Blight: WREG finds some dilapidated properties that, since last May’s promises by the City, still haven’t been secured or cleaned up.

MLG&W: The “smart grid” technology the utility is rolling out in limited fashion poses security and information privacy risks for consumers. The utility’s employees, after several years of no increase, may see a 9% increase in health care premiums.

Memphis Youth Manifesto: A report on their recent peaceful protest about the portrayal of young black men in the local news.

The Wharton Administration: Now that elections are over, Mayor A C Wharton is warning people he will have to raise taxes. Mayor Wharton gives the Daily News a peek into his new initiative to fight gun violence.

Second Amendment: The Germantown man who carried his gun in a public park there, in response to an argument with another park user, was fined $50.

Mississippi: The state’s chapters of Junior Achievement have closed. These are non-profits affiliated to Junior Achievement Worldwide. Jamie Franks, the chairman of the MS Democratic Party is critical of the governor’s plan to merge agencies, schools, etc. to cut the budget.

Politics: Republican candidate Bill Gibbons released his tax returns and investment information to the major print media. More on this from Fox13. The Flyer’s Jackson Baker muses on polls. He also profiles Democratic State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Jim Kyle.

Cook’s Political Report now has Lincoln Davis (US 4th District) as just “likely Democratic and Bart Gordon (US 5th District) as only “lean Democratic”.

State Senator and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Kyle has picked up an endorsement from the Memphis Police Assoication. Knoxville’s Metropulse looks at the state of the Republican Bill Haslam’s campaign.

US Rep. Steve Cohen endorses Adrienne Pakis-Gillon in the State Senate District 31 race.

Going Green: The Daily News looks at the local companies that are moving into or utilising green or renewable energy in their daily operations. For the Memphis economy, the “bio-economy” could be the next coming thing.

Entergy: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a request from the Arkansas and Mississippi parts of the company to sever agreements with the rest. Millions in savings are expected.

The MED: The search for a new CEO has narrowed to two finalists: George N. Miller Jr and Dr Reginald Coopwood.

Assisi Foundation: They gave $250,000 in grants to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis for their Trinity Park multi-home project. The Foundation also gave an equal amount to Grace St Luke’s Episcopal School.

Overton Square: Memphis Heritage opponents of plans by the developers for the Square appear to be hardening their position. Want to express your thoughts on what business you’d like to see on Overton Square

Memphis Veterans Medical Center: They are opening a new clinic in Helena, AR.

Arkansas: The State’s Public Retirement System has strengthened its value as the stock market has risen, of late.

Memphis International Airport: While passenger counts were down in October, cargo traffic did much better.

Memphis and Shelby County Industrial Development Board: Requests for PILOTs will now have to include a “child impact statement”.

Real Estate: Edward Fritsch spoke of real estate investment trusts and the economy to a joint meeting of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors and Certified Commercial Investment Member.

Millington: The Tennessee Wastewater Financing Board is demanding the city create a long-term funding plan for its water and sewer system.

Dutch Treat Luncheon: This Saturday at Jason’s Deli (Poplar and Highland), they will feature four of the candidates for State House District 83 and the Democratic candidate for State Senate District 31, Adrienne Pakis-Gillon. DTL website here.

Unemployment: The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 10.5% for October. High unemployment is hitting African-Americans especially hard. More on the unemployment rate from the Business Journal.

DeSoto County: The County Schools are seeking to block an ACLU demand that a suspended student be re-admitted.

Holidays: Graceland will turn on its holiday decorations today. If you live in the unincorporated County, the Sheriff’s Department will do extra drive-bys of your home while you are on vacation. More on the arrival of Christmas before Thanksgiving gets here. A look back at Starry Nights at Shelby Farms and a look at the rebirth this year.

Center City Commission: They submitted draft resolutions to the City Council for proposals toughening panhandling laws and creating a district with tight restrictions on single-beer sales.

Children’s Advocacy Center: They are teaming up with protesters of the abuse of animals at the Memphis Animal Shelter to fight all abuse equally.

West Tennessee: The largest solar electric system in the state has been installed by LightWave Solar Electric just west of Somerville.

Hunger: A U.S. Department of Agriculture report claims 2.5 million families in Tennessee struggle to put food on the table, at least 5 million people. The population of the state is 6.2 million.

