Author: Toby Sells

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West Virginia Sculptor Chosen for Crockett Statue at State Capitol

Credit: Jamie Lester via LinkedIn

West Virginia sculptor Jamie Lester will create the sculpture of West Tennessee frontiersman and statesman David Crockett for an iconic spot on the Tennessee State Capitol. 

State lawmakers agreed to erect a statue of David Crockett on the capitol grounds in 2021. Efforts to do so go back to at least the creation of the David Crockett Commission in 2012. (Read our previous story on this here.)

Photo: Tennessee State Museum

Crockett’s statue will replace a statue of racist, segregationist newspaper editor and politician Edward Carmack. He was, among other things, the editor of the Memphis Commercial newspaper when he incited a mob against anti-lynching activist, journalist, editor, and business woman Ida B. Wells. The mob destroyed her newspaper office.

Carmack was shot and killed by political rivals in Nashville, near where his statue was erected in 1927. The statue was installed, however, by a prohibition group (Carmack was also a staunch prohibitionist) that thought his big-profile death could further their cause. 

Photo: Natalie Allison

Protesters tore down Carmack’s statue in 2020 during the turmoil following the police killing of George Floyd. One of the 2021 bill’s sponsors, Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown), even told The Chattanooga Times Free Press at the time, he “didn’t think it would be possible to remove Carmack.” The newspaper story said, Southerland “smiled and then added: ‘Someone removed it for us, so they did us a favor.’”

VANDALIA BRONZE

Lester and his company, Vandalia Bronze, were selected Tuesday by the State Capitol Commission (SCC). The vote came after several meetings of a group to find sculptors, receive proposals, and narrow down 28 proposals to the finalists for the SCC. That group of technical advisors included David Crockett experts, sculptors, legislators, state officials, Tennessee Arts Commission members, architects, and historians.

Photos credit: Jamie Lester/Vandalia Bronze

Lester and his team have produced projects for the World Golf Hall of Fame, the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, and he created a life-sized sculpture of actor Don Knotts for the city of Morgantown, West Virginia. His work also includes numerous sculptures of people in business, sports, politics, and religion. 

Artists for the Crockett statue were scored in three categories. Lester scored highest of them all in each category. His proposal for Crockett shows the man as a “guardian of the frontier” standing atop a stone with his dogs Rattler and Tigger beside him. Crockett’s body for the statue will likely stand eight to nine feet tall, according to State Architect Ann McGauran.  

Crockett’s dogs, it seemed, helped to win Lester’s design admiration and votes. 

“I personally love the incorporation of the dogs,” said Tennessee Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson after the vote Tuesday. “I’m a dog person. I think the dogs make it really special.”

To this, McGauran said the dogs got plenty of discussion from the group of technical advisors working on the Crockett statue project. 

The State Building Commission will soon vote on Lester’s contract. If approved, his team will deliver a one-third scale model of the final design. If the design is approved, the Crockett statue will be delivered and ready for installation on the south side of the capitol by 2026.  

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Memphis Law Firm Leaves Tennessee Bar Association for Its Silence on Trump

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

A Memphis law firm left the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) Tuesday after the firm said the group had “voted to remain silent” on President Donald Trump’s actions to erode the rule of law and an independent judiciary. 

Donati Law ended more than 40 years of membership with TBA Tuesday in a letter made public on Facebook Wednesday. The Midtown law firm focuses on employment law, personal injury, and criminal defense, according to its website.

Donati Law via Facebook

”It is with great sadness that we feel obligated to leave the TBA due to its refusal to take a stand consistent with the ideals of the Rule of Law and an independent judiciary in the face of extreme threats from the executive branch,” reads the letter addressed to TBA leaders. 

The letter says, specifically, that the TBA “once again voted to remain silent” on April 14. Details of the triggering event on this date were not immediately clear, but Donati attorney Bryce Ashby said it was related to activities from another Memphis attorney, Brian Faughnan, of Faughnan Law. 

On his blog, Faughnan on Ethics, Faughnan said many bar associations, like the American Bar Association, have spoken out against Trump actions that erode the rule of law. In an April 8th blog post, though, Faughnan said, ”the Tennessee Bar Association and the Memphis Bar Association have not.”

