State Rep. Ron Lollar, R-Bartlett, who had served Northeast Shelby County in the state Legislature since 2006, died Friday morning in his sleep. He was 69 years old.

Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald, who was at Lollar’s house, was among several people who confirmed the representative’s death in the early morning hours.

2. Memphis Lawmakers React to House Pulling $250,000 Bicentennial Funding - Friday, April 27, 2018

NASHVILLE – The state House of Representatives declined to reconsider its decision to pull $250,000 from Memphis to fund a bicentennial celebration as it stiffened penalties this week for potential violations of the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act.

3. Last Word: TNReady Blinks Again, Gov. Debate Thoughts and Mud Island's Museum - Friday, April 20, 2018

There was a point Thursday morning during the troubled TNReady testing at some Tennessee school districts when there was a “brief” slow down in the online testing, according to the Tennessee Education commissioner’s office. By noon that had been resolved and more than 250,000 completed tests had been submitted since testing began Monday. One can only imagine what some of the thoughts were in the office during the slow down and the gap between how long the slow down seemed and how long it actually was.

4. GoFundMe Page Seeks to Reimburse Memphis for State Money Withdrawal - Wednesday, April 18, 2018

NASHVILLE – A GoFundMe page has been started on Facebook to raise funds to make up a $250,000 budget cut the Tennessee Legislature levied against the city of Memphis for removing Confederate monuments from two city parks late last year.

5. House Committee Revives Bill That Would Charge Local Officials - Thursday, April 12, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee bill that would allow local officials to be charged with a felony for passing sanctuary city ordinances or measures that would illegally remove Confederate statues has gotten new life.

6. Three Incumbents Unopposed at August Primary Ballot Deadline - Monday, April 9, 2018

Three incumbent Democratic state House members in the Shelby County delegation to the Tennessee Legislature were effectively re-elected Thursday, April 5, at the noon deadline for candidates in the Aug. 2 state and federal primaries to file their qualifying petitions.

7. Memphis Lawmakers Helped Advance Medical Marijuana Bill in House - Saturday, April 7, 2018

NASHVILLE – Three Shelby County lawmakers played key roles in helping a medical marijuana bill move through the Legislature, supporting its passage in the House Criminal Justice Committee before the bill was pulled Tuesday, April 3, by its Senate sponsor, Democratic state Sen. Steve Dickerson of Nashville.

8. Three Incumbents Unopposed at August Primary Ballot Filing Deadline - Friday, April 6, 2018

Three incumbent Democratic state House members in the Shelby County delegation to the Tennessee Legislature were effectively re-elected Thursday, April 5, at the noon deadline for candidates in the Aug. 2 state and federal primaries to file their qualifying petitions.

9. Akbari’s Expungement Bill Moves Toward Passage - Saturday, March 31, 2018

NASHVILLE – Buoyed by the support of Gov. Bill Haslam, legislation making it less expensive for non-violent felons to clear their records is rolling through the General Assembly.

House bill 1862, sponsored by Rep. Raumesh Akbari, is set to be heard April 2 in the full House after clearing the Finance, Ways & Means Committee this week with no debate or opposition.

10. Davy Crockett’s Fine, But Let’s Not Get Carried Away - Thursday, March 29, 2018

The Tennessee General Assembly is making some monumental decisions these days – literally.

Not only is the Legislature prepared to put a statue of Tennessee folk hero Davy Crockett in front of the State Capitol, replacing obscure Nashville politician Edward Carmack, it’s also likely to erect a monument, or memorial, to unborn children in the ongoing battle against abortion.

11. August Ballot Starts to Fill Out Ahead of April 5 Filing Deadline - Wednesday, March 28, 2018

With contenders in the May county primaries now appearing at various campaign forums, holding their own events and going door-to-door in search of votes, there are still a few gaps to be filled on the Aug. 2 state and federal primary ballot.

12. Lawmakers Seek to Ease Jack Daniel’s Tax Burden - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

NASHVILLE – Jack Daniel’s is over a barrel – literally – regarding a tax assessment, an attorney general’s opinion and the potential impact of President Donald Trump’s trade tariff.

