Two races on the Nov. 6 ballot within the Shelby County legislative delegation to Nashville getting some attention as our Nashville correspondent Sam Stockard takes a look at “gun sense” ratings from the group Moms Demand Action, which has called for stricter gun laws.

2. Gun Sense Ratings for Republicans Raise Questions for Challengers - Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Two Republican Shelby County legislators seeking re-election received “gun sense candidate” ratings this year from the weapons safety group Moms Demand Action while also netting good marks from the National Rifle Association, a distinction their Democratic opponents are questioning.

3. Gun Sense Ratings for Republicans Raise Questions for Challengers - Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Gun Sense Ratings for Republicans Raise Questions for Challengers

Tennessee Legislature

By Sam Stockard

Special to The Daily News

Two Republican Shelby County legislators seeking re-election received “gun sense candidate” ratings this year from the weapons safety group Moms Demand Action while also netting good marks from the National Rifle Association, a distinction their Democratic opponents are questioning.

4. Gun Sense Ratings for Republicans Raise Questions for Challengers - Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Two Republican Shelby County legislators seeking re-election received “gun sense candidate” ratings this year from the weapons safety group Moms Demand Action while also netting good marks from the National Rifle Association, a distinction their Democratic opponents are questioning.

5. Haslam Sees Difference in Need for Testing, How Tests Are Administered - Thursday, August 23, 2018

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says there is a distinction to be made in the current debate about student achievement testing in Tennessee and problems with the testing.

“We need to distinguish between the test itself … and the implementation,” Haslam said Wednesday, Aug. 22, during a visit to the Georgian Hills Achievement Elementary School in Frayser. “Obviously, the technology hasn’t worked and we are committed to getting that right. … It would be such a mistake for the state to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

6. Last Word: Day Two in Federal Court, Cohen on Manafort and Saturation Concerns - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings on the witness stand Tuesday in Memphis Federal Court for day two of the trial on police surveillance of protesters.

And Rallings testified that he had only a “vague” knowledge of the 1978 federal consent decree banning such surveillance prior to the lawsuit filed in 2017 by protesters put on the City Hall security list. As a supervisor at the police training academy, Rallings also testified that the rules set by the decree to prevent political surveillance of protesters were not taught to police officers to his knowledge.

7. Harris Claims County Mayor, Democrats Sweep Other Countywide Offices - Monday, August 6, 2018

State Sen. Lee Harris easily beat County Trustee David Lenoir to become the next Shelby County mayor in the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general election, leading a Democratic resurgence in county politics.

8. Harris Elected County Mayor, Bonner as Sheriff - Friday, August 3, 2018

State Sen. Lee Harris easily beat County Trustee David Lenoir to become the next Shelby County mayor in the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general election, leading a Democratic resurgence in county politics.

9. Heat Wave - Saturday, July 14, 2018

After what was a banner year in many ways for Memphis commercial real estate in 2017, projections for this year were bullish. But at the halfway point of 2018, have expectations in the area risen with the temperatures or have they begun to dry out under the sweltering summer heat? 

10. Strickland Moves to De-Annex Southwind, Rocky Point - Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland says his administration is set to begin the process of de-annexing the Southwind/Windyke area and the Rocky Point area, both in eastern Memphis.

11. Strickland Moves to De-Annex Southwind/Windyke, Rocky Point - Monday, July 9, 2018

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland says his administration is set to begin the process of de-annexing the Southwind/Windyke area and the Rocky Point area, both in eastern Memphis.

12. Taking Flight - Saturday, June 30, 2018

In the past 20 years, there has been little to no new multifamily housing growth in Memphis outside of Downtown and Midtown. 

So around this time last year, the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County, at the behest of both mayors, introduced a tax incentive designed to encourage a new wave of multifamily development with the hopes of growing Memphis’ stagnant population. 

13. Last Word: The Bus to Shelby Farms, Sports Gaming In Tunica and Tom Lee's Story - Tuesday, May 15, 2018

It hasn’t been this hot in 30 years … to the day. The high Monday of 93 degrees eclipsed the old record for the day of 91 degree in 1988. I’m not much of a thermometer watcher. But this did get my attention because I was imagining all of the big hair emergencies 30 years ago. Guys going to their closets to break out the Miami Vice pastel t-shirts and linen blazers. And of course California Raisins hysteria. And I do find it not entirely coincidental that we break a record from 1988 as there is talk of a remake of the movie “Willow.” We could break another record for all of this Tuesday and we’ll see what my mind does with the year of the old record if that’s the case.

