Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has picked a Shelby County judge for an opening on the state Court of Criminal Appeals. The Republican announced the selection of Judge John W. Campbell Sr. on Wednesday. Campbell is a criminal court judge for the 30th Judicial District, which covers Shelby County and Memphis. He previously was an assistant … Read more
An emergency order extending the time for COVID-19 safeguards in all courts and giving judges discretion to postpone jury trials scheduled through Jan. 28 has been issued by Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph. The state’s high court has issued a series of orders to address changing circumstances and evolving healthcare guidance since March … Read more
Mississippi senators voted Thursday to advance a bill that would create a medical marijuana program, sending it to the House for more work. One lawmaker started the debate by quoting Bob Dylan’s “Everybody Must Get Stoned.” It was a double reference to perceptions about recreational use of the drug and the criticism the lawmaker himself … Read more
A growing group of Tennessee Republican is proposing a statewide ban on residency requirements for all first responders. Yet some see this latest move by Republican lawmakers as another attempt to preempt local decisions, particularly in Democratic-leaning cities like Memphis where white lawmakers have brushed aside concerns raised by Black leaders. Nationwide, questions have long … Read more
Two of the men arrested in connection with the slaying of rapper Young Dolph had a history of violent crimes. Shelby County, Tennessee, District Attorney General Amy Weirich told a news conference Wednesday that 23-year-old Justin Johnson was held in juvenile custody after he was tried at age 17 on charges of aggravated rape and … Read more
Mississippi would phase out its income tax, reduce the sales tax on groceries and set a higher sales tax rate on many other items, under a bill that advanced Wednesday through the state House. House Bill 531 passed 96-12, with bipartisan support. It is similar to a bill that passed the House but ultimately died … Read more
A bill to create a medical marijuana program is headed for debate in the Mississippi Senate in coming days. Senate Bill 2095 passed the Senate Public Health Committee on Wednesday. It would allow a person with a marijuana prescription to obtain up to 3.5 grams of the substance per day. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has … Read more
A northeast Arkansas site has been chosen for a $3 billion steel mill that’s expected to employ at least 900 people. Pittsburgh-based United States Steel Corp. on Tuesday said it has chosen Osceola for the site of its new facility. Construction is expected to begin early this year and be completed in 2024. Arkansas lawmakers … Read more
The Grand Ole Opry, country music’s most historic and storied stage, is getting heavy criticism for an appearance by troubled country star Morgan Wallen. Wallen’s surprise performance has given many the impression that the institution has given the star its blessing and a path to reconciliation after he was caught on camera last year using … Read more
Tennessee lawmakers are planning to use their annual session in Nashville to focus on addressing how the state funds public schools, redrawing legislative and congressional maps and finalizing a new spending plan for the upcoming year. The legislative session began Tuesday and it is expected to stretch for several months. Amid his top priorities, Gov. … Read more