WEBVTT 00:14.014 --> 00:15.382 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - (female announcer)  Production funding 00:15.382 --> 00:18.551 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% for Behind the Headlines is made possible in part by 00:18.551 --> 00:20.620 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% the WKNO Production Fund, 00:20.620 --> 00:22.856 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% the WKNO Endowment Fund, 00:22.856 --> 00:25.625 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and by viewers like you, thank you. 00:26.626 --> 00:28.928 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - The City budget gap, a new superintendent, 00:28.928 --> 00:31.531 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and an update from the legislature, tonight, 00:31.531 --> 00:33.099 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% on Behind the Headlines. 00:33.099 --> 00:35.935 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% [intense orchestral music] 00:51.151 --> 00:52.786 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I'm Eric Barnes with The Daily Memphian, 00:52.786 --> 00:54.287 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and thanks for joining us. 00:54.287 --> 00:56.089 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I am joined tonight by a roundtable of journalists 00:56.089 --> 00:58.191 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% talking about some of the biggest stories of the week. 00:58.191 --> 01:00.226 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Toby Sells, News Editor, Memphis Flyer. 01:00.226 --> 01:02.395 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Thanks for being here again. - Thanks for having me, sir. 01:02.395 --> 01:04.164 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Julia Baker covers criminal justice 01:04.164 --> 01:05.832 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and public safety for us at the Daily Memphian. 01:05.832 --> 01:07.367 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Thanks for being here. - Thank you. 01:07.367 --> 01:08.968 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - Laura Testino is a reporter 01:08.968 --> 01:10.537 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% with Chalkbeat covering education. 01:10.537 --> 01:12.872 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Thanks very much for being here. - Of course, thanks. 01:12.872 --> 01:14.040 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - Along with Bill Dries, 01:14.040 --> 01:16.476 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% reporter with The Daily Memphian. 01:16.476 --> 01:17.977 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% we'll start, we're gonna try to cover 01:17.977 --> 01:19.546 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% a whole bunch of stuff. 01:19.546 --> 01:22.015 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I think, let's start though with the budget gap, 01:22.015 --> 01:22.982 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and I'll go to you, Bill. 01:22.982 --> 01:25.218 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% Mayor Young this week said 01:25.218 --> 01:27.921 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% there's something like a $30 million gap. 01:27.921 --> 01:30.356 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% He has talked about a property tax increase. 01:30.356 --> 01:32.525 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% That follows, what, a week or two ago 01:32.525 --> 01:36.062 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% where there was $10 million that was found to not be funded. 01:36.062 --> 01:37.864 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I don't know how to say that accurately, 01:37.864 --> 01:40.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but there was a $10 million gap before that 01:40.533 --> 01:42.969 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% related to hiring in the fire department 01:42.969 --> 01:44.104 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and training and so on. 01:44.104 --> 01:45.572 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% So something like $40 million. 01:45.572 --> 01:48.041 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% That they covered with the rainy day fund. 01:48.041 --> 01:49.809 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But the $30 million, do we know, is that, 01:49.809 --> 01:51.744 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% is that the scope of the gap? 01:51.744 --> 01:53.446 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Do we know, where are we? 01:53.446 --> 01:56.549 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Mayor Young, in his address that he did 01:56.549 --> 01:58.718 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Westwood 01:58.718 --> 02:01.488 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% said it is at least $30 million. 02:01.488 --> 02:04.257 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% He is not saying at this point 02:04.257 --> 02:07.127 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% how many cents on the tax rate that would be, 02:07.127 --> 02:11.431 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% because he will be doing his best in his budget plan 02:11.431 --> 02:14.667 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% that he'll present to the City Council this coming Tuesday, 02:14.667 --> 02:16.703 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% he will be trying to find other ways 02:16.703 --> 02:20.173 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to get that $30 million figure down. 02:20.173 --> 02:23.676 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% How many pennies that is on the tax rate 02:23.676 --> 02:25.111 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% depends on the calculation. 02:25.111 --> 02:27.147 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% For the current fiscal year, 02:27.147 --> 02:30.683 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% each cent on the property tax rate 02:30.683 --> 02:34.821 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% produces $1.4 million in revenue. 02:34.821 --> 02:37.557 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So that's how the calculations are done. 02:37.557 --> 02:40.126 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% What's the revenue you get from one penny, 02:40.126 --> 02:42.595 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and then you start figuring out how many pennies you need 02:42.595 --> 02:44.464 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to get to $30 million, 02:44.464 --> 02:47.734 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% or the administration's hope here 02:47.734 --> 02:50.470 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is that it can be something less than that, 02:50.470 --> 02:52.172 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% or that it can be combined, 02:52.172 --> 02:56.409 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% a tax hike and some budget cuts or realignment. 02:56.409 --> 02:58.645 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - And the gap comes from, 02:58.645 --> 03:01.014 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% this budget gap comes from what? 03:01.014 --> 03:03.650 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - The budget gap comes from several sources. 03:03.650 --> 03:05.051 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% First of all, 03:05.051 --> 03:07.253 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% all of the Federal American Rescue Plan Act funding 03:07.253 --> 03:09.756 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% that the city and county 03:09.756 --> 03:11.691 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and numerous local governments have relied on 03:11.691 --> 03:15.094 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% for several years now is coming to an end 03:15.094 --> 03:19.299 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% at the end of December, which is right in the middle 03:19.299 --> 03:21.201 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of the next fiscal year that's coming up 03:21.201 --> 03:24.237 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% because the fiscal year starts on July 1st. 03:24.237 --> 03:27.941 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Also, the city is expecting that its annual contribution 03:27.941 --> 03:31.911 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to pension liability will be going up 03:31.911 --> 03:33.513 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% in the next fiscal year. 03:33.513 --> 03:36.583 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So that money has to be accounted for as well. 03:36.583 --> 03:39.052 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Put those two together and some other factors, 03:39.052 --> 03:42.222 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and you've got at least $30 million 03:42.222 --> 03:43.923 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% in the mayor's own words. 03:43.923 --> 03:46.125 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - And we've been many years now 03:46.125 --> 03:47.694 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% without a property tax increase. 