the year and the formal start of the election season for incumbents.

50. August Primaries Feature Intra-Party Challenges - Monday, April 11, 2016

Two years after a disastrous slate of races for countywide offices, there is a move among younger Democratic partisans in Memphis to shake up the Democrats who represent the city in the Tennessee Legislature.

51. 8th Congressional District Primaries Draw 22 Contenders, 13 Republican - Friday, April 8, 2016

The Republican primary race to fill the 8th District Congressional seat Republican incumbent Stephen Fincher is giving up drew a field of 13 contenders – seven from Shelby County and four from Jackson, Tennessee – at the Thursday, April 7, noon filing deadline for the Aug. 4 ballot.

52. Free Speech Bill Withdrawn After Islamic State Comments - Friday, March 18, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Republican lawmaker on Thursday defended his comments that free speech rights on Tennessee college campuses should apply to everyone – even recruiters for the Islamic State group.

53. Measure Increasing Seat Belt Fines Among New Tennessee Laws - Friday, January 1, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Motorists in Tennessee who don't buckle up could face stiffer fines under one of many new Tennessee laws taking effect Friday.

The tougher seat belt law increases the fine for first-time offenders from $10 to $25 and from $20 to $50 for repeat offenders.

54. School Choice Bills to Highlight Next Legislative Session - Thursday, December 24, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Supporters of school choice say they plan to push for proposals that they argue allow parents to play a stronger role in how their children are educated in the legislative session that begins in January.

55. Five City Council Races Destined for Runoffs - Friday, October 9, 2015

The identity of the Memphis City Council that will take office in January with six new members was still in flux at the end of a very long and frustrating Oct. 8 election night.

The races for four of those six open seats and the seat now held by an appointee to the council are going to a Nov. 19 runoff election – one week before Thanksgiving.

56. Memphis Mayoral Field Set at 10 - Friday, July 24, 2015

Shelby County Election Commissioners have certified the Memphis election ballot for Oct. 8.

These are the names to appear on that ballot for the 15 elected offices.

The commission met hours after the noon Thursday, July 23, deadline for candidates to withdraw from the ballot if they wished.

57. Kelsey, DeBerry Sponsor Profiling Legislation - Saturday, December 13, 2014

The same week that U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder visited Memphis pushing a ban on profiling by federal law enforcement agencies, two Tennessee legislators from Shelby County have filed legislation that would require all law enforcement agencies in the state to put a similar policy in writing.

58. Kelsey, DeBerry Sponsor Profiling Legislation - Friday, December 12, 2014

The same week that U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder visited Memphis pushing a ban on profiling by federal law enforcement agencies, two Tennessee legislators from Shelby County have filed legislation that would require all law enforcement agencies in the state to put a similar policy in writing.

59. Former State Rep. Emmitt Ford Dies - Saturday, November 15, 2014

Former state Rep. Emmitt Ford has died in Memphis at age 70, a relative said Tuesday.

Memphis City Council member Edmund Ford Jr. said his uncle passed away Monday night at Methodist Hospital after battling an illness.

60. Former State Rep. Emmitt Ford Dies - Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Former state Rep. Emmitt Ford has died in Memphis at age 70, a relative said Tuesday.

Memphis City Council member Edmund Ford Jr. said his uncle passed away Monday night at Methodist Hospital after battling an illness.

61. Anti-Meth Law Among Those Taking Effect July 1 - Tuesday, July 1, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – A law limiting the purchase of cold and allergy medicines used to make illegal methamphetamine is among those taking effect Tuesday, as are statutes that require more disclosure from the Tennessee Department of Children's Services and allow use of the electric chair to execute death row inmates.

62. Parent Trigger Legislation Fails This Session - Wednesday, April 16, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – A bill seeking to make it easier for parents to convert struggling public schools into charter schools has failed in a House subcommittee.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis died when it failed to receive a motion in the House Finance Subcommittee on Tuesday.

63. For-Profit Charter Schools Bill Fails in House - Friday, April 4, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to allow charter schools in Tennessee to be operated by for-profit groups failed in its final committee vote Thursday before reaching the House floor for debate.

64. Harris Files Ford Challenge at Deadline - Thursday, April 3, 2014

Memphis City Council member Lee Harris is challenging Democratic state Sen. Ophelia Ford in the August primary for District 29, the Senate seat held by a member of the Ford family since 1975.

65. Bill OKs For-Profit Entities to Manage Charter Schools - Wednesday, April 2, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal that would allow a charter school to be operated by a for-profit entity narrowly advanced out of the House Education Committee.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis was approved 8-7 on Tuesday.

