Latest Tennessee state government News
Former Tennessee lawmaker Brian Kelsey can stay out of prison while challenging sentencing
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A former Tennessee state senator can stay out of prison as he challenges his 21-month sentence for violating federal campaign finance laws, a federal judge ruled. Brian Kelsey, a Republican, was supposed to report to federal prison in October, but U.S....
Many states are expanding their Medicaid programs to provide dental care to their poorest residents
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — For months, Carlton Clemons endured crippling pain from a rotting wisdom tooth. He couldn’t sleep, barely ate and relied on painkillers to get by. The 67-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, could not afford to see a dentist on the $1,300-a-month his family...
Progressive Councilmember Freddie O'Connell wins Nashville mayor's race
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Freddie O'Connell, a progressive member of Nashville's metro council, has resoundingly won the race to become the next mayor of the Democratic-leaning city, according to unofficial results. Results from the Davidson County Election Commission show O'Connell...
Rep. Gloria Johnson of 'Tennessee Three' officially launches 2024 Senate campaign
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee state Rep. Gloria Johnson, a Democrat who skyrocketed to national fame after surviving a Republican-led expulsion effort for participating in a gun control demonstration, on Tuesday formally announced that she's running for U.S. Senate. Johnson,...
Breaking impasse, Tennessee lawmakers adjourn tumultuous session spurred by school shooting
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers on Tuesday abruptly ended a special session initially touted to improve public safety in the wake of a deadly elementary school shooting, but it quickly unraveled into chaos over the past week as the GOP-dominant Statehouse refused to take up gun...
Protest this way, not that way: In statehouses, varied rules restrict public voices
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Shaking violently between sobs, parent Sarah Shoop Neumann could only manage a whisper as state troopers escorted her out of a Tennessee legislative hearing where she was waiting to testify against a bill that would let teachers carry guns. “I was supposed...
As research grows into how to stop gun violence, one city looks to science for help
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — “That’s where I got shot,” said Rashaad Woods, nodding toward a convenience store in Knoxville’s “gun zone.” There were bullet holes in a church’s walls. Nearby was a shuttered nightclub where some people were killed. “There was a point...
Signs return to Tennessee statehouse grounds after judge blocks new House GOP rule
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A judge ruled to let people bring signs back into the Tennessee House's hearings on Wednesday, followed hours later by more disarray during a committee debate on allowing more guns into schools in a special session in reaction to a deadly Nashville school shooting in...
After school shooting, Tennessee lawmakers not expected to take up gun control in special session
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Deeply divided Tennessee lawmakers returned to the state Capitol Monday, kicking off a special session that many hoped would address the state's relaxed gun laws but instead quickly devolved into bitter fighting over procedural rules and limits on public access into the...
Former Tennessee state senator gets 21-month prison sentence for campaign finance cash scheme
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A former Tennessee state senator on Friday was sentenced to 21 months in prison after he unsuccessfully tried to take back his guilty plea on federal campaign finance charges and initially described the case as a “political witch hunt.” Former Republican...
