Last year, Memphis taxpayers paid $4.9 million in private legal bills, which have climbed each of the past four years.

Also happening this week: A Germantown school board vacancy will be filled.

A distemper outbreak at Memphis Animal Services has shut down the facility temporarily. Mayor Paul Young sent a letter to concerned citizens, outlining the situation and asking that people refrain from attacking the staff.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young was named Communicator of the Year, joining a roster of past honorees that includes Joe Birch, Otis Sanford, Dr. James Downing, Penny Hardaway, Ted Townsend and Beverly Robertson.

The Memphis Police Department hosted a “Sea of Blue” event Wednesday night, Jan. 22, for a veteran officer who died earlier this month.

The Division of Neighborhood Improvements was outlined as a more focused approach to persistent blight in the city’s residential areas. City Council members want to know more about the latest shift in the city’s blight strategy.

Conserving electricity means turning thermostats to 68 degrees or below, unplugging unused appliances, and avoiding running the washer, dryer, dishwasher and other appliances that use a lot of electricity. 

The city council agenda also includes a discussion of the proposed Chickasaw Gardens street closures but no vote on the long-delayed pair of resolutions for another two weeks.

Also happening this week: National Civil Rights Museum honors Martin Luther King’s birthday, and the City Council meets again.

The cold temperatures are expected to hit early Sunday morning with lows in the mid-20s, National Weather Service meteorologist Andy Sniezak said.

The City of Memphis argued in court filings this week that gun-rights groups don’t have standing to sue the city about the gun-control referendums that passed this fall because they have no legal effect.

The board voted seven to one to approve the contract with Transpro.

The officer served the Memphis Police Department for 37 years. 

The Young administration could ask the City Council for additional money for MATA, and at least one council member does not like its current approach. 

This week, the Shelby County Commission discusses Feagins, and an award-winning food podcast records in Memphis.

That squabble spilled into court documents Jan. 10 with Nichols’ attorneys attempting to compel the city to turn over key documents for the ongoing civil rights lawsuit. The lawsuit is set for trial in July 2026.

City officials credit the condition of the roads to preparation as well as cooperation from the weather. But the roads Sunday morning and even Monday may still be dangerous.

Global Café, an international food hall in Crosstown operated by immigrant and refugees chefs and staff members, spent Friday, Jan. 10, delivering warm meals to people in need at Hospitality Hub and First Baptist Church. 

Memphis Public Works crews remain on city streets Friday evening as snow that melted during the day ices over. But the city’s first responders to the snow say the day was much easier than the ice and snow storm a year ago this month.

The City of Memphis will use its new snow and ice-removal plan when winter weather hits late Thursday night or early Friday morning. 

Memphis Light, Gas and Water CEO Doug McGowen said the utility has been working to insulate key equipment during the cold. 

None of the provisions can take effect until or unless state laws are changed to permit the provisions in the ordinance.

“It is a physics problem, not a political problem, on how much energy can be provided here,” MLGW CEO Doug McGowen told the Memphis City Council on Tuesday.

Nick Walker has been the head of Memphis Parks since 2019.

A group of Memphians opposed to the gates, including a Golden Globe-nominated actress, has retained Alex Wharton of the Wharton Law Firm to look into potential First Amendment issues associated with the proposed barriers.