13. Last Word: Pre-K's Longer Reach, Penny's Contract and Thad Cochran's Farewell - Friday, March 23, 2018

The Arkansas gate of Big River Crossing will reopen Friday morning at 6 a.m. The gate to the West Memphis side of the crossing leading to the Big River Trail on the flood plain below has been closed since the Mississippi River at Memphis reached flood stage several weeks ago. The river level has been falling for about a week. The Big River Trail floodway portions remain closed for now as some of the debris from the river is removed in those areas. While the trails are closed this is a good time to get a look from the crossing at the flood plain’s transition when the river rises and then starts to go down.

14. Parkinson to Introduce Bill Phasing Out State’s Achievement School District - Friday, March 23, 2018

NASHVILLE – Rep. Antonio Parkinson is set to make a push to remove Memphis schools from the state’s Achievement School District and dissolve the state district because of its failure to pull them out of Tennessee’s bottom 5 percent for performance.

15. Bill Making It a Felony for Unauthorized Monument Action Dies for the Session - Thursday, March 15, 2018

NASHVILLE – One of several bills considered retribution against the city of Memphis for the removal of Confederate statues died in a House committee today amid questions about its constitutionality.

16. August State and Federal Primary Ballot Taking Shape - Thursday, March 15, 2018

With less than a month to file for the August state and federal primary elections, there are still a few decisions to be made by would-be candidates working in the shadows of those running in the May 1 county primary elections.

17. Lawmakers Consider Armed Off-Duty Officers for Schools - Friday, March 2, 2018

Saying “this is Tennessee, not Florida” and school officers here will face trouble head-on, state Rep. Antonio Parkinson is co-sponsoring legislation to arm off-duty police to patrol public schools.

18. Last Word: Rising River, Driving The Dream and Harwell Advances Medical Pot - Thursday, March 1, 2018

The Mississippi River at Memphis should reach flood stage at any moment. As Last Word was going up online Wednesday evening the National Weather Service at Memphis put the river level here at 33.52 feet. Flood stage at Memphis is 34 feet. The river is forecast to crest some time next week at 38 feet, four feet over flood stage. Keep in mind that in April 2011, the river at Memphis crested 10 feet higher, at 48 feet on the Memphis river gauge – which turned to be the one on the support beams of the bridge over Beale Street at Riverside Drive. That was the second highest river level at Memphis ever recorded.

19. Tennessee Bill Eyes Off-Duty Officers for School Security - Thursday, March 1, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A bipartisan bill would let Tennessee school districts hire off-duty law enforcement officers to bolster existing school security.

Republican Rep. Micah Van Huss of Jonesborough and Democratic Rep. Antonio Parkinson of Memphis announced the legislation Wednesday.

20. Turner to Retire From State House - Friday, February 16, 2018

Democratic State Rep. Johnnie Turner will not be seeking re-election to the House this election year, she announced Friday, Feb. 16.

21. 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.”

22. Monument Bills Create State Heritage Battlegrounds - Friday, February 9, 2018

Legislative battles are looming over a spate of bills designed to hammer Memphis and any other cities accused of violating the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act.

Lawmakers filed several pieces of legislation aimed at punishing local governments in the wake of the Memphis City Council move to topple the Nathan Bedford Forrest statue in Health Sciences Park and two other Confederate monuments in another park by selling the property to a newly created nonprofit organization.

23. McDaniel to Fashion Loophole Bill for State Monuments - Friday, February 2, 2018

NASHVILLE – The House sponsor of the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act is preparing legislation to close a “loophole” Memphis used to spur removal of Confederate monuments from parks property it sold to a nonprofit group.

24. Last Word: Brunch Overload, Grade-Changing Misdemeanor and Sports Rebirth - Monday, January 22, 2018

What happens when Memphians have been home and/or work bound for about two weeks between a national flu outbreak and snow and ice that hangs tough in below freezing temperatures and the temperature Sunday under sunny skies is almost 60? The correct answer is brunch overload.

25. Parkinson’s Grade-Changing Bill Faces Opposition From Education Association - Monday, January 22, 2018

NASHVILLE – With a grade-changing scandal at Trezevant High rocking Shelby County Schools, Rep. Antonio Parkinson is pushing legislation designed to put a harsh “deterrent” on illicit transcript changes: criminal prosecution.