TNInvestco: From the Commercial Appeal, a look at Innova Fund II, the only one of six start-up capital funds to be based in Memphis.

Business: The Sheraton Casino and Hotel Tunica will be rebranded and marketed as Tunica Roadhouse and Casino Hotel. Wright Medical Group has introduced a new ankle product.

What to Do, from the CA.

FedEx: The Tennessee Center for Policy Research looks at the battle between FedEx and UPS and the unions. FedEx Ground opened a new distribution facility in Florida.

University of Memphis: Slain student Tederrial “TK” Hancock was memorialised on Wednesday. A suspect in an armed robbery near campus has been arrested. The 25th North American Sartre Society Conference is this weekend. (all stories via the Daily Helmsman) The Center for Biofuel Energy & Sustainable Technologies, led by Dr Srikant Gir, received a half-million dollar grant for research into converting waste into energy. Student Disability Services helps students at the university (about 3%!) with the transition.

Agriculture: The National Cotton Council is unconcerned with trade sanctions from Brazil. Thanks to weather, this year’s pumpkin harvest will be poor.

Financial: Morgan Keegan has named Richard Ferguson as their new head of their Private Client Group .

Oakland: Beginning in December, the sanitation fee will double to cover revenue shortfalls and the cost of a legal challenge to the last mayoral election.

Memphis Animal Shelter: A report on the progress of changes at the shelter, and a proposed mandatory spay and neuter program.

Tennessee: Governor Phil Bredesen now calls a tax increase next year unavoidable. A Federally-funded study will attempt to match green job openings with workers to help the State’s “green energy” initiatives.

Feeding Dreams: At their Community Champions Luncheon and Awards Ceremony this week, three Mid-South organisations were honored for their work in the community.

ACORN: Wade Rathke, the founder and former chief organiser of the controversial group being investigated nationwide, will speak in Memphis this Monday.
 

Fertile Ground: Random mom thoughts.

Commercial Appeal: They agree with an advocacy group’s belief that State taxes are too low and not progressive enough. The problems, costs and failures of TennCare are a reason we need national health care reform, too?

Stephanie Fitzgerald: The Gates Foundation’s Teacher Effectiveness Initiative is an opportunity for teachers to get more respect and support. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Pet Scoop: What to do when you find a stray dog. (via the Commercial Appeal)

bring me penguin dust: Riding the wave of cleaning.

Brain Release Valve: He’s taken up the challenge of “fast fiction” again and he needs your input to get going. And here’s his first example. Also, he has some thoughts on the hypertext novel.

Bigger Than Your Head: Rethinking his aversion to liqueurs.

Adventures in Merriness: Thirteen days until Memphis.

Memphis Lagniappe: Some suggestions for your weekend. Thoughts on shooting and football.

The Flyer: Early signs that the relationship between City mayor Wharton and County mayor Ford won’t be that pleasant.

The Rant: Joe Lieberman “looks like” the Antichrist, George Wallace, the Joker, and a schmuck. (via the Flyer)

John Branston: Drug use, Memphis and golf (via the Flyer)

Meredith Jubilee and Madeline Jane: Minutes.

Moments in Time: Thoughts on Fall and baby Natalie’s Halloween. The parents take their first no-baby night out … to the Bruce Springsteen concert in Nashvegas.

Notes from Memphis: A couple of Memphis-based 2010 calendars are out.

Paul Ryburn’s Journal: Today they flip on the “holiday lights” downtown, and some other news. Plus, super-secret driver’s license fu!

Thaddeus Matthews: Was it a hate crime or a belligerent drunk?

MemphisConnect: Help the City of Memphis redesign its website. To even warn people about the mission of Doctor Harold Toboggans is to help spread his message!

Steve’s Nude Memphis blog: A knee to the groin? That’s a tasin’.

Smart City Memphis: Advice on making the City website user-usable.

sharp stick in the eye: We’re into Day 4 of 7 Days of Pie and today it’s black-bottom pie filled with custard.

Secret Agent Mom: Things her mama taught her.

Persian Pit Bull: Lane and Lennox have more interesting viewing now. She liked the new Michael Jackson movie.

One Half Amazing! Good news for marketers as Facebook now offers localisation based on language and geography.