Metro Charter Vote: Memphis bloggers Tom Guleff and Steve Steffens debate consolidation on Fox13; another Fox13 debate involving Darrell Cobbins, of Rebuild Government. Reports on the State Attorney General’s opinion that the municipalities will lose their annexation reserves (PDF document) from the Commercial Appeal. Consolidation proponents still can’t even ballpark a figure for projected savings in a merger. Even though its not part of the plan, school consolidation is still being debated. The Flyer’s Jackson Baker reports on last week’s anti-consolidation visit by Rev Al Sharpton.

Many voters are still confused by the charter. You can read the proposed metro charter here.

Baptist Trinity Hospice House: The area’s first residential hospice care facility opened Saturday.

Shelby County Commission: A Commerical Appeal profile of commissioner Chris Thomas.

Politics: Campaign ads get “down and dirtier”, says the Commercial Appeal. Another, though less-discussed, “hiding candidate” is State Senator Ophelia Ford. A look at the District 31 race for incumbent Republican State Senator Brian Kelsey’s seat. And a report on the State House District 89 and 93 races.

Race for the Cure: A record-setting 19,000 runners turned out Saturday!

Governor’s Race: The Associated Press talks with both Republican Bill Haslam and Democrat Mike McWherter about the State budget. In the final week of the campaign, Haslam takes two days off!

Early Voting: Despite expectations, the total vote was 25% below forecast.

US Congressional Races: In the Eighth District, Democrat Roy Herron is still hammering away at Republican Stephen Fincher’s finances and personal spending.

The Ninth District race between incument Democrat Steve Cohen and Republican, African-American challenger Charlotte Bergmann is growing closer. More on the “hot race” from Fox13.

From the Desoto Times Tribune, interviews with Mississippi First District candidates, Democrat Travis Childers, Republican Alan Nunnelee and independent A G Baddley. Retiring TN Rep. John Tanner, a Blue Dog founder, is campaigning for incumbent Travis Childers.

Germantown: The mayoral race is growing test.

Politics: A new website offers information on various local, State and Federal candidates and politicians. The Legislature is considering stricter laws for “vicious dog” owners.

Shelby County Greenline: A lot of near misses involving bike riders has prompted sign warning them to yield to auto traffic.

Mississippi: A study of campaign financial disclosures from various State races. State-level lawmakers aren’t as concerned as their County colleagues about redistricting.

Memphis Zoo: The new outdoor iceskating rink opens next week.

DeSoto County: A stretch of I-55 near Senatobia will be better lit thanks to Federal funds. A profile of Bettie Puckett, new director of Old Towne Olive Branch.

NEW! Main Street Journal Online Exclusive: Senior Writer and Online Editor Michael Roy Hollihan was invited to a “Meet the mayor” press conference with Memphis mayor A C Wharton and filed this report.

Main Street Journal Online: Publisher and Editor in Chief Jonathan Lindberg advises politicians with a few rules on How Not to Campaign.

November 2 Voter Information: The Shelby County Election Commission website. A comprehensive voters guide from the Commercial Appeal. The proposed metro charter and the State Attorney General opinion on consolidation’s effects on annexation by the smaller municipalities. (PDF documents) The Daily News series explaining the charter’s provisions.

The DeSoto County Election Commission website. Voter links for various State and Congressional races in Arkansas, from KAIT-TV. Voter information for North Mississippi from NEMS360.com. The Mississippi Secretary of State’s website.

The Tipton County Election Commission website and the Fayette County Election Commission website. The Tennessee Secretary of State website.

The Arkansas Secretarry of State’s website. Also, the Arkansas County Election Commissions Association website.

Memphis City Schools: A quick overview of the issues facing the school board.

Lost Little Sheep: The black and white ram found by Animal Services was reunited with its owner.

The Wharton Administration: FBI investigators are interviewing Memphis police and wrecker personnel concerning Around Town Tire & Trucking. Memphis mayor A C Wharton floated the idea of selling Beale Street to private developers as hundreds of officers are trained for patrol on Beale. More on the sale of Beale from WMC.

Arkansas: US Senator Blanche Lincoln continues to trail Republican challenger John Boozman. WMC’s Joe Birch interviews Boozman. People’s pets are dying because Crittenden County lacks an animal control department.

Paranormal: Is Memphis a hotbed for ghostly activity?

Business: Small business owners must participate in politics. A look at the battle between America and Vietnam over … catfish.

A business profile of Aussie Pet Mobile, from the Commercial Appeal.

From the Commercial Appeal, People in Business for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday; What to Do from Sunday; Property Transfers.

Walker + Associates: To celebrate their 45th anniversary, they will donate 45 hours of professional service to a non-profit organisation that wins their contest.

J. B. Hunt: President and CEO Kirk Thompson will resign effective January 1, to become the chairman of the board.

Jessie Dotson Trial: His trial has, to date, cost taxpayers $450,000.
 

MIFA: Hammered by the economy, they closed the thrift store this past Friday.

Commercial Appeal: Where’s the ketchup? Criticising Rev Al Sharpton’s opposition to consolidation. The expected “this has been a bad poltiical season” editorial. Redefining and extending the “holiday season”. Despite it all, they still support the Beale Street Landing.

Faith in Memphis: John Kilzer’s journey from alcoholism, through Alcoholics Anonymous to worship. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Mark A. Skoda and Mark Herr: Two local tea party leaders defend the movement from a Commerical Appeal smear. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Michael D. Warren: Celebrating Child Health Week is good for kids. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Chris Peck: Politics comes and goes, but “human drama” is forever. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Otis L. Sanford: Likening the “new normal” to a family’s medical emergency? (via the Commercial Appeal)