Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a world famous Indian yoga guru, has taught his SKY meditative breathing practice to millions of devotees around the world.

“We may not have a police officer in every corner, but we may have a camera. It’s like a neighborhood watch in the 21st century. We’re very excited about it.”

Martavius Jones has been acting chairman of the body since Jamita Swearengen gave up her council seat in August. Council member JB Smiley Jr. remains council vice chairman.

Commissioner Henri Brooks, whose district includes Klondike, sought again to delay the second of three votes on a TIF district for the redevelopment of the residential area. Other Democratic commissioners on the body moved forward.

The first of the giant wooden animal sculptures arrived in Tom Lee Park Tuesday, Nov. 15. The animals, all native to the Mississippi River Basin, are another sign of the bustling park’s construction activity.

A long-lasting La Niña is complicating the forecast. Right now, the country is preparing for its third consecutive year of La Niña — the first three-year La Niña in two decades.

A 5% surcharge on anything bought at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel drew lots of questions from Memphis City Council members Tuesday, Nov. 15. Council members were surprised that plans for a 300-room expansion remain tentative.

Council members will discuss the proposed Tourism Development Zone 5% surcharge — which would be charged on hotel guests’ bills — at an 8:30 a.m. committee session Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Thecouncil scorecard looks at the moves of city chief operating officer Doug McGowen to head Memphis Light Gas and Water Division and Chandell Ryan to the number two post at City Hall as well as a primer on both positions.

The State House Democratic leader joins an already-crowded field and emphasized basic city services. Meanwhile, one of her key supporters speculates about another big name that might get into the race.

The Franklin L. Haney Co. said MLGW’s bid review process was biased toward TVA and it asked that its proposal be rescored. 

Unlike typical lawsuits, the plaintiff are not seeking monetary damages nor possession of the property. Instead, they are asking a court to deem the blighted sites a public nuisance. 

The texts read, “This is a test from the City of Memphis Mass Communication system that will contact you during… Reply with Yes to confirm receipt or…” followed by a link. 

“The city of Memphis needs more affordable housing, but we want quality, affordable housing. We don’t want to treat people like they are second-class citizens,” Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard said.

Over the years, possible solutions have included a new parking garage as well as shuttle services as two city mayors, multiple community leaders and even the police have joined the fray. 

Before his confirmation by the Memphis City Council this week, Doug McGowen indicated MLGW will move closer to Memphis’ day-to-day operations. He also said the city-owned utility could expand to include broadband and has to improve its responsiveness to Memphians.

The Memphis Zoo, Overton Park Conservancy and the City of Memphis are soon to sign off on precise terms that will end overflow parking on the greensward.

Chance Carlisle of Carlisle Corp. responds to Mayor Strickland’s letter on the Grand Hyatt financing stalemate. 

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division said a vendor error caused thousands of residents to receive an email stating their utility bill was $0.

“Low water can have as great a cost, or greater, than high water,” Strickland said. “We have all these tools at our disposal for floods, but very few for droughts.”

The council also confirmed Chandell Ryan as the city’s new chief operating officer — the first woman to hold the No. 2 post in city government.

Though the utility has no plans to increase rates this year — or next — costs are still expected to be 9% higher than last year. 

Within months, the congregation will vote on whether to affiliate with another Methodist group or be independent.

The item returns to the Memphis City Council for discussion at its Nov. 15 session.