03:47.694 --> 03:49.629 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - More than eight years. - Yeah, yeah. 03:50.964 --> 03:53.099 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% This also comes as we have a new superintendent 03:53.099 --> 03:54.934 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, 03:54.934 --> 03:57.670 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and Laura Feagins, and she is, 03:57.670 --> 04:00.006 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% came out and asked for $25 million 04:00.006 --> 04:03.509 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to support capital improvements at the city, 04:03.509 --> 04:06.346 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% sorry, Memphis-Shelby County School System. 04:06.346 --> 04:07.614 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I still struggle with the name. 04:07.614 --> 04:09.115 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% A lot of people kind of lose track, 04:09.115 --> 04:10.416 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% and they'll say to me 04:10.416 --> 04:12.518 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that they assume the City of Memphis funds 04:12.518 --> 04:13.987 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the Memphis-Shelby County School system. 04:13.987 --> 04:16.022 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% It has not since those early years 04:16.022 --> 04:17.390 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of Behind the Headlines. - 2008. 04:17.390 --> 04:19.692 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Yes, when Bill and I covered that story so much 04:19.692 --> 04:20.960 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that people stopped me in the grocery store 04:20.960 --> 04:22.595 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and said, stop talking about it, 04:22.595 --> 04:24.497 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% but the city has not funded, 04:24.497 --> 04:27.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% has been a regular funder of the system in all that time. 04:27.333 --> 04:29.369 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% But go to you, Laura. 04:29.369 --> 04:30.737 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% It was a bold move. 04:30.737 --> 04:32.739 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% There's $100 million in stuff 04:32.739 --> 04:37.310 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of like electricity and foundations and HVAC, 04:37.310 --> 04:39.445 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and she's asking Mayor Young for $25 million, 04:39.445 --> 04:41.080 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that would be $25 million over and above 04:41.080 --> 04:42.849 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% this $30 million gap we're talking about. 04:42.849 --> 04:45.218 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - And it would probably be capital funding. 04:45.218 --> 04:46.719 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Yeah, capital funding. - Which is different 04:46.719 --> 04:48.554 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% than funding that's generated 04:48.554 --> 04:51.291 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% out of the tax rate in the City General Fund. 04:51.291 --> 04:52.191 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% - Fair enough. 04:52.191 --> 04:53.359 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Let's talk about that ask. 04:53.359 --> 04:55.228 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Did that surprise you? - That's right. 04:55.228 --> 04:58.731 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% No, I don't think it's totally an unexpected ask. 04:58.731 --> 05:01.034 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% What we know about the district and Dr. Feagins 05:01.034 --> 05:02.869 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% is that she's continuing down the road 05:02.869 --> 05:06.839 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% that previous Interim Superintendent Tony Williams did 05:06.839 --> 05:10.209 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% of gathering county, city, and other leaders 05:10.209 --> 05:12.645 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% across Memphis and Shelby County 05:12.645 --> 05:14.447 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% to create an infrastructure plan 05:14.447 --> 05:17.083 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% that the district wants ultimately 05:17.083 --> 05:19.118 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% to drive potential new redevelopments 05:19.118 --> 05:20.720 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% so that they're not doing closures 05:20.720 --> 05:23.923 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% that lead to blight in communities, right? 05:23.923 --> 05:26.259 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% They don't, they want more of the exciting stuff 05:26.259 --> 05:27.527 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% that's happening in Melrose 05:27.527 --> 05:29.462 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and less of what was happening in Melrose 05:29.462 --> 05:31.297 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% before the new library. 05:31.297 --> 05:33.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And so last year, we know that at the County Commission, 05:33.733 --> 05:35.935 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the district did not receive funding 05:35.935 --> 05:37.270 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% for deferred maintenance. 05:37.270 --> 05:39.005 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The capital funds that they got approved for 05:39.005 --> 05:41.908 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% were all for new buildings within the district. 05:41.908 --> 05:45.912 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And so the district has been saying really since the fall 05:45.912 --> 05:48.281 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that they're seeking additional funds 05:48.281 --> 05:51.184 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% from federal and city government for this capital plan. 05:51.184 --> 05:53.920 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And even took a look back at my notes 05:53.920 --> 05:58.791 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% from Mayor Young's campaign back in October, 05:58.791 --> 06:01.327 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% very clearly was, you know, said that this would be a way 06:01.327 --> 06:03.629 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that the city could in the future support it. 06:03.629 --> 06:06.499 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Of course, we don't know if that's in the budget as of yet, 06:06.499 --> 06:09.168 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as The Daily Memphian has reported, 06:09.168 --> 06:11.170 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but we do know that the district 06:11.170 --> 06:13.406 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% is very clearly wanting to set forward on, 06:13.406 --> 06:16.376 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% you know, really spending a lot on its infrastructure 06:16.376 --> 06:18.845 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% right now to rightsize the district in a new plan. 06:18.845 --> 06:20.246 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% - We'll come back. 06:20.246 --> 06:23.716 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The new superintendent is, what, two weeks? 06:23.716 --> 06:25.585 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Two and a half weeks into the job as we sit here. 06:25.585 --> 06:28.221 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% We'll talk some more about that, but I wanna go over to Julia. 06:28.221 --> 06:30.123 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% We'll kind of bounce around a bit tonight 06:30.123 --> 06:33.025 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and talk about a whole lot of things going on in your beat 06:33.025 --> 06:35.228 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and in public safety, criminal justice. 06:35.228 --> 06:37.630 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Maybe we start with some of the things going on locally, 06:37.630 --> 06:38.931 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and that'll segue into some things, 06:38.931 --> 06:41.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% a lot that's going on at the state. 06:41.200 --> 06:43.136 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I guess we start on a better note. 06:43.136 --> 06:44.670 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I don't wanna say it's a great note, 06:44.670 --> 06:46.839 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but that crime, the first quarter crime stats came out. 06:46.839 --> 06:48.741 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Overall crime was down 14% 06:48.741 --> 06:51.844 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% compared to the first quarter of 2023. 