Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Rhonda Logan. We follow up the last emotional council meeting with plenty of questions as to this moratorium issue leaving many confused and angry. I ask her what changed and what’s next. Next up, I speak with Sarah Houston, Protect Our Aquifer Executive Director who was at the meeting and had her own set of questions. She tells me what her biggest concerns are, and if she trusts the city to make sure promises made are kept. Lastly, the back and forth regarding who will lead our school system is giving everyone including me a headache. Daily Memphian education reporter Laura Testino who has been following this closely joins me and will give us the latest on this ever-changing situation, and how it might affect our students. That and more on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Guests include Linda Phillips, Shelby County Election Administrator. She gives us an update on early voting numbers, locations and what voters need to know before they cast their vote. Next, Anthony Buckner has been in law enforcement for over two decades, and was recently elected as the Shelby County Sheriff. He tells me about the challenges that lie ahead with the jail issues and a new recruiting effort to ensure safety in our community. Lastly, the County Commission is hitting the ground running with new members and a challenging agenda. Commissioner Erika Sugarmon tells me about what the priorities are and how they plan to deal with a possible moratorium on Data centers. That and more on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also the wyxr app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk! 

On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis my guest include; MSCS Board Chair Tamarques Porter. Joining him will be Semya Green, a senior and the student government president at Middle College High School. She joined the MSCS School board after being selected from the district’s student congress to represent them earlier this month. She will join me to share the importance of the student's voice in the education process. Next, the newly elected Shelby County Assessor of Property Javier Bailey, Sr will tell us about the tax base of our city shrinking and how if that happens the public debt rises; property taxes increase and the burden for homeowners grows. He will tell me about an event he is hosting called the State of the County Tax Base Summit to address his concerns. Finally, Charlie Hoots and I go way back to the TV days. These days, he is a Southaven Alderman for Ward 2. The issue of proposed data centers is not just a Memphis problem; they are popping up all over the place including Southaven. Charlie tells me about what the residents are saying and if he thinks all of this is a good idea moving forward. That and more on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the wyxr app, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton. These days, the main topic of conversation has to do with the ever-increasing number of data centers, mounting distrust of xAI, and the $3.2 million community benefits fund to help area residents. Lots of questions, few answers not to mention the future of the Memphis Safe Task Force, we discuss. Next, the new school year is off and running and as of today, we still have no decision from the court as to the fate of the nine appointed MSCS Oversight Board members with arguments set for Friday. Elected Board member Michelle McKissack joins me to discuss the importance of this decision and what it would mean. Lastly, the Mid-South Coliseum has played host to some major events but has been closed for 20 years. Now, there is an effort to revive the venue. Mid-South Coliseum Conservancy President Corey Strong joins me with an update. That and more on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the wyxr app, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. it’s time to talk!

Guests include Maria Oceja and Gisela Guerrero, both community organizers representing the rights of the immigrant community. Whether its thru Vecindarios 901 or Micah, day or night they are advocating for the fair rights of others. They tell me about immigrant rights, the fear, ICE and a recent late-night raid that sent dozens to jail. Next, the County Clerk’s office performs a wide range of administrative, licensing, and record‑keeping functions that affect residents, businesses, and government agencies. One of the biggest duties is to sell and renew more than 650,000 vehicle license plates each year. Newly elected Clerk Dr. LaSonya Hall joins me to talk about the challenges, priorities and how she rebuilds the confidence of the community. In the world of politics, very few things are certain until they are. The upcoming election has great consequences but locally, one official who continued his father’s legacy after his untimely death has decided not to run for the seat. State Rep. TJ Hardaway joins me to explain his reason. That and more Monday on air and online at 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the wyxr app, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!