Top residential real estate sales, December 2019, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

2. Panel picks Kurita to return to Tennessee Senate - Friday, January 11, 2019

NASHVILLE (AP) — A county commission has picked ex-state Sen. Rosalind Kurita of Clarksville to fill the Tennessee Senate opening left by new Republican Congressman Mark Green.

According to the Leaf Chronicle , the Montgomery County Commission selected Kurita out of 12 applicants for the seat Monday. She said she will not run in the special election this spring to decide who will fill the remainder of Green's term through 2020.

3. Organizing committee named for 2019 NFL Draft - Friday, October 19, 2018

The local organizing committee for the 2019 NFL Draft includes 35 Nashville business and community leaders, including country artist Tim McGraw and Eddie George, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, and is led by honorary co-chairs Amy Adams Strunk, Tennessee Titans owner, and Mayor David Briley. Serving as co-chairs are Steve Underwood, CEO and president of the Tennessee Titans, and Dan Mohnke, senior vice president, sales & marketing and operations, Nissan North America.

4. Former state ABC leader joining Adams and Reese - Friday, October 5, 2018

Clayton Byrd, executive director of the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, will leave the ABC to join Adams and Reese as special counsel, beginning Oct. 15. Byrd will head the firm’s Tennessee alcoholic beverage practice and serve as part of the firm’s Tennessee Government Relations team.

5. State Sen. Tate goes a step too far in dance with GOP - Friday, August 10, 2018

Sen. Reginald Tate ran a campaign ad in the waning days of the Democratic primary race bragging about his service to the city of Memphis.

But voters, apparently tired of Tate’s shenanigans, finally decided he was more concerned about serving himself and opted for political newcomer Katrina Robinson instead.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Lots of noise but few results in Legislature - Friday, April 13, 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.

9. 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.

10. Top Middle Tennessee residential sales for January 2018 - Friday, February 16, 2018

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

11. 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.

12. Grab a gun, go see your state representative - Friday, November 10, 2017

When legislative leaders started to allow guns in the Legislative Plaza nearly two years ago, the Sierra Club’s Scott Banbury had his daughter take pictures of him wearing his holstered Ruger and lobbyist ID card to put on lawmakers’ desks with the question: “Is this what you want?”

13. Tracy resigns Senate seat to accept Trump appointment - Friday, November 3, 2017

SHELBYVILLE – State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) today announced he has resigned his 14th District seat and speaker pro tempore of the Senate post effective immediately.

President Donald Trump appointed Tracy to the position of Tennessee State Director for Rural Development late Friday. Tracy has accepted the appointment and under the Tennessee Constitution is required to relinquish his Senate seat.

14. Marchetti to serve as president of NFJE - Friday, September 22, 2017

L. Gino Marchetti, Jr., managing partner at Taylor, Pigue, Marchetti and Blair, PLLC, has been elected to serve as the 2018-2019 president of the National Foundation for Judicial Excellence.

The NFJE was founded in 2004 and provides appellate judges with educational programs and other tools to enhance the rule of law and the administration of justice. In its 13 years, the foundation has hosted nearly 1400 appellate court judges from 44 states at its annual symposium.

15. Black names Ramsey, Fincher co-chairs of Tennessee gov's bid - Friday, August 11, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Diane Black has named two prominent former politicians from either end of Tennessee as co-chairman for her gubernatorial bid.

16. Legislature losing some powerful, familiar members - Friday, July 14, 2017

A shakeup in leadership is looming for the state Legislature, though it may portend more of a change in personalities than party strength.

In the House, longtime Rep. Craig Fitzhugh, the affable Democrat from Ripley in West Tennessee, is preparing for a 2018 gubernatorial run, a move that would knock him out of his House seat, at least temporarily, and the position as Democratic Caucus leader.

17. Former Senate Speaker Ramsey to lobby former colleagues - Friday, June 23, 2017

KINGSPORT (AP) — Former Tennessee Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey is plotting a return to the hallways of the state Capitol complex.

