Photo Credit: Main Street Journal
To Court It Is, Then….

 
The County Commission’s failure to adopt a County redistricting plan before the end of last year has, as predicted yesterday, led to a court challenge. Commissioners Walter Bailey, Mike Ritz and Terry Roland are seeking an injunction, arguing the old lines are a violation of Federal “one man, one vote” rules. More from Fox13, WMC.

The County Commission meets today for the first time in 2012.

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton: More on his swearing in on Sunday. He began unveiling his plans at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. He plans “getting rid of upper level management” to increase cost savings and improve efficiency. He is, in a word, calling for downsizing.

Suburban School Districts: East Shelby County lawmakers, mostly Republicans, will introduce legislation in Nashville that either makes it easier and cheaper or compels the Unified Shelby County School Board to sell suburban school buildings to new municipal school districts.

Shelby County School Board: Blogger MemphisShelbyInform finds a half-million dollar Memphis City Schools program being implemented called “No-Nonsense Nurturer (NNN)” a “Classroom Management/Culture Program”.

Memphis City Council: Some Councilmen raised questions about Electolux’ commitment to minority hiring during construction; more from Fox13. The Council approved parts of Mayor A C Wharton’s reorganisation plan. They also wants answers about the Rotary Club report on the animal shelter.

Voter ID: The new requirement for voters to present positive State or Federal ID may be challenged by the Obama administration in court. Slighty more from ABC24 and much more from the Tennessean.

Morgan Keegan: Parent corporation Regions Financial has ended talks with Stifel Financial on the sale of MK. Morgan Keegan is also beginning coverage of Amazon.com.
 
 
 
 
 

Flooding: Many homes in Frayer, destroyed in flooding back in May of 2010, are still standing, vacant … and abandoned.

EDGE: New president Reid Dulberger took over his job yesterday at the Economic Development Growth Engine and Industrial Development Board.

Business: After a decade of deterioration, the historic residential corner of East Parkway North and Summer Avenue may be sold … to a national retail chain. Construction of the new Poplar Plaza Kroger may again be underway. The site of Memphis first McDonald’s will yield to Subway.

From the Business Journal, it’s People on the Move. The Commercial Appeal covers both People in Business and What to Do. And from the Daily News, it’s Today’s Events and Memphis Newsmakers.

Trane: More on the company’s lease for a 625,000 square foot distribution center.

Dollar General: The discount chain will add 6000 jobs nationwide in 2012. They will also add 625 new stores.

2012 Republican Primary: Our Tea Party contributor Ed “Doc” Holliday looks at the Republican presidential candidacy of Newt Gingrich and wonders if his past baggage can–or should–be overcome in tea party eyes.

The Main Street Journal Gets Social: We’re instituting some new ways for you to let your friends know about Memphis news in the MSJ. Look at the bottom of the left-hand column for sharing tools. And don’t forget the social media tools we offer in the right-side widget. We’ve also got a new Facebook page. (Will require Facebook login.) Share the news, with the Main Street Journal!

Occupy: Radical theorist and professor Noam Chomsky will speak at Rhodes College next week on Occupy Wall Street. Despite tripling in size, “officials” believe Winter will shut down Occupy Nashville.

Chancery Court: Newly-sworn in Clerk, Donna Russell, has “rescinded” the political appoointment of chief administrative officer, Wanda Wright.

Memphis Animal Shelter: A Rotary Club report on the shelter failed to mention ties to dog-fighting rings and Public Services and Neighborhoods Division Director Janet Hooks says she hasn’t heard any evidence either. The City is now looking at privatising the shelter and the City Council wants answers. More on Council reaction from WMC and WREG. You can read the Rotary Club report. (PDF document) Mediaverse’ coverage of the Club’s report.

Memphis v. Nashville: Fox13’s Les Smith reports on the enduring rivalry. The Tennessean reports on teachers’ early evaluations.

Local Media: The “Watchdog”, Mike Matthews, returns to local airwaves, now reporting for WPTY-ABC 24.
 
 
 

Mississippi: The State Legislature opened its 2012 session yesterday. They have “high hopes”. More on the difficulties with working on State Line Road.

Republican Presidential Primary: The Flyer’s Jackson Baker travelled to Iowa to report on the caucuses last night. Fox13’s Insiders also discussed them.

Politics: State district attorneys are pushing the Legislature for tougher sentencing laws.

State Redistricting: Republican legislators will release proposed maps for State legislative and Congressional districts today. House Democrats stand to lose nine seats. There will be five open seats. More from the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Tennessee’s Congressman Marsha Blackburn and Senator Bob Corker are in very hot water for their support of the anti-piracy bill SOPA.

DeSoto County: The Southaven Board of Aldermen decided the “vast majority” of the receipts turned in by Mayor Greg Davis were unjustified expenses. They also revoked the resolution that Davis used to justify the expenses and then apologised to the community. The Board will also redefine the mayor’s official role.

At their first meeting of the new year, the Board of Supervisors had a number of issues carried over from 2011. History was made at the County swearing-in for elected officials. School is in for County students. From the Commercial Appeal, the County Bulletin Board for today.

Joe Spake’s Daily Buzz: The rest of the day’s news, from all sorts of eclectic places.

Paul Proctor: Changing the name of Southern Baptists is wrong-headedly focusing on “branding”. (via the Tennessean)

Jamie P. Merisotis: College is a passport to a better life. (via the Tennessean)

Guerrilla Sales & Marketing: Ten smart marketing tips for 2012. (via the Daily News)

Martin Harshberger: Where jobs come from. (via the Daily News)

Commercial Appeal: Problems with meeting minority and local hiring requirements for the Electrolux project. The trip to court for County redistricting is “disappointing”.

Midtown, Middle Class, Medium Rare: A New Year’s Eve prayer to God and the surprising answer. Random New Year’s Day thoughts.

My Memphis Mommy: Another reminder, for new readers, about this incredible blog, offering coupons, discounts, free stuff, samples and so much more. Just start at the top and start scrolling.

In the South, it’s a religion: Are you LinkedIn? Any advice?

Jen-sized: Go ahead and reassure her. Starting 2012 unemployed but resolved.

LeftWing Cracker: Fearing the worst when the new State redistricting maps are released today.

Listwork: Guess what? A list of books she read last year.

Living Loud in Midtown: His New Year’s Day was spent eating and shopping for books, and watching the new Sherlock Holmes.

MAKE IT HAPPEN: Her household is one furry denizen larger. And her racing year in review.

Mediaverse: Thoughts on University of Memphis basketball coach Josh Pastner.

MemphisConnect: Did you know this is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month? And you can become a part of it.

One Half Amazing: If you’re interested in iPhoneography there’s a workshop coming tomorrow.