14. East Meets West as 2 Legislators Run Out of Time - Thursday, May 3, 2018

It wasn’t quite a constitutional crisis, but when Reps. Micah Van Huss and Joe Towns start teaming up, something is amiss.

15. Bill Prohibiting Sterilization Incentives Passes State House - Wednesday, April 18, 2018

A proposal by State Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, and state Rep. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, to prohibit Tennessee judges from offering defendants reduced jail time in exchange for sterilization passed the state House of Representatives by a vote of 70-23 Tuesday, April 17. The legislation now awaits the signature of Gov. Bill Haslam.

16. Don't Like Medical Marijuana Bill? Just Wait for Next Version - Monday, April 2, 2018

Legislation decriminalizing medical marijuana in Tennessee could return to its original form, setting up a state commission to oversee use of the drug to treat debilitating illnesses. Any such move also could bring lobbyists back into the fold after they dropped support of the bill when its sponsor, Rep. Jeremy Faison, abruptly changed the bill and left onlookers flabbergasted.

17. Bill Removing Sterilization From Sentencing Advances - Saturday, March 10, 2018

A proposal by state Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, and Rep. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, to prohibit Tennessee judges from offering defendants reduced jail time in exchange for sterilization passed the Senate on Thursday, March 1.

18. Digest - Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Memphis Grizzlies Suffer 15th Consecutive Loss

The Grizzlies lost their 15th straight game, 119-110 at Chicago, on Wednesday, March 7.

The team has not won since defeating the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on Jan. 29.

19. Bill Removing Sterilization From Any Sentencing Advances - Monday, March 5, 2018

A proposal by state Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, and Rep. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, to prohibit Tennessee judges from offering defendants reduced jail time in exchange for sterilization passed the Senate by a vote of 22-4 on Thursday, March 1.

20. Tennessee Senate Passes Constitutional Tax Measure - Saturday, February 24, 2018

A proposal by State Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) to amend the Tennessee Constitution to ban the Hall Income Tax passed the Senate by a vote of 26-3 on Thursday, Feb. 22.

21. Tennessee Senate Passes Constitutional Tax Measure - Friday, February 23, 2018

A proposal by State Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) to amend the Tennessee Constitution to ban the Hall Income Tax passed the Senate by a vote of 26-3 on Thursday, Feb. 22.

22. Bill Banning Sterilization In Sentencing Moves On - Saturday, February 17, 2018

A proposal by State Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) and State Rep. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) to prohibit Tennessee judges from offering defendants reduced jail time in exchange for sterilization passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

23. Bill Prohibiting Sterilization In Sentencing Moves Ahead - Friday, February 16, 2018

A proposal by State Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) and State Rep. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) to prohibit Tennessee judges from offering defendants reduced jail time in exchange for sterilization passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

24. State Democrats Targeting Domestic Abuse With Bills - Thursday, February 15, 2018

Tennessee House Democrats are sponsoring legislation designed to bolster support for domestic violence victims amid a dismissive attitude toward abuse by President Donald Trump.

“We’re all familiar with the situation with Rob Porter and his former spouses showing pictures and reports about domestic violence, and the White House response has not been one that condemns the abuser but instead says we have to be careful with how we ruin someone’s reputation,” said state Rep. Raumesh Akbari during a Tuesday, Feb. 13, press conference. “So I think that shows a complete disregard for taking the complaints and the legitimate concerns of these abused women seriously.”

25. State Senate Committee OKs Repeal of Hall Tax - Saturday, February 10, 2018

A proposal by state Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown to amend the Tennessee Constitution to ban the Hall income tax passed the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee Tuesday, Feb. 6, by a vote of 9-2.

26. Bill Could Expand Residential PILOT - Thursday, February 8, 2018

In an effort to encourage residential infill and density beyond the confines of Downtown and Midtown, new legislation is making its way through the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives that would allow Shelby County to offer tax incentives to multifamily and hotel developers outside of the central business district.

27. Last Word: MLGW Rate Hike, The May Ballot So Far and Old Dominick's Taxes - Wednesday, February 7, 2018

The Tobacco Corner, a Poplar Corridor landmark, is closing in April. There was once a set of Tobacco Corners that look like the one at Poplar and Mendenhall and they included “newsrooms” – places to buy magazines, sometimes adult, and newspapers -- after buying tobacco. In almost 50 years, none of those product lines are what they once were. And the legacy of a homegrown business is disapperaring, too. 

