Memphis City Schools: Hundreds show up to protest this year’s block scheduling of classes. And many parents show up to protest the new school bus routes, even bus drivers complained. More from WREG.

Shelby County Commission: A narrow vote to cede to the City the County’s interest in the Coloseum and the land under the Liberty Bowl. More on that from WMC, WREG, and the Commercial Appeal. The Commission has cleared the way for City and County schools to apply for $61 million in stimulus funds. And, they set new storm water fee rates.

In a 9-4 vote, they decline to name an interim replacement (widely expected to be a Democrat for the Republican district) for resigned State Senator Paul Stanley.

Memphis City Council: A committee meeting today is expected to discuss consolidation and a non-discrimination ordinance. More on the coordination of consolidation proponents in government. Oddly, gay rights activists want the Council to wait on a non-discrimination ordinance.

Memphis’ Next Mayor: Mayor Pro-tem Myron Lowery has officially pulled his petition on Monday. He also had some of his strongest criticism yet of former mayor Willie Herenton’s actions last week, even calling for a drug test! WREG continues their series of profiles of mayoral candidates with Jerry Lawler. The Daily News looks at last weekend’s activities by candidates A C Wharton and Charles Carpenter.

Politics: A clear field now for State Rep. Brian Kelsey as fellow Rep. Steve McManus decides to not pursue the State Senate seat opened by Paul Stanley’s resignation. Background on Kelsey’s (apparently) decisive support from six Republican State Senators, from the Knoxville News-Sentinel. More from the Flyer, Fox13, WMC, the Daily News and the CA. Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam is far, far ahead in fundraising.

Al Gore is now confirmed to join former president Bill Clinton at the Democratic Jackson Day Dinner / fundraiser August 29. Official Jackson Day website. Protests against US Rep. John Tanner’s failure to make town hall appearances in Union City draws hundreds.

Former State Sen. and Shelby County Democratic Party Chair Kathryn Bowers has been released from prison.

Christian Brothers University: As the new school year cranks up, a look at new president Dr John Smarrelli Jr.

St Jude Children’s Hospital: Mary Lynn Carver has been named as the senior vice president of public relations.

The Think Tank for African American Progress: Bringing academics, policymakers and community activists together to work for solutions to the problems of young black men, this year’s event will be in October.

Downtown: The Center City Commission is getting more interest in its retail forgivable loan program. Oh no! The Starbucks in Peabody Place is closing.

Oakland: Persistent problems with flooding in parts of the city, especially Northwood Estates, is forcing some residents to move away.

Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare: They won nine-out of ten possible performance-based awards against thousands of other eligible hospitals.

Previously Posted: More on AT&T’s U-Verse internet digital television, which began rollout today.

West Memphis 3: The retrial hearing has now been delayed until October 1.
 

Survey Says: More than three-quarters of Americans surveyed said the stimulus wasn’t helping them personally and more than half thought it wasn’t helping the country. One million fewer Americans are expected to fly this Labor Day weekend. Six Memphis companies are listed in the Inc. magazine list of 5000 fastest-growing businesses. Memphis is ranked 46th in aggregate personal income among American cities.

Jeff Sanford, Center City Commission: Sanford’s address to the Commission’s annual luncheon two weeks ago caused a buzz. But it’s been hard to find more than excerpts, until now. Thanks to the CCC, the Main Street Journal is proud to present the full text of his address!

MLG&W / Joseph Lee: The lawsuit filed by citizen Al Thomas to prevent spending funds given by the City to resolve the entire Lee case was dissolved.

Second Amendment: Failures of communication between government agencies is letting some number of felons continue to keep their handgun carry permits.

Tropical Storm Claudette: Though no threat to the Mid-South, heavy rains are potentially headed this way.

“Cash for Clunkers”: Dealers aren’t being reimbursed by the Federal government after handing out hundreds of millions for older cars.

National Baptist Convention: The Host Committee for the 2009 conference is already hard at work preparing for opening on September 7.

DeSoto County: Officials with the County and the Mid-South Fair all seem to agree that the cost of Fair security will be covered, but no one will talk details. MS First District US Rep. Travis Childers is opting for “phone it in” town hall meetings, beginning tonight.