After private talks with the TBA, he said on April 16, he’d become “more and more convinced that the TBA is actually determined to remain silent in an unforgivable act of cowardice.”

The TBA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this story. But this story will be updated with their statement if it does.  

The Donati letter provides a long list of the Trump-Administration actions that threaten “the very fabric of our constitutional system.” That list includes Vice President JD Vance and Memphis businessman and DOGE frontman Elon Musk calling for the impeachment of judges based on decisions to try to rein in executive overreach. The firm is also wary of Border czar Tom Horan and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who have said that judiciary has no power over the executive branch and that court orders may simply be disregarded. 

The list from the firm included the Trump adminstration’s refusal to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court order, as well as those of lower courts that required due process for immigrants facing deportation, and the return of Kilmar Ábrego Garcia from El Salvador. 

The firm said Trump has fired “those charged with ensuring the rule of law” including some at the Department of Justice, the head of the Office of Special Counsel, and 17 inspectors general. 

Finally, Donati said Trump has ordered retribution against law firms because of positions they have taken on behalf of clients or because of attorneys hired by their firms.

”These are but a few examples of the full-blown assault on the rule of law and the judiciary,” reads the letter. “These actions damage our system of justice and must be condemned.

“Remaining silent is complicity. The TBA has stayed silent and once again voted to remain silent on April 14, despite the TBA’s self-professed role as a ‘strong advocate for the profession and the development and maintenance of our justice system.’ As a result, we can no longer continue our membership with the Tennessee Bar Association.”

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CannaBeat: TN Senate Bans THCA

Credit: Budding on Unsplash

Smokeable cannabis products, especially the THC they create when lit, took another — possibly lethal —  blow Thursday as the Tennessee Senate followed the House in passing a law that bans products containing THCA.

House members passed an amendment last Thursday removing THCA from legal cannabis products in the state. THCA was already banned in the Senate version of the bill traveling through the committee process. 

That bill passed Thursday after a lengthy floor debate ending in a vote of 23 to ban the substance and only nine against it. The only legislative glimmer of hope for cannabis companies across the state now is a veto from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. 

Sen. Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) sponsored the Senate bill. He argued the bill protects consumers, taxes cannabis products fairly, and does not harm Tennessee hemp farmers. He said much of the products on shelves here are grown out of state. But the bill was about a lot more than all of those, he said. 

“We’re really gonna be voting here on whether to have recreational marijuana or not,” Briggs said, noting that many products on shelves here now will get consumers high. “If we vote no on this bill, we’ll have unregulated recreational marijuana.”

Briggs described an anything-goes market in Tennessee with a variety of products to smoke, vape, eat, and drink. Also, the product sold today, he said, is “not your grandfather’s marijuana” that “they confiscated at Woodstock.”

“The average strength of marijuana in 1995 was 4 percent,” he said, without confirming his source information. “You can walk 20 minutes down the street here and buy…gummy bears that are 10 times that.” 

On Thursday, as he’s done for years when talking publicly about cannabis products, Briggs pronounced “gummy bears” as “goomy bears.”  

Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) agreed with many of Briggs’ points. But she said she could not vote for the bill out of fear that state-by-state regulation on cannabis products has increased “black market activity.”

“We all know that people are going to other states and getting the products and coming back,” Campbell said. “When we attempt to put regulations [on these products] we actually drive people to other markets and drive a market here that is less predictable and less controllable…because people are going to be selling tickets on the black market.”

Sen. Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) pushed back on the bill because he said it would make it illegal to manufacture, cultivate, produce, and sell these products. But Tennessee criminal law now does not make it illegal to possess these products, he said. 

“I could drive to Kentucky,” Roberts said. “I could drive to North Carolina. I could drive to all these surrounding states and I could load up my car with as much as I want, and I can bring it home. I can do what I want to do with it all day long. I’m not going to be prosecuted by any (District Attorney) in Tennessee for violating law because I will not have violated a law.”

Sen. Page Walley (R-Savannah) said he’d recently watched the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. Dylan’s song, “The Times They Are A-Changin'” was an anthem for those in the Civil Rights Movements, Walley said. He said “times are changing right now.” 

