Gov. Bill Haslam on Monday vetoed a bill that would require images documenting animal abuse be turned over to law enforcement within 48 hours, saying his main concern is its constitutionality.

State Attorney General Bob Cooper last week said in a legal opinion that the measure would be “constitutionally suspect” because it could violate Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination and for placing burdens on news collection.

2. Tennessee Receives Portion of Drug Quality Claim - Friday, May 17, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee will receive a portion of a $500 million settlement with generic drug manufacturer Ranbaxy.

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper announced Thursday that Tennessee will receive more than $5.5 million. The settlement resolved claims that Ranbaxy sold inferior drugs and made false statements about how they were made.

3. Haslam Vetoes ‘Ag Gag’ Bill - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Gov. Bill Haslam on Monday vetoed a bill that would require images documenting animal abuse be turned over to law enforcement within 48 hours, saying his main concern is its constitutionality.

State Attorney General Bob Cooper last week said in a legal opinion that the measure would be “constitutionally suspect” because it could violate Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination and for placing burdens on news collection.

4. Settlement With Nonprofits Could Bring $40 Million - Monday, April 29, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A long-standing legal dispute between two publicly traded healthcare companies and the receiver for two Tennessee non-profit corporations could ultimately result in $40 million going to charities in the Volunteer State.

5. Steady Groove - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

This year’s Record Store Day, an international celebration held the third Saturday in April, brought casual music fans along with diehards and vinyl evangelists into music shops around the country, including Goner Records and Shangri-La Records in Memphis.

6. Senate Votes to Block Access to Gun Carry Records - Thursday, April 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Before last year's elections, the Senate Republican Caucus obtained a copy of the entire database of handgun carry permit holders in Tennessee. On Wednesday, the GOP-controlled chamber voted to block public access to those records.

7. Shakin’ Up Beale - Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The newest addition to Beale Street is a Memphis music legend. Jerry Lee Lewis, the last living member of the Sun Records’ “Million Dollar Quartet,” is lending his name and personal items to a nightspot at 310 Beale St.

8. Constitutional Concerns Raised Over Vanderbilt Police Bill - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The state's attorney general has raised constitutional concerns over an effort to strip Vanderbilt University of its police force because of a nondiscrimination policy for student groups.

9. Tennessee to Benefit From Google Settlement - Thursday, March 14, 2013

Tennessee will get an estimated $133,528 as part of an agreement reached with Google and 36 other states to revamp the online search giant’s privacy practices.

That’s according to Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper. The agreement stems from privacy complaints regarding Google’s collection of data from unsecured wireless networks nationwide while taking photographs for its Street View service between 2008 and March 2010.

10. Tennessee Homeowners Get Loan Relief - Monday, February 25, 2013

Thousands of Tennessee homeowners have received more than $161 million in loan relief as part of a landmark multistate settlement with five U.S. banks over foreclosure abuses.

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper’s office said on Friday that the relief went to about 4,000 homeowners in the state between March 1 and Dec. 31. The announcement came after a report was released last week by an office monitoring the settlement.

11. Events - Friday, February 22, 2013

The Gavel Club of Memphis will meet Friday, Feb. 22, at 11:30 a.m. in the Holiday Inn University of Memphis Medallion Room, 3700 Central Ave. Ron Reid, senior agency manager of Memphis Public Library LINC, will speak. Lunch is Dutch treat. Call Bob Gray at 494-8639.

12. Events - Thursday, February 21, 2013

Poplar Pike Playhouse will present “The Wiz” Thursday, Feb. 21, through March 9 at the theater, 7653 Old Poplar Pike. Visit ppp.org for times and tickets.

13. Filling the Voids - Saturday, February 02, 2013

Last year was a banner year for adaptive reuse projects in Midtown and Downtown.