18. McNally joins executive panel of lieutenant governors' group - Friday, June 16, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Senate Speaker Randy McNally has been named to the executive committee of the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association.

19. Gov. Haslam vows to stay on sidelines of race to succeed him - Friday, June 16, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam won't endorse any of the Republicans seeking the nomination to succeed him, but said he has spoken to several potential candidates about the emotionally taxing nature of a running a statewide campaign in Tennessee.

20. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for April 2017 - Friday, May 12, 2017

Top residential real estate sales, April 2017, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

21. IMPROVE Act fight an insight into testy election ahead - Friday, April 28, 2017

In case anyone’s keeping stats, Senate leadership soundly defeated House leadership this session in the gas tax/tax cut battle.

Whether this is a forerunner to a Republican gubernatorial primary remains to be seen as Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris and House Speaker Beth Harwell weigh decisions. It’s not as if they’d be facing off against each other, though, since businessman Bill Lee and former Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd are definitely in the race and not hurting for money.

22. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for March 2017 - Friday, April 14, 2017

Top residential real estate sales, March 2017, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

23. Former Sen. Douglas Henry, longest-serving lawmaker, dies - Friday, March 3, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — Former Sen. Douglas Henry, a larger-than-life former state lawmaker with the longest tenure in the history of the Tennessee General Assembly, has died. He was 90.

His daughter, Kathryn Henry-Choisser, said she and her brothers Douglas and Bob were by his side as Henry died peacefully around 11:50 p.m. Sunday in his West Meade home. Visiting family members have filled the house throughout the past few days, she said.

24. Events - Friday, March 3, 2017

LGBT + College Conference Pre-Event, Cocktails and Conversation. Noted panelists share open dialogue on the capacity of our community to successfully navigate the intersection of diversity with education, commerce, community, government and each other. Thursday, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP, 511 Union Street, 275h floor, Nashville. Cocktails & Networking: 6 p.m., Program: 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Space is limited. Information: [email protected]

25. Some in GOP chafe new building named after Cordell Hull - Friday, February 24, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers are nearing a move into freshly overhauled offices at the state Capitol complex, but some Republicans are chafing at the building being named after Democrat Cordell Hull.

26. Lawmakers OK new board appointments at 6 public universities - Friday, February 10, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — The House and Senate have approved Gov. Bill Haslam's nominations for new boards for six public universities.

The new boards are part of the Republican governor's initiative to spin six four-year public universities out of the Tennessee Board of Regents system. Each board will control budgets, tuition and the selection of university presidents.

27. McNally adds new staff to speaker's office, keeps spokesman - Friday, January 20, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — Newly-elected Tennessee Senate Speaker Randy McNally has announced more staff changes in his office at the state Capitol.

28. Legislators change tune on who can offer broadband - Friday, January 20, 2017

Rural broadband backers such as Misty O’Beirne in Rutherford County can take heart. Legislation to spread high-speed internet into cyberspace deserts is making the right connections.

When Misty and Peter O’Beirne moved to the Christiana community just outside Murfreesboro some five years ago to live with her parents, they didn’t realize their home would be too far from the nearest hook-ups for Comcast and AT&T.

29. Newly elected Tennessee Senate speaker names top staffer - Friday, January 13, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — Newly elected state Senate Speaker Randy McNally announced Friday that he will replace his predecessor's chief of staff with a longtime aide.

30. McNally new Tennessee Senate speaker; Harwell wins in House - Friday, January 6, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) - Randy McNally was elected as the new speaker of the Tennessee Senate on Tuesday, and fellow Republican Beth Harwell unanimously won a fourth term in charge of the House.

The votes came as lawmakers convened the first session of the two-year 110th Tennessee General Assembly.

31. State lawmakers convene 110th Tennessee General Assembly - Friday, January 6, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) - State lawmakers have convened the 110th Tennessee General Assembly.

