Volunteer Mid-South: The former Volunteer Memphis has chosen a new, more inclusive name to more descriptively match its expanded mission. Website here.

MISSISSIPPI: Crime fighters are critical of the State’s crime lab. Nine state banks have accepted Federal bailout money. State Senate Democrats want to be sure they get every dollar possible of Federal stimulus monies. Talks between the House and Senate may break down in cigarette-tax raising proposal. The Voter ID bill fails by one vote in the State Senate. And a ‘fire safe cigarette’ bill is introduced to the Legislature.

Schering - Plough: Merck & Co. is buying the Memphis giant for more than $42 billion. It is too early to tell what the effects of the merger of Schering-Plough and Merck & Co. might be. More from the Daily News, and the Commercial Appeal.

Center City Revenue Finance Corporation: They meet this morning and will discuss various PILOT requests and proposals.

Germantown: A brief report from Monday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.

Collierville: The demolition of the old Town Hall and the construction of and renovations to the new facility will jam up parking for nearly two years.

DeSoto County: All municipal races in Walls are now uncontested.

BUSINESS: An interview with Chris Price, who sold his Millington Ford dealership last month. (Via the Millington Star.) Con-way is cutting retirement benefits and salaries to trim expenses. Harrah’s Entertainment is selling its former IT offices at Goodlett Farms, with Jones Lang LaSalle doing the listing. It’s tax season and tax-preparation businesses are ramping up. The Airways Blvd. Econo Lodge was sold for $1.7 million.

A business profile of Bennett and Burks Nursery in Horn Lake, from the CA.

A look inside the board at First Horizon.

People in Business, from the CA, for Tuesday.

Delta Air Lines: They are forming a reciprocal frequent flyer partnership with Midwest Airlines. More from the Daily News.

EcoBrokers: More and more Realtors are seeking the ‘green’ certification from the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals.

Previously Posted: Consulting Services Group is disputing two characterisations in their settlement with the US Labor Dept., reported yesterday. More on the Bellevue Baptist Church’s purchase of a church on North Watkins.

Reappraisal: Notices go out on Friday; wailing and shouting starts shortly thereafter.

TENNESSEE: Hundreds of millions in unclaimed property! State police officers, district attorneys and legislators are all pushing tough anti-crime bills; more at Eyewitness News, WMC, Daily News and the Commercial Appeal.

POLITICS: A report from the Daily News’ Bill Dries on the Shelby County Republicans’ Lincoln Day Dinner. Jackson Baker interviews Chip Saltsman, failed RNC candidate for chair. Governor Phil Bredesen has appointed Charles Harrison as the ‘Federal stimulus czar’. Rep. Brian Kelsey says taking the unemployment monies in the Federal stimulus package will lead to tax hikes. House Speaker Kent Williams, booted from the TN Republican Party can still attend the Rural GOP Caucus … for now. Governor’s new appointments to the Ethics Commission have been approved.

URBANEXUS: Next American City is hosting a salon discussion about “the role of civic engagement in moving Memphis forward” on March 19.

Stanford Financial Group: The Business Journal notes that a small amount of Stanford’s $7 million financial sponsorship of the St Jude Golf Championship. Will it result in their name being pulled for PR reasons? If you were one of the investors in SFG, the FBI would like to hear from you.

ARKANSAS: State’s website to track spending of Federal stimulus funds is now online. The town of Blytheville may be stuck with worthless gift certificates, meant to increase local business, because the company backing them is going out of business. Details of lottery legislation aren’t ready to be released. House approves bill to put State Athletic Commission in charge of ‘Toughman’ events. Attorney General says constitutional officers can’t turn down Legislature-approved pay raises. A new bill would cut hunting and fishing fees. Five State parks closed by the January storm are still closed today.

University of Tennessee: Governor Bredesen believes the UT system will avoid sharp tuition hikes, thanks to Federal stimulus monies; more on WMC, Daily News and the Commercial Appeal.

Commercial Appeal: Once again, another story about a blogger’s complaint, this time against COGIC. What’s really going on with these stories? (Two now.)

DeSoto County: It’s already looking to be a very bad year for unemployment.

Good Morning Memphis: MS State Sen. Merle Flowers talks about the proposed Olive Branch hospital. Mmmm … fish tacos. A reminder to wash your hands regularly. Some programs that still have openings in the Optional Schools. And some professional advice and help on foreclosures.

Dr Randeep Mann: AR doctor who had grenades, grenade launches and fully automatic weapons will be in court Monday. His concealed carry permit has already been revoked. His father is an ‘international arms dealer’; both were in the Indian military.

Brain Release Valve: Thoughts on memes, music and children. Also, the Huns and Hungary.

Gilmour Girl Goes Memphis: Back into the dolphin lane.

joelarkins: Plenty of thoughts on the local media and some possible changes.

Notes From Memphis: A heads up on the Brown Bag Lunch Series from the Center for Southern Folklore. And a business opportunity for someone to jump on.

Paul Ryburn’s Journal: A question for all the Memphis Tigers fans who want to watch the C-USA tournament this weekend. And there’s going to be a crawfish boil this weekend, Downtown.

Fertile Ground: Daylight Savings Time and yardwork.

Friends for Our Riverfront: An opening reception for the Lowenstein / Rhodes Jennings building and plenty o’ pork for the Beale Street Landing.

vibinc: Economic and career uncertainties make for worrying nights. Early updates on the election of the Shelby County Democratic Party chair here and here.

Commercial Appeal: Stronger anti-crime laws are a constitutional mandate. Opposition to the drainage basin planned for Overton Park.

The Chockley Blogs: The story of a yard sale and kindergarten conversations.

Thaddeus Matthews: Why do white Democrats feel as though they are being disenfranchised?

Urf! Making No TV, No Computer Day succeed takes perseverance.

Sassy Molassy: A relaxing no-computer weekend.

Squeaky Wheel Seeks Grease: The continuing tale of the leopard geckos.

Rustmeister’s Alehouse: A quick rundown of the many gun bills in the Legislature. Other uses for coffee filters.

A Right Perspective: Bad weather on the roads can bring out the frustrating and the heroic in people.