Main Street Journal - Weekly Update for Monday, April 15, 2013
2012 was a record-setting year for the States, in terms of tax collections. Inforgraphics on how the State’s budget breaks down and how much of our State’s money comes from the Federal government. The State Legislature sent the income tax ban to the voters for a referendum in 2014.
Memphis: Although the city’s summer jobs program was changed into something else, Mayor AC Wharton had a conference call with President Barack Obama, looking for more money for summer jobs. More from Fox13. Local Politics: Judge Joe Brown, fresh off his TV show, will run for Juvenile Court Judge. The Daily News interviews the new chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party, Bryan Carson. State Representative Lois DeBerry is undergoing cancer treatment. The Next Election Cycle: Embattled US Fourth District Congressman Scott DesJarlais is already being outraised by at least two possible primary challengers. the Flyer on conservative efforts to unseat Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker. Senator Alexander raised one million dollars in the first quarter of 2013. Second Amendment: The Flyer’s Jackson Baker recount a meeting between pro-gun (sort of) and anti-gun supporters at the AgriCenter gun show. Following pressure from State sheriffs, the sponsor of a bill to liberalise the State’s knife laws has stripped out most of that language. (HB581) Mississippi: A judge refused to reduce the amount that Southaven mayor Greg Davis owes the State. Mississippi’s US Senator Roger Wicker says it’s “unfortunate” that DeSoto County is so close to Memphis. Education Reform: The Associated Press looks at the progress of municipal school systems and State charter authorisation; more from them. The legislation to create a statewide charter authoriser office is having some trouble. Mo’ Money Taxes: The Justice Department is trying to shut the company down. TVA: Did the Obama administration open a door to the possible sale of the publicly-owned utility? US Senator Bob Corker doesn’t think the sale idea is viable. Local Media: Mediaverse asks, “Is the local TV station landscape about to change dramatically?” Another informed opinion, from Shaun Fossett. 96X is back on the air!
Memphis: Faced with tough finances, the City is rethinking annexation, cutting back on sewer line expansion. Tell your friends you read it here:
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![]() County Commission: The agenda for Monday’s meeting, where the sale of the Tall Trees juvenile detention facility and paying legal fees will be discussed. The Daily News covers the County budget, and its issues. Property Taxes: A guide to the property tax reappraisal process. The local real estate market is showing signs of recovery. The County’s property taxe rate will increase by 33 cents. AutoZone Park: Where matters stand in the sale of the Redbirds and their ballfield. Shelby County Unified Schools: School board member are in San Diego for a conference. Your taxes are paying for it. The Memphis City Schools Education Foundation, although it is serves a system that is going away, will still serve students inside the city. The school system wants to know what parents think of a County school uniform. The job posting for the next superintendent is available. Hundreds of teacher layoffs are expected.
Richard Fields: Long-time local civil rights attorney and political player Richard Fields died Saturday when he was struck in traffic Downtown. One witness said, “He didn’t pay attention to what was coming.” More from WMC. ![]() State Legislature: The State Senate passed a utility deregulation bill already passed by the House; it now goes to the governor. A worker’s compensation reform bill, opposed by Democrats, has passed the Assembly. (SB200) A freeze on State beer taxes also goes before the governor; more from ABC24. Corrections: The company that won the State’s contract for enforcement, Centurion, employs the wife of the Corrections Department head, and other interesting things. College: Getting ready for the expense of going to college. Part two of that WREG series. The Wharton Charitable Fund, run by Mayor Wharton’s wife, provides scholarships to local students. Tennessee: It’s a whole new era in local government in Chattanooga. An audit of the State’s job training program has raised a lot of questions about how well it works. The Home Affordable Modification Program is due to shut down this year, but a coalition of Tennesseans want to see it survive. The number of women-owned businesses is booming in the state. Fayette County: The county’s school system will have to cut 11 positions due to a $600,000 budget shortfall. Arkansas: The State House will vote on a Senate proposal to make Medicaid a private option. Weather is creating concern of a widening disaster in the oil spill at Mayflower. Officials are not sure how to handle the disaster. Survey Says! Memphis’ Top Ten tourist destinations are, largely, the casinos in Mississippi? Another Top Ten list, this time of credit tips and habits. |
Picture of the Week
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A quiet lunchtime crowd at Hog & Hominy, from Sophorn McRae at her blog, norococo. ©2013. Used with permission. |
Opinion and Blogs
![]() Memphasis: He’s lucky to know Bea Miller. (Via the Daily News) Memphis News: Simply and clearly put, the City of Memphis should not acquire AutoZone Park. Greg Johnson: TVA is an example of what government shouldn’t do. (Via the Knoxville News Sentinel) Frank Cagle: The empty house is filled again and the permaculture eatin’ is good. (Via the Knoxville Metro Pulse) Joe Sullivan: Governor Bill Haslam’s Tennessee Plan is a bold gambit. (Via the Knoxville Metro Pulse) Tom Humphrey: Governor Haslam is a master of getting what he wants through inaction. (Via the Knoxville News Sentinel) Snark Bites: Legislators plan to secede from the 21st century? (Via the Knoxville News Sentinel) Carlee McCullough: The business of the arts. (Via the Tri-State Defender) Lucy Shaw: How to handle an aggressively evangelising and judgmental coworker. (Via the Tri-State Defender) Flyer: Labels can mean different things, depending on who uses them. Jim Mulroy: Factors to consider in workers compensation cases. (Via the Daily News) Kelsey Jacobson: Are you proud to be a Memphian? (Via WMC) |
![]() vibinc: The kittens are coming to get you. Steve also marvels at Governor Bill Haslam’s 68% approval rating. MAKE IT HAPPEN: Damie has a pregnancy update for her readers. NMissCommentator: The surprising event that changed Flannery O’Connor, at the age of 5. Also, some thoughts on an NPR piece on Southern country music. 16 Balls in the Air: An announcement of changes to come. Theology & Geometry: Is this a groundhog or a nutria? Bigger Than Your Head: Nine red winds from Spain and Portugal. Squeaky Wheel Seeks Grease: A surprisingly cheeful post-surgery report, although the medication may have had something to do with that. My Memphis Mommy: I can’t even summarise this amazing blog full of deals, coupons, sales, daily deals, restaurant deals, and so much, much more. Start at the top and just start scrolling. Benito’s Wine Reviews: Wine sippy cups. He’s been in Oregon on a wine-tasting tour. Commontaries: He just got wise to the hustle. The career hustle, that is. Thoughts on Judge Joe Brown. The Conservative Zone: March was a “lost month” for him. Wish him well. |