He explained that most were comfortable with most of the bill, but uncomfortable with 5 percent-10 percent. Though he never spoke in specifics, Walley seemed uncomfortable with the THCA provisions. 

“We’ve really decided to change the rules and move the goalposts in this conversation after the game is in progress,” Walley said. “We told our farmers, we told our retailers, we told small business people who are honest, that are paying rents on facilities, that these were the rules.” 

Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) agreed, saying “we’re pulling the rug out from under” Tennessee’s cannabis businesses. He the state is moving in a “prohibitionist direction” on cannabis issues while others move forward.

“We are too much, in this instance, like The Simpsons‘ character yelling at the clouds,” Yarbro said. “This is time for us to get serious, to get real, and actually help Tennessee consumers, to actually help Tennessee farmers, to actually help Tennessee businesses. And I don’t think this bill is the right way.” 

The bill will become law upon Gov. Lee’s signature. Barring that, THCA protections are under review now in a lawsuit from the Tennessee Growers Coalition. That suit is to be heard this summer in Nashville. 

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“Madness,” “Unconstitutional,” “A New Low” — Reactions to the Senate’s Undocumented Student Bill

Credit: CDC via Unsplash
via Tennessee Senate Democrats

Backlash to the Tennessee Senate’s passage of a bill to allow school districts to ban undocumented students from schools began as the vote was recorded Thursday — and was from sources as varied as clergy, small business, and, of course, state Democrats. One group called it “madness.”

Bills for the move were filed in early February by Tennessee House Majority Leader Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland) and state Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson). 

The bill would challenge the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court Plyler v. Doe decision, which entitled all children to public education despite immigration status. That’s exactly what the bill’s sponsors said they want to do, citing the cost of public education. 

“The flood of illegal immigrants in our country has put an enormous drain on American tax dollars and resources. Our schools are the first to feel the impact,” Lamberth said in a statement to the Nashville Banner in February. “Tennessee communities should not have to suffer or pay when the federal government fails to secure our borders. Our obligation is to ensure a high-quality education for legal residents first.”

The Tennessee Small Business Alliance issued a statement Thursday condemning the bill, saying the group has “opposed the bill since its introduction” and called it “madness.” 

“This bill is bad for Tennessee’s economy, and we have warned the state legislature repeatedly that this bill is bad for business,” the group said in a statement. “If this bill becomes law, we’re going to immediately lose workers, and we’re shooting ourselves in the foot when it comes to workforce development. The sponsors of this bill, Sen. Bo Watson and Rep. William Lamberth, are playing with people’s livelihoods and threatening children.”

Faith leaders associated with the Southern Christian Coalition said the bill violates the teaching of Jesus. Group member Ellen R. Sandidge Gentry, a member of the same church Watson attends had taught words for the legislation 

‘As a conservative, and member of First Presbyterian Church, I’m unhappy that Sen. Bo Watson’s bill is associated with our church, Sandridge Gentry said in a statement. “My message for my fellow parishioner and state senator, Bo Watson is this: Coming after children who’ve done nothing wrong is a betrayal of Jesus’ teachings.

“Taking millions in sales and property taxes from undocumented families, then denying their children an education by claiming it’s “not paid for,” isn’t just bad policy — it’s unethical and unchristian.”

A group called Education for All Tennessee was created to work against the bill. It pointed to the bill’s narrow passage (19-13) as a sign that there is “weakening support for this cruel attack on children’s education.” 

“With razor-thin vote margins and growing bipartisan opposition, this bill can still be stopped,” the group said Thursday. “Tennessee families deserve better than a bill that targets kids and divides communities. 

“Every child deserves an education — no matter where they were born.”

State Democrats issued plenty of tough talk and even some tears in a news conference following the vote Thursday.  

Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) said the GOP are using children targeted by the bill as “political pawns.” She called the bill a “new low” for state Republicans, saying, “They didn’t send us up here to bully kids.” 

“Did you forget Jesus was an immigrant? Did you forget?” she asked. “Jesus stood with the least of these and it’s up to him to decide who is righteous and who’s not. But it on us to love everybody. It’s not for us to pick and choose who we love and who we support.” 

Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) said she asked Watson in committee if he’d heard from any school districts that requested the legislation. 