66. Panel Advances Parent Trigger Bill in House - Thursday, March 13, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal that would allow parents to decide the fate of a struggling school is advancing in the House.

The so-called parent trigger legislation sponsored by Democratic Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis was approved on a voice vote in the House Education Subcommittee on Tuesday.

67. Bill OKs For-Profit Entities to Manage Charters - Thursday, March 13, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – Legislation that would permit a charter school to be operated by a for-profit entity is advancing in the House.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis was approved on a voice vote in the House Education Subcommittee on Tuesday. The companion bill was scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.

68. Failed Education Bills to Return in New Session - Saturday, December 28, 2013

Proponents of revamping education laws in Tennessee cite a recent report that ranked the state's students tops in the nation in academic improvement as proof that recent reforms are working and more should be considered.

69. The Year That Was - Saturday, December 28, 2013

2013 brought plenty of unique and out-of-the-ordinary moments, as well as the launch of new events, businesses and civic ventures that collectively made the Memphis experience richer.

Much of it was covered in these pages, including in recent days a U.S. Supreme Court justice eliciting chuckles from and sharing his constitutional philosophy with an audience of Memphis lawyers.

70. Failed Education Bills to Return in New Session - Friday, December 27, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Proponents of revamping education laws in Tennessee cite a recent report that ranked the state's students tops in the nation in academic improvement as proof that recent reforms are working and more should be considered.

71. Akbari Takes District 91 Democratic Primary - Thursday, October 10, 2013

As fewer than 2,000 voters participated in the latest of 11 elections in Shelby County in a three-month span, the independent candidate in the Nov. 21 special general election for state House District 91 filed suit against state election officials in U.S. Federal Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.

72. Akbari Wins Democratic State House Primary - Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Raumesh Akbari, an attorney making her first bid for elected office, won the Democratic primary State House special election Tuesday, Oct. 8 in a low turnout contest featuring seven contenders and an unofficial voter turnout of 5.4 percent.

73. Voters to Decide Nominee for DeBerry’s Seat - Tuesday, October 8, 2013

For the first time in 41 years, Lois DeBerry’s name will not be on a Shelby County ballot for a state House seat.

74. House District 91 Candidates Share Stage - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

For the first time in a shortened campaign season, all seven candidates in the Oct. 8 Democratic primary for state House District 91 shared the same stage.

Early voting in the primary continues through Thursday, Oct. 3.

75. Early Voting Opens in State House Primary - Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Early voting opens Wednesday, Sept. 18, in the Democratic primary special election for State House District 91.

From Wednesday through Sept. 26, early voting is limited to the Shelby County Election Commission office at 157 Poplar Ave.

76. Arlington Early Voting is Saturday - Friday, September 6, 2013

Early voting in Arlington municipal elections is Saturday, Sept. 7, at Arlington United Methodist Church, 6145 Quintard St.

77. 11 File for State House District 91 Special Election - Friday, August 30, 2013

The race for the state House seat held by the late Lois DeBerry since 1973 includes 10 Democrats, one Libertarian and no Republicans or independents, as of the Thursday, Aug. 29, noon filing deadline for candidates.

78. Three-Month Period Sees Spate of County Elections - Friday, August 23, 2013

Some of the early voting periods and election days will overlap in the set of 11 elections – special and regularly scheduled – in Shelby County this year.

Those elections would take place in less than a three-month period.

79. 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."

80. Haslam Proposes Capping Online-School Enrollment - Thursday, January 31, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Some Democratic lawmakers say they support a proposal by Gov. Bill Haslam that would place stricter enrollment requirements on online public schools established in Tennessee.

81. Proposed Education Law Change Would Give State Final Say - Monday, January 28, 2013

A Memphis state representative is proposing a change in the so-called parent trigger education law that would give the state final approval.

A statute updated in 2011 allows parents to force education reforms at their children’s public schools, but it requires a 60 percent parent approval and local school boards must sign off on the efforts.

82. Department of Children’s Services Seeks $8 Million From State - Friday, November 9, 2012

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Children's Services requested more than $8 million on Thursday to hire new staff and make other improvements to the agency that has been highly scrutinized over children's deaths.

83. Deberry Defends Head of Department of Children's Services - Wednesday, October 10, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – A Democratic lawmaker who played a role in the formation of the embattled Tennessee Department of Children's Services says the agency's commissioner shouldn't be blamed for deeply rooted problems that she inherited.

84. County Sees 21.6 Pct. Voter Turnout - Monday, August 6, 2012

Slightly less than 127,000 Shelby County residents – or 21.6 percent of 584,443 registered voters – cast ballots in the Aug. 2 elections.

