Andy Sher is a Nashville-based staff writer covering Tennessee state government and politics for the Times Free Press. A Washington correspondent from 1999-2005 for the Times Free Press, Andy previously headed up state Capitol coverage for The Chattanooga Times, worked as a state Capitol reporter for The Nashville Banner and was a contributor to The Tennessee Journal, among other publications. Andy worked for 17 years at The Chattanooga Times covering police, health care, county government, politics and general assignment beats. He was won public service, investigative, deadline and project awards from the Tennessee Press Association, Common Cause of Tennessee, the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists and Remove Intoxicated Drivers. Andy grew up in Chattanooga. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Andy is a past chairman of the Tennessee Capitol Hill Press Corps and served as an acting director of the Regional Reporters Association while in Washington. Contact Andy at 615-255-0550 or asher@timesfreepress.com
During the U.S. Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, senators have at times ignored decorum guidelines by talking among themselves, snacking, wandering and possibly dozing during marathon sessions.
by Andy SherCalling it a "monumental step forward," Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday announced plans to push a comprehensive abortion-restriction proposal he believes "puts Tennessee at the forefront of protecting life."
by Andy SherRepublican U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty hauled in more than $1.5 million for his effort during the last three months of 2019, according to his campaign.
by Andy SherRepublican state attorneys general from Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama joined 18 GOP colleagues from across the country in a Wednesday letter slamming U.S. House Democrats' impeachment articles of President Donald Trump, charging it is a "legally flawed" partisan effort that creates a "dangerous historical precedent."
by Andy SherWith Tennessee government rolling in the dough with general budget surpluses now pegged at $750 million, two Hamilton County legislators have competing ideas on how to return some of the money to the public.
by Andy SherHamilton County's Water & Wastewater Treatment Authority is getting a $10.67 million low-interest loan from the state to fix infrastructure problems at WWTA's East Ridge Rehabilitation Basin, Gov. Bill Lee and state Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers announced Tuesday.
by Andy SherA Tennessee lawmaker who earlier this week passed a controversial measure that lets faith-based agencies reject LGBT couples wishing to adopt or provide foster care to children has yet a second bill roiling advocacy groups.
by Andy SherIt's a major part of the city's past, but could there be a choo choo in Chattanooga's future?
by Andy SherThe Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced today it is endorsing Tennessee U.S. Senate candidate James Mackler in his 2020 bid.
by Andy SherAs the Hamilton County Commission and Mayor Jim Coppinger debated the mayor's impending decision on whether to allow refugees to continue to resettle in the county, a federal judge on Wednesday blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump, which granted the authority to state and local governments to halt resettlement.
by Andy Sher and Sarah Grace TaylorRepublican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander says he's open to seeking additional information and having witnesses testify if he thinks it's necessary during the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.
by Andy SherTennessee lawmakers kicked off their annual session Tuesday on a controversial note, with senators giving final approval to a bill that allows faith-based adoption agencies to reject placing children with same-sex couples.
by Andy SherAfter spending a record-breaking $841,000 last year on receptions and events for Tennessee lawmakers, state business, advocacy and nonprofit groups are ready for Tuesday's start of the General Assembly's 2020 session.
by Andy SherTennessee Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Bell said he expects Senate and House Republicans to agree on a new abortion-restriction bill and pass it into law this year.
by Andy SherOne hundred and thirty two members of the General Assembly will sweep into Tennessee's Capitol at high noon Tuesday like a force of nature to convene their annual legislative session.
by Andy SherThe survey of 625 registered voters, conducted Dec. 19-23 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, shows Republican President Donald Trump holding a 51%-44%, or seven-point, advantage over former Vice President Joe Biden, who is his closest opponent.
by Andy SherGeorgia voters' first impressions are decidedly mixed about what they think of Republican Gov. Brian Kemp's appointment of businesswoman and political novice Kelly Loeffler to the U.S. Senate, according to a new poll.
by Andy SherTennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday passionately defended his decision to accept refugees into the state as he spoke before a group of GOP stalwarts and activists, some of whom openly questioned the move.
by Andy SherTennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday announced a first-of-its-kind paid family and medical leave policy offering up to 12 weeks off for Tennessee state executive branch workers facing major events.
by Andy SherChattanooga on Wednesday will become the first stop under a Tennessee campaign finance watchdog's new policy calling for some of its meetings to be held outside the state capital in Nashville.
by Andy Sher