28. Bill Introduced to Expand EDGE’s Residential PILOT Boundaries - Wednesday, February 7, 2018

In an effort to encourage residential infill and density beyond the confines of Downtown and Midtown, new legislation is making its way through the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives that would allow Shelby County to offer tax incentives to multifamily and hotel developers outside of the central business district.

29. State Senate Committee OKs Repeal of Hall Tax - Wednesday, February 7, 2018

A proposal by state Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown to amend the Tennessee Constitution to ban the Hall income tax passed the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee Tuesday, Feb. 6, by a vote of 9-2.

30. Last Word: Snow Week, Liberal Arts and Their Critics and Tunica Casinos - Thursday, January 18, 2018

Snow Day 3 as this becomes a snow week for many of us. Granted one of those days was a federal holiday in which the temperature was above freezing and the sun was out. During the second consecutive snow day Wednesday for Shelby County Schools students, Candous Brown, a teacher at Raleigh Egypt High School held class anyway via Facebook.

31. Tennessee Lawmaker Moves to Drop School Voucher Push - Thursday, January 18, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee lawmaker has taken steps to follow through on a promise not to pursue school voucher legislation this year.

On Wednesday, Republican Rep. Harry Brooks of Knoxville withdrew his bill from consideration for now.

32. Last Word: Tax Reform Pay Raises, Minority Business Kinks and Elvis at 83 - Monday, January 8, 2018

A busy but ultimately slow weekend on the Confederate monuments front as a total of fewer than 100 opponents of the removal of the city’s two most visible monuments actively protested Saturday either on the interstate loop or in the “protest area” by Health Sciences Park.

33. Last Word: Saturday In The Parks, The Citizen and Kroger Backlash - Friday, January 5, 2018

No protest or march permits applied for at City Hall as of Thursday morning in anticipation of a Saturday Confederate monuments protest, according to city chief legal officer Bruce McMullen at Thursday’s taping of “Behind The Headlines.” Our discussion included lots about the city’s move toward taking down the monuments Dec. 20 and what could happen next. Also, McMullen tells us there were some other nonprofits that talked with the city about Health Sciences and Memphis Parks before Memphis Greenspace. The show airs Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on WKNO TV.

34. Candidates in August State and Federal Primaries Start Pulling Petitions Friday - Thursday, January 4, 2018

Contenders for the May Shelby County primaries are still coming out of the political woodwork. And starting Friday, Jan. 5, candidates in the August state and federal primaries can begin pulling qualifying petitions for the second of three elections in 2018.

35. Democrats Look to Cooperate on Key Issues - Thursday, December 28, 2017

With the state’s budget projected to be tight and lawmakers lining up to run for re-election in 2018, the coming legislative session isn’t expected to yield many surprises.

But the 110th General Assembly still has a long row to hoe as the session starts Jan. 9 with new legislative offices and committee rooms in the renovated Cordell Hull Building in downtown Nashville.

36. Panel Finds Juvenile Court Standards Lacking - Thursday, December 28, 2017

There is a lack of guidance from the state to juvenile courts across the state and a lack of consistency among those courts in how they deal with juveniles, according to a 25-page report issued this month by a joint ad hoc Tennessee Blue Ribbon Task Force of the Tennessee Legislature.

37. Last Word: Moving the Mountaintop, Brooks Idea and No Voucher Bill in 2018 - Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The Mountaintop is moving – the circa 1977 sculpture that for many years was the only public memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -- other than the pre-National Civil Rights Museum at what was then the Lorraine Motel. It’s had a few locations over the last 40 years and it's been in the Memphis elements constantly.

38. Kelsey Backs Away From Voucher Legislation - Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The push to allow some Tennesseans to use private-school vouchers has hit a roadblock that could stall voucher legislation for a fourth year.

Sen. Brian Kelsey said Monday, Dec. 18, that he won’t ask a Senate committee to take up his bill — which would pilot a program in Memphis — when the legislature reconvenes its two-year session in January.

39. Legislators Not Shy in Pushing ‘Model’ Bills - Thursday, December 14, 2017

The group that brought Tennessee the voter photo ID law could be on the brink of spawning another kink on the voting process, one that cross-checks jury service with voter rolls.

