herenton sex plot may be for real

A pre-liminary report by a special report indicates there may be truth to allegations of a sex plot against mayor Willie Herenton. Prosecutor Joe Baugh told News Channel 3 he believes Gwen Smith has credibility. Smith alleges powerful businessmen tried to hire her to snare Herenton into a sex plot. The TBI along with Baugh interviewed Herenton last week. Herenton said God revealed the plan which came out as Herenton was falling behind in polls during the race for mayor. The mayor has a copy of the preliminary report which has not been released to the public.

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ophelia returns

In-case you missed it, Senator Ophelia Ford returned to Nashville and the Senate Monday. Ford looked very thin, had very short hair and sometimes used a cane. Ford told her fellow Senators she had missed them and had suffered from a bleeding ulcer that also caused other problems. Ford said she feels better than ever and even has her appetiite back. Ford missed most of the last session and all of the current session to date. Ford’s disappearance still seems mysterious but health is a personal thing and the fact that those who put her in office are finally getting representation

herenton may withdraw resignation

Our media partner, The Commercial Appeal, is reporting Memphis mayor Willie Herenton will not leave his job as mayor if he does not get the superintendent of schools position.According to the Commercial Appeal, “Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton said today he will stay on as mayor if he doesn’t become superintendent of Memphis City Schools .Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton said today that he will not resign as mayor if he doesn’t become superintendent of Memphis City Schools.”Several people have speculated about this. What Do You Think?

herenton to resign

Mayor Willie Herenton announced he will leave office effective July 31. It’s not clear why Herenton is resigning but there is a rumor he may be a candidate for the job of superintendent of Memphis City Schools. Some are saying Herenton could run for the 9th district Congressional seat currently held by Sen. Steve Cohen. All of these ideas are interesting and could potentially be true. Herenton could been seen as the savior of Memphis schools if he can make even a slight improvement. Herenton could possible carry the 9th district race because of his immense popularity in the black community and crossover appeal in the white community. There’s been speculation since he won re-election in November that he would step down, though many thought it would be at least a year.

Vols or Tigers-Which will make it to the Final Four?

The Vols take to the court today as they begin their quest to be the Final Four Champ. Tomorrow it’s the Tigers turn to roar onto the court. I’ve seen orange and I’ve seen blue around town. The question is when it comes down to it, who will be victorious and who will you support?

no books, no balls, no place to go

Tuesday, mayor Willie Herenton told the Memphis City Council he plans to close five libraries and four community centers. Mayor Herenton says these closures will save the city 1-2 million dollars a year. People are already furious over the announcement asking where kids are supposed to go if libraries and community centers are closed. They’re also asking why the head of the library, Keenon McCloy, who has no library experience can be paid $134,000 a year if money is so tight. On the CA website people accused the mayor of being a racist after he made this comment, ““They all look alike,” said Herenton. “They had no respect for diversity.” One woman asked if the mayor had looked around city hall when “respecting diversity.” The question is how do you promote education and staying out of trouble while closing libraries and community centers while at the same time paying very large salaries to political appointees at city hall?

Log in to comment. George

Starting today, I will delete posts that are not relevant to the topic. I’ve gotten a lot of complaints from people who want to talk about the topic but have to wade through other posts. Also there is now a new message board called The Rant! 2 where you can have a free for all! Enjoy.

strip clubs

The Memphis City Council is set to consider what to do, if anything, about strip clubs in our city. The county has passed a no alcohol ordinance that also requires strippers to be licensed. Many see this ordinance as the one that could put the clubs out of business. The city council must decide to a) not do anything and let the county ordinance stand or, b) vote on allowing alcohol with limited restrictions. A lot of eyes are on the council and it will be interesting to see how each person votes. Several members have publicly said the city needs the tax money from the clubs, especially their alcohol sales. The question is whether those dollars compare to what many say is the dirty side of strip clubs and the problems they bring.

Please log in to comment! George

it’s the law

Shelby County Deputy Chris Jones was in court this morning on a second degree murder charge. Jones was off duty Friday morning when witnesses say he shot two people, killing one at the Windjammer Bar near Clark Tower. Numerous people aren’t happy the charge is second degree or that Jones could post a $500,000 bond. The truth is, this is the law. Prosecutors apparently do not feel the murder was premeditated or else they would have gone with first degree. Because the charge is lesser, bond is available. The following charges could have applied, “first degree murder, second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide and reckless homicide.” Each charge carries with it specific criteria that must be met to file that charge. First degree includes premeditation as well as committing a crime while committing felony. Not everyone is happy with our legal system but sometimes it’s because they don’t understand it, especially while they are grieving.

personal responsibility

There used to be a time when people could self censor themselves, think before they speak or post. Apparently the days of self regulating are behind us for many of us. You wouldn’t believe the comments I have to delete and the words I have anticipate to make sure they do not appear. As of today, you will need to register to comment. This is being done to prevent people from using each others screen names. I am not the “thought police” but I do have a responsibility to WREG-TV. I try to edit overtly offensive words but I usually leave posts up. I think it’s best to know what people are really thinking around you. PLEASE be responsible in your “conversations.”

Click the title above to comment then go to the bottom of the page and LOG IN

I’m back and…violence forum

Hello all. I’m back from my business trip and trying to catch up on everything. Using wreg.com, I was able to track the news and watch the town hall forum. I heard some interesting comments and I know some people feel a lot of issues were not addressed and/or skirted. If you missed the live broadcast or webcast, you can watch it by clicking the link at the top of wreg.com.   I’d like to know your thoughts on this event.

Click the title above to comment.

 George 

checking in

I’ve spent everyday since last Monday in a business class from 8-5. We finally got Sunday off so I went skiing!! It’s been 10 years since I skied but I had a great time even thought I fell about five times. Salt Lake is a beautiful area with a lot to do, that being said, I’m ready to come home. While I was gone you got 6 inches of snow and my son started walking! I’m keeping an eye on the website and on the comments here. I will be back bright and early Thursday.

A quick note…

I am still out of town on personal business but I’m checking in because I’m devoted to my job. I’m in Salt Lake City and numerous people asked me about Memphis today. They didn’t ask about Beale or BBQ, they asked about murder. The Lester incident is getting national attention to the extreme violence in our city. It’s not that it doesn’t happen elsewhere but how much it happens in Memphis. It’s sad. Salt Lake seems to be the opposite of Memphis, low crime, beautiful clean downtown, nice wide and well planned interstates. Can you believe I’ve been waiting winter to see some snow and I come here and there’s nothing yet you got some in Memphis.

On a side note, I’m really annoyed that many of you can find nothing better to “Rant” about than calling each other racist terms and just plain being offensive. “The Rant!” is designed for intelligent conversation that is open to a point. Please think before you type, it’s easy to hide behind a keyboard. To those of you who have been responsible, thank you.