Developers announced plans for the Sears Crosstown building, Overton Square, Hotel Chisca, James Lee House and old United Warehouse in the South Main Historic Arts District. Construction began on The Pyramid, turning it into a 220,000-square-foot mega-Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World, and Memphis in May moved into its new headquarters at 56 S. Front St., a 14,600-square-foot building that’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

14. Loeb: City Should Increase Investment in Urban Core - Thursday, January 31, 2013

The relevance of Overton Square is that it’s one of many initiatives the city has in place to make Memphis a better place and a city of choice for the millennial generation.

Seventy-seven percent of those born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s want to live in the urban core and to drive less.

15. Mortgage Settlement Deadline is Friday - Friday, January 18, 2013

The deadline to file a claim under the national mortgage settlement is Friday, Jan. 18.

Approximately 37,000 Tennessee borrowers who lost their homes to foreclosure between Jan. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2011, may be eligible to receive a payment under the settlement.

16. Local Politicians Split on Fiscal Cliff Bill - Wednesday, January 02, 2013

There was only one vote for the American Taxpayer Relief bill Tuesday, Jan. 1, among the nine Tennesseans who represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, said he wasn’t happy with all of the agreement but voted for it because of the tax cuts it maintained.

17. MemShop Latest Boon for Overton Square - Wednesday, December 05, 2012

A year ago, Loeb Properties Inc. was granted the green light from Memphis City Council for the funds necessary to construct a parking lot and detention pond west of Cooper Street – the last component in the more than $30 million public/private partnership to revitalize the once thriving Overton Square district.

18. Obama Carries Shelby, Cohen Over Flinn and Two Tax Hikes Defeated - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

President Barack Obama carried Shelby County in unofficial Nov. 6 election returns as his Republican challenger Mitt Romney took the state’s 11 electoral votes.

Voter turnout in the most popular election cycle among Shelby County voters was 61.9 percent, about the same percentage as four years ago. But the 371,256 voters is fewer than 2008 when more than 400,000 Shelby County voters cast ballots. The percentage is about the same because there are fewer registered voters in Shelby County than there were four years ago after a purge by election officials.

19. Shelby Early Vote Shows Cohen Winning - Two Tax Questions Losing - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Early vote totals from Shelby County were released just before 10 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6, after the vote count was delayed in part by long lines of voters waiting to vote at the 7 p.m. closing of polls.

20. Foreclosure Help Notices Being Mailed in Tennessee - Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Notices are going out in the mail to an estimated 37,000 Tennessee borrowers who may be eligible for payment under a $25 billion national mortgage foreclosure settlement.

Eligible borrowers will be receiving claim forms in the mail this month and Attorney General Bob Cooper of Tennessee urged residents to complete the forms and return them by the Jan. 18 deadline.

21. Grassroots Effort - Thursday, October 04, 2012

Approaching the second anniversary of “New Face for an Old Broad” and the Historic Broad Avenue Business Association’s painting of its own bike lanes, the Binghampton district has seen activity increase exponentially on several fronts.

22. Tennessee Starting to Benefit From Foreclosure Settlement - Friday, August 31, 2012

Tennessee homeowners have received more than $36 million in relief from March 1 through June 30 as part of a nationwide settlement reached with the country’s five big mortgage servicers.

That’s according to the office of Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper. The relief is in the form of loan modifications, refinances and facilitated short sales.

23. Kelsey, McManus Seek Opinion On South Cordova - Thursday, August 16, 2012

Two state legislators from Shelby County have requested a legal opinion from Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper on the recent annexation of South Cordova by the city of Memphis.

24. State Creates Mortgage Hotline to Help Homeowners - Friday, August 10, 2012

The Tennessee attorney general and Tennessee Housing Development Agency have created a mortgage hotline for struggling homeowners.

The development comes after attorneys general across the country reached an agreement with the nation’s top five mortgage services that will provide an estimated $140 million in relief to Tennesseans.

