Memphis City Schools: Money problems at East High School are worse than originally reported.

Shelby County Government: About 50 employees, so far, appear certain to retire by September 1.

MLG&W: If you need your utilities reconnected during the heat wave, here’s the procedure. MLG&W website. Mayor Wharton’s official statement.

Shelby County Schools: Next year, students will need to pass all parts of a multi-semester class. Fox13 reports on the Shelby Scholars Summer Institute.

Heat Wave: Shelby County’s third recorded death from heat so far this Summer is an unidentified 88-year old man; more from Eyewitness News, WMC, WREG. Local County agencies are launching an “It’s Hot Outside” campaign of awareness. Another apartment complex, Macon Manor, is having AC troubles. Does hot weather drive up the crime rate?

Shelby County Elections: La Prensa Latina is hosting a debate for all candidates for County mayor & sheriff and the Commission’s 5th District on Monday; English translation here. Both the Memphis chapter of the National Bar Association and the Memphis Bar Association are interviewing the candidates for the five judicial elections. County Commissioners Mike Ritz and Wyatt Bunker look back at their votes to make Joe Ford the interim mayor. Lawyers are arguing over Bill Oldham’s eligibility to be running for sheriff while working in that office.

Politics: The Flyer’s Jackson Baker notes that some candidates aren’t much campaigning in Shelby County. He also looks at three Democrats generally given poor chances to win this year. And then Baker looks at “down and dirty” politicking. How the state’s Democrats are working to save themselves from oblivion.

Governor Phil Bredesen will sign the new law that eases the requirements for food service in bars.

Fourth of July: A list of local events for Independence Day.
 
 
 
 

Eighth Congressional District Race: Republican Dr Ron Kirkland denounces fellow Republican Stephen Fincher’s “attack ads”. Meanwhile, Nashville’s Post Politics shows that Fincher voted in a Democratic primary this year. The CA’s Eye on Politics blog looks at the whole mess from their pro-Democrat angle.

Marina Cove: The Daily News has details on the maneuvers needed to get redevelopment going.

Memphis Bar Association: The Summer Law Intern program puts under-privileged kids into law practices to give them some experience and exposure.

Governor’s Race: Republican Lt Gov Ron Ramsey picked up an endorsement from his legislative right-hand man, State Senator Bill Ketron.

House of Mews: The Daily News talks with Service Assurance and Mews owner Elain Harvey about the arrrangement that saved the adoption center.

Memphis Animal Shelter: New director Matt Pepper is reorganising things and some politicies are controversial.
 

Previously Posted: More on the “Midtown overlay” zoning plan.

Mississippi: Beginning Monday, Ole Miss students and faculty can vote on their top choice for a new mascot, from the selection given to them.

NEW! Main Street Journal: Senior writer and online editor Michael Roy Hollihan examines the “trust issue” with mayoral candidates Mark Luttrell and Joe Ford.

Unemployment: Good news, as the City’s unemployment rate in May falls to 10.2% and the County’s falls to 10%. More in the Commercial Appeal. The State’s press release on unemployment rates for all counties.

Downtown: The Art Trolley Tour is tonight in the South Main Historic Arts District.

Memphis City Council: More reactions from the Council on the pay disparity between Police Director and MCS security chief; related story from WMC. Some Council members are angry at Mayor A C Wharton for his settlement with Performa Entertainment.

Cohen v. Herenton: The Tri-State Defender profiles incumbent Ninth District Rep. Steve Cohen. A Supreme Court ruling likely renders any investigation of former mayor Willie Herenton moot, at least under “honest-services fraud”.

ReadingWORKS: This joint project of St Andrew AME Church and The Works, Inc, is a community library in South Memphis.

Finance: Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest levels ever; more from the Commecial Appeal.

DeSoto County: The State’s new “meth law” goes into effect in just a week. A buyer for the “blighted property” in Eudora may have been found. The city of Hernando is having a major ceremony Saturday, honoring WWII vets, like the six brothers of the O’Neal family. More on the Papa John’s franchise in Hernando trying to raise autism awareness.

Business: In May, there were 31 mass layoff events. Toyota Boshoku, makers of automotive interiors, is awaiting the completion and opening of the new Mississippi Toyota plant.

A professional profile of Josh Spotts, director of catering and events for The Madison Hotel, in the Daily News.