06:51.844 --> 06:55.648 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Violent crime down 10%, property crime down 22%, 06:55.648 --> 06:57.049 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% all compared to 2023, 06:57.049 --> 07:00.753 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but still elevated compared to say 2021 or 2020, 07:00.753 --> 07:03.956 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% you know, COVID, and the depth of COVID. 07:03.956 --> 07:06.692 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% What else is going on? 07:06.692 --> 07:07.960 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% There's so many things, 07:07.960 --> 07:09.529 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and maybe we talk about the tragic death 07:09.529 --> 07:12.932 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% of the Officer McKinney and where things stand with that. 07:12.932 --> 07:17.703 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% - Yeah, you know, remains to be seen what the cause of the, 07:17.703 --> 07:20.072 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% you know, the decrease in crime is. 07:20.072 --> 07:21.641 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% You know, we have a new mayor, 07:21.641 --> 07:23.276 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% new City Council with fresh ideas. 07:23.276 --> 07:25.745 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% That could certainly be part of it, 07:25.745 --> 07:27.547 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% but crime is definitely not gone. 07:27.547 --> 07:31.417 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% As we saw with the death of Officer Joseph McKinney. 07:31.417 --> 07:35.121 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% One of the suspects in that case is dead. 07:35.121 --> 07:39.592 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And he had been released out of jail 07:39.592 --> 07:42.094 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for a previous crime, you know, 07:42.094 --> 07:44.030 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% released on his own recognizance. 07:44.030 --> 07:48.434 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So obviously, you know, that's an indication 07:48.434 --> 07:49.836 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% that crime's not gone. 07:49.836 --> 07:54.140 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But yesterday we found out that Officer McKinney 07:54.140 --> 07:56.676 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% was shot by friendly fire. 07:56.676 --> 08:00.313 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I'm assuming one of his partners mistakenly shot him. 08:00.313 --> 08:04.884 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% So, you know, Chief Davis said in a statement yesterday 08:04.884 --> 08:07.453 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that, you know, although it wasn't one of the suspects who, 08:07.453 --> 08:08.855 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% you know, shot him, it was, you know, 08:08.855 --> 08:10.823 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% the cause of his death. 08:10.823 --> 08:12.124 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - In the sense they're saying 08:12.124 --> 08:15.228 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that the young men in the car shot first. 08:15.228 --> 08:20.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% It gets into the whole notion that the young man who died, 08:21.634 --> 08:24.237 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% who was released gets into a thing we've talked about 08:24.237 --> 08:26.138 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% a ton on this show and that is a heavy issue 08:26.138 --> 08:27.607 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% up at the legislature right now. 08:27.607 --> 08:29.442 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And I'll just walk through real quickly 08:29.442 --> 08:31.844 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% some of the things that had been changed at the legislature. 08:31.844 --> 08:33.312 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% There's more that could happen. 08:33.312 --> 08:34.747 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Most of the laws and rules, 08:34.747 --> 08:35.982 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and we've talked about this at the table, 08:35.982 --> 08:38.718 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% about how bail and who is released, 08:38.718 --> 08:40.019 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% that's really set at the state 08:40.019 --> 08:42.388 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% with a lot of discretion from the DA's Office, 08:42.388 --> 08:44.490 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% from the judicial commissioners and the judges. 08:44.490 --> 08:46.459 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% A lot of what's happening up at the state is probably, 08:46.459 --> 08:49.729 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I think, summarized as reigning in that discretion. 08:49.729 --> 08:52.765 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So the ability to pay is no longer considered 08:52.765 --> 08:55.268 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% when setting bail. 08:55.268 --> 08:57.270 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% That's been a very controversial thing for a lot of people. 08:57.270 --> 08:59.238 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% There's probably gonna be some lawsuits and challenges 08:59.238 --> 09:00.840 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% on that on the federal level. 09:00.840 --> 09:03.209 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I think those setting bail and judges, 09:03.209 --> 09:04.577 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% if I have this right, are 09:04.577 --> 09:06.512 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% now have to consider the safety of the community 09:06.512 --> 09:08.814 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% in terms of who gets released. 09:08.814 --> 09:10.983 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% There's also I believe this passed, 09:10.983 --> 09:13.719 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% bail that would fine parents of delinquent juveniles, 09:13.719 --> 09:16.556 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in some way trying to hold them accountable for 09:16.556 --> 09:18.491 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% or fine them for delinquent juveniles. 09:18.491 --> 09:20.192 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% What else have I missed from the legislature 09:20.192 --> 09:22.261 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that has this kind of really big influence 09:22.261 --> 09:25.097 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% on how the judges and judicial commissioners and DAs work? 09:25.097 --> 09:29.635 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Right, so yeah, you've got the, you know, 09:29.635 --> 09:31.871 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% where judicial commissioners cannot consider 09:31.871 --> 09:33.639 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% the defendant's ability to pay. 09:33.639 --> 09:36.475 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% So the parent accountability, 09:36.475 --> 09:39.178 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Parental Accountability Act 09:39.178 --> 09:41.080 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% would charge a parent $1,000 09:41.080 --> 09:43.649 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% or make them, you know, do community service 09:43.649 --> 09:45.451 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% if their child is charged with a delinquent act. 09:45.451 --> 09:48.821 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% That is actually up in the House today. 09:48.821 --> 09:51.157 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% So by the time this episode goes out, we'll see, you know, 09:51.157 --> 09:52.658 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% where that has gone. 09:52.658 --> 09:56.295 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Also, blended sentencing is up today as well. 09:56.295 --> 09:59.999 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It passed in the Senate a couple weeks ago, so we'll see. 09:59.999 --> 10:02.935 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Blended sentencing is a proposal we've talked about here 10:02.935 --> 10:05.371 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that's pretty widely supported. 10:05.371 --> 10:07.440 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Not totally, nothing is totally supported, 10:07.440 --> 10:10.276 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but right now, the choice that DAs have to make 10:10.276 --> 10:14.347 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you know, to either try a juvenile as a juvenile 10:14.347 --> 10:18.551 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% or as an adult, that comes with a whole lot of consequences 10:18.551 --> 10:21.887 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that in some cases, people on many sides of this issue 10:21.887 --> 10:24.090 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% have said, look, we need a middle space 10:24.090 --> 10:27.159 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% where we have a little bit more authority and tracking. 