Driving: Remember, it’s State troopers and not MPD who will enforce the “no texting while driving” ban!

Charter Schools: New and expanding charter shools in the city will financially impact the city school system.

Holly Springs: The town’s first ever African-American Alderwoman, Johnnie Bagley, was sworn in Friday.

Tennessee: Veterans who served after 9/11 are eligible for enhanced financial benefits for college; more from WMC. Tennessee Groves is a new program to help beautify the state through volunteerism; state announcement here. Even though the Department of Corrections has to cut $64 million from its budget, they say public safety won’t be affected.

Memphis Greenline: Public input is being sought for the initial design phase of the planned “greenway” for the old CSX rail line. More information at MemphisConnect.

Business: The Memphis Heart Clinic is expanding into two more cities. The nation’s unemployment rate is just the tip of a larger, ugly iceberg. Internships can be good for business and potential hires. A Federal loan through the Department of Agriculture is helping Williams Sausage to expand and add up to 100 jobs.

The Small Business Advocate: When things are bad, get busy!

A business profile of Maggie’s Pharm, in the Daily News. A business profile of Hernando’s Mi-Da Maps, a Small Business Association award-winning, map-making firm, in the CA. And, a business profile of MobileVet Memphis, from the CA.

People in Business, from the CA, for Saturday, Monday and Monday again. Done Deals, also from the CA, for Sunday.

Delta Air Lines: More on the blocked contract cancellation involving Mesa Air Group.

Collierville: The city is assessing its need for more athletic spaces.

University of Tennessee Health Science Center: Their newly completed lab will, in part, help with bioterrorism research. More from WMC.

Banking: First Alliance is another local bank to accept TARP money. Also, local bankers are concerned by Federal regulatory over-reach in upcoming regulations.

Survey Says: According to Altman Weil, Chief Legal Officers are ‘deeply skeptical’ of the ability of outside corporate law firms to be consistent and responsive in pricing. New government reports show that the rate of private health coverage for Americans is at a 50 year low.

Main Street Journal June Issue: An online-only special from Joe Saino, the Memphis Watchdog: The Budget Farce in Memphis and Shelby County. Now online from our June issue: Michael Roy Hollihan’s Red State, Blue State; on the proof that TN is a conservative state.

You can peruse the Table of Contents and read County Commissioner George Flinn’s suggestion, How to Use the Pyramid and Jonathan Devin’s feature, Breaking Ground: How building projects in Shelby County are progressing despite the economy.

Shelby County Commission: They will take up the issue of gun carry in public, City- and County-owned parks this week. More from Eyewitness News.

Memphis Police Department: Now in service for twenty-five years, public service technicians are a vital part of local policing.

Memphis City Pools: Did you know City pools must pass a health inspection? They do and our pools scored excellently.

Shelby County: Even when they arrive, County officials don’t think the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will be enough.

Highway 14: Federal stimulus funds are going to make the road a full, divided four-lane highway from Tipton to Shelby Counties.

Politics: A brief interview with Democratic nominee for governor, Mike McWherter.

DeSoto County: Former Olive Branch police chief Art Heun still isn’t saying much about why he left. Olive Branch owes the County around $2 million for road work and can’t pay it any time soon. Preparations at the DeSoto County Civic Center for the one-off Mid-South Fair this year, are already well underway. If the County knows road work will have an effect on your land, are they supposed to let you know? A look at a Hernando community garden.

This week’s Mississippi Outdoors, from the CA.

Millington: The city’s Millington Community and Court Services is beginning to show results with community service for alcohol and drug offenders. After 30 years at the old location, the Millington Star has moved offices. (via the Millington Star) Plans to revitalise downtown Millington are beginning to take shape.

Poplar Avenue: The Memphis News looks at downtown redevelopment along Poplar around Manassas to I-240. Fighting blight takes more than new buildings.

Mississippi: The extended budget battle is costing State taxpayers. Lack of rains of late and high heat are hurting the state’s grain crops.

Agriculture: Some farmers in Northwest TN are now eligible, through the Farm Service Agency, for emergency Federal loans. (via the NW TN Today)

Bartlett: The June windstorms generated more trash and debris than Hurricane Elvis! (via the Bartlett Express)

Arkansas: Beginning this week, you must be at least 16 to solo operate a personal watercraft in state waters.

Lifeblood: They are holding a “M*A*S*H Bash t-shirt promotion through Saturday, for blood donors.

Complacencies of the Peignoir: The blog hiatus is over and she writes of the aftermath of the breakin. And, getting to know, really know, your neighbors.

Life as I know it from Memphis: A photo-report from the New Kids on the Block concert.

MAKE IT HAPPEN: Disassembling the aboveground pool.

My Memphis Attoryney! A quick review of Doh sushi, and some cryptic remarks about Russian princesses.

The Rant: Randy is an “unabashed Michael Jackson fan.” (via the Flyer)

Michael LaRosa: Careful immigration reform legislation is needed for America’s Hispanic population. (via the Flyer)

John Branston: It was two terms too many for Mayor Herenton. (via the Flyer)

Fertile Ground: The whole family goes to their first drive-in movie. Fireworks on the bluff.

Cwabs! Science can be fun: experimenting with Jolly Rancher freeze pops!

Egotistical Whining: She’s not gonna protest this.

Eskapadez: Another grown woman at the New Kids on the Block concert … with a surprise appearance.

Friends for Our Riverfront: Memphis Heritage is selling bumper stickers. And, a reminder about today and Tuesday’s greenline meetings.

16 Balls in the Air: Being a mother of four boys on vacation means snake eggs, surprise crabs and fireworks.

Reginald Milton: Mayor pro tem Myron Lowery gets the nod.

Smart City Memphis: Looking at the upcoming mayoral elections as clearing away dead wood.

Commercial Appeal: Be safe on the Fourth. The Iranians want what we have. America has some bad faults but it’s getting better. Everyone downtown in City Hall, and those who want to be in it, needs to calm down and be cool.

Otis L. Sanford: He exonerates Kenneth Moody of the problems at the MSARC to lay them at the feet of Mayor Willie Herenton, CAO Keith McGee and Yalanda McFadgon. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Chris Peck: Memphis is on the cusp of some big change. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Wendi C. Thomas: She defines “true patriotism” for us. (via the Commercial Appeal) And, from her personal blog, thoughts on being a brand.

Commercial Appeal: The daily asked four people to respond to this question: Would the Founding Fathers be happy with the way the United States has turned out 233 years after they signed the Declaration of Independence? Answers from Randolph Meade Walker, Beverly Johnson, Mauricio Calvo, Scott P. Marler. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Tom Guleff: Joe Citizens: A small but respect-filled nod to a missing friend.

Fore Left! A photo-report from Saturday’s tea party protest.