From the Daily News, Today’s Events. Starting your own business demands a business plan. (via the Tri-State Defender)

Medtronic: After Wednesday’s good news on guidance, they have announced their cash dividend is up by 9%.

Arkansas: An aide to Governor Mike Beebe, Christopher A. Masingill, will be the new co-chair of the Delta Regional Authority. The State has reported its first heat-related death. Remarkable improvements at the Forrest City Animal Shelter. West Memphis police will begin carrying AR-15 rifles, thanks to a City Council vote; more from WMC.

Greater Memphis Greenline: They have been working with area realtors, teaching them about the value of an amenity like the Greenline.

Memphis International Airport: Reports on the celebration of 15 years of non-stop international flights, from the Business Journal, the Commercial Appeal.

West Tennessee: Volunteers are working hard to rebuild the community park in Covington, destroyed in a fire earlier this year.

Survey Says: Is it good economic news if more Tennesseans are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend? More travel reports from the Commercial Appeal. An economic study rates Tennessee a “B” on manufacturing and logistics.

Real Estate: Investors are turning foreclosed homes into lucrative rentals.

Tennessee: More on the University of Tennessee’s raising one billion dollars in private donations. The UT Board of Trustees has raised tuition 9 or 10% for next year; more from WMC. The US Senate has approved the nomination of Edward L. Stanton III as the next US attorney for the Western District. The deadline for applying for FEMA flood assistance has been extended.

Frank Cagle: Gubernatorial candidates are inextricably linked to businesses that are regulated by the State. (via the Knoxville Metropulse)

Thaddeus Matthews: As he says, “Yes, I’m back and it’s on.”

Speak to Power: Trace writes about the possible devastation the town of Milan faces. Musings on potential Democratic turnout in Shelby County in this Fall’s primaries and elections. Being an island of Democrats in a sea of Republicans.

David Williams: Working to increase “college attainment” in Memphis. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Geoff Calkins: A farewell interview with outgoing US attorney for the Wester District, Tim DiScenza. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Commerical Appeal: They side with Memphis Heritage over the proposed CVS pharmacy on Union Avenue. Legal services for the poor is a “pressing issue”.

John Branston: MCS superintendent Dr Kriner Cash is doing a masterful job of playing all sides to protect the system. (via the Flyer)

Flyer: Memphis Area Legal Services needs more funding.

State Senator Reginald Tate: He reviews the legislation just passed and notes it’ll be affecting you soon. (via the Tri-State Defender)

Brittany Fitzpatrick: A look at the incendiary discussion over black women and black churches that’s going on. She also introduces the new pastor of Greater Middle Baptist Church, Rev Robert Lewis Mason, who succeeds Rev Dr Benjamin Hooks. And, reconsidering corporal punishment. (via the Tri-State Defender)

Ask Myron: Combatting the ceaseless flow of rumor and gossip. (via the Tri-State Defender)

Gail Kerr: How much value does Governor Bredesen’s endorsement have for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter? (via the Tennessean)

Memphis Daily News Blog: Why Memphis Beat is irritating and disappointing so many Memphians. Very perceptive review.

Listwork: An interesting list of the best middle initials.

La Vie Quotidienne: Hmmm… gucks, diaper covers and daily schedules. C’est la vie.

Kip Gordon: Doing good is costly and a pain in the bazoo.

Just A Girl in the World: Her blog has a new feature: Questionable Decision Story Time. Yay?

Joy’s Life and Times: It’s officially diet time.

North Mississippi Commenter: He links to a story on 1st District Congressman Travis Childers and gun rights.

Quite Swimmingly: Only six months and this is everything that’s gone wrong physically.

Secondhand Underground: The bad news is actually pretty good news.

Rustmeister’s Alehouse: Your (very short) quote of the day.

sharp stick in the eye: A spinach-risotto (or orzo) salad, with numerous instructional photos.

short + rose: A simple tomato sauce and blueberries. Not together, of course.

The Chockley Blogs: Momma takes her moments of closeness with her son when she can.

theology & geometry: It’s a late Father’s Day post, but who cares when it’s this touching. She dotes on her greenery.

Cute Stew: And so it begins… Melly goes to the first local coffee shop in her challenge to readers.

Blue Collar Republican: They offer their endorsements for the 2010 primaries.