The turnout in early voting and election day combined was a higher percentage than the 15 percent turnout four years ago in the same election cycle, but it was well below the 44-year high of 39.4 percent set in the August 1992 elections.

85. Muni Schools Questions Pass, Cohen Wins Big - Friday, August 3, 2012

Voters in each of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County approved establishing municipal school districts in the unofficial results of the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general and state and federal primary elections.

86. Muni Schools, Cohen, Weirich, Johnson, Stanton, Kyle Take Early Vote - Friday, August 3, 2012

Voters in each of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County were overwhelmingly approving the establishment of municipal school districts and a half cent sales tax hike to fund them in the first vote totals released Thursday, Aug. 2 by the Shelby County Election Commission.

87. Democrats Hoping to Win Some Seats in Primary - Tuesday, July 31, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee Democrats are looking at Thursday's primary as a critical step in the rebuilding urged by an internal analysis last year.

Since 2006, Democrats have lost 19 seats in the House and three seats in the Senate, placing them firmly in the minority of the two chambers. Another nine Democratic incumbents announced earlier this year they weren't running again.

88. Numerous Issues Drive Early Voting - Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Republicans have the suburban ballot questions on municipal school districts. Democrats have outrage over the voter photo ID state law.

Together the two factors could have more to do with voter turnout in the Aug. 2 elections than any of the candidates on the ballot.

89. Tenn. House Passes 'Gateway Sexual Activity' Ban - Monday, April 30, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The House has passed a bill to allow parents to sue teachers or outside groups for promoting or condoning "gateway sexual activity" by students.

The chamber voted 68-23 in favor of the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Jim Gotto of Nashville on Friday.

90. New District Lines Lead to New Races - Monday, April 9, 2012

“This time I waited to be sure,” Ian Randolph said just before the Thursday, April 5, deadline for candidates to file in the Aug. 2 elections.

91. Cohen-Hart in Congressional Race at Filing Deadline - Friday, April 6, 2012

The chairman of the countywide school board, Billy Orgel, was effectively elected to his District 7 school board seat without opposition at the Thursday, April 5, filing deadline for candidates on the Aug. 2 primary and general election ballot in Shelby County.

92. Deadline Looms for Complex Aug. Elections - Thursday, March 29, 2012

The August elections were already going to be more complex than usual. There are the changes from this year’s drawing of new district lines for the Tennessee Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.

93. Tenn.'s 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Advances in House - Friday, February 17, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal that seeks to ban Tennessee public schools from teaching about gay issues advanced in the House on Wednesday despite opponents who say the measure could be harmful to gays.

94. Harwell Stops Payment for Some Legislator Travel - Tuesday, July 26, 2011

NASHVILLE – House Speaker Beth Harwell, who donates her own legislative expense payments to charity, has moved to curtail the expense money other state representatives collect for out-of-state traveling.

95. Tenn. Anti-Abortion Measure Headed for 2014 Ballot - Monday, May 23, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposed constitutional amendment to allow the state to impose stricter limits on abortions will go before voters in 2014 after the House gave final approval to the measure on a 76-18 vote Friday.

96. House Votes to Set Later Start Date for Schools - Wednesday, May 18, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – The House has passed a bill to require that the school year could no longer start before the fourth Monday in August, but not before lawmakers adopted changes to exempt dozens of counties.

97. State Bill to Protect Critique of Scientific Theories - Thursday, March 31, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal that protects teachers in Tennessee from being disciplined for allowing students to critique scientific theories – such as evolution – is headed for a full House vote.

98. Complete Shelby Delegation Preps for Expanded Leadership - Wednesday, January 26, 2011

When the Tennessee Legislature returns on Feb. 7 from its three-week recess, the 22-member Shelby County legislative delegation will be at full strength.

The newest member, District 98 Democrat Antonio Parkinson, won appointment by the Shelby County Commission to the seat he claimed in this month’s special Democratic primary election.

99. Fitzhugh Elected to Lead House Democrats - Thursday, December 16, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – House Democrats have made a change in leadership after losing 14 seats in November's elections.

The caucus on Wednesday elected House Finance Chairman Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley as minority leader. He defeated Rep. Gary Odom of Nashville, who had served as Democratic leader the previous two legislative sessions.

100. Tenn. Democrats Prepare for Election of New Leaders - Tuesday, December 14, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee House Democrats, still recovering from the drubbing they got in the November election, are trying to begin rebuilding by choosing new leadership that could include the state's first African-American as minority leader.