“He said, ‘We’ve all had those conversations — maybe not on the record — with folks from our school districts,” Akbari said. “My response was that I represent the largest school district and I have not ever heard that request.”

A House committee is set to pick up the bill on Monday. A reporter asked Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) what he thought about the bill’s chances to pass on the House side.  

“All I can guarantee you in the House is we’re gonna fight like hell to protect the children of Tennessee,” Clemmons said. “People of every faith believe this is a bad idea. Everybody knows this is unconstitutional. 

“We’re going to fight like hell to protect every child, to provide an education in compliance with the state Constitution, as well as the interpretation of the Constitution by the Supreme Court of the United States.” 

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Tennessee House Approves THCA Ban

Photo: Add Weed on Unsplash

Smokeable cannabis flower, especially the THC it creates when lit, took a critical step toward a ban in Tennessee after a long debate in Nashville Thursday that showed a rare divide among Republican lawmakers. 

Tennessee House members passed an amendment Thursday that would remove THCA from legal cannabis products in the state. THCA is also banned in a Senate version of the bill now traveling through the committee process. That bill, of course, could change before it passes, leaving a glimmer of hope for cannabis companies across the state that have said THCA products are among their most popular. 

The GOP divide on the issue emerged on the House floor Thursday morning. One group just didn’t like the product — the green, leafy bud now displayed on store shelves — nor the intoxicating effects it can produce. The other group of GOP lawmakers said removing the products will harm Tennessee businesses and won’t keep other intoxicating hemp products from shelves. 

Members of the non-THCA group said they felt duped by hemp advocates in Tennessee. 

“Six years ago I carried the bill that allowed us to grow hemp in this state and have many of these products,” said Representative Chris Todd (R-Madison County). “But I will tell you at that time, the [Tennessee Growers Coalition], well, I will say there were folks that deceived me and deceived our leaders and many others in this body.” 

He said the amended legislation brings the total THC level back down to .3 percent as planned originally. The amount is the federal limit, he said. As for those cannabis companies in Tennessee, “they gambled on a product that is federally illegal.”   

House Majority Leader Representative William Lamberth (R-Portland) has worked on cannabis issues in Tennessee for years. He agreed with Todd saying, “I wish we could go back in time and not have all these substances out there, but that’s not an option at this point.”

 “We were all told when we voted for hemp that it’s the nonintoxicating cousin to marijuana,” Lamberth said. “You don’t have to worry about anybody getting high. Well, that horse has left the barn. 

“What this bill does is ban THCA, that when you light it, it turns into marijuana. But that’s one product. There’s hundreds of other products out there [that will get people high].” 

The ban does put at risk Tennessee cannabis companies that have said that smokeable flower sales can sometimes total 60 percent of their total revenue. Representative Kevin Vaughan (R-Memphis) spoke loudest among the GOP to keep THCA legal in Tennessee. 

“ I have a hard time that this body has told [businesses] that this is a new commercial venture in our state, and then, two years later, we’re going to turn the lights off,” Vaughn said. “Understand that even if we take [THCA out], these stores will still be in the business of selling intoxicants.”

Representative Sabi Kumar (R-Springfield) argued that the legislature gets “carried away by the commercial advantages” of cannabis in Tennessee. He argued lives are torn apart by marijuana addiction and that was part of the reason he voted to ban THCA.

“Marijuana is playing havoc on our society,” Kumar said. “We talk about anxiety. We talk about mental health. We talk about schizophrenia and various psychological maladies. 

“Yes, we blame the internet for it, but, my friends, I submit to you that marijuana and its prevalent use is playing a role in this malady that is affecting our society for that reason.” 

The fiscal note, an expert review of the economic impact of proposed legislation, estimated the size of Tennessee’s overall cannabis market is about $120.4 million. The figure is based on a U.S. market for hemp-derived cannabis products projected at $5 billion in 2026. 

Tennessee tax collections on those products would have been $13.6 million, assuming that THCA were included. Those taxes would have been collected on what state financial experts expected to be cannabis product sales of $226.7 million over the next year. All of those numbers will change if THCA remains illegal.

