An investigation by The Daily Memphian analyzed nearly 40 abductions and kidnappings since July 1.

The group discussed “best practices” including implementing blended sentencing, restorative justice programs and rehabilitative programs. 

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The Shelby County Commission is expected to select a replacement on Oct. 17.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s office has announced three new hires, Gerald Skahan, Haden Lawyer and Nicole Harris who begin Monday, Oct. 17. 

The Commission Scorecard looks at critical votes and decisions at the Sept. 26 meeting, including a second grant this year for Choices: Memphis Center for Reproductive Health and appointing four new judicial commissioners.

“It’s important to this community. … It’s one step in a number of steps that we will continue to make to support the process,” the governor said.

The lawsuit was filed in August by one of the district’s two teacher unions, the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association.

Althea Greene, who has served as vice chair for the last two years, will replace Michelle McKissack as board chair. Sheleah Harris will replace Greene as vice chair.

The four new commissioners fill all vacancies in the ranks of the entry point for many defendants in the criminal justice system. The Shelby County Commission also set dates for filling a vacancy on the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board.

The commission split along the same partisan lines that split a vote by the previous commission this past January on funding for the center for reproductive health that has nothing to do with abortions.

The 10 reappointments were voted on individually Monday. There was only one no vote against any of the nominees.

At the second meeting of the new term of office Monday, Sept. 26, county commissioners appoint three new judicial commissioners and set the dates for filling a Memphis-Shelby County Schools board seat. 

Employment and labor attorney Alan Crone, a former Memphis City Council member, says the claim of “whistleblower” status by County Clerk Wanda Halbert is “nonsense” and likened it to an episode of “The Office.”

MLGW has failed its fiduciary duties to its ratepayers. The ratepayers deserves a fair RFP. City Council should vote against the TVA contract until all questions are answered, even if it takes a few years.

The ongoing discussion and debate were also present Wednesday, Sept. 21, as commissioners interviewed 30 attorneys who have applied to fill three vacant positions for judicial commissioners.

Several citizens publicly objected to a long-term contract between MLGW and the TVA, saying the utility shouldn’t lock itself into a deal that diminishes its negotiating power in a rapidly changing energy market. 

The MSCS board chairwoman, who in August won a second four-year term, referred to the board’s $480,000 severance package for superintendent Joris Ray as a “challenge” in which the school board showed leadership.

The Commission Scorecard tracks votes on an attempt to change who investigates ethics complaints and selection of a new chairman and chairman pro tempore at the first meeting of the term.

“Unfortunately, over the course of the last several weeks there have been many reports of new operations and customer service issues at your offices,” the county mayor wrote in the memo to Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert. 

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County Clerk’s office closes to public for second weeklong ‘blackout’

County Court Clerk Wanda Halbert said the weeklong closing to the public, which begins Monday, Sept. 19, is necessary to clear a backlog of car titles. It’s the Shelby County Clerk’s second closing in a month. 

The committee proposal is a reaction to last week’s violence in the city, with more discussion to come at committee sessions later this month before a vote. 

The ordinance would take the power to appoint the county ethics officer away from the county attorney’s office. It comes eight years after that office investigated whether Brooks lived in the commission district she represented, and concluded she didn’t.

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Shelby County Commission weighs forming public safety committee in wake of recent violence

The agenda is light Monday for the body of 13 that includes six new commissioners and seven returning. The commission has a nine-member Democratic majority following the August county general elections.