“Lease for Auction”: An innovative program at Roebuck Auctions, basically auctioning leases on commercial properties is beginning to draw notice.

Mississippi: The US Department of Energy is sending $470,000 for emergency preparedness.

Business: Grace restaurant will now be opening in a different location. The Wright Medical Group is launching a new foot surgery product. Medtronic spent $1 million lobbying the Federal government in 2Q/2009; more in the Commercial Appeal. Operating revenues at Fitzgerald’s Tunica fell over 8% in the second quarter.

People in Business, from the CA.

Economic Development Fair: The second annual conference, set for next week, will help minority business owners and entrepreneurs.

The Grizzlies: The team has released the list of games included in the Power Pack ticket bundles. More in the Commercial Appeal.

The Peabody Hotel Suicide: He has now been identified as James Dickinson. Only two news reports on this story: Eyewitness News and the Daily News. Blog reports from Paul Ryburn and String of Theories.

WILLIE HERENTON V. WMC’s JOE BIRCH! The one-on-one “explosive” interview that all Memphis is talking about. (Includes full 18 minute video.) Was Herenton’s entry into the special election part of enormous sub-rosa power struggles involving Mayor Pro-tem Myron Lowery and local attorney Richard Fields?

Is he mentally unstable? Fox13 Insiders, WMC, the Commercial Appeal wonder.

Herenton also did a radio interview with WDIA’s Bobby O’Jay. And, he spoke with Fox13’s Les Smith. News reports from WMC, CA’s Eye on City Hall, Eyewitness News, WREG.

More reports on Herenton’s decision to pull an election petition from WREG.

Reactions! From Mayor Pro-tem Myron Lowery. From various City Council members. From the other mayoral candidates. WREG’s Mike Matthews. From rival candidate and former confidant Charles Carpenter. From the Knoxville News-Sentinel’s Tom Humphries.

How does this affect the A C Wharton campaign? Not much, says Wharton.

Corrections Corporation of America: The company, which contracts around the state to run prison operations, has named Damon Hininger as their new CEO.

Notes from Memphis: The National Ornamental Iron Museum, parts one and two.

Whitebread on Patrol: Now with “more patrol”! Two people, four cars; do the math.

Wow. Really? Huh. More than some of you want to know about facials.

The Tale of a Southern Belle: Even for dermatologists, it’s all about customer service.

Pretty in Pink Megan: It’s her first vlog! (A video blog post.) Also, raves about her Tassimo, and an update on it.

moremittenz: The first 100 miles with Josephine.

The Conservative Zone: He sat down with the actual “Obamacare” bill, H.R. 3200, and read through it; here are some thoughts.

The Memphis Liberal: Very happy with candidate A C Wharton’s positions. Reading the text closely.

The Ominous Comma: Every day, the evil corporation steals his smokin’ hot wife and Brent is finally tired of it. A video post, with short song included!

Vegan Crunk: No recipes or food pics today; meet her pets.

vibinc: Stephen takes you behind the scenes of his recent past. Where his blog’s name came from. A rant against conservatives and for health care reform.

The Chockley Blogs: Random thoughts on cable television dramas and the endless array of iPhone apps.

Thaddeus Matthews: He thinks Willie Herenton is crazy… like a fox.

Student: Revisited: Favorite soundtracks.

Commercial Appeal: Farewell to Jim Dickinson. They renew their call for City-County consolidation.

Chick Chat: Learn some professionally-trained ways to a man’s heart. (via the Commercial Appeal)

16 Balls in the Air: Being the mother of four, it’s sometimes easy to forget that all good things wil one day end.

55-40 Memphis: Tools, all of ‘em!

a field guide to urban memphis: You don’t have to wait for the special election; do some voting here.

Scribblescrawl: On wigs, DVDs and cat attacks. Making films at home. How did this happen?

Reginald Milton’s A Fresh Look: Some thoughts on connecting those on the ground to those with the power.

Smart City Memphis: Willie Herenton is now a punch line.

String of Theories: The amusing, sweet and charming music video of Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?, with the stars of (500) Days of Summer.