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Mayors: Storm Impact Varied Widely Along the Mississippi River

The Wolf River at Germantown Parkway on Sunday. Credit: Ian Ripple on X
Credit: Ward Archer

Last week’s storm affected Mississippi River towns differently, ranging from a mass rescue in West Memphis to “nothing happened at all” in Caruthersville, Missouri. The total damage, however, could cost $90 billion, according to one weather company. 

The relentless bouts of severe weather began with tornado warnings on Wednesday, April 2nd. Lines of high wind threatened the Mid-South Thursday through Saturday. The storm finally moved on Sunday but not before dumping nearly 12 inches of rain in Memphis. 

The storm fronts were wide, of course, and did not affect towns the same way. Mayors of towns up and down the Mississippi River gave highlights of their challenges and lucky misses during a news conference Monday by the Mississippi River Mayors Cities and Towns Initiative.   

Memphis Mayor Paul Young said “the last few days have been a challenge.” He said the city had “historic levels of rainfall,” which created more than 600 tickets to the city’s 311 system. Also, wind and rain felled 109 trees that blocked roads, Young said. Traffic lights at intersections went out, too, and the massive amounts of water were a challenge for the city’s drainage system, he said. 

“Thankfully, our teams worked really hard and they were very responsive and very prepared for the storms that took place,” Young said. 

Across the river in West Memphis, teams in boats rescued nearly 100 people caught in the floodwaters created by nearly 13 inches of rain. 

However, up the river in Alton, Illinois, Mayor David Goins said, “we’re doing fine.” 

“I believe we dodged a bullet because most of the rain was south of us,” Goins said, noting Alton got between 3 inches to 5 inches of rain. 

In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, though, limbs and trees were down all over town, said Mayor Stacy Kinder. Downtown buildings suffered roof and facade damage and blown-out windows. Flash flooding backed up sewage and water into basements in homes across town. In a typical few days, the city’s waste water treatment plant treats about 26 million gallons of water, Mayor Kinder said. Between April 2nd and 6th, the system treated 91 million gallons of water, she said.  

Caruthersville, Missouri, Mayor Sue Grantham said “we got really lucky. The dear Lord was with us; we don’t have any flooding around us except at the river,” Grantham said. “Nothing happened at all. I did see one small car in a ditch. But by the time I got back around, it was gone.”  

Experts at AccuWeather, a weather media company, projected Monday morning that the storm caused an estimated $80 billion to $90 billion in total damage and economic loss.

Credit: AccuWeather

”We’re heartbroken by the loss of life and destruction from this once-in-a-generation storm,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter. “ Houses and businesses were destroyed by tornadoes. Homes and vehicles were swept away by fast-moving floodwaters. Bridges and roadways were washed out or destroyed in some areas. Travel, commerce and business operations were significantly disrupted. It will take years for some of the hardest-hit communities to recover.”

Memphis Mayor Young said his team is watching the Mississippi River now, though. The river is expected to peak here on April 14 at about 37 feet. 

“For us, flood level is about 34 feet,” he said. “We do think we have enough things in place to manage [flooding] at that level, however. It is something that we’re going to be paying attention to.”

David Welsh, a senior hydrologist with the National Weather Service, said he anticipates a “long, broad crest” on the Mississippi that could last for up to two weeks. However, no rain fall is yet predicted for the next week, which might give the river a little bit of time to start coming down.   

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Severe Weather, Excessive Rainfall Continue Through Sunday

Credit: National Weather Service Memphis

We may be done with severe weather but it’s not done with us, apparently. 

An early-Friday-morning briefing from the National Weather Service at Memphis (NWS) says “a dangerous weather pattern will continue through the weekend. Catastrophic flooding, along with severe storms, will impact the Mid-South.”

Credit: National Weather Service Memphis

This storm system has already caused five deaths in West Tennessee. It has dumped around 4 to 6 inches of rain on Memphis already. 

Credit: National Weather Service Memphis

“Generational flooding” is expected in the area as the storm delivers more rain on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This could deliver up to 10 inches of rain to areas along and north of I-40 through the weekend. If “generational flooding” was not enough to concern you, the NWS Memphis also predicts the storm could yield “catastrophic flooding.”