10:27.159 --> 10:29.695 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We don't want the record to be just completely expunged 10:29.695 --> 10:31.564 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% for every 18 year old, 10:31.564 --> 10:35.134 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but we also don't wanna take certain lesser offenses, 10:35.134 --> 10:36.702 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and I'm not talking about the McKinney case, 10:36.702 --> 10:39.639 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but lesser offenses and put this person in the adult system. 10:39.639 --> 10:42.041 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And so this has been pretty widely supported. 10:42.041 --> 10:43.342 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Fair enough to say? 10:43.342 --> 10:45.177 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Yep, it's received bipartisan support. 10:45.177 --> 10:48.848 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So, you know, it seems it could pass today, 10:48.848 --> 10:50.216 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% but, we'll see. 10:50.216 --> 10:52.585 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Let me, before, I'm gonna bring Toby in 10:52.585 --> 10:53.819 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% on some of this legislative stuff, 10:53.819 --> 10:56.922 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but one thing that we did a story Ian Round on our staff 10:56.922 --> 11:00.292 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% did a story about guns, gun legislation and gun, 11:00.292 --> 11:02.528 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% some level of gun restrictions are widely supported. 11:02.528 --> 11:04.930 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% The polls show, in Memphis, 11:04.930 --> 11:08.367 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% specifically in Shelby County, really statewide. 11:08.367 --> 11:10.569 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% A number of groups have done, asked questions about this. 11:10.569 --> 11:15.207 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But so far this session, stalled bills include red flag laws 11:15.207 --> 11:17.677 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% banning high capacity magazines and assault rifles, 11:17.677 --> 11:19.412 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% repeal of permitless carry. 11:19.412 --> 11:22.014 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% There was a bill to enhance or, you know, 11:22.014 --> 11:24.016 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% tighten the storage requirements around guns. 11:24.016 --> 11:25.284 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% All that have stalled. 11:25.284 --> 11:27.053 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And in terms of failing, there was a proposal 11:27.053 --> 11:29.755 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that permits would be required in Shelby County, 11:29.755 --> 11:31.857 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% more liability insurance around guns. 11:31.857 --> 11:33.659 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Again, a ban on assault weapons, 11:33.659 --> 11:35.394 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% increased penalties for stealing guns. 11:35.394 --> 11:36.662 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Those have all been, 11:36.662 --> 11:38.364 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% have failed in this legislative session. 11:38.364 --> 11:40.099 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I dunno if you want to touch on those, Toby, 11:40.099 --> 11:42.168 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% or move in some other legislative stuff about, 11:42.168 --> 11:43.469 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that you guys have been covering. 11:43.469 --> 11:45.971 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% - Sure, on guns, guns are here to stay. 11:45.971 --> 11:50.576 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% The GOP super majority we have in Nashville right now is, 11:50.576 --> 11:52.311 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% they are pro-gun all the way. 11:52.311 --> 11:53.946 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% Even a special session of the legislature 11:53.946 --> 11:57.950 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% called by GOP Governor Bill Lee last year 11:57.950 --> 11:59.819 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% yielded very little results. 11:59.819 --> 12:01.854 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% And it seems like the harder that other folks 12:01.854 --> 12:03.489 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% are trying to hit this legislature 12:03.489 --> 12:05.925 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% with some laws on guns, 12:05.925 --> 12:07.460 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the harder they push back and say, no, 12:07.460 --> 12:09.962 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% we're actually going to make the laws looser. 12:09.962 --> 12:12.331 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% That has no support from law enforcement officials 12:12.331 --> 12:13.999 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% across the state. 12:13.999 --> 12:15.868 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You know, so if you look at a poll from Memphis, 12:15.868 --> 12:17.737 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% those folks, our lawmakers up there, 12:17.737 --> 12:19.939 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% they do not care what those polls say. 12:19.939 --> 12:21.273 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% They're gonna do what they're gonna do. 12:21.273 --> 12:24.510 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And to me, their motivations are mysterious. 12:24.510 --> 12:26.045 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% I have no idea why, 12:26.045 --> 12:29.081 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% you know, they don't want to push on guns. 12:29.081 --> 12:31.117 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% You could read the handwriting on the wall there, 12:31.117 --> 12:33.085 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% but not very sure. 12:33.085 --> 12:35.688 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I know we're right now, a bill is still up to 12:35.688 --> 12:39.592 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I think about arming teachers in the classrooms 12:39.592 --> 12:42.294 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as a safety measure, which is mind boggling. 12:42.294 --> 12:45.865 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But there's a lot of things going on with the legislature 12:45.865 --> 12:48.067 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% who continues to override the things 12:48.067 --> 12:50.269 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that we want to do in Shelby County and all the big cities 12:50.269 --> 12:54.306 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and every cities here and on money bail. 12:54.306 --> 12:57.510 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You talk to criminal advocates, justice reform advocates. 12:57.510 --> 13:00.513 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% They say the money bail reform 13:00.513 --> 13:02.348 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% was really just following state law. 13:02.348 --> 13:04.517 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And then when we got a new state law on that, 13:04.517 --> 13:06.385 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The Daily Memphian reported Wednesday morning, 13:06.385 --> 13:08.254 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Thursday morning 13:08.254 --> 13:10.823 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that when Jaylen Lobley was sentenced, 13:10.823 --> 13:13.726 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Chris Ingram was just following state law on that. 13:13.726 --> 13:16.395 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Chris Ingram being the judicial commissioner 13:16.395 --> 13:18.564 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% who released Jaylen, 13:18.564 --> 13:22.268 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the young man killed in the McKinney case. 13:22.268 --> 13:23.669 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Released on his own recognizance 13:23.669 --> 13:25.504 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% by the judicial commissioner Chris Ingram. 13:25.504 --> 13:27.173 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Exactly, then you have lawmakers saying, 13:27.173 --> 13:30.309 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% well, you know, you needed to use some common sense on how 13:30.309 --> 13:33.212 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% you use that law, but at the end of the day, you're a lawmaker. 