25. Another Round - Monday, July 09, 2012

The revitalization of Overton Square can perhaps be best summed up with a famous quote often attributed to Mark Twain: “History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme.”

The history of the Midtown entertainment district dates back to late 1970, when T.G.I. Friday’s opened its first franchised location on Madison Avenue near Cooper Street following the passage of a referendum vote allowing liquor by the drink citywide a year prior.

26. Tenn. to Receive $13M in Glaxo Settlement - Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper says the state will receive more than $13 million as part of a settlement agreement with GlaxoSmithKline PLC over illegal marketing and drug pricing allegations.

27. Tying it All Together - Monday, June 25, 2012

Two of the city’s high-profile architecture firms are behind the design enhancement of one of Memphis’ most cherished spots – Overton Square.

LRK Inc. is the architect of record for both Loeb Properties Inc.’s $20 million revitalization of the Midtown theater district and also for the city’s parking garage at Monroe Avenue and Florence Street.

28. Loeb Makes Progress on Square Plan - Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The blue banner that hung until recently at the curved building at Cooper Street and Madison Avenue and read “Returning in 2012” will soon ring true for Overton Square and its developer, Loeb Properties Inc.

29. Horse Slaughter Bill Stalls in Legislature - Thursday, April 12, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The sponsor of a state Senate proposal that seeks to encourage the commercial slaughter of horses in Tennessee withdrew the measure Wednesday, but said he likely will revive it if a similar bill makes progress in the House.

30. Conspiracy Theory - Thursday, April 12, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tennessee joined 14 other states along with the U.S. Justice Department in suing Apple Inc. and major book publishers Wednesday, alleging a conspiracy to raise the price of electronic books they said cost consumers more than $100 million in the past two years by adding $2 to $5 to the price of each e-book.

31. All Eyes Look to Nashville in Schools Debate - Monday, March 26, 2012

As Tennessee legislative committees in Nashville prepare to shut down for the year, there are still a few to meet this week.

And one of them on Wednesday, March 28, could be the next curve in the schools reformation saga.

32. School Board Rejects Building Transfer Rules - Friday, March 23, 2012

Countywide school board members rejected Thursday, March 22, an agreement with county government on the possible transfer of school buildings to municipal school districts that would check possible legislation in Nashville on the same general subject.

33. Muni School District Votes on Hold - Friday, March 23, 2012

At week’s end, the move to municipal school districts had slowed for a possible pit stop in Shelby County Chancery Court.

And efforts in the Tennessee Legislature to check a possible legal challenge of the state law that allows the suburban school districts specifically in Shelby County encountered some vocal non-Memphis resistance in the House Education Subcommittee.

34. Election Commission Says No To Municipal Schools Referenda - Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Shelby County Election Commission says requests to put referenda on the ballot May 10 to create municipal school districts are “procedurally defective.”

The unanimous voice vote by the commission Wednesday, March 21, sets the stage for a possible legal challenge of the decision by suburban leaders in Chancery Court.

35. AG's Opinion Familiar Front In Schools Discussion - Thursday, March 22, 2012

The schools consolidation saga is moving into déjà vu territory with a new legal opinion from the Tennessee attorney general on a schools ballot question and legislation affecting the process moving in Nashville.

36. Tenn. Lawmakers Join Opposition to Obama Health Care Bill - Tuesday, February 14, 2012

A group of Tennessee lawmakers are joining their counterparts from around the country in registering with the U.S. Supreme Court their opposition to President Barack Obama’s signature domestic legislation, the health care reform bill.

37. Foreclosure Deal Nets State $146M - Friday, February 10, 2012

The state of Tennessee is participating in a $25 billion settlement announced Thursday, Feb. 9, between 49 states – all but Oklahoma – over foreclosure abuses from some of the nation’s biggest lenders.

38. Foreclosure Deal Nets $146M for Tennessee - Thursday, February 09, 2012

The state of Tennessee is participating in a $25 billion settlement announced Thursday, Feb. 9, between 49 states – all but Oklahoma – over foreclosure abuses from some of the nation’s biggest lenders.