Credit: National Weather Service Memphis

However, Memphis fares better in the NWS outlook for Friday than other areas. The agency predicts moderate chances of severe weather, damaging winds, tornados, large hail, and excessive rainfall compared to other areas. 

Saturday, though, brings an increased risk for all of those here, especially excessive rainfall. 

Credit: National Weather Service Memphis

Even when the storm system moves on, its effects will remain in the Shelby County watershed. The briefing predicts an above moderate flood risk for the Wolf River. But it predicts an “above major flood” for the Loosahatchie River, which runs through Frayser and more. 

Credit: National Weather Service Memphis

Water levels in the Mississippi River began rising Thursday and are expected to continue until April 15th. River levels had sunk to around five feet early Thursday morning. By Friday morning, levels climbed to nearly 13 feet. The NWS predicts river levels will rise continually, peaking at around 36 feet by mid-April. 

Credit: National Weather Service Memphis

Gov. Lee Surveys West Tennessee storm damage

Credit: State of Tennessee

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee surveyed storm damage in McNairy County Thursday evening after severe storms ripped through part of West and Middle Tennessee. 

Lee immediately issued an Emergency Declaration, which was quickly approved by the Trump Adminstration. 

Crews in several Tennessee counties continued to survey storm damage Friday and search sites for evidence of tornadoes. 

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“West Memphis River” Renaming and Other Hilarious Memphis April Fool’s Day Gags

Credit: City of West Memphis via Facebook

The city of West Memphis has petitioned President Donald Trump to rename a portion of the Mississippi River, West Memphis River.

“We’re tired of Mississippi getting all the credit,” said Mayor [Marco] McClendon. “It’s time to put West Memphis on the map — literally.”

McClendon said the rebranding would come with new signage, tourism campaigns, and possibly a West Memphis River cruise port.

NAH! Those West Memphis folks were just having a laugh on April Fool’s Day. And they weren’t alone. The MEMernet was filled with all kinds of people, businesses, and organizations having a good time on social media Tuesday.

Here are a few:

Akbari what?!

Credit: Sen. Raumesh Akbari via Facebook

Zoo what?!

Posted to Facebook by Memphis Zoo

“ANNOUNCEMENT: We’re expanding our Memphis identity in a bold new way.

“Memphis Zoo. Memphis, Egypt. Memphis, Tennessee. A pyramid at our entrance. It only made sense. We’re (very unofficially) launching Bass Pro at the Zoo. A concept that would bring a satellite Bass Pro Shops location right into our front plaza.

The idea? A one-of-a-kind experience. Guests could grab a camping stove, pick out the perfect tackle box, and then stroll straight into the heart of the Zoo. Maybe even roll a few frames in a tiny bowling alley near the tortoises.

“We mentioned the idea to Bass Pro. They haven’t responded. At all. So, for now, it remains a vision. But we’re putting it out into the world… because it’s April 1, and that’s what visionaries do.”

Nacho what?!

Posted to Facebook by Memphis Made Brewing Co.

“You know we had to do it big for BBQ season! 🐷 Introducing “If You Smoke It, They Will Come.” A one-of-a-kind Imperial BBQ Nacho Stout, this is a creation that could only be Memphis Made!

“Brewed with corn chip malt and smoky pork shoulder puree, this porker of a stout packs a punch at 11.3 percent ABV (Be careful over the pit when you’re smashing these bad boys!) Available on tap every Tuesday at The Ravine and in 4-packs at all Memphis Publix locations, this conversation piece is sure to make a splash at one or both of our local May BBQ Competitions!

#memphisinmay #smokeslam #bbqfest #memphismade”

Sausage what?!

Posted to Instagram by Crosstown Concourse

“Before Monogram Foods even unpacks at Crosstown Concourse, they’re already bringing the heat — literally. To celebrate their upcoming move, they’ve teamed up with us to introduce a Circle B Smoked Sausage-Scented Candle inspired by the bold flavors of Memphis and the vibrant energy of Crosstown.⁠

⁠“Founded in Memphis in 2004, Monogram Foods is a leading producer of meat snacks, hot dogs, bacon, and other packaged foods, supplying some of America’s most beloved brands. Their move to Crosstown Concourse will bring their innovative spirit and hometown pride to the heart of our community.⁠

Posted to Instagram by Crosstown Concourse

⁠

“🔥 The Circle B Smoked Sausage Candle – Smoky, savory, and guaranteed to make you crave a classic smoked sausage.⁠

⁠“This limited-edition candle will be available for purchase throughout Crosstown Concourse, including at @milisflowersandgifts

⁠”Stay tuned for more updates as Monogram Foods settles into Crosstown!”