26. Shot Fired From Memphis Ignites Civil War Rematch - Thursday, January 11, 2018

Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest died in 1877, but 140 years later some people just can’t let their hero or the Old South go away.

In fact, the state Legislature is set to reignite the Civil War – to some degree – in 2018. We hope no gunshots are fired.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. Are Achievement Schools a Problem or the Solution? - Thursday, September 21, 2017

Forgiveness or farewell: What should be the fate of the Achievement School District?

Among Memphis legislators, it just depends.

State Rep. Mark White calls the task to pull Shelby County’s poorest performing schools out of the state’s bottom 5 percent a “heavy lift.”

30. A New Life Made Possible by a $170 Discount - Thursday, June 8, 2017

A harassment conviction lingered on the record of Memphis resident Brenda A. for 10 years, the high cost of expungement making it difficult to erase the past.

Like many people convicted of misdemeanors and felonies, she paid her court fees and fines, along with probation costs, years ago, but had trouble cobbling together the money to expunge her record, making it hard to land a good job and make a fresh start.

31. Crews Move To Smaller Areas, Storm Damage Estimates Grow - Thursday, June 1, 2017

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division’s response to the Saturday storm that knocked out power to 188,000 homes and businesses will cost the utility at least $7 million.

“We will spend in excess of $7 million and it could be well in excess of $7 million,” said MLGW president Jerry Collins.

32. Haslam: Achievement School District Still Needed, But Changes Near - Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says there is a continuing need for the state-run Achievement School District. But the school district for the bottom 5 percent of schools in the state, in terms of academic achievement, is being “streamlined,” Haslam said last week during a visit to the Aspire Coleman Elementary School in Raleigh.

33. Lamar Avenue, Austin Peay Highway Projects on Tap for Fiscal 2018 - Monday, May 15, 2017

With a gas-tax increase approved as part of the governor’s IMPROVE Act, Shelby County will see several projects take off over the next three years, including the much-anticipated Lamar Avenue widening.

34. House Committee Postpones Action on Short-Term Rentals - Thursday, May 11, 2017

A day after the House targeted Nashville with a tough bill on short-term rentals, the Senate deferred action on legislation blocking the Metro Council from enacting any prohibitions.

The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee postponed a bill by Sen. John Stevens until January 2018, ending the debate this year on a measure singling out Davidson County efforts to restrict short-term rentals such as Airbnb.

35. Tennessee House Abandons Amendments Before Approving State Budget - Friday, May 5, 2017

Putting a day of acrimony behind it, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a $37 billion budget plan on Friday, May 5, stripping away nearly $320 million in amendments placed on it the previous day.

36. View From the Hill: Forrest Kerfuffle Might Be Sign of Bigger Problem - Thursday, May 4, 2017

Legislation that slipped through the House of Representatives honoring an unknown author who penned a Nathan Bedford Forrest apologist biography was enabled by the climate within the Republican-controlled body, a Memphis legislator says.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. Last Word: Game Day In San Antonio, Gas Tax Compromise and Democrats Talk - Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Shelby County Commissioner Justin Ford is out on bond after being charged Monday with domestic violence assault and false imprisonment. And the Shelby County Commission does not appear to have a precedent for taking any kind of action until the charges are resolved one way or another although commission chairman Melvin Burgess is exploring that with attorneys.

40. House Concurs on Gas Tax Senate Version, Sends to Haslam For Signature - Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Wrapping up wide-ranging legislation that dominated the opening year of the 110th General Assembly, the House concurred Monday with the Senate’s IMPROVE Act, inserting a $7 million measure to increase property tax breaks for veterans.

41. Parkinson Calls for Elimination of Achievement School District - Tuesday, April 25, 2017

State Rep. Antonio Parkinson is renewing his call for an end to the Achievement School District amid revelations a charter school operator hired a convicted felon to run Lester Prep.

42. University of Memphis, UTHSC May Soon Face Outsourcing Decisions - Friday, April 21, 2017

Forty-one state lawmakers signed a letter requesting the state put a hold on its outsourcing plans until the General Assembly can scrutinize its effect on state workers and services.

The state is set to sign a contract April 28 with Chicago-based JLL for facilities management work that could be used by universities and departments statewide. Even local government jobs could be doled out to the contractor.