The legislative session is expected to be dominated by debate over Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's efforts to boost transportation funding, likely through the first gas tax hike since 1989.

32. First major order for Tennessee lawmakers is speaker's vote - Friday, January 6, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — The first major order of business for the members after they're sworn in to 110th Tennessee General Assembly will be the election of the House and Senate speakers.

State Sen. Randy McNally of Oak Ridge is the Republican nominee to succeed Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville, who did not seek re-election.

33. New year, new resolutions for legislators - Friday, December 30, 2016

Some Tennesseans recall the days when the state Legislature met every other year and wonder if it should revert to that schedule. Considering the General Assembly pushes most of its work into three and a-half months, it might be worth a try.

34. Wildfires that killed 14 voted top Tennessee story of 2016 - Friday, December 23, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - The devastation from wildfires that roared out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, torching hundreds of buildings and leaving 14 people dead, has been voted the top Tennessee news story of 2016, according to an annual Associated Press survey of reporters, editors and broadcasters.

35. Democratic leadership remains unchanged in Tennessee Senate - Friday, December 9, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — The leadership positions among Democrats' small state Senate caucus will remain unchanged for the 110th Tennessee General Assembly.

Lee Harris of Memphis was elected to another term as minority leader and Jeff Yarbro of Nashville will remain caucus chairman.

36. Refugee lawsuit proceeds despite political upheaval - Friday, December 2, 2016

Tennessee is going “full speed ahead” in a challenge of the federal Refugee Resettlement Program despite threats by President-elect Donald Trump to dismantle it or, at the least, stop the flow of refugees from terrorist-linked countries.

37. Harwell becoming adept at dodging challengers - Friday, November 25, 2016

Beth Harwell has been called a lot of things over the last few years, “trailblazer” chief among them as Tennessee’s first female House speaker.

Now she’s a “survivor” after eking out a Republican Caucus victory as speaker nominee to continue leading the lower chamber in the 110th General Assembly.

38. Harwell wins GOP nomination for new term as House speaker - Friday, November 18, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — House Speaker Beth Harwell has won the Republican nomination to serve for another two-year term as leader of the lower chamber of the Tennessee General Assembly.

The former professor from Nashville defeated Rep. Jimmy Matlock of Lenoir City in a 40-30 vote on Thursday.

39. Longtime ethics champion McNally poised to become speaker - Friday, November 11, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican state Sen. Randy McNally, a long time champion of ethics and transparency, is poised to become the next speaker of the Tennessee Senate.

40. Broke and broken: State Democrats lose more ground - Friday, November 18, 2016

Tennessee House Democrats will have to start calling themselves the “Fighting 25,” down from the “Fighting 26,” after dropping a district in the battle to regain relevance statewide.

41. Haslam's trustee appointments - Friday, October 28, 2016

Gov. Bill Haslam's appointments to boards of trustees for Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech, Austin Peay, University of Memphis and East Tennessee State:

42. Haslam’s board picks lauded by schools - Friday, October 28, 2016

Tennessee leaders are touting a transition in the state’s higher education system as a “landmark moment” amid the appointment of six boards designed to increase autonomy at universities statewide.

43. Speaker Ramsey, retired Gen. Luck named to university boards - Friday, October 7, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam on Tuesday named state Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey and retired Army Gen. Gary Luck to newly independent university boards.

The new boards are part of the Republican governor's initiative to spin six four-year public universities out of the Tennessee Board of Regents system. Each board will control budgets, tuition and the selection of university presidents.

44. GOP leaders alarmed about removal of Tennessee history - Friday, September 30, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - Republican leaders in the state Legislature are expressing alarm at the number of Tennessee historical events that would be removed from teaching requirements under a proposed overhaul of social studies standards.

45. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for August 2016 - Friday, September 16, 2016

Top residential real estate sales, August 2016, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

46. What would it take for Trump to lose Tennessee voters? - Friday, August 12, 2016

Murfreesboro Realtor Larry Sims almost closes his ears when Donald Trump speaks. “He gets out of bounds. Of course, the press, they love it because they get to exploit his sayings and doings,” says Sims, who traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, as a Trump delegate for the Republican National Convention.