39. Loeb Tells Rotary About Overton Square Plans - Thursday, January 12, 2012

Among the first of Bob Loeb’s comments when he addressed the Memphis Rotary Club Tuesday, Jan. 10, was that when his firm finishes the redevelopment of Overton Square, the hope is to pass the Rotarian Four-Way Test.

40. Airport Authority to Benefit From GE Entity Settlement - Thursday, December 29, 2011

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority is among the Tennessee entities that stand to benefit from a recent settlement with a GE-affiliated entity.

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper and 26 other state attorneys general have reached a $34.25 million agreement with GE Funding Capital Market Services Inc. as part of an investigation into alleged anticompetitive and fraudulent conduct in the municipal bond derivatives industry.

41. Beyond Square One - Monday, December 26, 2011

Memphis City Council’s approval for spending $16 million to improve Midtown’s Overton Square marked a milestone for neighborhood supporters, grassroots leaders and financial stakeholders – especially Loeb Properties Inc.

42. Green Light - Thursday, December 22, 2011

It may have been a murky day in Memphis, but neighborhood stakeholders didn’t let the afternoon rain dampen their support of the Overton Square redevelopment project during the Memphis City Council’s final meeting of the year.

43. Council Passes $16M Overton Square Funding - Wednesday, December 21, 2011

It may have been a murky day in Memphis, but neighborhood stakeholders didn’t let the afternoon rain dampen their support of the Overton Square redevelopment project during the Memphis City Council’s final meeting of the year.

44. Overton Square Votes Dominate Meeting - Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Memphis City Council votes Tuesday, Dec. 20, on the redevelopment of Overton Square. At its last meeting of the year, the council will vote on a planned development for the south side of Madison Avenue at Cooper Street to be redeveloped by Loeb Properties Inc. The development includes a parking garage.

45. Tenn. AG Joins Campaign About Texting and Driving - Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper has joined a group of state attorneys general, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Ad Council for a campaign to stop teenagers from texting while driving.

46. Loeb Unveils Ambitious Plan For Renewed Overton Square - Friday, October 14, 2011

Loeb Properties Inc. hopes to capitalize on Midtown’s recent successes with a $31 million revitalization plan for Overton Square.

47. Loeb Properties Reveals Theater Arts District for Overton Square - Thursday, October 13, 2011

Loeb Properties Inc. is hoping to capitalize on Midtown’s recent successes with a $31 million revitalization plan for Overton Square.

48. Loeb Hosts Meeting about Overton Square Plans - Thursday, October 06, 2011

Loeb Properties Inc. will hold a meeting Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. at Playhouse on the Square, 66 S. Cooper St., presenting the latest plans for the redevelopment of Overton Square.

49. Tenn. AG Weighs In on Amazon Tax - Thursday, October 06, 2011

An association of brick-and-mortar retailers says a legal opinion from state Attorney General Bob Cooper should cancel a sales tax exemption for online merchant Amazon.com.

50. Haslam to Appoint Schools Consolidation Commission - Thursday, September 01, 2011

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said during a Memphis visit Wednesday, Aug. 31, that he should appoint his choice to a schools consolidation transition committee this week, possibly as early as Thursday.

51. Second Day of Schools Mediation Ends Early - Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The second day of mediation in the schools consolidation case ended early and still with no comment from any of the parties on whether the attempts to settle the last part of the lawsuit are making progress or have made progress.

52. Mediation Effort Continues in Schools Consolidation Case - Monday, August 22, 2011

All sides in the schools consolidation case were in Memphis federal court again Monday, Aug. 22, as an attempt continued to mediate the second set of decisions to be made in the case.

On hand for the Monday sessions was Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper.