43. Last Word: Tubby Support, Pot Bill Withers and Changing Indigent Counsel Rules - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Just in time for spring, the near unraveling of the Overton Park-Zoo parking compromise. The Memphis City Council again put together a compromise Tuesday to keep the move to a new expanded parking lot on track and the funding in place by the Memphis Zoo and Overton Park Conservancy.

44. Parkinson’s Pot Bill Falls Short by Handful of Votes - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Legislation by Rep. Antonio Parkinson designed to cut felony charges for possession of small amounts of marijuana didn’t exactly light up the House Monday evening. 

It fell 44-45-5 and was sent back to the Calendar and Rules Committee after some House members questioned the amount of marijuana the bill would allow people to carry – up to an ounce – without getting a harsher charge than a misdemeanor. The bill did not receive the 50 votes required for passage or the 50 in opposition to kill it and could be renewed with a two-thirds vote.

45. Last Word: Busy Council Day, County Property Tax Cut Call and Gas Tax Vote Nears - Tuesday, April 11, 2017

The Lawsons – K.J. and Dedric – are on their way to Kansas after leaving University of Memphis basketball they announced Monday. And Markell Crawford confirmed Monday that he will be transferring too. Crawford is the sixth Tiger player to head for the door since the season’s end. What will Tigers basketball look like by the next season?

46. Civil Rights Activist Owens Calls Out Memphis Lawmaker - Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Memphis civil rights activist Bill Owens, who campaigned for Republican Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential race, is criticizing a state legislator who refused to back his political efforts in a statement on the House floor.

47. Conservative State Republicans Want ‘Restart’ on Gas Tax - Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Claiming they’re not getting fair treatment by House leadership, a group of irritated Republicans demanded the governor’s gas-tax increase package go back to the starting line.

Rep. Jerry Sexton, a Republican from Bean Station in East Tennessee, said in a press conference Monday, April 3, he had spoken with House Speaker Beth Harwell and was told “we would get a restart.” He said the details haven’t been worked out.

48. View From the Hill: A Disjointed Stash of Marijuana Bills - Thursday, March 30, 2017

This year’s marijuana bills are a mixed bag.

Rep. Jeremy Faison is sending his medical marijuana legislation to a task force, as opposed to “summer study,” typically considered the trash heap for unwanted bills.

49. Senate Douses Memphis and Nashville Pot Ordinances - Wednesday, March 29, 2017

State senators are intent on striking down Memphis and Nashville marijuana laws giving police discretion to hand out citations for possessing small amounts of pot.

Despite opposition from Shelby County and Davidson County legislators, the Senate voted 26-5 Monday to clarify that state law overrides local government regulations involving drugs and similar substances.

50. State House Votes to Block Memphis, Nashville Pot Ordinances - Monday, March 27, 2017

Setting up a Senate debate on state pre-emption of Nashville and Memphis marijuana laws, the state House has approved legislation striking down local ordinances giving police discretion to hand out citations for small amounts of pot.

51. Veterans Balk at Proposed Tax Relief Method - Friday, March 24, 2017

Veterans in the state Legislature are balking at inclusion of a veterans tax relief plan in Gov. Bill Haslam’s IMPROVE Act, saying it should be removed to stand on its own.

“The idea that the amendment on the IMPROVE Act for the veterans property tax relief is being done on the backs of veterans is despicable,” said state Rep. Micah Van Huss, a Marine Corps veteran who is spearheading the effort.

52. Parkinson Rejects Owens’ Politics in Legislature - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

NASHVILLE – Recognition for the Rev. Bill Owens turned into a rebuke on the House floor when a Memphis legislator discovered the activist pastor campaigned for President Donald Trump and urged black voters to leave the Democratic Party.

53. Parkinson Rejects Owens’ Politics After He is Honored - Monday, March 20, 2017

NASHVILLE – Recognition for the Rev. Bill Owens turned into a rebuke on the House floor when a Memphis legislator discovered the activist pastor campaigned for President Donald Trump and urged black voters to leave the Democratic Party.

54. 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.

55. Tennessee Lawmakers Weigh In on Trump Visit - Friday, March 17, 2017

NASHVILLE – While state lawmakers recognized the historical significance of President Donald Trump visiting the home of President Andrew Jackson in Hermitage Wednesday, March 15, the review is mixed on comparisons between the two as well as the Jackson legacy.