13:33.212 --> 13:35.247 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% This is your product that we are using 13:35.247 --> 13:36.882 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% in our communities here. 13:36.882 --> 13:39.885 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So, you know, tighten it up, that's what you do in Nashville. 13:39.885 --> 13:41.854 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Give us a law that you want us to follow. 13:41.854 --> 13:44.089 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - You wanna touch on the arming teachers? 13:44.089 --> 13:46.192 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I mean, I can't remember, 13:46.192 --> 13:48.327 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but I think I read, in probably an article in Chalkbeat 13:48.327 --> 13:49.762 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% that you wrote. 13:49.762 --> 13:51.530 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I don't think that the unions and the folks, 13:51.530 --> 13:53.299 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the teachers are particularly in favor 13:53.299 --> 13:56.035 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% of this arming the teacher's proposal. 13:56.035 --> 13:57.636 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - Many teachers are not. 13:57.636 --> 14:00.806 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% What this proposal would allow, 14:00.806 --> 14:02.608 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% and I'm gonna rely on the expertise 14:02.608 --> 14:05.744 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% of my colleague in Nashville, Marta Aldrich here, 14:05.744 --> 14:10.349 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% would be for school staff to also consider, you know, 14:10.349 --> 14:12.952 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% following the measures that the legislation lays out 14:12.952 --> 14:16.255 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% to carry a gun onto school. 14:16.255 --> 14:17.489 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% And so that would, you know, 14:17.489 --> 14:22.228 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% could look like anything from a bus driver 14:22.228 --> 14:24.630 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that works for the district to a principal. 14:24.630 --> 14:25.898 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Wow. 14:25.898 --> 14:27.299 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Being inclusive in school staff there. 14:27.299 --> 14:29.201 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And so it wouldn't necessarily just be teachers, 14:29.201 --> 14:32.304 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but that still has one more chamber to make it out of 14:32.304 --> 14:33.839 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% as of Thursday. 14:33.839 --> 14:35.975 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - Let's stay with crime, and then we'll move on, I think, 14:35.975 --> 14:37.476 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% but coming back to you, Julia, 14:37.476 --> 14:40.012 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% some other things up at the legislature there. 14:40.012 --> 14:42.114 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% I believe a law was passed that would, 14:42.114 --> 14:44.650 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% this gets, I can say this as a double negative, 14:44.650 --> 14:46.585 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% that would stop municipalities 14:46.585 --> 14:49.121 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% from banning pre-textual stops. 14:49.121 --> 14:50.522 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% It was a controversial thing. 14:50.522 --> 14:52.791 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% It does go back in no small part to Tyre Nichols 14:52.791 --> 14:55.327 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% who was, there was a clearly pre-textual stop 14:55.327 --> 14:57.329 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% going on there and that whole tragedy. 14:57.329 --> 14:59.832 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The City Council wanted to stop that, 14:59.832 --> 15:01.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% but state law allowed it. 15:01.200 --> 15:02.968 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% This one just clarifies that you can't even pass, 15:02.968 --> 15:04.703 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the city or county can't pass a law 15:04.703 --> 15:06.538 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that says you can ban pre-textual stops. 15:06.538 --> 15:07.973 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Pre-textual stops include people 15:07.973 --> 15:09.575 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% who are maybe driving erratically, 15:09.575 --> 15:13.078 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% missing a taillight, missing a, you know, a expired tag, 15:13.078 --> 15:15.414 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and then you find guns or you find drugs 15:15.414 --> 15:17.950 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% or you find some kind of, that passed as well. 15:17.950 --> 15:19.351 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Is that correct? - It did. 15:19.351 --> 15:22.788 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% It was signed by the governor a couple of weeks ago. 15:22.788 --> 15:24.823 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% It's currently in effect. 15:24.823 --> 15:27.593 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% So right now that local ordinance 15:27.593 --> 15:28.961 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% is completely nullified, 15:28.961 --> 15:31.030 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and local police officers 15:31.030 --> 15:33.899 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% can pull people over for things like that. 15:33.899 --> 15:35.634 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% There was a question as to whether 15:35.634 --> 15:36.936 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% they were following that. 15:36.936 --> 15:41.440 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We heard, you know, mixed, you know, perspectives 15:41.440 --> 15:43.776 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% from leaders like Mayor Young 15:43.776 --> 15:46.278 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% who said he was going to enforce it. 15:46.278 --> 15:48.247 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Chief Davis said she had already been enforcing it, 15:48.247 --> 15:51.817 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but we heard, you know, otherwise from other sources. 15:51.817 --> 15:54.086 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Also there's, it looks like there'll be a study 15:54.086 --> 15:55.587 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of a crime lab for Memphis. 15:55.587 --> 15:58.157 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% A lot of Memphis legislators and local law enforcement 15:58.157 --> 16:01.560 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and elected officials would like to have a crime lab here. 16:01.560 --> 16:03.495 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And there's still unclear whether the state 16:03.495 --> 16:05.230 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% will reduce the number of judges that, 16:05.230 --> 16:08.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% by two, that Shelby County has that still 16:08.133 --> 16:09.368 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% kind of in process. 16:09.368 --> 16:10.803 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Yeah. 16:10.803 --> 16:12.538 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - Anything else I missed? 16:12.538 --> 16:13.739 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Maybe I'll get Bill in here. 16:13.739 --> 16:15.007 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Anything I missed on public safety? 16:15.007 --> 16:16.809 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I mean, there are a lot going on there, 16:16.809 --> 16:18.544 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but any thoughts as we move on? 16:18.544 --> 16:21.347 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - On the August ballot, there is still this question, 16:21.347 --> 16:23.182 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% there is still this charter amendment 16:23.182 --> 16:25.484 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% that Memphis voters are going to vote on 16:25.484 --> 16:29.355 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that would, despite what the state has done, 16:29.355 --> 16:32.958 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% would say, no, there are gonna be different gun laws 16:32.958 --> 16:34.259 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% in Shelby County, 16:34.259 --> 16:35.861 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and there are gonna be permit requirements, 16:35.861 --> 16:37.296 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and you're not gonna be allowed, 16:37.296 --> 16:39.865 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% or you're gonna pay a penalty 16:39.865 --> 16:43.836 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% if you leave your gun in your car, and it gets stolen. 