At the behest of the American Civil Rights Union, legislators across the nation who belong to the American Legislative Exchange Council could be sponsoring bills in the next couple of years requiring local election commissions to take a closer look at people who miss jury duty.

40. Last Word: Changes Behind Highland Row, Lee Harris Opens and Ron Olson Moves - Friday, November 3, 2017

Shelby County Commission chairwoman Heidi Shafer says the commission, through its attorneys, is in ‘the final stages of launching litigation” against big pharma over the opioid problem locally. And in a written statement Thursday she said she believes the litigation “will result in significant recovery for hundreds of millions of dollars that Shelby County has spent trying to heal, save, nurse and otherwise deal with the opioid crisis.” Shafer specifically announced the hiring on a contingency basis of a national law firm.

41. The Week Ahead: Sept. 11-18 - Monday, September 11, 2017

Hey, Memphis! This week we’re gearing up for the Cooper Young Festival and a packed house at the Tigers vs. UCLA game. Plus, Uptown Funk heads Downtown and The Joker hits East Memphis. Here’s what else you need to know about in The Week Ahead…

42. Wood Helps Memphis National Keep Business in the Fairway - Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Brian Wood is head golf professional at Memphis National Golf Club, a role in which he oversees a variety of functions related to the club's operations. Wood, a PGA professional and member of the Tennessee Section of the PGA of America, previously served as assistant golf professional at Windyke Country Club.

43. Legislature Losing Some Powerful, Familiar Members - Thursday, July 13, 2017

A shakeup in leadership is looming for the state Legislature, though it may portend more of a change in personalities than party strength.

In the House, longtime Rep. Craig Fitzhugh, the affable Democrat from Ripley in West Tennessee, is preparing for a 2018 gubernatorial run, a move that would knock him out of his House seat, at least temporarily, and the position as Democratic Caucus leader.

44. Charter Schools Act Became Law July 1 - Saturday, July 8, 2017

Senate Bill 1197, called the Tennessee High-Quality Charter Schools Act, became law on Saturday, July 1.

The act enhances the relationship between charter authorizers and charter schools, increases accountability and aligns charter practices in Tennessee with national best practices, according to the bill’s co-sponsor, Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown.

45. Charter Schools Act Becomes Law July 1 - Monday, July 3, 2017

Senate Bill 1197, called the Tennessee High-Quality Charter Schools Act, became law on Saturday, July 1.

The act enhances the relationship between charter authorizers and charter schools, increases accountability and aligns charter practices in Tennessee with national best practices, according to the bill’s co-sponsor, Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown.

46. Mark Norris to Co-Chair Juvenile Justice Task Force - Saturday, June 17, 2017

State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville will co-chair a state Juvenile Justice Task Force along with Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell.

47. Norris to Oversee Second Panel Reviewing Juvenile Justice - Thursday, June 15, 2017

Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris is set to oversee a comprehensive review of Tennessee’s juvenile justice system in an effort to reshape the lives of offenders.

48. Norris to Co-Chair Juvenile Justice Task Force - Monday, June 12, 2017

State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville will co-chair a state Juvenile Justice Task Force along with Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell.

49. Tennessee Legislature Passes Law to Ensure Charter School Quality - Friday, April 28, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Legislature on Wednesday passed a bill that revamps state charter school law by requiring the publicly funded but privately run schools to be evaluated based on their performance.

50. Questions About Shelby County Schools Voucher Bill Postpone It for the Year - Friday, April 28, 2017

NASHVILLE – Questions about student testing within a proposed pilot voucher bill affecting Shelby County Schools forced the bill’s sponsor to postpone it until next year.

Rep. Harry Brooks, R-Knoxville, sent the bill to the first calendar of the 2018 House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee Wednesday, April 26, telling lawmakers he needs more time to work out details in the legislation. One of those questions dealt with the effective date of the voucher program and the other with an amendment enabling private schools that would accept public students to opt out of state-required testing, the TNReady.

51. Shelby County Schools Voucher Bill Postponed for the Year - Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Questions about student testing within a proposed pilot voucher bill affecting Shelby County Schools forced the bill’s sponsor to postpone it until next year.

Rep. Harry Brooks, R-Knoxville, sent the bill to the first calendar of the 2018 House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee Wednesday, April 26, telling lawmakers he needs more time to work out details in the legislation. One of those questions dealt with the effective date of the voucher program and the other with an amendment enabling private schools that would accept public students to opt out of state-required testing, the TNReady.

