Beale Street: The new gun ban went into effect over the weekend. There were long lines, as Paul Ryburn notes in his blog post (see below). More on the new gun ban from WMC, Eyewitness News. Meanwhile, at the eastern end of Beale Street, two men are shot outside The Orchid Club, a club displaying “No guns” signs. And the managers of the Plush Club, where another mass shooting to place next to Beale, speak out.

Big band leader Jimmy Lunceford will soon be added to the Beale Street Walk of Fame.

The Mystery Legislator: The unidentified State legislator named in the investigation of the County Clerk’s office has now retained a lawyer.

Memphis City Schools: The city’s four over-age charter schools — praised just last week — are now drawing sharp questions over their questionable creation, approval and operation. The system has reported over three dozen break-ins and vandalisms at city schools so far this Summer.

Politics: US Rep. Steve Cohen announced $4.1 million in local grants. The Commercial Appeal looks at the fight over the Voter Confidence Act and the push to install paper ballot voting machines. Angry over the “opt out” provision in the “gun carry in public parks” law, a Nashville attorney says a suit is likely, as more cities elect to “opt out”.

Echoing Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton’s comments from last week, more members of the Shelby County Democratic Party are also worried about a surfeit of candidates in the Memphis mayoral race. And now, Wharton has reportedly met with Memphis City Councilwoman Wanda Halbert, also tipped as a potential candidate.

Millington: The City has stepped forward to offer a $1000 reward in the case of the flag burning outside the Baker Community Center; more from Eyewitness News and WREG. This is the second flag burning incident, following Macedonia United Methodist Church in Arlington. Although the City approved doing a study of red-light traffic cameras, many are already pushing to kill the idea.

City of Memphis: After complaints over proposed cost saving measures, City-owned golf course will now have new morning hours. The City is accepting new Federal funds to study traffic light synchronisation along many major roads. Cargo theft from trains slowed or stopped along Memphis railroad tracks appears to be increasing.

Arkansas: The Federal government has finally sent along $1.44 million for help in cleaning up after last winter’s ice storms. The summer tourism season is shaping up to be a “good one” though not great.

Tennessee: The TN Bureau of Investigation is solving some previously unsolvable crimes, thanks to DNA collection of convicted felons. The Department of Transportation has received a stimulus grant for training women and minorities for transportation jobs. Two Memphis firms, IBM Corp. and InTech Medical, are among them. The department has also awarded $430 million to 190 road projects. Rural Tennesseans still aren’t getting digital broadcast signals! More tick-borne diseases are entering the state.

DeSoto County: Home sales in the county are at an all-year high, and rising and new construction is on the rise. A travelling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution is in Southaven’s public library through the end of next month. The group that will control the DeSoto County Greenways, the North Mississippi Land Trust, has received non-profit status. A new pharmacy in Olive Branch is making some people upset. New residency requirements will face parents and children of County schools this Fall; more from Eyewitness News. The County school system is retrofitting 100 busses with tailpipe emissions reduction equipment. Hernando’s Farmers Market is now State certified!

Local Media: The North Shelby Times, in continuous publication for 44 years, has folded.

Main Street Journal: On the Block: Today –Outside the usual suspects of politicians, who would you like to see run for Memphis Mayor?. Mid-South leaders respond.

MATA: A look, from the Commercial Appeal, on the effects of proposed service cutbacks on some Memphians. There will be public meetings for expressing opinions and learning more.

Memphis City Council: At tomorrow’s meeting they are expected to consider City school funding. They may also declare a vacancy in the Mayor’s office, pursuant to Mayor Willie Herenton’s declaration of retiring.

Green Energy: From the Memphis News, a look at the Sharp solar panel manufacturing plant. A business profile of Luxe Green Gifts & Concierge, from the Daily News. Lexus will be bringing some of their new hybrid cars to their Memphis showroom.

Delta Air Lines: They have applied for eight Essential Air Services subsidies for flights in the Midwest and South, including Tupelo, MS.

Shelby County Schools: Tranfers between schools for students who request them are “typically” granted.

Business: Blockbuster will begin selling the Archos netbook in their stores.

A business profile of accounting firm Cannon, Wright, Blount, from the CA.

The Small Business Advocate says businesses need to prepare for customers who know as much about their products and services as they do.

People in Business, from the CA, for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

FedEx: They are claiming the American Conservative Union offered its political support against unions for about $2 - 3 million. The Flyer has more.

