Reaction to a third term bid by Mayor Jim Strickland was muted Wednesday, with a lot of questions about whether Strickland will even get the chance to run.

“Starting today, we will work to help eligible parents enroll this school year,” Gov. Bill Lee said, “as we ensure Tennessee families have the opportunity to choose the school that they believe is best for their child.”

Critics say the request for proposals — a process that could end in TVA awarding one, multiple or zero contracts — is a noncommittal effort to expand carbon-free energy. 

Memphis voters have tended to favor incumbents. Since the mid-1960s, only three sitting mayors have been denied reelection.

Ford raised the possibility at the end of a short special meeting Wednesday, July 13, of the Shelby County Commission on several unrelated matters. It came as the MSCS board was meeting on the same matter.

The Thursday 4 p.m. session at City Hall comes after the city administration balked at a change in the terms of a city-funded backstop for the hotel project. The delayed Tuesday vote came as the administration got some expressions of concern from state officials.

The referendum extending the number of consecutive four-year terms from two to three will appear on the Aug. 4 ballot. Early voting begins Friday, July 15.

Related story:

Memphis mayor potentials recalculate after Strickland announces possible third term

A disbarred attorney received big bucks from local politicians, the Memphis City Council blocks funding to enforce the state’s abortion law and Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama is having a hot Grizz summer.

Memphis-Shelby County School board members will be reviewing allegations of sexual impropriety by Superintendent Joris Ray with former or current members of school staff alleged in divorce proceedings.

Former lawyer Bret Thompson was disbarred in 1996 for stealing client funds. He’s been repeatedly convicted since then for posing as a lawyer and stealing from “clients.” But as his list of victims grows, judges and other candidates pay him thousands of dollars as a political consultant.

The Shelby County Commission meets Wednesday, July 13, in special session at 10 a.m.

Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr., Nashville-based critical-care physician Jason Martin and Memphis activist Carnita Atwater touted their qualifications for Tennessee governor.

In April, the Memphis City Council authorized its attorney Allan Wade to identify potential energy consultants. He researched 21 potential candidates.

The decision was one of several by the Memphis City Council in a Tuesday, July 12, agenda that was heavy with planning and development items.

The resolution by council member JB Smiley, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination for Tennessee governor, calls on county law-enforcement officials not to enforce state abortion law. 

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City Council approves Frayser expansion of manufactured housing

City attorney ready to make recommendation on energy consultant for TVA-MLGW debate

Amy Weirich, the incumbent Republican District Attorney, and Democratic challenger Steve Mulroy discussed truth in sentencing, gun theft, violent crime and more.

At stake is the financing for the last of three hotels at the One Beale development that together would serve as a second convention center hotel.

In a state legislature with a Republican supermajority emboldened by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, it’s unlikely that these bills — especially one seeking to codify Roe v. Wade — will pass.

The Memphis City Council will consider flood plain housing in Frayser, five local businesses are recognized for diversity and inclusion, and Baptist Memorial Health Care offers a way to see a doctor without leaving your car. 

Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen talks about the city’s study of a long-range plan for Mud Island River Park 40 years after it opened.

The Memphis City Council meets Tuesday, July 12, at 3:30 p.m. Committee sessions start at 8 a.m. at City Hall. Items on the agenda include One Beale financing and Frayser flood plain housing.

The department’s Multi-Agency Gang Unit was executing a warrant attempt at a house in the 4000 block of Breckenwood Drive when a suspect shot at the officers from inside the residence. 

The Biden administration on Monday told hospitals that they “must” provide abortion services if the life of the mother is at risk.

”My commitment is to improve environmental health, food security, self-sufficiency and, overall, quality of life for residents in the Greater Memphis area,” she wrote in her biography on Memphis Tilth’s website. “My goal is to build a better system of urban and rural farmers, community gardeners and food security advocates across our region.”

Memphis Police identify suspect in weekend officer shooting, Santi Aldama shines in the NBA summer league and the Shelby County Election Commission is short a few Republicans.