53. Events - Friday, July 15, 2011

The Rotary Club of Memphis Central will meet Friday, July 15, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. Frank Gianotti, vice president of Tetra Tech, will speak about the planning and construction of the Memphis Greenline. Cost is $20 for nonmembers. For reservations, call Karen Shea at 683-9099.

54. To Bike or Not to Bike - Monday, June 06, 2011

Reid Hedgepeth had heard vaguely about plans for the Shelby Farms Greenline when it began to take shape two years ago. But the City Council member didn’t quite know what to expect when the greenline began taking shape behind his home in High Point Terrace.

55. Sponsor Delays Immigration Bill to Address Cost - Wednesday, May 11, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – The House sponsor of legislation that would allow law enforcement agents in Tennessee to question suspects about their immigration status says he's trying to make the proposal financially feasible.

56. Madison Bike Lane Debate Heats Up - Tuesday, April 26, 2011

More than 60 business owners along the Midtown leg of Madison Avenue are coalescing around the idea of something other than a dedicated bicycle lane in both directions on the street.

Their idea is that bicycles and motorized traffic should continue sharing the curb lane in both directions with no new lane markings. That would keep two lanes of motorized traffic both ways.

57. Events - Friday, April 22, 2011

The Small Business Chamber Breakfast Club will meet Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Office Suites Plus, 6000 Poplar Ave., suite 250. Cost is free to members and first-time guests and $10 for returning guests. For more information, call Melody Douglas at 261-5400.

58. Events - Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a general membership luncheon Thursday at 11:15 a.m. at the Germantown Country Club, 1780 Kimbrough Road. Andrew Clarksenior of News Radio 600 WREC will speak. For reservations, call 755-1200.

59. Bill to Require Photo ID From Voters Passes House - Friday, April 15, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal that would require Tennessee voters to show photo identification before they can cast ballots passed the House on Thursday despite a legal opinion from the state's attorney general that the Republican-led effort would violate the Tennessee and U.S. constitutions.

60. New Solicitor General Named in Tennessee - Monday, April 11, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Bill Young has been named the new solicitor general for Tennessee.

Attorney General Bob Cooper said in a news release on Thursday that Young's background in both the private and government sectors makes him an exceptional fit for the job. Young previously worked in the attorney general's office for eight years and most recently served as the senior vice president and general counsel of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.

61. Overton Square Developer Eyes Grocery Store for Site - Thursday, March 03, 2011

A premium grocery store is in the works for Overton Square with plans to preserve the entertainment district’s character and bring it back to life, Loeb Properties Inc. revealed this week.

62. Overton Square Developer Eyes Grocery Store - Wednesday, March 02, 2011

A premium grocery store is in the works for Overton Square with plans to preserve the entertainment district’s character and bring it back to life, Loeb Properties Inc. revealed this week.

Before a standing room only crowd Tuesday at the office of Memphis Heritage Inc., 2282 Madison Ave., Loeb president Bob Loeb unveiled the site plan for a 53,000-square-foot grocery store, more than double the size of Schnucks’ Midtown location.

63. Broad Possibilities - Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Back when Broad Avenue was the terminus of the Interstate-40/Sam Cooper Boulevard corridor, car traffic was a big problem.

