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A top Metro education official is skeptical, after the state gave permission to three new charter schools to start in Nashville. The Metro school board has its own system for vetting charters, but the state recently gained the power to sometimes approve them as well, to teach students zoned for the weakest schools.

The state sales tax on food is set to drop a little bit next month. On Monday Governor Bill Haslam held a ceremonial signing for the new law, which lowers the current five and a half percent tax on groceries.

A controversial charter-school operator could soon announce whether it will try again for permission to launch in Nashville. Last week the Metro school board rejected an application from Phoenix-based Great Hearts, prompting calls for an appeal, and criticism from the mayor.

Construction of a controversial mosque in Murfreesboro can continue. Earlier this week a judge said county commissioners did not give proper notice before approving the new Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. But a new court order out today says it does not mean work has to stop on the new mosque.

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker says there’s widespread support for closing tax loopholes, as part of a potential deal to rework entitlements like Social Security and Medicare. But Corker jokes the fight over exactly which loopholes lawmakers close will amount to a “permanent employment plan” for lobbyists.

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker is tempering his longstanding call to cut government debt with a warning. Corker worries the U.S. will follow down the path of the European debt crisis.

Governor Bill Haslam says he’s “a little surprised” how many state Republican lawmakers are facing primary challenges this fall. Haslam is getting involved in some reelection campaigns, he says to help those who have helped him.

The director of a Nashville charter school says he’s not looking for a free pass over some weak test results as he vies to add a second middle school. KIPP Academy will appeal, after the Metro school board rejected a proposed new facility in north Nashville.

Governor Bill Haslam says the state could soon make changes to its controversial system for evaluating teachers. An outside review of the evaluation process is due out this week.