GTA what?!

Posted to Reddit by u/Legpistons

”Super pumped about the new GTA!”

Comment by u/readforhealth

“Side Quest Southaven Rendezvous

“Rico heads south of the border to grab 12kilos from the Chesteridge apartment complex. Little does he know, Brunnie B is also en route; and he hasn’t forgotten about the mess you made of his shop during the bust up. Meanwhile, Kitty Lee preps and wraps freshly packed powder for your arrival. This could get messy.

“Car 2018 Dodge Challenger Gauntlet

“Weapons Two Sig 365Ls and a sawed-off 12

”Objective Grab cargo and get back above the line by 5 O’clock”

Duck tour what?!

Posted to Facebook by Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

“Special April 1st Tour!

“Plunge into the silliness this April Fool’s Day with Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park’s one-of-a-kind, one day only, Submarine Tour of Poplar Tree Lake! 

“Hop aboard with Ranger Chuckles as he steers through the stump-filled shallows in our cutting-edge, pedal-driven submarine — equipped with snorkels for quick getaways and a periscope that moonlights as a selfie stick. 

“Be amazed by underwater spectacles like the rare migration of freshwater rubber ducks and the mysterious Poplar Tree Lake Kraken (spoiler alert: it’s just a giant bass). 

“Secure your pretend tickets today for a laugh-out-loud journey that’ll leave you soaked in fun — metaphorically speaking!

“Stay tuned for more April Fool’s Day events that don’t really exist! 😂 “

River what?!

Credit: City of West Memphis via Facebook

“🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MAYOR MCCLENDON 🚨 

“Mayor McClendon has officially requested federal approval to rename a portion of the Mississippi River to…The West Memphis River. 

“’We’re tired of Mississippi getting all the credit,’ said Mayor McClendon. ‘It’s time to put West Memphis on the map — literally.’”

The proposed section would span from the I-55 Bridge to the I-40 Bridge. 

Posted to Facebook by City of West Memphis

“‘We’re not trying to take the whole river,’” Mayor McClendon said. “’Just the best part.’”

“The rebranding would come with new signage, tourism campaigns, and possibly West Memphis may soon be home to a West Memphis River cruise port! Passengers can board for scenic tours newly renamed West Memphis River, taking in the sights, and sounds of the Delta in style.

”The petition has been submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and is now in the hands of President Trump. Stay tuned.”

Sauce what?!

Posted to Facebook by Rotolo’s Craft & Crust – East Memphis, TN

“B.Y.O.B 🪣

“What’s the elite pizza dipping sauce? 🍕

Ranch lovers, this is your moment! For ONE DAY ONLY we’re filling up your bucket with our creamy ranch. No limits.”

Elwood’s what?!

Posted to Facebook by Elwood’s Shack

“All sandwiches buy one get 3 free. One day April special. Today Only.”

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Bill Could Strip Key Oversight from Tennessee Human Rights Commission

Jonathan Skrmetti (Photo: tncourts.gov)

State lawmakers want to take oversight of possible discrimination in federal funding from the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) and give it to the Tennessee Attorney General.

State agencies have to follow federal rules when they get federal money. One of those rules — Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — disallows discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin.

In 2002, then-Governor Don Sundquist, a Republican, created the Title VI Complain Commission. In 2009, the THRC was given the authority to verify that state government entities comply with the requirements of Title VI.

But new legislation would strip this oversight and enforcement from the state group and would give that power to Tennessee AG Jonathan Skrmetti’s office.

The bill is sponsored by state Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) and Rep. Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville). It would transfer from the THRC to the AG “the responsibility of identifying state laws, rules, programs, services, and budgetary priorities that conflict with the components, guidelines, and objectives of a comprehensive state policy established by the commission to ensure compliance with Title VI requirements.”