52. Bill Approved to Open Officer-Involved Shooting Death Cases to the Public - Tuesday, April 25, 2017

The House overwhelmingly approved legislation Monday, April 24, requiring records about officer-involved shooting deaths be open to the public.

Sponsored by Rep. G.A. Hardaway and Sen. Lee Harris, both Memphis Democrats, the move opens the curtain on Tennessee Bureau of Investigation records, which are exempt from the Tennessee Open Records Act and confidential. Generally they are disclosed to the public only through a court order.

53. Voting Selfie Bill Sailed Through State Senate - Monday, April 17, 2017

NASHVILLE – Legislation stemming from the infamous voting-booth selfie by pop star Justin Timberlake sailed through the Senate on Thursday, April 13.

Unknowingly, Timberlake might have violated state law when he took a selfie in a Germantown voting booth in 2016 where, as a periodic resident, he is registered to vote, according to reports.

54. House Committee Moves Voucher Bill Past Delay With ‘Neutral’ Recommendation - Friday, April 14, 2017

Legislation setting up a pilot voucher program for low-income students in Shelby County emerged Wednesday, April 12, from the House Government Operations Committee after two weeks of delay.

But an amendment enabling private schools who accept public students to opt out of state-required testing could cause it to go back to the starting line.

55. Last Word: Season's End, 100 N. Main Delays and Voting With Popsicle Sticks - Thursday, April 13, 2017

The last Grizz game of the regular season is a loss to the Mavericks Wednesday evening at the Forum 100 – 93. Look for further word Thursday on Tony Allen's right leg injury. Here comes the “second season” starting with the Spurs. Inbetween is a trip down memory lane as the two-hour "30 for 30" documentary on John Calipari debuts Thursday on ESPN. There was a screening Monday in Kentucky that Calipari attended. The Lexington Herald-Leader has more.

56. House Committee Moves Voucher Bill With ‘Neutral’ Recommendation - Thursday, April 13, 2017

Legislation setting up a pilot voucher program for low-income students in Shelby County emerged Wednesday, April 12, from the House Government Operations Committee after two weeks of delay.

But an amendment enabling private schools who accept public students to opt out of state-required testing could cause it to go back to the starting line.

57. Last Word: Lawsons Exit, LaRose Lessons and No Medicaid Expansion This Year - Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Lawson Brothers exit Tigers basketball seeking a release from the University of Memphis. The statement from Dedric and K.J. Lawson was all sweetness and light and apparently about as sincere as one of those interviews where players and coaches declare that if they will just play hard and put more points on the board than the other team then they should win.

58. Last Word: A New Chapter, The Kissell Dome and The New Bartlett High School - Friday, March 31, 2017

Booksellers of Laurelwood is set to return in most of the same location with a smaller footprint and new owners. John Vergos of the Rendezvous and a former Memphis City Council member is among the investors bringing back the East Memphis institution that closed in February. No word on whether the new group will keep the name or go with a new name.

59. Last Word: The CA Marks A Year, Bike Lanes and Nicole Miller for Fashion Week - Wednesday, March 29, 2017

The city of Memphis is in a two-front legal fight in federal court over alleged surveillance of protesters that landed several dozen of them on the City Hall list – according to each of the two lawsuits filed this past month.

60. Shelby County Schools Voucher Bill Advances in House - Thursday, March 23, 2017

NASHVILLE – Despite a packed room of Memphis-area people opposed to vouchers for public school students, a House Education Committee advanced a pilot program targeting low-income children in Shelby County Schools system’s low-performing schools.

61. Last Word: No More Lottery Balls, The Voucher Bill Advances and UCLA - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Spring is in the air, which can only mean one thing – the Overton Park Greensward controversy is back on. Just this past weekend, I was in the park noting the metal barrier that separates Greensward pedestrians from Zoo parkers and that the barrier was not “decorated” with save the greensward paraphernalia as much as it has been the previous three springs.

62. Shelby County Schools Voucher Bill Advances in House - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

NASHVILLE – Despite a packed room of Memphis-area people opposed to vouchers for public school students, a House Education Committee advanced a pilot program targeting low-income children in Shelby County Schools system’s low-performing schools.