47. Durham loses GOP primary after sexual harassment allegations - Friday, August 5, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — The subject of a scathing attorney general's report on sexual harassment allegations lost his Republican primary for the Tennessee House on Thursday.

Rep. Jeremy Durham had suspended his campaign after the report outlined allegations of improper sexual contact with 22 women but had denied any wrongdoing and did not drop out of the race. Durham was defeated by former Army Col. Sam Whitson.

48. Tennessee votes on US House nominees - Friday, July 29, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee voters go to the polls Thursday to decide the Republican and Democratic nominees for Congress and the state Legislature.

With the GOP holding wide majorities in both the congressional delegation and the Tennessee General Assembly, many of the most spirited primary contests are among Republican candidates.

49. Congressional, legislative races focus of Tennessee primary - Friday, July 29, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - With no statewide positions on the Tennessee primary ballot on Thursday, much of the attention this election season has focused on congressional and state legislative races.

An open congressional seat in western Tennessee attracted a baker's dozen of candidates to enter the fray for the Republican nomination, while U.S. Reps. Scott DesJarlais and Diane Black are trying to fend off primary challenges from GOP candidates who are trying to position themselves to the right of the incumbents.

50. Durham's halted bid not only GOP campaign drawing attention - Friday, July 29, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - The subject of a state attorney general's sexual harassment investigation isn't the only Republican candidate facing uncertain prospects in Tennessee's Aug. 4 primary.

Rep. Jeremy Durham suspended his re-election campaign despite his claims that most of the allegations that the Franklin Republican had improper sexual interactions with 22 women were false or taken out of context.

51. Red state, blue mayors - Friday, July 29, 2016

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, a Democrat in Tennessee’s sea of red, finds herself adapting to the control Republicans hold over the state Legislature.

Even though she supported Davidson County-backed initiatives on construction jobs and affordable housing, Barry wound up offering alternatives after suburban Republicans put up road blocks in the General Assembly.

52. Leaving Durham to voters rewards the disgraced legislator with pension - Friday, July 22, 2016

The Tennessee attorney general’s sexual harassment investigation of Republican Rep. Jeremy Durham dragged halfway through the summer. Now we know why.

They had to interview just about every woman on Capitol Hill as a result of Durham’s alleged sexual “fishing” expeditions.

53. Tenn. Senate speaker on Durham: 'I'd like to smack him in the mouth' - Friday, July 15, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - A state representative accused of sexually harassing at least 22 female interns, lobbyists, staff members and political workers does not represent the current culture of the Legislature, Tennessee Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey declared on Thursday.

54. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for May 2016 - Friday, June 24, 2016

Top residential real estate sales, May 2016, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

55. Legislators seem intent on sweating the small stuff - Friday, May 27, 2016

My late father kept a paper weight on his desk at home that read: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Well, we’re sweating the small stuff – from the federal government down to the states – with this harangue over transgender bathrooms.

56. Dem lawmaker's White House trip rejected by GOP officials - Friday, May 20, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee state senators have been reimbursed for out-of-state travel for meetings from Florida to Alaska, and on topics ranging from school vouchers to the dangers of radical Islam. But GOP leaders say a Democrat's trip to the White House doesn't qualify.

57. Speakers of Tennessee House and Senate expect no more vetoes - Friday, May 13, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — The speakers of the Tennessee House and Senate say they don't expect any more vetoes from fellow Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.

Sen. Ron Ramsey and Rep. Beth Harwell told reporters on Thursday that they hadn't heard any indication from the governor that he might reject any more bills awaiting his consideration after a trip to Asia.

58. Ramsey, key figure in Tennessee GOP boom, takes victory lap - Friday, May 13, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey, a driving force in the Republican boom in Tennessee, is taking a final victory lap before retiring from politics.

