Jerome Melson News Today

The Knoxville Diocese wanted to keep private documents gathered as it prepares for trial.

A former diocese organist filed suit in February 2022. Some laity and priests are unhappy with Stika's staunch defense of a seminarian accused of rape.

Members of the judiciary gathered Wednesday for a swearing-in ceremony.

Next month's ballot is extensive, featuring races for sheriff, Knox County Commission, Knox County Board of Education and judicial contests, among others.

The county primary is May 3. Early voting starts April 13.

Governor picks Ayers for Woodall seat Photo: Jill Ayers campaign Gov. Bill Lee has picked Circuit Court Judge Jill Ayers of the 19th Judicial District to fill a vacancy on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. Ayers, based in Clarksville, must be confirmed by the Tennessee General Assembly for the seat left open by the retirement of Judge Thomas Woodall. She was appointed to her circuit court seat by Gov. Bill Haslam in 2015 and won a six-year term on the bench, running as a Republi...

Gov. Lee appoints four to bench, names new chief public defender in districts across Tennessee Mariah Timms, Nashville Tennessean © Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle Judge Jill Bartee Ayers speaks at the start of session before the jury delivers their verdict at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday announced the appointments of five Tennesseans to open judicial positions across the state.  “I am proud t...