64. Lighting the Fuse - Monday, February 21, 2011

Memphis voters have 22 words to weigh as they decide what is to become of Shelby County’s two public school systems.
“Shall the administration of the Memphis City School System, a special school district, be transferred to the Shelby County Board of Education?”
The words seem inadequate to cover what a “yes” or a “no” vote means after a state law and other factors changed the terms of a vote already scheduled for March 8.
Voters for schools consolidation may be against special schools district status but for letting some of the six suburban towns and cities try to go with their own municipal school system.
Voters may be against school consolidation and against special school district status if it includes taxing authority for the county school board, albeit with tax approval required by the Tennessee Legislature.
Some voters may see it as a way of ending reforms driven by MCS superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash. Others may see it as a way of ending Shelby County Schools board chairman David Pickler’s dominance of that school system.
School consolidation advocates are still urging citizens to vote “yes” and school consolidation opponents are still urging citizens to vote “no.”
“The lay of the land has changed, so will people consider the lay of the land or what? That statement stands. It’s on the ballot and everyone knows what it’s designed to do,” said Memphis City Council chairman Myron Lowery. “This occurred after the question was put on the ballot. If someone wants to make that stretch, they’re jumping over a lot of hurdles. This was not in place when this was put on the ballot.”
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr., along with Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, sought a transition period even as political positions began to harden. He doesn’t see what’s in the law as a transition period.
“The way it’s structured, there’s every incentive not to reach an agreement. It looks to me like it falls off the face of the earth,” Wharton said. “There was nothing in there that states where do you go if at the end of this (the planning process) there is nothing resolved.”
State Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, disagrees.
“The state has a compelling interest in assuring that the administration of schools is properly discharged,” Norris wrote in an op-ed piece for The Memphis News last week. “To do otherwise defies common sense and common decency.”
Pickler said if voters approve the question, he will quickly move to assemble a team to work on the transition. It’s a transition that Pickler has always emphasized will be controlled by the county school system. That is one point on which the attorneys seem to agree.
“Clearly we understand that this issue is not about educational outcomes,” he said during a WKNO forum last week. “We still do not believe that creating a mega district … doesn’t do anything to improve education.”
MCS board member Tomeka Hart, at the same forum, countered “We do here as an economic issue,” a reference to the University of Memphis study showing special schools district status could cost MCS half of the county property tax base it relies on for funding. “It’s time to rewrite all of this,” Hart concluded.
Here is the timeline – to date – of the ongoing schools showdown:

65. Metro Consolidation Case Stays Alive - Friday, February 18, 2011

The Shelby County Election Commission can certify the results of the Nov. 2 referendum on the metro consolidation charter.

But U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Anderson also ruled Thursday that he will not dismiss the federal court case that challenges the requirement that the charter had to win approval in two referenda – one in the city of Memphis and the other in Shelby County outside Memphis.

66. Events - Friday, January 28, 2011

The Memphis Gavel Club will meet Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. For more information, call Bob Gray 494-8639.

67. Events - Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s School will present a performance by Leon Redbone Thursday at 7 p.m. at Buckman, 60 Perkins Road Extended. Tickets are $35 for adults and $31.50 for students and seniors. For more information or tickets, call 537-1483 or visit www.buckmanartscenter.com.

68. AG Opinion Says Memphis-Only Vote On MCS Charter Surrender - Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Another day, another in a series of legal opinions that continue to better define the terms of the standoff between Shelby County’s two public school systems.

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper has issued a legal opinion that confirms only Memphis voters would vote in a referendum on a Memphis City Schools (MCS) system charter surrender.

69. Cohen Forecasts "Difficult" Year In Congress - Monday, January 03, 2011

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen said earmarks have turned into “phonemarks” in the new Congressional reality. And that new reality will be “difficult” for the city.

70. Events - Tuesday, December 07, 2010

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., suite 502. Participants will become familiar with basic concepts in program evaluation. Cost is $99 for members, $150 for nonmembers and $89 for those in the Program for Nonprofit Excellence. For more information, call 684-6605 or visit www.npexcellence.org.

71. Events - Monday, December 06, 2010

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., suite 502. Participants will become familiar with basic concepts in program evaluation. Cost is for $99 for members, $150 for nonmembers and $89 for those in the Program for Nonprofit Excellence. For more information, call 684-6605 or visit www.npexcellence.org.

72. Events - Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Center City Commission Board of Directors will meet Thursday at noon at 114 N. Main St. For more information, call 575-0540.

73. Early Vote Turnout Tops 100K, Charter Annexation Clause in Doubt - Monday, November 01, 2010

Shelby County early voting turnout topped 100,000 in advance of the Nov. 2 election day.

