The state of Tennessee executed Donnie Johnson of Memphis Thursday, 35 years after he murdered his wife, Connie, by stuffing a 30-gallon garbage bag down her throat.

The Achievement School District has dealt with a spin-off like this before with Memphis Scholars, which runs three schools in the state district. But this is the first time Shelby County Schools has dealt with a question like this.

The "SCS is 901" campaign marks 150 years of organized public education as the city celebrates the 200th anniversary of the founding of Memphis.

Efforts to secure resources for Shelby County Schools come in advance of an expected school board vote on a spending plan, which could occur as soon as next week. The budget is the first under the district’s new superintendent, Joris Ray. 

Jeff Lyash spoke Thursday at the second meeting of an advisory group to Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division on the question of ending or changing the utility's 80-year relationship with the Tennessee Valley Authority.

• Commercial Appeal parent company rejects hostile takeover bid
• Needed: Donations of feminine hygiene products
• Main Street Trolley line to be affected by Convention Center renovation

The Shelby County Commission held its first budget hearing Wednesday, and commissioners received budget increase requests from several elected officials. 

Democratic state Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis is not contradicting a move by the Tennessee Black Caucus calling for House Speaker Glen Casada's resignation. But along with Republican state Reps. Kevin Vaughan and Jim Coley, he's not ready to say Casada should step down.

The Tennessee House Republican Caucus could determine the fate of embattled House Speaker Glen Casada in a Monday meeting closed to the public.

Gov. Bill Lee announced Tuesday evening he will not stop the execution of death row inmate Donnie Johnson, who is set to be put to death Thursday.

Memphis River Parks Partnership plans to begin making changes to Tom Lee Park in the fall. The fall construction appears to steer clear of most, if not all, of the park used by the Memphis In May International Festival.

• Millington airport to get $10 million for improvements
• Destination Maternity opens co-branded store at Saddle Creek
• Bike Share rides free this weekend

Mayor Jim Strickland signed an executive order implementing the Memphis 3.0 plan Tuesday at a South Memphis CDC, a week before the Memphis City Council takes the first of three votes on the plan.

State Rep. Jeremy Faison says embattled House Speaker Glen Casada has less than 20 votes of support from House Republicans, while Rep. Ron Gant of Haywood County is calling for a House Republican Caucus meeting on the scandal.

As school shootings continue to occur in America, local colleges and universities are investing in equipment, training and counseling services to take every measure against a shooting on their campuses. 

The hero who rescued 32 people on the Mississippi River south of Memphis in 1925 has a simple story but a complex legacy. It includes descendants dedicated to making sure he is remembered and connections to those he rescued as well as those rescued by others.

The Shelby County Commission voted unanimously in favor of censuring Criminal Court Judge Jim Lammey Monday night for sharing social media posts about the Holocaust, immigrants and Muslims.

• Graduations, MIM boost earnings for Memphis Airbnb hosts to record $339,000
• Pinnacle Financial Partners opens Union Avenue office
• Job fair Tuesday for positions at Elvis Presley's Graceland

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland plans to sign an executive order Tuesday that will put into effect the Memphis 3.0 land use and development guidelines currently pending before the Memphis City Council.

The fate of local Democratic Party Chairman Michael Harris is sharing space with more mundane details, such as organizing political events and getting a local party with a lot of new blood better organized.

The Tennessee Black Caucus isn’t ready to accept a “painful” apology from House Speaker Glen Casada for his involvement in racist and sexist text messages.

Members of the House Ethics Committee are discussing an advisory report in private on the resignation of House Speaker Glen Casada’s chief of staff amid a scandal over racist and sexist text messages.

• Job fair Tuesday for positions at Elvis Presley's Graceland
• Shelby County Government partners with Explore Bike Share in support of healthyShelby'19 campaign
• Groundbreaking for TCAT Memphis' new Bartlett Campus set for May 15

Memphis Botanic Garden hosted mothers and families for a picnic in the park on Mother's Day. The event changed its brunch-style event for the first time in more than 20 years.

The Cooper-Young Garden Club hosts the Cooper-Young Garden Walk 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 18-19.