16:43.836 --> 16:45.504 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% So there's a showdown 16:45.504 --> 16:47.940 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% beyond what the legislature has passed. 16:47.940 --> 16:50.743 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And on the question of pre-textual stops, 16:50.743 --> 16:54.580 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the legislature really hasn't resolved a conflict 16:54.580 --> 16:57.916 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% between state law and local ordinances 16:57.916 --> 17:00.152 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that has been in place for some time 17:00.152 --> 17:03.155 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% in terms of traffic offenses. 17:03.155 --> 17:05.457 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% And the question is still open 17:05.457 --> 17:10.029 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% on whether cities and police chiefs in particular 17:10.029 --> 17:12.831 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% can do what they do every day 17:12.831 --> 17:14.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as a matter of normal course of business. 17:14.933 --> 17:17.770 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And that is say, these are the priorities 17:17.770 --> 17:22.107 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we want you to enforce if you are a police officer. 17:22.107 --> 17:27.112 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% We want you to spend your time doing this and not this. 17:28.414 --> 17:33.318 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So, I think we're gonna see a lot more discussion 17:34.053 --> 17:36.255 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and a lot more pushback 17:36.255 --> 17:39.258 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% in terms of pre-textual stops in particular. 17:39.258 --> 17:40.893 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - We'll move on, but stay at the legislature 17:40.893 --> 17:42.261 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and come back to you, Toby, 17:42.261 --> 17:45.931 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a recent cover story y'all did on reparations, 17:45.931 --> 17:47.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and you've done a number, 17:47.266 --> 17:49.968 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% you've also been following the whole bridge, 17:49.968 --> 17:51.637 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I-55 bridge replacement. - Yes. 17:51.637 --> 17:54.173 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - Which is gonna have a lot of state money and federal money. 17:54.173 --> 17:56.241 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And then a story about wetlands developers 17:56.241 --> 17:57.443 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and how that's all working. 17:57.443 --> 17:58.610 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I don't know which of those you wanna tackle first. 17:58.610 --> 18:00.312 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Sure, our cover this week is about wetlands. 18:00.312 --> 18:02.314 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Great story by Chris McCoy. 18:02.314 --> 18:04.750 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% There's been a battle that's been waged 18:04.750 --> 18:07.986 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% for more than a year now, some behind the scenes, some not. 18:07.986 --> 18:10.322 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% Developers are looking at, you know, 18:10.322 --> 18:12.558 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% pieces of land in West Tennessee that are now protected 18:12.558 --> 18:14.927 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% by state law saying you cannot build 18:14.927 --> 18:17.629 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% on these kinds of wetlands over here. 18:17.629 --> 18:20.432 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% There was a political action committee formed by developers. 18:20.432 --> 18:23.035 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% They've been spending a lot of money on lobbyists this year, 18:23.035 --> 18:24.703 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% trying to get those rules loosened, 18:24.703 --> 18:26.338 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% so it can open up some land, 18:26.338 --> 18:28.307 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% especially around Blue Oval City, 18:28.307 --> 18:29.975 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% where they can go and build homes and do those things. 18:29.975 --> 18:31.844 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% It's looking attractive for them now. 18:31.844 --> 18:34.446 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Environmentalists are gonna argue that we need wetlands. 18:34.446 --> 18:36.648 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% You know, they hold flood waters. 18:36.648 --> 18:38.083 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% They recharge the aquifer. 18:38.083 --> 18:41.920 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% They, you know, put CO2, they take CO2 out of the air. 18:41.920 --> 18:44.356 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% The bill was up by Kevin Vaughn, 18:44.356 --> 18:45.858 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% who's a Republican from Collierville. 18:45.858 --> 18:47.659 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% He's also a developer. 18:47.659 --> 18:48.927 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% It's been a battle, 18:48.927 --> 18:51.296 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but I think there's been open dialogue up there. 18:51.296 --> 18:53.198 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I know Protector Aquifer has been, 18:53.198 --> 18:54.666 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% they've testified 18:54.666 --> 18:56.502 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% in front of the House and Senate committees on this. 18:56.502 --> 19:00.305 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% It kind of got stalled in kind of a good course of dialogue, 19:00.305 --> 19:02.007 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I think, which is unusual, I think 19:02.007 --> 19:03.742 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for what happens in Nashville a lot of times. 19:03.742 --> 19:06.912 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% So now the bill is stalled as we get more information. 19:06.912 --> 19:09.481 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Folks aren't seeing it really coming back this year, 19:09.481 --> 19:11.717 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but you never know with these kinds of bills. 19:11.717 --> 19:13.051 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% That was the cover story. 19:13.051 --> 19:14.553 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Another story that I did, 19:14.553 --> 19:16.555 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% something that was happening earlier this week 19:16.555 --> 19:17.923 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% was about reparations. 19:17.923 --> 19:20.826 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We know in 2023, the Shelby County Commission 19:20.826 --> 19:24.830 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% decided to set aside $5 million just to have a committee 19:24.830 --> 19:27.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% just to look at reparations in just Shelby County, 19:27.966 --> 19:30.369 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% what that would look like, how that would influence 19:30.369 --> 19:32.404 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% home ownership, healthcare, 19:32.404 --> 19:34.373 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% generational wealth, those kind of things. 19:34.373 --> 19:36.575 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And it was a little controversial at the time, 19:36.575 --> 19:38.610 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and if that committee was formed, they did work. 19:38.610 --> 19:39.478 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% I'm not sure. 19:39.478 --> 19:40.479 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I couldn't confirm that yesterday 19:40.479 --> 19:42.080 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% as I was looking it up. 19:42.080 --> 19:45.551 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But there is, there's a legislation in Nashville now 19:45.551 --> 19:46.885 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% that would end that. 19:46.885 --> 19:49.087 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% They say whatever city- county that you're in, 19:49.087 --> 19:50.889 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% you can't think about, you can't talk about, 19:50.889 --> 19:52.291 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% you can't form a committee 19:52.291 --> 19:54.560 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% to try to have a conversation about reparations, 19:54.560 --> 19:57.396 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and you can't give any reparations out. 19:57.396 --> 20:00.098 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So this was a big battle up there in Nashville 20:00.098 --> 20:02.668 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Tuesday or Wednesday on the floor of the House. 