56. 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.

57. State Democrats Introduce Bill of Rights, Looking For Every Win They Can Get - Wednesday, March 1, 2017

NASHVILLE – House Democrats introduced a People’s Bill of Rights in the State Capitol Monday, Feb. 27, a comprehensive legislative package to ensure rights of Tennesseans affecting everything from jobs to criminal justice to education.

58. Akbari Expungement Bill Passes in Subcommittee - Thursday, February 23, 2017

NASHVILLE – State Rep. Raumesh Akbari’s effort to cut felony conviction expungement fees in half received a strong endorsement today in the form of bipartisan support.

The legislation, which would reduce the fee to $180 from $350, advanced from the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee with support from the panel’s chairman, Republican Rep. Tilman Goins of Morristown.

59. Akbari Expungement Bill Passes in Subcommittee With Bipartisan Support - Wednesday, February 22, 2017

NASHVILLE – State Rep. Raumesh Akbari’s effort to cut felony conviction expungement fees in half received a strong endorsement today in the form of bipartisan support.

The legislation, which would reduce the fee to $180 from $350, advanced from the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee with support from the panel’s chairman, Republican Rep. Tilman Goins of Morristown.

60. 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.

61. 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.

62. Opponents of Gas-Tax Hike Push Alternative Plans - Monday, February 6, 2017

NASHVILLE – Amid legislative strife over Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to raise gas taxes and reduce business taxes, Rep. Barbara Cooper says she is inviting the governor to “sell” his plan to her Memphis constituents.

63. 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.”

64. 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.

65. Opponents of Gas-Tax Hike Push Alternative Plans - Friday, February 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Amid legislative strife over Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to raise gas taxes and reduce business taxes, Rep. Barbara Cooper says she is inviting the governor to “sell” his plan to her Memphis constituents.

66. Opponents of Proposed Gas-Tax Hike Push Alternatives - Friday, February 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Amid legislative strife over Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to raise gas taxes and reduce business taxes, Rep. Barbara Cooper says she is inviting the governor to “sell” his plan to her Memphis constituents.

67. 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.”

68. Reducing Felony Possession Charges Aim of Parkinson’s Pot Bill - Friday, February 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Rep. Antonio Parkinson says his legislation dealing with marijuana isn’t designed to decriminalize pot but to reduce felony possession charges – and the stumbling blocks attached to them – in addition to saving the state money.

69. 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.

70. Reducing Felony Possession Charges Aim of Parkinson’s Pot Bill - Thursday, February 2, 2017

NASHVILLE – Rep. Antonio Parkinson says his legislation dealing with marijuana isn’t designed to decriminalize pot but to reduce felony possession charges – and the stumbling blocks attached to them – in addition to saving the state money.

71. Road for Haslam’s Fuel-Tax Plan Has Many Twists and Turns - Monday, January 30, 2017

Three major West Tennessee road projects, including Lamar Avenue in Memphis, are part of a wish list Gov. Bill Haslam sent to the Trump administration as it weighs the start of an aggressive infrastructure program.

72. Tennessee Lawmakers Could Raise, Lower Taxes This Session - Thursday, January 5, 2017

The 110th General Assembly is set to convene on Jan. 10 with unfinished business from previous sessions likely to dominate debate.

Here’s a look at some of the hottest topics expected to arise.

73. Memphis Democrat Karen Camper Learns To Work With Majority - Thursday, December 22, 2016

Editor’s note: This is part one of Nashville correspondent Sam Stockard’s feature on Memphis state Rep. Karen Camper. Read part two in the Friday, Dec. 23, edition of The Daily News or online at memphisdailynews.com.

74. New State Education Plan Limits ASD - Friday, December 16, 2016

The state of Tennessee is about to change the rules for how the Achievement School District takes over a failing school.

Schools that are in the bottom five percent of schools statewide in terms of student achievement and growth would no longer automatically be eligible for takeover by the state-run school district that began in the 2012-2013 school year.

75. New State Education Plan Limits ASD Ability to Take Over Failing Schools - Thursday, December 15, 2016

The state of Tennessee is about to change the rules for how the Achievement School District takes over a failing school.