The Blountville auctioneer was scheduled to be honored at the state GOP's annual Statesmen's Dinner in Nashville on Friday evening, an event that has grown along with the fortunes of Republicans in Tennessee politics.

59. Legislative losers: All who disagree with legislators - Friday, May 6, 2016

The 109th General Assembly is done – almost – for the year. Here’s a look at the winners and losers.

Winner: State budget

Buoyed by $400 million in surplus revenue from fiscal 2015 and $450 million in projected surpluses for the coming fiscal year, Gov. Bill Haslam spread the wealth in a $34.9 billion budget.

60. Durham, accused of harassment, is all alone with his M&Ms - Friday, April 29, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — Amid the frenzied negotiations, flaring tempers and occasional frivolity marking the end of another Tennessee legislative session, one lawmaker stayed conspicuously alone and quiet.

61. Tennessee AG to appeal recount order on abortion amendment - Friday, April 22, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — The office of Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery announced on Tuesday that it is going to appeal a federal judge's ruling requiring a recount of a 2014 vote that made it easier to restrict abortions in the state.

62. Tennessee lawmakers adjourn without setting veto override session - Friday, April 22, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee lawmakers adjourned the 109th General Assembly on Friday without scheduling a veto override session.

Some House members had worried that Republican Gov. Bill Haslam could reject key legislation after lawmakers have gone home for the year.

63. Tennessee passes resolution to sue feds over refugees - Friday, April 15, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — A resolution that would direct Tennessee to sue the federal government over its refugee resettlement program passed Tuesday in the state Legislature.

The measure was approved in the Senate after lawmakers agreed to a change that would allow a private law firm to file a lawsuit on behalf of Tennessee if the state attorney general refuses to sue. It stipulates that the use of the private firm could not cost taxpayers.

64. House passes resolution directing state to sue over refugees - Friday, April 15, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — A resolution that would order Tennessee to sue the federal government over its refugee resettlement program passed Monday in the state House. Senate counterparts previously approved the resolution and would only have to agree to a change that would allow a private law firm to sue on behalf of the state before the measure becomes law.

65. Business leaders sign letter opposing bathroom law - Friday, April 8, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — The chief executives of Williams-Sonoma, Hilton Worldwide, T-Mobile and dozens of other major corporations have signed a letter asking Tennessee lawmakers to reject a transgender bathroom bill, saying it is discriminatory.

66. Legislators playing expensive game with LGBT issues - Friday, April 15, 2016

The silly season is in full swing on Capitol Hill, but the “bathroom bill” and any jokes surrounding it are no laughing matter anymore. It’s getting downright expensive.

Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery said this week the bill dealing with transgender student use of restrooms could cost the state more than $1.2 billion in federal funds for K-12 and higher education.

67. Tennessee lawmaker exiled over 'continuing risk' to women - Friday, April 8, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee lawmaker is effectively being quarantined from lawmakers, lobbyists and interns after the state's attorney general determined that he could pose a risk to "unsuspecting women" at the state Capitol complex.

68. Tennessee lawmakers lure us in with momentary sanity, and then ... - Friday, April 8, 2016

Just when it appears the Tennessee Senate is made up of sensible people – as evidenced by the killing of de-annexation legislation – the body is changing course with a Bible-thumping measure.

69. State Rep. Durham seeks re-election despite investigation - Friday, April 1, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — A state representative under investigation after allegations he sexually harassed staff members says he will run for re-election.

The Tennessean reports (http://tnne.ws/1TtpoeB) Franklin Republican Jeremy Durham has filed candidacy paperwork with the Williamson County Election Commission.

70. Navy duty leads Lundberg to miss rest of legislative session - Friday, April 1, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — State Rep. Jon Lundberg, a captain in the Navy Reserve, will miss the remainder of the legislative session after being called up for duty at the Pentagon.

