A spokesman for a national Islamic organization said he appreciates Gov. Phil Bredesen’s comments urging Tennesseans to show religious tolerance toward Islamic beliefs, but he wishes the remarks came before a suspected arson incident at the site of a future Murfreesboro mosque.

NASHVILLE — Gov. Phil Bredesen called on Tennesseans Monday to show religious tolerance in the wake of Saturday’s suspected arson at the site of a future mosque in Murfreesboro.

NASHVILLE — This is the big one, Tennessee Republicans say: the opportunity in fall elections to win the governorship, capture a majority of congressional seats and solidify GOP control of the General Assembly.

In his first general election television ad, Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Haslam boldly seeks to elevate himself into the ranks of Tennessee’s “great leaders” by using the name of Democratic rival Mike McWherter’s own father, former Democratic Gov. Ned McWherter, to help make his point.

NASHVILLE — Two Republican lawmakers want the state Senate Education Committee to look into why the Tennessee Board of Regents changed its standards and named deputy governor and former state comptroller John Morgan, a Democrat who does not have a doctorate, as the higher-education system’s new chancellor.

NASHVILLE — Two Republican lawmakers want the state Senate Education Committee to look into why the Tennessee Board of Regents changed its standards and named deputy governor and former state comptroller John Morgan, a Democrat who does not have a doctorate, as the higher-education system’s new chancellor.

NASHVILLE — Gov. Phil Bredesen said Wednesday it is only fair that Tennessee receive $195.8 million in federal aid to save educators’ jobs, despite the fact that his administration has not cut teacher funding for local school systems.

Knoxville mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam said today he has committed to televised debates with Democratic nominee Mike McWherter.

Gov. Phil Bredesen said today he won’t be happy if Tennessee is not eligible to receive $195.8 million in federal funds to save teaching jobs, money approved as part of a $26 billion package to help financially beleaguered states.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a $26 billion state aid package that includes an estimated $435.8 million in education and Medicaid assistance for Tennessee and $550.3 million in similar help for Georgia.