Shelby County Commission: An attempt to censure some elected officials by Commissioner John Pellicciotti, himself in some trouble with the Commission, falls very flat after angry debate. General Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson fires back. More from WMC and the Commercial Appeal.

The Commission is also looking to add fines and mandatory classes for people and businesses who are “false alarm” abusers. The new, stricter “sexually oriented business” ordinance passed unanimously; more in the Commercial Appeal.

Memphis Police Department: Demetrica Hughes claims an off-duty police officer, Diana Dickerson, beat her with her gun. Dickerson has been relieved of duty.

Property Taxes: Both the City and County over-estimated their property tax rates and over-taxed you slightly.

“Community Shred Day”: Sponsored by Cadence Bank and Cintas Document Management this Friday, businesses and individuals will have an opportunity to shred important documents safely. Paper only, please.

Auto Inspection Stations: The City is again extending hours.
 
 

Mississippi: The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi is using a new program to teach financial literacy to students; the CA has more. The Mississippi Economic Council meets later this week to discuss “Making the Most of Mississippi’s Heritage”.

Downtown: Carlisle Group is seeking a seven year PILOT freeze for the now-dead One Beale property.

Business: Q1/2009 was the slowest period for venture capital since 1993. The Great Recession isn’t quite over yet. Stocks of a majority of publicly-traded Memphis companies rose with the reviving Dow Jones.

Stunt marketing is a business staple, just make sure it doesn’t backfire on you.

A business profile, from the Commercial Appeal, of Executive Financial Services, an employee stock ownership plan firm.

From the Daily News, today’s Events. From the Commercial Appeal, What to Do and People in Business.

Arlington Development Center: They have begun to close down and eliminate 183 jobs over the coming months. The Commercial Appeal also reports.

Delta Air Lines: In a national Airline Quality Rating the airline dropped two places. In a somewhat related story, American Express says it has picked up 3000 new member merchants in its expanded American Express Delta SkyMiles program.

Oak Court Mall: Property owners Simon Property has named Mark Gianquitti as the new mall manager.

Hispanic Business: Representatives of the Memphis police and the District Attorney’s office held a fifth meeting with Hispanic business owners about crime. Another meeting is planned for May.

Binghampton: The Binghampton Development Corporation is building a massive commercial garden, with assistance from Christ Community Health Services.

Methodist Healthcare Foundation: Today they are kicking off a $5 million campaign to build a sickle cell treatment center at Methodist University Hospital. More in the Commercial Appeal.

Real Estate: Mortgage numbers were stronger in 1Q/2009. Some of the factors that are depressing the apartment market.

Tennessee: A union activist group is attacking State politicians for not making sure the new VW plant in East TN was built with local labor. The Commercial Appeal chides the State for not being web-savvy. Cutting the state’s projected energy demand in the next few years could mean an additional 20,000 jobs?

Survey Says: State gas prices rose five cents/gallon last week. A survey found FedEx in the top ten for brand awareness. A study finds the State could save billions in energy efficiency.

NEW! Main Street Journal: The Shelby County Watchdog, and regular contributor here, Joe Saino discovers you’re being well over-taxed for The Three Hour Wait for vehicle inspection.

Special Tax District: Main Street Journal exclusive! County Commissioner Mike Ritz has sent a letter to the Shelby County legislative delegation, requesting they not pass a special taxing district authority for the County. (PDF document)

Memphis v. Nashville: Almost three years after the theft of computers from the Davidson County Election Commission, they are still working to secure data.

Unemployment: News that the Great Recession could drag on two more years is a concern for many Mid-Southerners. The National Black MBA Association is hosting a “Train Ride to Success” which will offer interviews with Fortune 500 company reps on a trip to New Orleans.

2010 Census: Compliance is lagging, especially in large cities and areas with large minority populations. There is no evidence of a “conservative boycott”.

Memphis City Council: Today should be the third and final vote on the new Downtown panhandling and alcohol-sales restriction ordinances. The Commercial Appeal also reports. City Council agenda here.

MATA: Today’s expected Code Orange air pollution alert means free or reduced fare on most public transit! MATA site here.
 