20:02.668 --> 20:04.503 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Both of those bills are stymied now 20:04.503 --> 20:06.138 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% in the House and the Senate. 20:06.138 --> 20:07.472 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% Big battles. 20:07.472 --> 20:10.175 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% It's an emotional, emotionally charged issue. 20:10.175 --> 20:12.477 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So we're gonna have to wait and see what happens with that. 20:12.477 --> 20:14.046 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Let me stay at the state with you, Laura, 20:14.046 --> 20:16.014 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% a big, big voucher proposal. 20:16.014 --> 20:17.449 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% School vouchers were proposed. 20:17.449 --> 20:19.585 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Bill Lee, Governor Bill Lee, 20:19.585 --> 20:22.521 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% there's been a pilot program, you can kind of describe that. 20:22.521 --> 20:25.624 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Wanted to really expand it essentially to all Tennesseans. 20:25.624 --> 20:28.393 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Where do things stand on education vouchers right now? 20:28.393 --> 20:32.164 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% - So we know that once the proposals officially came out 20:32.164 --> 20:34.199 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% of the House and the Senate, 20:34.199 --> 20:35.367 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% those are very different, 20:35.367 --> 20:36.935 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% and neither match the governor's proposal. 20:36.935 --> 20:39.037 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% So we were looking, even when this began in earnest 20:39.037 --> 20:42.741 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% a few, couple months ago at three different possibilities. 20:42.741 --> 20:44.476 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% It's still in limbo. 20:44.476 --> 20:47.512 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% We've got, you know, probably about a week and a half left 20:47.512 --> 20:51.550 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of session as lawmakers are going through 20:51.550 --> 20:53.018 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% the state budget right now. 20:53.018 --> 20:56.888 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% We do appear poised to have $144 million 20:56.888 --> 20:58.690 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% for the voucher program 20:58.690 --> 21:01.093 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that would match the Governor's proposal. 21:01.093 --> 21:03.562 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It would not fully fund the proposal 21:03.562 --> 21:05.264 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that is coming out of the House. 21:05.264 --> 21:08.934 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% That proposal includes a lot of changes to public schools, 21:08.934 --> 21:13.538 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and in some ways that, you know, people have wanted, 21:13.538 --> 21:15.274 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% less accountability, more funds 21:15.274 --> 21:17.009 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for school infrastructure even, 21:17.009 --> 21:19.811 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% initial proposals were to end the ASD, 21:19.811 --> 21:24.182 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and the funding for that is unlikely to be there 21:24.182 --> 21:25.784 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% by the time that we get through with the budget. 21:25.784 --> 21:27.753 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Right, and you tell me I'm wrong, but am I right, 21:27.753 --> 21:29.454 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% this is, unlike a lot of things at the legislature, 21:29.454 --> 21:30.922 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% which tend to be urban/rural, 21:30.922 --> 21:33.191 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% like the gun stuff tends to be urban/rural. 21:33.191 --> 21:34.326 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% A lot of the criminal justice stuff 21:34.326 --> 21:35.927 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% that we've been talking about. 21:35.927 --> 21:38.997 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% Education was not just, there are a lot of small districts, 21:38.997 --> 21:40.265 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% a lot of rural districts 21:40.265 --> 21:42.167 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% that are not real crazy about the idea of vouchers. 21:42.167 --> 21:44.536 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% Is that fair? - That's exactly right, yeah. 21:44.536 --> 21:46.872 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% We have here in Shelby County even, you know, 21:46.872 --> 21:50.108 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% you don't always see the municipal districts 21:50.108 --> 21:52.344 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and Memphis-Shelby County Schools seeing eye to eye 21:52.344 --> 21:53.478 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% on education policy. 21:53.478 --> 21:57.316 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But this is something that all of them have opposed 21:57.316 --> 21:59.017 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as well as many other rural districts 21:59.017 --> 22:01.653 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and suburban districts across the state. 22:01.653 --> 22:04.056 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Let's come back to a new superintendent 22:04.056 --> 22:05.390 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% with just a few minutes left here. 22:05.390 --> 22:06.658 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Sure. 22:06.658 --> 22:08.393 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - Laura Feagins, she's again, three, almost three weeks 22:08.393 --> 22:11.963 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as we record into her, into the new job. 22:11.963 --> 22:14.099 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% You and I are gonna interview her on the show here 22:14.099 --> 22:15.133 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% in a couple of weeks, 22:15.133 --> 22:16.668 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% so we'll get some one-on-one time with her. 22:16.668 --> 22:18.370 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I think you maybe already have had. 22:18.370 --> 22:19.304 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Your thoughts. 22:19.304 --> 22:20.572 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I mean, what are her priorities? 22:20.572 --> 22:22.040 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Where has she sort of made some news, 22:22.040 --> 22:24.509 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and what kind of tone has she struck? 22:24.509 --> 22:26.645 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - Sure, so coming in, you know, 22:26.645 --> 22:29.548 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% she had her month of March to consult with the district 22:29.548 --> 22:32.617 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and sort of get to know what would be coming up. 22:32.617 --> 22:34.920 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% She has since announced, 22:34.920 --> 22:38.323 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% since her tenure officially began on April 1st, 22:38.323 --> 22:40.492 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% a transition team that is spearheaded 22:40.492 --> 22:43.562 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% by Council of Great City Schools. 