Schools that are in the bottom five percent of schools statewide in terms of student achievement and growth would no longer automatically be eligible for takeover by the state-run school district that began in the 2012-2013 school year.

76. Memphis Democrats Claim Five Leadership Posts - Saturday, December 3, 2016

Memphis Democrats claimed five of the nine leadership positions in the state House Democratic Caucus over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The caucus for the upcoming 2017-2018 legislative session selected Representative Joe Towns as assistant minority leader to returning minority leader Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley.

77. Memphis Democrats Claim Five Leadership Posts - Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Memphis Democrats claimed five of the nine leadership positions in the state House Democratic Caucus over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The caucus for the upcoming 2017-2018 legislative session selected Representative Joe Towns as assistant minority leader to returning minority leader Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley.

78. Editorial: Pot Ordinance Isn’t Perfect, But It Still Has Benefits - Saturday, October 1, 2016

The Memphis City Council is scheduled to vote this week on a much-discussed proposal that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. What’s at stake is about more than weed.

It’s really about beginning to level the playing field in the criminal justice system where too often, nonviolent crimes like possession of pot put a disproportionate number of young black males in a system that can taint opportunities for years, or even entire lives.

79. Pot Decriminalization Nears Final Vote - Thursday, September 22, 2016

One of the state’s two largest cities has decriminalized possession of less than a half ounce of marijuana. And the other city set the stage for a final vote on a similar measure next month.

The final vote Tuesday, Sept. 20, by the Metro Nashville Council could be one of several factors influencing the final vote Oct. 4 by the Memphis City Council.

80. Last Word: After The Fire, Hard Changes at Fred's and Durham Doesn't Go Quietly - Wednesday, September 14, 2016

The immediate questions have simple answers. It was a short in an air conditioner cord that caused the fire that killed 9 people – three adults and six children – before dawn Monday morning in South Memphis.

81. Toast to the Achievement School District - Thursday, August 25, 2016

Somebody forgot to tell the Achievement School District it had to follow a few simple rules when the Legislature formed it a few years ago to save failing schools: Primarily, don’t party with the money.

82. Kustoff Victory Caps TV, Outsider Heavy Congressional Campaign - Monday, August 8, 2016

Former U.S. Attorney David Kustoff claimed the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 8th Congressional district Thursday, Aug. 4, in a 15-county contest in which the eastern parts of Shelby County played a decisive role.

83. Kustoff Claims 8th GOP Primary, Todd Upset by Lovell, Jenkins Over Newsom - Friday, August 5, 2016

Former U.S. Attorney David Kustoff claimed the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 8th Congressional district Thursday, Aug. 4, in a 15-county contest in which the eastern parts of Shelby County played a decisive role.

84. Events - Thursday, June 23, 2016

A public meeting/open house on the Pinch District redevelopment plans will be held Thursday, June 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Balinese Ballroom, 330 N. Main St. City and county leaders invite residents, property owners and other community stakeholders to offer input on a vision for The Pinch. For more information, contact Brett Roler at roler@downtownmemphis.com or 901-575-0540.

85. Events - Wednesday, June 22, 2016

The Booksellers at Laurelwood will host Susan Branch, author of “Martha’s Vineyard – Isle of Dreams,” for a discussion and book signing Wednesday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the bookstore, 387 Perkins Road Extended. Line tickets are required to meet the author and are free with the purchase of the book. Visit thebooksellersatlaurelwood.com.

86. Events - Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Talk Shoppe will meet Wednesday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the University of Phoenix–Memphis campus, 65 Germantown Court, first floor. Bradley Harris will present “‘Me Talk Real Good’: Confessions of a Toastmaster.” Cost is free. Visit talkshoppe.biz.

87. ASD's Raleigh Offer Makes School Board Skeptical - Thursday, May 26, 2016

The state-run Achievement School District is offering to collaborate with Shelby County Schools in a possible change of plans by the ASD for its takeover of Raleigh-Egypt Middle School in August.

SCS superintendent Dorsey Hopson told school board members at a Tuesday, May 24, work session that ASD leaders approached him recently about the middle school becoming an Innovation Zone School instead of an ASD school run by the Scholar Academies charter organization.

