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The Republican Party’s State Executive Committee took a deep breath today and gave itself 10 days before taking any action against Representative Kent Williams. Williams, a second-term Republican, became Speaker of the Tennessee House after teaming with all 49 Democrats to win the leadership spot, outflanking his own party.

The Tennessee House of Representatives got its first Republican speaker since 1969 –

but it’s not the man Republicans wanted in the postion.

Republicans in the state legislature backed away from a financial innovator today and instead picked a tax lawyer from Shelby Co. to be their nominee for state treasurer.

City planners last night kicked off the first of several community meetings to help design the proposed new Nashville convention center.

Early voting for the state primary elections began July 18 and continues through August 2nd.

With just three weeks to go, Governor Phil Bredesen says the voluntary buyout of state employees has failed to attract enough volunteers.

Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey says last week’s conviction of former state Senator John Ford justifies the investigation he carried out on Ford three years ago.

Former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, in Nashville to receive an award, says he sees a crisis in funding mental health services for children.

State officials made a last ditch effort todayto wash their hands of the building named after World War One hero Sergeant Alvin York. The subcommittee of the State Building Commission offered to give the structure to the foundation managed by York’s descendants.

Advocates for saving the historic York Institute building in Jamestown say they expect a state panel will be asked to demolish the facility at a meeting this afternoon. World War I hero Sergeant Alvin York raised money for and helped build the structure, which was condemned earlier this year.