Memphis

NASHVILLE — Tennessee voters approved all three constitutional amendments on Tuesday's ballot. The Times Free Press reports Amendment 1 (bail) won 67 percent, Amendment 2 (state property tax ban) 66 percent and Amendment 3 (a Marsy's Law-style victims' rights measure) 76 percent. The bail change lets judges deny pretrial release to defendants charged with certain serious offenses, such as those punishable by death, second-degree murder, aggravated rape, terrorism and crimes carrying an 85 percent sentence-service requirement. Supporters said it gives judges an option, not a mandate. The ACLU of Tennessee opposed it, citing the costs of pretrial detention to people accused but not convicted. The property tax ban has no immediate effect, because Tennessee has had no state property tax since 1949. Local property taxes are unaffected. Opponents of the victims' rights amendment raised concerns about court burdens and costs.

MEMPHIS — The MLGW board has asked the City Council to approve three straight annual water and gas rate increases beginning in 2027. Under the proposal, the council convenes as the utility's rate-making body, with a presentation Nov. 11 and a full vote tentatively Nov. 24, according to Local Memphis. Reported figures differ by outlet: WREG and FOX13 put the residential increase at roughly 11 to 12 percent, with commercial customers at 20 percent and data centers, a new water customer class, at 30 percent. The preliminary budget had shown water rates compounding by nearly 52 percent by 2029. CEO Doug McGowen said the money covers operations and maintenance after years of underfunding, not capital projects or data-center costs. The utility says the last increases were 2 percent for gas and 5 percent for water, both in 2022.

MEMPHIS — The state-appointed oversight board for Memphis-Shelby County Schools has had full authority since mid-October, when U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw dissolved the temporary order that had blocked the takeover since June, Chalkbeat Tennessee reported. The board can override most major decisions, adopt the annual budget, approve contracts above $50,000, close schools and appoint a superintendent. Crenshaw said MSCS had not shown enough evidence that the takeover would harm students. The district has since amended its federal complaint, alleging the state is singling out a predominantly Black student body. A separate Shelby County Chancery Court case awaits reassignment after the judge recused herself. Board Chair Billy Orgel has signaled interest in accelerating school closures. Local officials, including Commissioner Towanna Murphy, want the board to meet in Memphis rather than virtually or in Nashville.

MIDTOWN — Friends of George's, the Memphis LGBTQ theater company, opens 'Mamma Dearest! Here We Joan Again' on Friday at Evergreen Theatre in Midtown. The Memphis Flyer describes it as a campy musical comedy that mixes Hollywood divas, ABBA songs and holiday drama. It is the company's first original live musical, and the run is its Mid-South regional premiere. Performances continue through Nov. 21. The show runs about 90 minutes. All seats are reserved, and the full bar opens an hour before curtain. Showtimes and ticket prices are on the company's listing. The Flyer's preview quotes no price, so readers should check with the theater before going.

MIDTOWN — Guitarist Benise brings his Spanish Nights by Candlelight show to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art on Friday at 7 p.m. The program runs about 90 minutes and pairs flamenco-style guitar with dance. Billing calls him 'The Prince of Spanish Guitar.' A local events guide lists tickets at $39. The Eventbrite page flagged the show as almost full this week, so buyers should move quickly. Benise's repertoire on this tour mixes classical staples such as 'Moonlight Sonata' and 'Malagueña' with rock covers including 'Hotel California.' The date is one of several on a Midwest and Southern run, with the next stop in St. Louis on Saturday.

CORDOVA — Two different Sunday events fall on Nov. 8. WKNO and Kroger are hosting the Great Congregational Cook-Off and Food Drive at the WKNO Digital Media Center in Cordova from 4 to 6 p.m. Congregations are invited to compete with barbecue, smoked ribs, sides, desserts and family recipes. Attendees are asked to bring canned goods or other food to donate. The event ties into Kroger's holiday food drive for the Mid-South Food Bank, which runs through a Dec. 1 Day of Giving and asks for peanut butter, canned chicken, canned tuna and soup. Separately, Minglewood Hall hosts the semifinals and finals of the 901 Wrestling Classic in one night, with doors at 4 p.m. and the opening bell at 5 p.m. In the main event, challenger Jack 'The Veteran' Vaughn faces champion Chris 'The Merc' Evans for the title. Ticket prices were not listed.