The trial is heating up in the case of McElroy v. Knox County Commission [1]. Here's a roundup of the latest after the jump.

From the Knoxville News Sentinel

Lines drawn for jurors [2]: A recounting of Moore's testimony re. the swearing in of Bolus as a tie-breaking vote and Moore's conversations with John Valiant during that process. Moore's interesting responses might lead one to wonder if these guys are testifying under oath. Also, the defense accuses McElroy of pursuing the lawsuit to sell papers. More details here [3].

No sanctions for Lumpy [4]: Lumpy gets a pass for not providing his phone records. But Fansler advises jury that "they could infer from his refusal that he had something to hide in the case." Also, Moncier argues that the County opened the door for testimony about Josh Jordan's past.

Mark Harmon star witness for the plaintiffs [5]: County Commissioner Mark Harmon was in the unusual position of being cross examined by his own lawyer. He testified that the appointments were decided before the Jan. 31 meeting, and about the various power factions on commission. On cross examination, Stackhouse (the lawyer representing County Commissioners including Harmon for the defense) accused him of trying to increase his political power by being the "lone dissenter." A great photo of Harmon appeared on the front page of yesterday's paper, with the headline "Harmon accused of political agenda." What's amusing to me is that one of the few with any credibility or integrity in this deal is characterized as being a lone ranger. What does that make the rest of them? Oh, wait. Don't answer that.

Local TV News Coverage

WATE: Special "Focus on Knox County [6]" section, with articles and video

WBIR: Special "Knox County Files [7]" section, with reports and video.

Blog Coverage

• Russ McBee [8], aka "Rex McGee" (click headlines)

• David Oatney [9]

• Rich Hailey [10]

• Gene Patterson [11]