63. Last Word: Calipari Madness, Wolfchase 20 Years On and The Path Beyond Chemo - Monday, March 20, 2017

John Calipari returns to Memphis at week’s end after Kentucky advanced Sunday to the NCAA South semifinals at FedExForum Friday. But based on the way his team played Sunday after a close game with Northwestern Saturday he might not be here long.

64. Commission Debates Interim Appointment to State House - Monday, March 20, 2017

Shelby County commissioners have to decide Monday, March 20, whether or not to appoint someone to the vacant state House District 95 seat until special primary and general elections are decided in three months.

65. Last Word: James Cotton, A Quiet Jackson Day in Memphis and 'A Football School' - Friday, March 17, 2017

When you think of the blues and harmonica – James Cotton probably comes to mind – Sonny Boy Williamson too, who taught Cotton how to play.

66. Norris Says Proposed School Voucher Legislation ‘Problematic’ - Friday, March 17, 2017

NASHVILLE – Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris expressed reservations Wednesday, March 15, about legislation allowing tax dollars to be used to send low-income students in struggling public schools to private schools.

67. Bill to Create Criminal Trespassing at Apartment Complexes Could Face Legal Challenges - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

NASHVILLE – Two Memphis lawmakers are pushing legislation designed to clear apartment complexes of trespassers, in some cases to ensure that emergency personnel avoid intimidation and threats when they answer calls dealing with shootings.

68. Last Word: Milhaus Sells, Voucher Debate Gets Heated and Boyd's Fly Around - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Highland Row isn’t fully open yet and it is already up for sale as part of a real estate portfolio. The owner, Milhaus, based in Indianapolis, is a development, construction and property management company that works in mixed use development. And the portfolio being on the market could turn into a recapitalization.

69. Shelby County Educators Spar With DeBerry Over Voucher Bill - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

NASHVILLE – A group of Shelby County teachers and parents disappointed that voucher legislation was put off until next week turned their ire Tuesday, March 14, on Rep. John DeBerry, and he responded in kind.

70. SCS Enters Budget Talks With Some Flexibility - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

At this time of year, Shelby County Schools superintendent Dorsey Hopson confesses that he’s usually not feeling quite this optimistic.

“It’s a weird situation for me because I’m usually very frustrated and depressed,” Hopson said Monday, March 13, as he unveiled a budget proposal that goes to the school board first and then the Shelby County Commission.

71. Hopson Proposes Balanced SCS Budget with $47M Turn-Around Effort - Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Shelby County Schools superintendent Dorsey Hopson took a $945.2 million budget proposal to SCS board members Monday, March 1, that includes $47 million in additional funding for his new set of 19 “critical focus” schools and other school turnaround measures including a pay raise for teachers and hiring of more classroom interventionists and specialists.

72. Last Word: Voucher Movement, The Battle of Pontotoc and Ch-Chandler Numbers - Friday, March 10, 2017

Republican state Senator Brian Kelsey of Germantown had a very good week in the state capitol this week. His school voucher bill got unanimous votes in House and Senate committee this week despite a tide of opposition from local elected officials and leaders including fellow legislators in the Shelby County delegation and all seven public school districts in Shelby County including the six suburban school systems.

73. Kelsey’s School Voucher Bill Faces Legislative Showdown - Friday, March 10, 2017

NASHVILLE – A showdown is looming over a pilot voucher program targeting Shelby County Schools after the legislation moved out of Senate and House panels this week with unanimous votes.

74. Last Word: There Goes the Off-Election Year, Pinch Plans Move and No Permit - Thursday, March 9, 2017

Here we go again. When the new year began, 2017 looked to be an off-election year in most of Shelby County. Some Arlington aldermen and school board races were the only elections on tap for the year. But the months leading up to the September elections in Arlington are filling up.

75. Beavers Shuts Down Office As Protesters Gather Outside - Wednesday, February 22, 2017

NASHVILLE – The sponsor of two bills aimed at the LGBT community left the Legislative Plaza in a huff Tuesday, Feb. 21, as protesters gathered around her office to object to her “retaliation” in the wake of a short-circuited press conference.

76. Last Word: How Do You Get On The List, Sedgwick & Thornwood and Musicals - Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Monday was Presidents Day and thus a holiday at City Hall. But for the occupant on City Hall’s top floor it was anything but a holiday. The list Memphis Police made for who has to have a uniformed police officer next to them to go anywhere in City Hall is turning into a controversy over possible surveillance of citizens participating in the last year or so of protests around the city.

