2019 Archives for State Government

Gov. Bill Lee’s criminal justice task force says the state needs to reform everything from sentencing guidelines to mental health services. Will the governor follow through?

Community leaders in Tennessee’s four largest counties want less politics and more equity in drawing congressional districts.

Using newly released Census data, a Sycamore Institute study focuses on income, poverty, education and health coverage in Tennessee.

Few in the state's four largest cities favor keeping marijuana completely illegal among adults.

Knoxville abortion rights supporters amplify voices they say are missing from the state’s debate.

Every Monday, we give you a rundown of public meetings and civic events.

A two-day state Senate hearing on a proposed abortion bill turns on viability -- both biological and constitutional.

East Tennessee gun-reform activists want to convert anger and grief at the weekend’s mass shootings into tangible results.

With 1 in 5 voting-age black residents of Tennessee disenfranchised, a national campaign works with local organizations to help ex-felons regain their voting rights.

As a legal challenge holds up a law on marriage officiating, some ask why the state gets to say who’s allowed to administer the vows.

Local musicians and activists band together for a concert to emphasize the urgency of slowing climate change.

Respondents to this month’s statewide survey called for the regulation of electronic scooters in Tennessee cities.

Americans for Prosperity, the dark-money goliath of libertarian conservatism, likes the way Tennessee is headed.

A change in the way scientists measure mass will affect research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

A rally at the federal courthouse seeks to energize abortion rights supporters for battles in Tennessee and beyond.

Energy Secretary Rick Perry announces plans for a cutting-edge supercomputer and a new research facility for Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Knox County legislators were in the thick of the most tumultuous session in years. From school vouchers to sports betting, here’s a look at what passed and what didn’t.

After arm-twisting and deal-making, Gov. Bill Lee’s school voucher bill squeaks through the House and a key Senate committee.

As the school voucher bill nears crucial votes tomorrow, Knoxville Republicans in the House and Senate are on opposite sides.

The state Senate takes its turn at a bill that some groups complain would suppress legal voter registration drives.

Tennessee’s Lamar Alexander has set some ambitious policy goals to reach before he retires from the Senate in 2020.

Gov. Bill Lee has been touting his proposed spending on education, but Knox County officials say his budget would give less than they were expecting.

Knox County survey respondents oppose the governor’s proposals on vouchers and charter schools by a wide margin.

Knoxville’s Bill Dunn shepherds Gov. Bill Lee’s Education Savings Accounts bill over its first legislative hurdle.

The state Supreme Court strengthens protections for journalists reporting on judicial proceedings and public meetings.

The Legislature gears up for Gov. Bill Lee’s proposals to broaden charter authorization and school vouchers.

Bill Lee brings his State of the State roadshow to Knoxville, talking workforce, justice and character education.

A UT healthcare policy expert says expanding Medicaid is needed but wouldn’t be enough on its own to prevent rural hospital closures.

A proposed change in state law would allow alcohol sales at concerts and other non-athletic events in UT Knoxville’s arenas.

A change in state law means overweight trucks are paying less in fines -- with the money coming straight from local coffers.

While the Legislature resists expanding Medicaid, Remote Area Medical treats the area’s uninsured at Chilhowee Park.

Realtors and home builders share their requests and concerns with state lawmakers for this year's legislative session.

The organizers of the 3rd annual Knoxville Women’s March this Saturday say they are building a platform to empower others.

Knox County’s state lawmakers return to Nashville this week with a passel of wish lists from the school board and County Commission.