Finance: First Horizon National Corp. posted its fifth straight quarter of losses; more in the Business Journal, the Daily News. A look at the attorney representing some of the investors in the controversial Regions Morgan Keegan funds, Dale Ledbetter.

Medtronic: The company’s chairman and CEO, William Hawkins, made $7.5 million in compensation last year. More in the Daily News.

Mississippi: Many governors, including MS’ Haley Barbour, say there is no need for a second stimulus fund round for states. The EcoTrail at the Tunica RiverPark is set to reopen Wednesday. Dr Daniel W. Jones, the new chancellor of Ole Miss, sees education as impacting all kinds of areas in personal and state life. An outpouring of help for a man facing home demolition has led to hopes of a program to saves others from the same plight.

Mississippi Outdoors — the hunting, fishing and wildlife news — for July 20.

Previously Posted: More on the new Norfolk Southern intermodal rail yard to be built in Rossville. (Link includes map of yard.) The Daily News reports some detail on the state’s rise in unemployment. The Commercial Appeal may move their printing operations to a company in Tupelo. Shelby County Schools Superintendent David Pickler doesn’t like single-source school funding.

American Advertising Federation Memphis: The former Memphis Advertising Federation now has a new name, logo and website, in a rebranding effort.

Memphis Catholic High School: Their Education That Works program is proving so successful they’d like to expand it, but that takes more money.

Local Car Sales: The Federal rebate program for old car sales is bringing in old cars, but not a lot of people know about the program yet. More on “Cash for Clunkers” from Fox13.

A View From the Middle: Markus is back, and he and friends review the new Harry Potter movie and talk about movies to come in 2009.

autumne reflections: Cat blogging!

Cliff Heegel, Ph.D.: Relationship advice and, he breaks down the meaning of ‘zen’ for you.

bitter/books: Alright! He’s back on the tour of thrift stores, with a report from the Southaven Goodwill.

Bigger Than Your Head: The wine education in Germany continues. A simple, if you have the ingredients, tomato and pasta dish.

Haaaaave You Read My Blog? Psssst… I think the priest just asked you to repeat something.

Paul Ryburn’s Journal: The new anti-gun metal detectors on Beale Street are causing long, long lines to get in. Opportunistic criminals downtown.

Cwabs! One hundred accordions do Love Me Tender. Oh yeah.

what would you ax it? A interesting but frustratingly vague post that begs all kinds of questions, which are probably best not asked.

Doug Johnson at Work: An update on the weight loss regimen.

The Suggs: Hadley is growing along nicely.

theology & geometry: She has weather/trust issues.

Kip Gordon: Some funny photos of the Fox13 crew, Joey and Mearl, Jason and Melissa, and Scott.

joelarkins: A former newsman and anchor with thoughts on the passing of Walter Cronkite and the moon landings.

John Branston: Just because we’re about to get one, or maybe two, new mayors, doesn’t mean the city will dramatically change overnight. (via the Memphis Flyer)

The Chockley Blogs: Birthday bowling party.

MAKE IT HAPPEN: A long report from her season-ending run at the Mighty Mite RR, with pictures.

The Ominous Comma: They’re back from their second honeymoon and getting ready for their daughter’s wedding.

Squeaky Wheel Seeks Grease: The post title says it all: “Car accident. Epic post.”

Commercial Appeal: An education is important to African-Americans. Norfolk Southern’s new intermodal yard is a boost for the whole region. Memphis shouldn’t bear the weight of ozone and pollution control alone. Commemorating Man’s first step on the moon. Stay the course with the stimulus spending, because the money’s helpful.

Otis L. Sanford: He recaps the events of last week, in the County Commission chairmanship struggle. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Chris Peck: Although the media, including the Commercial Appeal, focus on the bad, there are some good things happening, too. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Michael Kelley: Mid-Southerners can be doing much more to clean our air, as already lenient standards tighten up a little. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Wendi C. Thomas: You can help the Freedom Preparatory Academy boost their students’ “college- bound” enthusiasm by donating a college t-shirt! (via the Commercial Appeal) From her personal blog, how her dog lost ten pounds in a day.

Memphis News: Memphis needs to invest in and push for more solar energy research.

(Lang Wiseman) Random Thoughts: He and the boys go to summer church camp, where they produce skits for each other. Silliness alert.

more mittenz: A funny update involving cars and puddles.

Notes from Memphis: Peppers from the downtown farmer’s market. Photos from the new construction at the First United Methodist Church.

Wow. Really? Huh. Advice for the cosmetics counter.