TSA Rolls Out Increased Security Measures at MEM

The Transportation Security Administration has begun implementing new security procedures that require travelers at Memphis International Airport to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes.

“TSA must constantly enhance its security procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats,” TSA spokesman Mark Howell said in a release. “TSA is committed to raising the baseline for aviation security and we appreciate the cooperation of the traveling public in this endeavor.”

The new procedures, which were initially announced in July, are similar to the way the TSA currently screens laptops.

TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening.

“The simple step of separating personal electronic items for screening allows TSA officers to more closely focus on resolving alarms and stopping terror threats,” Howell said.

However, there will be no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint, and the new security measures do not apply to TSA Pre-Check passengers, who do not need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, electronics, light outerwear or belts.

– Patrick Lantrip

Memphis Offering Benefits To Part-Time City Employees

The city of Memphis is rolling out a plan to offer benefits to its part-time employees.

Starting this month, part-time employees who are scheduled for 20 or more hours per week and have been employed by the city for at least a year will be eligible to enroll for benefits such as group accident coverage, cancer assistance, critical illness insurance, term life insurance and individual disability insurance.

And starting Nov. 1, eligible part-time employees will be eligible for a $10,000 death benefit and access to the city’s employee health clinic.

Alex Smith, the city’s chief human resources officer, said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, who took office in January 2016, charged the human resources department with finding new ways to better compensate employees, including part-time workers.

City leaders are touting other benefits-related initiatives launched in recent months.

The city recently began offering student loan repayment assistance as a benefit for full-time employees. And late last year, the city found a way to deliver retiree health insurance by using a private exchange, allowing the return of city subsidies to help pay for coverage.

– Daily News staff

FedEx Institute to Host Nanomaterials Symposium

The Institute of Nanomaterials Development and Innovation at the University of Memphis (INDIUM) and the FedEx Institute of Technology will hold an inaugural Materials Day event on Friday, Oct. 6.

This event is in partnership with the FedEx Institute of Technology, a center for cutting-edge research located on the University of Memphis campus. With this support, INDIUM’s goal is to increase awareness about the field of nanotechnology on campus and bring nanomaterials knowledge to the greater Memphis region. Materials Day events will include lectures, exhibitions and student poster presentations.

The inaugural workshop has reached capacity for the morning sessions.

However, the public is invited to attend the poster presentation and reception to be held in the FedEx Institute of Technology lobby beginning at 3:30 p.m. The event is free.

INDIUM’s mission is to facilitate interdisciplinary research and education in nanoscale science and engineering at the U of M and serves as a nanotechnology research and education hub for southwest Tennessee and surrounding areas.

– Don Wade

Alway Named Dean of UTHSC College of Health Professions

Dr. Stephen Alway has been named dean of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Health Professions. He starts his new appointment on Dec. 15.

Alway previously served as chair of the Division of Exercise Physiology, executive chairperson of the Department of Human Performance and Applied Exercise Science, and senior assistant dean for Research and Graduate Studies at West Virginia University School of Medicine.

As dean, Alway will provide leadership and guidance for the UTHSC College of Health Professions, which has a record of offering nationally recognized programs and preparing students for practice in the fields of health, diagnosis, and rehabilitation and treatment of disease and disabilities in Tennessee and beyond.

During his 12-year tenure as chair of Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University, the program grew to become the largest undergraduate degree-granting program at West Virginia University.

While working with the administration of the School of Medicine, Alway was able to more than double departmental teaching and research space for exercise physiology.

He also helped obtain new endowed scholarship support for meritorious graduate and undergraduate students.

– Andy Meek