88. ASD Offers To Collaborate On I-Zone School In Raleigh - Wednesday, May 25, 2016

The state-run Achievement School District is offering to collaborate with Shelby County Schools on the ASD’s planned takeover of Raleigh-Egypt Middle School in August.

SCS superintendent Dorsey Hopson told school board members at a Tuesday, May 24, work session that ASD leaders approached him recently about the middle school becoming an Innovation Zone School instead of an ASD school run by the Scholar Academies charter organization.

89. Did ‘People Back Home’ Really Sway No Votes on Bible? - Thursday, April 28, 2016

I thought about skipping church Sunday and playing golf. After listening to the House of Representatives’ debate on the Bible bill, I could probably skip church for a month and still be in good standing.

90. Last Word: The Bible Veto Override Vote, Grizz Nostalgia and Kroger Goes Online - Thursday, April 21, 2016

The Tennessee Legislature hoped to end its 2016 session Wednesday at the end of an eventful day that included a failed attempt to override Gov. Bill Haslam’s veto of the bill that would have made the Bible the official state book.
But into Wednesday evening, the state House was still debating the Hall tax on dividends – specifically further roll backs of it. And the Senate had gone home for the night.
So Thursday looks like a good bet for the adjournment for the year and the formal start of the election season for incumbents.

91. No New ASD Schools Added in 2017-2018 School Year - Friday, April 15, 2016

The state-run Achievement School District will not add any new schools in the 2017-2018 school year, Tennessee Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced Friday, April 15.

ASD leaders said the decision isn’t a moratorium, but an extension of the state department’s decision to allow teachers to not have TNReady achievement test scores from this year used in their evaluations.

92. Last Word: Tubby Time, Haslam's Veto and Africa in April's 30th Year - Friday, April 15, 2016

It was just four weeks ago that all of this talk about change at the top of the Tiger basketball chart was put to rest. Coach Josh Pastner’s performance was reviewed by the University of Memphis administration and he was staying at least for another season. Four weeks to the day of that announcement, Pastner is the new coach at Georgia Tech and we are in the first day of the Tubby Smith era at the U of M.

93. Parkinson: OK to ‘Go A Little Bit Extreme’ to Get Job Done - Friday, April 15, 2016

With U.S. Marine Corps training, Rep. Antonio Parkinson knows how to grab people’s attention.

He did that earlier this year when he sponsored legislation to kill the Achievement School District, Tennessee’s solution for turning around struggling schools.

94. Memphis Fights Back: Senate Poised To Do Real Damage via De-Annexation - Thursday, March 24, 2016

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland makes a persuasive argument against de-annexation legislation now being considered by the state Legislature, providing a long list of figures to show it would devastate the Bluff City.

95. Cohen Urges Memphis Clinton Supporters To Speak No Ill of Sanders - Monday, February 22, 2016

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen told a group of 70 supporters of Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton that they should avoid attacking Bernie Sanders, her rival for the Democratic nomination.

96. Cohen Urges Clinton Supporters To Speak No Ill Of Sanders - Friday, February 19, 2016

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen told a group of 70 supporters of Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton that they should avoid attacking Bernie Sanders, her rival for the Democratic nomination.

97. Last Word: Early Voting Begins, Marc Gasol's Right Foot and TNReady's Problem - Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Trump and Sanders win big in New Hampshire with a Republican scramble for second the only matter to be decided in the nation’s first Presidential primaries. That as the road to Tennessee begins to see some traffic in the distance.
Meanwhile, Marc Gasol goes from a “right mid-foot injury” on the Grizzlies DL to a fractured right foot.

98. Minority Leader Harris Confident Even on Wrong Side of Supermajority - Thursday, February 4, 2016

Lee Harris says he ran for state Senate because he felt Memphis could do better on Capitol Hill, defeating Ophelia Ford in 2014.

99. Council Probes Police Body Camera Delay - Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Memphis City Council members talk Tuesday, Feb. 2, about when police body cameras might be ready for action.

And there will probably be questions at the 11 a.m. executive session about whether a limited test use of the cameras recorded any of last week’s fatal police shooting of Johnathan Bratcher in South Memphis.

100. New Superintendent Says ASD Not Monolithic - Tuesday, February 2, 2016

The superintendent of the state-run Achievement School District says critics of the district for the state’s lowest-performing schools don’t understand that the organization doesn’t operation conventionally.