A review of the bill was slated for the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday afternoon. No further details of the legislation — including the motivation for it — have been heard so far. However, the bill passed on partisan lines in a House subcommittee last week. Only two members, Rep. Larry Miller (D-Memphis) and Rep. Jesse Chism (D-Memphis), voted against the bill.

THRC is an independent and neutral state agency that takes and investigates complaints of alleged discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. It also monitors Title VI compliance for state agencies and entities getting federal money. It is the primary state agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws in the state of Tennessee.

“The Commission plays a key role in ensuring that the citizens of Tennessee are aware of their civil rights, their responsibilities under the laws that THRC enforces, and have a viable means for justice when their rights are violated,” the group said in its latest annual report.

Last year, the group received 1,097 inquiries of alleged Title VI discrimination. Of those, 332 complaints were accepted. Of those, 162 cases were closed. Settlements and mediations resulted in $4,000 to be awarded to complainants.

Most of those complaints were on alleged discrimination of race, retaliation, sex, and disability.

Credit: Tennessee Human Rights Commission

THRC found that all of the 49 state agencies reporting to it were in compliance of Title VI requirements.

Failure to meet Title VI requirements could result in loss of federal money. Last year, Tennessee got $31 billion in federal funds. TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program, got the largest share at $19.2 billion.

The THRC also offers technical assistance to the state’s many agencies, including the University of Memphis. Last year, the group said it fielded 237 requests for such help.

Read THRC’s Title VI annual report here.

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Railgarten Closed, Property Listed

Credit: Railgarten via Facebook
Credit: Railgarten via Facebook

Railgarten is permanently closed and its property is up for sale, according to a listing from commercial real estate firm Colliers. 

The entertainment complex closed in the winter. But the sign outside the popular Midtown hangout read that it was closed only for renovations. 

Credit: Railgarten via Facebook

However, a new sign hanging on the front of the indoor music venue part of Railgarten now reads “available.” The property listing from Colliers calls it “the former Railgarten dining, entertainment, and recreational venue.”

The listing includes the entire complex together: the diner, the tiki bar, indoor music hall, the backyard and beer garden, volleyball court, and Ping-Pong pavilion.  All of it totals nearly 10,000 square feet of indoor entertainment space on 1.35 acres. 

Credit: Colliers

Here’s how Colliers describes the property: 

“It’s designed to offer diverse dining, drinks, live music, and recreational activities across both indoor and outdoor spaces. The property benefits from being in the heart of the Cooper-Young district, a social, cultural, and entertainment hotspot. 

“Whether it’s a local Memphian looking for a weekend hangout, a tourist exploring the city, or a music fan catching a live show, this property is perfectly positioned to attract foot traffic and engagement year-round.

The area is a convenient location in Cooper Young District — packed with award-winning restaurants, coffee shops, and craft breweries. Just minutes from the University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, Liberty Park, Downtown Memphis, and Overton Square, making it easy to access many city attractions. Nearby favorites include: Alchemy, Beauty Shop Restaurant, Tsunami, Soul Fish Café, Young Avenue Deli, Central BBQ, and Jack Brown’s Burgers.

“The Diner — A retro-style American eatery. Casual, relaxed seating with booths and bar seating. Family-friendly atmosphere with a nostalgic touch.

“The Tiki Bar — A separate indoor bar area with a tropical island theme. Cozy, dim lighting and fun decor, including palm-themed murals and bamboo furniture.

“Indoor Music Hall — Intimate club-like setting with standing room and some seating areas. Fully equipped with professional sound and lighting systems.

Credit: Railgarten via Facebook

“The Backyard & Beer Garden — A large open-air space with picnic tables, string lights, and communal seating. Outdoor stage to host larger music gatherings and pop-up events.

Credit: Railgarten via Facebook

“Volleyball Court — A full-sized sand volleyball court for pickup games and league play.

“The Ping-Pong Pavilion — Multiple Ping-Pong tables available for casual play and competitions. Covered area for shade and protection from weather conditions.”

Railgarten has not yet made any announcement of the move on its social media channels. It did note a venue change of a New Year’s Eve show from Railgarten to Loflin Yard. A post about that show, featuring The Neon Mooners, was the last post from Railgarten on its Facebook page.