James Coleman
Area crime concerns reverberate amid pain and need for solutions
Fielding questions as family members and supporters of victims of violence gathered for the annual Season of Remembrance event, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy outlined law enforcement efforts to address soaring violent crime rates in Memphis, including the city’s record-setting homicide rate.
The AG’s...
Council steps into the scratchy issue of higher salaries
As the clock winds down on the city’s legislative calendar – and terms in office – the Memphis City Council has given first-step passage to a proposed ordinance to adjust the mayor’s salary.
The affirmative vote (Nov. 21), without discussion, on the proposal was approved...
Bringing Rugby to the old Vance Middle School site in 38126 is a work in progress
With details to iron out and language to be added, Shelby County Commission members kicked a proposal for a $1.1 million expansion of Memphis Inner City Rugby (MICR) at the abandoned Vance Middle School campus back to committee.
While generally viewed in the positive, the...
Runoff election was winning time for Green, Walker and Easter-Thomas
For the first time since the current form of government was adopted 55 years ago, women will wield a majority on the Memphis City Council after a trio of female candidates won office during the runoff election held on Nov. 16.
The first City Council...
County Commission seeks update on troubled County Clerk’s Office
Shelby County Commissioners closed their Monday (Nov. 13) meeting requesting an update on the current investigation into Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert’s management of her office and to inform them whether official replacement proceedings should be considered.
The add-on item was the latest pitch in...
City Council members skeptical of proposed solid-waste fee increase
With Mayor Jim Strickland’s administration nearing its end, skeptical Memphis City Council members Tuesday (Nov. 7) cast doubt on the timing of a proposed rate increase for bulk waste pickup.
The fee-increase discussion came during the council’s Public Works, Solid Waste & General Services Committee...
City Council delays final vote on runoff and partisan elections
Memphis City Council members Tuesday (Nov. 8) delayed a third and final vote for a pair of election-related ordinances, regarding partisan city elections and runoffs in citywide elections.
“What I am asking is for us to hold it in committee, until the next meeting. The...
Time-hampered City Council steps toward police advisory board
With time of the essence, Memphis City Council members Tuesday (Oct. 24) approved on second reading an ordinance to create a police advisory board to replace the soon-to-be abolished Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB).
A sense of urgency was created earlier Tuesday during the...
Land Bank could make room for a new Shelby County entity
Dissatisfied with the current setup, Shelby County Commissioners Monday (Oct. 16) took another cautious step towards creating a real estate division to oversee the sale of tax-delinquent properties.
The move to replace the current Shelby County Land Bank passed 6-4 in its second reading, with...
Opposition surfaces as City Council probes ‘Smart City’ fiber-optic plan
Flanked by advocates and experts, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland elaborated on his proposal to expand high-speed internet throughout Memphis, including its low-income communities, to Memphis City Council members during the Tuesday (Oct. 10) session.
Strickland, whose term ends Jan. 1, made the presentation to council...