77. County Commission Backs Medical Marijuana, Opposes School Vouchers - Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Shelby County Commissioners endorsed state legislation Monday, Feb. 20, that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes, came out against a school voucher bill by state Senator Brian Kelsey of Germantown and turned away a social media use policy for county employees.

78. Last Word: The List and Who Is On It, Lovell's Impact and Fountain Brook Recovers - Monday, February 20, 2017

A list of 81 people who can’t come to City Hall without a police escort includes a lot of names from the last year of protests and marches in the city. And as the week begins, the list is under review by Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings at the request of Mayor Jim Strickland.

79. Lawmakers File Bills To Protect Memphis Aquifer - Saturday, February 18, 2017

State Sens. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, and Lee Harris, D-Memphis, have filed legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly that would set up a Memphis Sands Aquifer Regional Development Board to protect water supplies in West Tennessee.

80. Sexual Harassment Takes Stage in State Capitol Again - Monday, February 20, 2017

NASHVILLE – Saying she was a victim of sexual harassment when she entered the Legislature, state Rep. Barbara Cooper is calling on tougher rules to stop inappropriate behavior toward women.

“When I first got here I was violated and disrespected by one or two of the legislators. And of course I did get an apology, but that’s all that was done. And I feel like if we have some strong measures in place, these kinds of things will not continue,” Cooper says.

81. Publicly Advancing - Friday, February 17, 2017

WHEN PUBLIC GOES PRIVATE, WE HAVE IT BACKWARDS. My kids and I know more about public schools and public school innovation than our brand-new secretary of education and voucher poster girl, Betsy DeVos, and our own state senator and voucher poster boy, Brian Kelsey.

82. Lawmakers File Bills To Protect Memphis Aquifer - Wednesday, February 15, 2017

State Sens. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, and Lee Harris, D-Memphis, have filed legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly that would set up a Memphis Sands Aquifer Regional Development Board to protect water supplies in West Tennessee.

83. TVA Drilling Controversy May Change Well Actions - Tuesday, February 14, 2017

The controversy over Tennessee Valley Authority drilling water wells into the Memphis aquifer for the new TVA power plant in southwest Memphis is becoming a push for more public notice of such plans and better mapping of the water supply under the city.

84. Last Word: Little Chairs in Longview, Police Pay Raise and Tiger Football Schedule - Friday, February 10, 2017

The toys are in their cubbyholes. No stray Legos yet. The little chairs tucked neatly under little tables. The tall trees with their bare branches are much in need of little eyes inspecting their twisted branches and the shadows they make on the winter ground.

85. Palazzolo Urges Slower Phase-Out of Hall Tax, More Revenue for Local Governments - Friday, February 10, 2017

Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo wants Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam to take his foot off the gas pedal when it comes to phasing out the Hall tax on dividend and investment income. And in a Wednesday, Feb. 8, letter to Haslam, Palazzolo makes a case for local governments getting a greater share of Hall tax revenues as the income tax is phased out.

86. Palazzolo Urges Governor to Keep Hall Tax Phase-Out at 5 Years - Thursday, February 9, 2017

Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo wants Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam to take his foot off the gas pedal when it comes to phasing out the Hall state tax on dividend and investment income. And in a letter Wednesday, Feb. 8, to Haslam, Palazzolo makes a case for local governments getting a greater share of Hall tax revenues as the income tax is phased out.

87. Last Word: Impasse Flashback, Pot Alliances in Nashville and The Age of Etsy - Wednesday, February 8, 2017

The late 1970s – bell bottoms, punk rock, disco, that perpetual haze floating over those lucky enough to get the most expensive concert seats for as much as $10 each on the floor of the Mid-South Coliseum… and yes, the impasse ordinance.

88. DeBerry, Tate Defend School Voucher Pilot Program - Wednesday, February 8, 2017

NASHVILLE – Two Memphis legislators co-sponsoring a Shelby County pilot voucher bill say the measure is one more attempt to give students more options for education.

Rep. John DeBerry and Sen. Reginald Tate, both Democrats, defended their support of the measure sponsored by Germantown Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey the same day the U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s selection of Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education. DeVos has been under fire from Democrats for her support of charter schools and vouchers and a perceived lack of knowledge about public education.

