The Memphis Area Transit Authority opened a $200,000 upgrade at its dispatch command center, “the heart and soul of our operations.”

Moody’s departure from Memphis city government comes after 20 combined years in administration.

The commission approved a resolution Wednesday, Feb. 22, on an 8-3-2 vote to fund a $5 million feasibility study “to establish, develop and implement reparations.” 

What began as a call for a special counsel to investigate the clerk’s office turned into a special adviser hired by and reporting to the county commission, working with Clerk Wanda Halbert in a three-month period.

When a study last year looked at how much of cancer-causing chemical was seeping into the air, and potentially harming local residents, it used standards better suited to indoor air quality and workers in protective equipment. 

The council also tabled any action on a special-use permit for the Live Lounge, the scene of a shooting Sunday that killed one and injured at least 10.

The City Council delayed approving a damage deposit fund on the contract between Memphis in May and the Memphis River Parks Partnernship to Feb. 21, so the city administration can verify that part of the agreement.

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Police reform ordinances clear second reading at City Council

In an update Tuesday, MLGW’s VP of customer service said MLGW has resolved about half of the initial billing backlog created by faulty utility meters. 

City Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Sink says disciplinary hearings for the last four officers cited for violating police policy should conclude Wednesday, Feb. 22. and video may be released to the public along with other officers’ records.

Ladarius Marion, 21, is charged with second-degree murder, five counts of attempted second-degree murder, and five counts of employment of a weapon during a dangerous felony.

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Arrest made in Whitehaven shootings

City council weighs special-use permit for Whitehaven bar after Sunday shooting

The owner of the Whitehaven bar that was one of two connected shooting scenes where a total of 13 people were shot — one of whom died — Sunday, Feb. 19, is before the Memphis City Council Tuesday, Feb. 21, seeking a special-use permit to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Related story:

Arrest made in Whitehaven shootings

While there are real savings if MLGW buys power outside of TVA, according to EnerVision, it’s not a figure that will transform MLGW or the City of Memphis’ budget, but ratepayers would feel its impact. 

Mayor Jim Strickland made a $684 million improvement proposal. Gov. Bill Lee earmarked $350 million for FedExForum and Liberty Stadium renovations in Tennessee’s budget plan. Where do things go from here? Some questions and answers.

Attorney Ben Crump called rumors of any personal connection between Tyre Nichols and any of the officers charged in his death ‘bogus,’ noting similar reports manifested after the killings of George Floyd and Botham Jean.

The report recommends MLGW revisit the market for energy sources when conditions improve. 

The measure would not apply to this year’s mayoral election. 

Sports Authority will also likely issue new debt for FedExForum renovations as well as be involved with providing financing options for Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium improvements. 

In the meantime, MLGW is replacing some of the broken water registers with analog ones. 

The Council Scorecard looks at a set of two resolutions and six ordinances the Memphis City Council approved at its Feb. 7 meeting. 

The data is nuanced, and it’s difficult to tell what the long-term effect might be. 

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Artists paint mural of Tyre Nichols in North Memphis

The new arena will replace the Mid-South Coliseum.

Memphis is re-evaluating its policing tactics, including the use of data-driven special units like SCORPION, in the wake of the Tyre Nichols death. 

MLGW’s Smart Meters are failing at a rate that suggests a design flaw, and the problem has delayed about $12.5 million in payments to the utility.

Sewer systems can have a major impact on growth. Memphis and its suburbs have a sometimes complicated relationship when it comes to that business.

Members of the reform group Stop Poverty with Policy have been riding MATA bus routes in recent months to understand how transit issues affect passengers’ everyday lives.