Governor Bill Haslam wants to completely revamp civil service rules for state workers. As part of his legislative package unveiled Tuesday, Haslam proposed loosening hiring restrictions and allowing performance pay.

Realtors in Nashville cheered when Senator Bob Corker told them the best thing government can do is “stay the heck out” of the housing market. But the applause stopped Tuesday as Corker outlined his plan to get the government out of the mortgage market.

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker says he’s concerned about Iran and its pursuit of a nuclear weapon.

In a brief statement today, Murfreesboro State Senator Bill Ketron did not rule out a congressional challenge of a fellow Republican — a primary fight with freshman representative Scott DesJarlais.

Members of the General Assembly are going down to the wire collecting campaign contributions. Fundraising is forbidden during the annual legislative session, which starts Tuesday at noon. And some lawmakers found out just last week they’ll have to run against an incumbent to keep their own seat.

More Nashville area homes were sold in 2011 than the year before, according to the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, It’s the first time since 2006 that year-to-year numbers have gone up at all, but the rate of growth is less than two percent.

Two state representatives have been cleared of breaking the law but took “questionable actions” in helping their constituents, according to a report issued today.

The new year brings stiffer penalties for drive-by shootings. A new state law makes it a felony to shoot into a house, whether it’s occupied or not.

Listen Now: GOP lawmakers and Governor Haslam lay out their plans for the 2012 session, while many legislators hope for a short session in an election year.

Homeless activists in Nashville are calling for the Metro Homelessness Commission to be disbanded or at least overhauled. The panel was set up in 2005 and originally tasked with ending chronic homelessness in Nashville by 2015.