89. Parkinson: Memphis School Voucher Bill ‘Unfair’ - Monday, February 6, 2017

NASHVILLE – Rep. Antonio Parkinson lashed out Thursday at fellow Shelby County delegation member Sen. Brian Kelsey, calling his pilot voucher bill for Memphis schools “insulting, both personally and professionally.”

90. Last Word: De-Annexation Theories, Clash on School Vouchers and Garth & Trisha - Friday, February 3, 2017

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and his administration come up with some surprises in de-annexation recommendations to the city task force on the issue. The three most recently annexed areas of Memphis were considered likely to be in the recommendations. Although the indication last year was that this would take a lot of discussion before someone actually wrote that on a Power Point presentation at City Hall. Not only did Strickland do that – he also included four other areas.

91. Parkinson: Memphis School Voucher Bill ‘Unfair’ - Friday, February 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Rep. Antonio Parkinson lashed out Thursday at fellow Shelby County delegation member Sen. Brian Kelsey, calling his pilot voucher bill for Memphis schools “insulting, both personally and professionally.”

92. Last Word: Travel Ban Protest, Other Trump React and Sierra Club Goes To Court - Thursday, February 2, 2017

Grizz over the Nuggets in Denver Wednesday 119-99. The Tigers play USF in Tampa Thursday.

Another big crowd for a Memphis march, the second in less than two weeks including the Memphis Women’s March. The Wednesday march, focused on President Donald Trump’s immigration travel ban order, was smaller than that, but still sizeable and diverse.

93. State Sens. Harris, Kelsey Critical of TVA Water Wells - Thursday, January 26, 2017

When Odell Johnson goes on business trips he looks forward to seeing water pumping plants in other cities that use surface water for drinking water.

Johnson is the manager for water and engineering operations at Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division. He made the comment Tuesday, Jan. 24, as his tour of the utility’s Sheahan Pumping Station served as a backdrop for the ongoing debate about the Tennessee Valley Authority’s change of plans to cool its new natural gas-fired power plant in southwest Memphis.

94. Last Word: The TVA Well Controversy, Fred Smith Redux and Norris On The Gas Tax - Wednesday, January 25, 2017

The new Trader Joe’s in Germantown won’t be alone by the plans the supermarket chain got approved Tuesday night by the Germantown Design Review Commission. The conversion of the old Kroger store on Exeter includes seven other bays as Trader Joe’s goes for a smaller footprint than the size of the original building.

95. Last Word: Haslam To Talk Gas Tax, Rallings Talks Protesters and Beale Street - Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam talks gas tax Wednesday in Nashville. Actually, he will be rolling out his full list of legislative priorities in the capitol. But much of the attention will be on what he proposes in the way of the state’s gas tax – something he’s talked about but not committed a specific position to for the last two years.

96. State Targets Refugee Program; Lollar to Lead Delegation - Tuesday, January 17, 2017

The state Legislature is likely to file a complaint before the end of January challenging the legality of the Refugee Resettlement Program in Tennessee, according to Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris.

97. Tennessee Lawmakers Act on Balanced Budget Convention to Curb ‘Crippling’ National Debt - Friday, January 13, 2017

Saying they can avoid a “runaway” convention for “crazy or radical ideas,” Republican state legislators are filing legislation calling for a convention of states in Nashville to adopt a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

98. Last Word: Charter Schools Views, Capitol Hill Round Up & Explaining The Cold War - Thursday, January 12, 2017

Double trouble Wednesday in Oklahoma. The Grizz lose to the Thunder 103-95 in OKC. They are on their way to Houston for a Friday game before returning home Sunday for the MLK game against the Chicago Bulls at the Forum. Meanwhile Tigers lose to Tulsa Wednesday, also in Oklahoma, 81-71. They are back at the Forum Saturday to play South Florida.

99. Justin Timberlake-Inspired Selfie Bill in Play in Tennessee Legislature - Thursday, January 12, 2017

Pop star Justin Timberlake won’t have to worry about getting into trouble for taking selfies at the voting booth if legislation by a Memphis lawmaker passes.

Democratic state Rep. G.A. Hardaway, a 10-year veteran of the Legislature, was set to file a bill Tuesday, Jan. 10, removing the prohibition on photos at Tennessee voting precincts.

100. Tennessee Acts on Balanced Budget Convention to Curb ‘Crippling’ National Debt - Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Saying they can avoid a “runaway” convention for “crazy or radical ideas,” Republican state legislators are filing legislation calling for a convention of states in Nashville to adopt a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.