And as those voters and others to come decide the fate of the metro consolidation charter proposal, the Tennessee Attorney General’s office has issued a legal opinion that would change annexation provisions in the charter.

74. Early Vote Turnout Tops 100K, Charter Annexation Clause in Doubt - Friday, October 29, 2010

Shelby County early voting turnout topped 100,000 in advance of the Nov. 2 election day.

And as those voters and others to come decide the fate of the metro consolidation charter proposal, the Tennessee Attorney General’s office has issued a legal opinion that would change annexation provisions in the charter.

75. Events - Thursday, October 21, 2010

Saint Francis Hospital Center for Surgical Weight Loss will host a free information seminar on bariatric surgery Thursday at noon at the hospital, 5959 Park Ave. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call 765-1849.

76. Consolidation Referendum Plaintiffs Seek To Delay Nov. 2 Vote Count - Friday, October 15, 2010

The plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit seeking to change the way votes are counted in the Nov. consolidation referendum want a delay in the certification of the referendum results and the preservation of the election information until U.S. District Judge Thomas Anderson rules on the case.

77. Metro Charter Case Moves to Federal Court - Monday, October 11, 2010

The move to federal court less than a week before early voting begins on a consolidation charter isn’t a surprise to the most vocal proponents and opponents of consolidation.

It’s been a possibility since before the charter was drafted.

78. Federal Lawsuit Seeks One Count Of Consolidation Votes - Friday, October 08, 2010

Eight Shelby County voters have filed suit in Memphis federal court against Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper, the Shelby County Election Commission and Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett to throw out the requirement that a consolidation charter must pass in two separate votes on the Nov. 2 ballot.

79. Taking Care of Business - Monday, August 30, 2010

A diverse mix of Memphis businesses is defying the odds and finding success spanning multiple family generations. Grant & Co., Champion Awards, Jim’s Place East, Barden Stone and Broadway Pizza are among the Memphis institutions thriving under second- and third-generation ownership and management.

80. Events - Friday, August 27, 2010

The Ronald McDonald House of Memphis will hold the Buddy Up Fore Kids Golf Tournament Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Links of Cottonwoods in Tunica. All proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House. Cost is $125 per player and $500 per group. For more information, contact Buddy Ritchey at 409-3787 or britchey@johngreen.com.

81. Events - Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Center City Commission Board of Directors will meet Thursday at noon in the CCC conference room, 114 N. Main St.

82. $1 Million to be Paid to Soldiers in Lending Suit - Friday, May 21, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper says North Carolina-based financial companies accused of predatory lending practices against Fort Campbell soldiers will have to pay them more than $1 million.

83. AG: Tenn. Voter Bill Would Violate Federal Law - Friday, May 21, 2010

Tennessee’s attorney general says legislation that requires proof of citizenship before registering to vote would violate a federal law meant to get more people to vote.

The opinion released Wednesday by Attorney General Bob Cooper says the proposal would break the so-called Motor Voter Act, a 17-year-old law that requires states to let people register to vote at state agencies and by mail, according to The Tennessean.

84. McWherter Steps up Governor’s Race Efforts - Friday, May 07, 2010

The race for Tennessee governor moves into full view locally now that the county primaries have been decided.

Mike McWherter, the only major candidate for governor among the Democrats, has campaigned differently in Shelby County.

85. Attorney General Opinion Backs Media Restrictions - Wednesday, May 05, 2010

KNOXVILLE (AP) – The University of Tennessee and other public universities have a right to put restrictions and conditions on media coverage of athletic events, according to an opinion by state Attorney General Bob Cooper.

86. Sponsor of 'Health Freedom Act' Disputes AG Cost - Thursday, April 29, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) — The sponsor of a proposal to allow Tennesseans to opt out of a new federal health care law said Wednesday that there shouldn't be a cost for legal action by the state's attorney general.