 
 

Southland Park: They and their parent company have pledged $250,000 to Mid-South Community College to support sports.

Ronald McDonald House Charities: The upcoming 31st Annual Memphis Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show will benefit the charity.

Allergies: That yellow-green dust over everything outdoors is misery for some.

Germantown: Their German sister city, Koenigs Wusterhausen, has presented Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy with a Cross of the Order of Merit . The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the expansion of parking around City Hall and other properties.

TVA: The thrid straight fuel adjustment is yet another increase.

Politics: Middle TN radio talk show host Steve Gill is getting into a nasty fight with State Rep. Susan Lynn.

The State Senate voted (with Democratic support) to ask the Attorney General to join the lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act. Van Irion, a Knoxville lawyer, isn’t waiting and has drawn hundreds of citizens and businesses in support. And the House also passed a similar non-binding resolution along bi-partisan lines.

Governor’s Race: Mike McWherter — the Democratic candidate, mind you — is proposing small businees tax breaks; Republicans respond. Some of the history of TN politics and why you (ie. Zach Wamp) don’t miff certain people. From the Grand Divisions blog, a closer look at the candidates’ answers to the TN Newspaper Network’s question on adoption.

Republican Zach Wamp says he’ll keep his campaign contributions from Congressman Bart Stupak. Wamp also passed through Memphis on Monday but didn’t get an endorsement from Shelby County DA Bill Gibbons, more. More on Shelby County campaigning by the gubernatorial candidates.

Eighth Congressional District Race: Democratic candidate Roy Herron, campaigning in Clarksville, talks debt and jobs. Republican candidate Dr Ron Kirkland sent out a press releae claiming “record-shattering” fundraising. The view on Republican George Flinn not moving into the district … from its heart, Jackson. Republican Stephen Fincher has another robo-call going out.

DeSoto County: Home sales are up in the county. The “First Impressions” program from Mississippi State University tells the City how first-time visitors see the town.

Lang Wiseman’s Random Thoughts: He’s already over Tiger Woods.

Life is Awesome: Some thoughts and observations from her first online product launch.

Paul Ryburn’s Journal: A general Monday update.

I Love Memphis: She’s moving into podcasting and needs your questions. A visit to Just For Lunch restaurant and she’s ready to become a Lady Who Lunches!

Commercial Appeal: The Shelby County Commission should not shirk its watchdog duty on the public purse. While saving taxpayer money is important, so is protecting the sanitation workers’ union?

Jean Harrison: “End of life” wishes should be made known as soon as you can decide. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Chick Chat: Realising and atoning for the bully she used to be. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Tom Humphrey: Lawmakers are “just looking for things to fight about” in this election year. (via the Knoxville News-Sentinel)

Jackson Sun: The city’s crime rating is dropping and they, too, worry about their national image.

ForkBombr: His review of the iPad.

Former Mean Girl Seeks Same: She wonders if a college degree is for everyone, and then passes on some of the lessons she learned from her college experience.

Egotistical Whining: A quiz on racial resentment, with a humorous touch.

Downtown Memphis Download: Some wine dinners coming soon. A photo-report from a tour of the Ghost River Brewery.

Doug Johnson at Work: Pollen, trivia and Tiger for your Monday.

dminmem: He remembered and wrote down a waking dream.

Brain Release Valve: For those of you curious about comics and/or graphic novels, Zach makes some introductory recommendations to you.

16 Balls in the Air: A post-Easter lesson learned. Her gluten-free househould is tough to please at breakfast.

55-40 Memphis: A simple “if, then” proposition.

Andrew Earles: Oh my; he’s selling off a lot of his record collection.

Bigger Than Your Head: He’s been back from italy for a month now and he’s still collecting and sorting his impressions and thoughts. Also, the wine of the week.

Blue Collar Republican: Did the TN Republican Party blackball Larry Ladner in the 7th District? Also, they will have an interview with Willie Herenton (You read that right!) later this week!

Born-Again Hippies: Some tongue-in-cheek suggestions for the Master’s Golf Tournament.

Gilmour Girl Goes Memphis: A busy weekend of dog-sitting, lawn mowing and, of course, racing!