The Bristol Republican is vacating his House seat to run for the northeastern Tennessee state Senate seat being vacated by the retirement of Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey this fall.

71. Navy duty leads Lundberg to miss rest of legislative session - Friday, March 25, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - State Rep. Jon Lundberg, a captain in the Navy Reserve, will miss the remainder of the legislative session after being called up for duty at the Pentagon.

The Bristol Republican is vacating his House seat to run for the northeastern Tennessee state Senate seat being vacated by the retirement of Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey this fall.

72. Haslam remains opposed to making Bible official state book - Friday, March 25, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said Wednesday that he remains opposed to a renewed effort to make the Holy Bible the official state book of Tennessee.

Haslam initially voiced opposition to the measure before it was derailed over constitutional concerns in the state Senate last year, and sent back to committee. The bill is now awaiting a new vote in the upper chamber of the Legislature.

73. Bill to allow de-annexation votes killed in Senate committee - Friday, March 25, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - A Tennessee Senate committee has voted to kill a legislative proposal seeking to allow communities to hold elections to reverse annexation by cities.

The State and Local Government Committee voted 5-3 on Wednesday to study the measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Bo Watson of Chattanooga after the Legislature adjourns for the year.

74. Can GOP keep grasp on success Ramsey built? - Friday, April 1, 2016

As much as Tennessee Republicans want to put a happy face on the departure of Senate Speaker and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, holding it together in the wake of his departure will be an awesome task.

Even Ramsey says it will be hard for his successor – most likely longtime Sen. Randy McNally – to maintain the same control over the Republican Caucus and keep factions from fighting over direction and control of the Upper Chamber, where it holds a 28-5 advantage against Democrats.

75. Senate to vote on making Bible official book of Tennessee - Friday, March 25, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — A contentious bill seeking to declare the Holy Bible the official book of Tennessee is headed back for a vote in the full state Senate.

The measure narrowly passed the House last year, but the Senate sent it back to committee amid constitutional concerns raised by the state attorney general.

76. Effort renewed to make Bible official book of Tennessee - Friday, March 25, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - The state Senate sponsor of a proposal to designate the Holy Bible the official book of Tennessee is trying to persuade colleagues to revive the effort.

Republican Sen. Steve Southerland of Morristown tells the Chattanooga Times-Free Press (http://bit.ly/1UxV4AV) that he will renew his push for the measure during Tuesday's meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

77. Randy McNally announces bid for speaker of Tennessee Senate - Friday, March 25, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - Longtime state Sen. Randy McNally plans to run for Senate speaker after this year's elections.

78. Tennessee Senate passes bill to make lawsuit losers pay - Friday, March 25, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — The state Senate passed a bill that would force people who sue state employees or elected officials to pay legal fees if they fail in a lawsuit.

Supporters say the bill would prevent frivolous lawsuits from being filed and save taxpayers money. Opponents argue that it would discourage people from bringing legitimate claims against officials, especially sexual harassment claims.

79. Senate poised to do real damage via de-annexation - Friday, March 25, 2016

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland makes a persuasive argument against de-annexation legislation now being considered by the state Legislature, providing a long list of figures to show it would devastate the Bluff City.

80. Tennessee Republican leaders want McNally to replace Ramsey - Friday, March 18, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — Leading Senate Republicans are discussing plans to make Sen. Randy McNally of Oak Ridge the new lieutenant governor of Tennessee.

McNally, who chairs the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee, would replace Ron Ramsey, who is both the current lieutenant governor and Senate speaker. Ramsey, a Republican from Blountville, announced last week that he would not seek re-election.

81. Resolution ordering refugee lawsuit advances in House - Friday, March 11, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - Legislation that would order the state of Tennessee to sue the federal government over the refugee resettlement program is advancing over concerns by both the governor and refugee rights groups.

82. Bills to freeze tuition at colleges, universities defeated - Friday, March 11, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — Bills that would have frozen tuition rates at Tennessee's public colleges and universities have been defeated.