87. Bill Would Give Governor Control on Outside Lawyer - Thursday, April 22, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) - The Tennessee governor could decide to hire an outside attorney without the consent of the attorney general under a bill advancing in the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey, a gubernatorial candidate and a vocal critic of the new federal health care law, was unanimously approved by the State and Local Government Committee on Wednesday.

88. AG: 'Jesus is Lord' Plate Likely Unconstitutional - Tuesday, April 20, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The state's attorney general says a proposal to create a specialty license plate in Tennessee that says "Jesus is Lord" is probably unconstitutional.

The bill would require fees collected from the sale of the plates be used to further the mission of a nonprofit, nonreligious organization, such as the Children's Advocacy Center.

89. Frist: Legal Fight Over Health Care Won’t Succeed - Monday, April 19, 2010

Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says an effort to challenge the constitutionality of the new federal health care law is not likely to succeed.

Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen has defended Attorney General Bob Cooper’s legal opinion that the Legislature can’t force him to file lawsuits over the law.

90. Tenn. House to Vote on 'Health Freedom Act' - Wednesday, April 14, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) - A bill seeking to allow Tennesseans to opt out of a new federal health care law is headed for a full House vote.

The House Commerce Committee voted 19-11 to advance the measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Bell of Riceville.

91. Senate Votes to Urge AG to Join Health Lawsuit - Wednesday, April 14, 2010

NASHVILLE (AP) - The state Senate has voted 21-7 to pass a resolution urging the Tennessee attorney general to join states challenging the constitutionality of the federal health care overhaul.

92. Debate Sparks Over Tenn.’s Role In Health Reform - Monday, April 12, 2010

Tennessee’s attorney general doesn’t think it’s possible. Gov. Phil Bredesen is against it.

But last week, Lt. Gov. and Republican candidate for governor Ron Ramsey claimed the political spotlight on the issue of whether Tennessee should challenge the national health care reform act.

93. Ramsey: Tenn. Could Hire Lawyer if AG Won't Sue - Thursday, April 08, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Senate speaker and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron Ramsey says he would consider hiring an independent counsel if state Attorney General Bob Cooper refuses to file a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of a federal health overhaul.

94. AG Questions Constitutionality of 'Health Freedom' - Wednesday, April 07, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - State Attorney General Bob Cooper is questioning the constitutionality of a bill to allow Tennesseans to opt out of the new federal health care law.

95. Health Freedom Act Moves on to House Committee - Thursday, April 01, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Scores cheered as Tennessee legislation that would require the state attorney general to mount a legal challenge to the massive federal health care overhaul progressed in the House on Wednesday.

96. Tenn. AG Sues Company Over Ads Targeting Hispanics - Friday, February 26, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against a business alleging -isleading advertising for driver's licenses and other services targeting Hispanic immigrants.

97. Immigration Court Overburdened, Cases Stalled - Thursday, February 25, 2010

Memphis’ immigration court has such a heavy caseload that immigrants requesting hearings now are being scheduled to appear in 2011.

The Tennessean reports the court – which handles most immigration matters in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and the northern half of Mississippi – had only two judges to handle about 3,500 cases in 2008, the most recent year for which data are available.

98. Tenn. Senate Votes to Reject Health Care Mandate - Thursday, February 18, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Senate on Wednesday passed a bill to require the state attorney general to mount a legal challenge to any federal law to require participation in a health care system.

99. EPA, State Sue City Over Waste Water Discharge - Tuesday, February 09, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Tennessee are taking the city of Memphis to federal court.

The plaintiffs filed a nearly 20-page federal lawsuit against the city Friday alleging a series of major environmental violations.

100. EPA, State Sue City Over Waste Water Discharge - Monday, February 08, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Tennessee are taking the city of Memphis to federal court.

They filed a nearly 20-page federal lawsuit against the city Friday alleging a series of major environmental violations.