22:43.562 --> 22:46.231 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% They're specifically Michael Hinojosa, 22:46.231 --> 22:48.266 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% who is a former superintendent 22:48.266 --> 22:49.901 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of Dallas Independent School District 22:49.901 --> 22:52.804 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and has been a superintendent of 27 years 22:52.804 --> 22:54.139 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% has helped put together a team, 22:54.139 --> 22:56.742 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% both of experts from that national council 22:56.742 --> 22:58.610 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that the school district is a member of, 22:58.610 --> 23:01.446 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% as well as five current and former superintendents 23:01.446 --> 23:03.815 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% including Dr. Battle over in Nashville 23:03.815 --> 23:07.319 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and former Memphis City School's Superintendent 23:07.319 --> 23:08.720 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Carol Johnson-Dean. 23:08.720 --> 23:12.591 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Important to know about her addition to the team is 23:12.591 --> 23:16.161 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% she's been very supportive throughout Feagins' transition 23:16.161 --> 23:17.662 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% into the district, 23:17.662 --> 23:22.334 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and of course is the last female to have had the role 23:22.334 --> 23:23.935 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% who was from out of town. 23:23.935 --> 23:26.872 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% So they can share some knowledge there. 23:26.872 --> 23:29.274 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Marie Feagins has not been a superintendent before, 23:29.274 --> 23:31.777 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% so she's, you know, I think a lot of people are seeing her 23:31.777 --> 23:35.247 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% acknowledge with this transition team some gaps 23:35.247 --> 23:39.384 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that were identified earlier on when she was selected. 23:39.384 --> 23:42.120 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And so she's really, I think, moving forward 23:42.120 --> 23:45.157 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and in this group that's due to be in town very soon, 23:45.157 --> 23:47.659 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% if not already, will be helping her 23:47.659 --> 23:49.961 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% shepherd in a 100-day plan. 23:49.961 --> 23:53.665 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% She's already kind of promising some shakeups of cabinet, 23:53.665 --> 23:56.134 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and so we'll have to see how that shakes out. 23:56.134 --> 23:59.037 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - And I have twice now referred to her as Laura Feagins. 23:59.037 --> 24:01.173 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% It is Laura Testino, Marie Feagins. 24:01.173 --> 24:03.208 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I'm gonna get that right before we sit down with her 24:03.208 --> 24:05.510 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and I embarrass myself further, so apologies. 24:05.510 --> 24:07.279 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% A quick thing with just a minute left here. 24:07.279 --> 24:10.148 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Bill, if the city, I'm coming back to the city 24:10.148 --> 24:13.885 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and the ask for $25 million towards capital 24:13.885 --> 24:16.188 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% for the school system. 24:16.188 --> 24:17.756 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Would that be, 24:17.756 --> 24:19.357 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I mean if you go, is it one of those things 24:19.357 --> 24:21.126 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% where if you do it one year, you're gonna be stuck doing it 24:21.126 --> 24:22.727 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% for, I shouldn't say stuck, but it's 24:22.727 --> 24:24.629 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - No, it's not. - It could be a one-time thing. 24:24.629 --> 24:25.864 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Yeah. 24:25.864 --> 24:27.399 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - They could come back and say here's $10 million once. 24:27.399 --> 24:28.767 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% That's what we got. 24:28.767 --> 24:30.135 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Right, the capital spending would not invoke 24:30.135 --> 24:32.537 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% the Maintenance of Efforts State law that says 24:32.537 --> 24:35.106 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% you give 'em $2 million, let's say, 24:35.106 --> 24:39.978 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% you're on the hook for $2 million infinitely basically. 24:39.978 --> 24:42.214 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - A quick thing for you, for Julia, 24:42.214 --> 24:43.682 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% just to kinda wrap up a few things. 24:43.682 --> 24:47.185 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Judge Melissa Boyd, a story that I think for people 24:47.185 --> 24:50.755 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is a combination of sad, infuriating, confusing. 24:50.755 --> 24:52.657 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Where, is that over now? 24:52.657 --> 24:54.693 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% I mean, where does that stand? 24:54.693 --> 24:56.695 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - So the saga continues. 24:56.695 --> 25:00.098 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Although Judge Melissa Boyd or former Judge Melissa Boyd is, 25:00.098 --> 25:04.636 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% you know, currently on diversion and doing rehab. 25:04.636 --> 25:06.805 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Her seat is now open, 25:06.805 --> 25:08.807 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and there are four people running for her seat. 25:08.807 --> 25:11.643 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But that remains to be seen how long that seat will be open 25:11.643 --> 25:13.812 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% because the Tennessee legislature is considering 25:13.812 --> 25:16.681 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% eliminating that seat and another judicial seat 25:16.681 --> 25:17.649 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% in this district. 25:17.649 --> 25:18.950 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - And last but not least, Toby, 25:18.950 --> 25:20.185 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% usually at this point in the legislature, 25:20.185 --> 25:21.586 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% we get a marijuana update from you. 25:21.586 --> 25:22.821 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Do we have any updates 25:22.821 --> 25:25.657 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% on marijuana policy laws, regulations? 25:25.657 --> 25:28.426 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Marijuana is not a coming this year, 25:29.895 --> 25:32.430 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and it's been bandied about, of course, there's a few bills. 25:32.430 --> 25:34.065 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% None of 'em have risen to the level 25:34.065 --> 25:36.201 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% of getting anything formal here. 25:36.201 --> 25:39.437 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% We're now, they're working with the state, 25:39.437 --> 25:40.939 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% growers and stuff are working with the state 25:40.939 --> 25:42.741 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to finalize some rules and stuff, 25:42.741 --> 25:45.076 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% keep products on the shelves, but no, we're not gonna see any 25:45.076 --> 25:47.045 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% significant marijuana legislation this year. 25:47.045 --> 25:48.380 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - All right, we will leave it there. 25:48.380 --> 25:50.882 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Thank you all for being here, and thank you for joining us. 25:50.882 --> 25:52.317 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% If you missed any of the show, 25:52.317 --> 25:54.352 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% you can get the full episode at wkno.org 25:54.352 --> 25:55.954 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% or you can get it at YouTube 25:55.954 --> 25:57.422 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% or on The Daily Memphian site. 25:57.422 --> 25:59.190 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% You can also download the podcast to the show 25:59.190 --> 26:00.992 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% from the Daily Memphian, iTunes, Spotify, 26:00.992 --> 26:02.894 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% or wherever you get your podcasts. 26:02.894 --> 26:05.163 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Thanks very much, and we'll see you next week. 26:05.163 --> 26:07.999 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% [intense orchestral music] 26:39.998 --> 26:42.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% [acoustic guitar chords]