The 901: What new laws were put into effect in Tennessee; your MLGW bill might increase
Good morning, Memphis, where we head into the long weekend and play the game “Is it fireworks or are those gun shots” as some people dangerously celebrate Independence Day by shooting off live bullets into the air.
But, first, new legislation took effect in Tennessee today.
The new legislation includes a ban on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports, gun laws, a law that makes camping on public property a felony, and a change in how convicted felons serve their sentencing.
Among these laws, reporter Logan Washburn breaks down the other new legislation that now are in effect in our state.
Your MLGW bill might increase as TVA charges its customers more
Memphis Light, Gas and Water warned that customers could see what they pay for electricity climb by 20% to 40% over the next several month, our Samuel Hardiman reports.
MLGW pointed to the fine print on customer bills as the reason why — the Tennessee Valley Authority fuel cost adjustment.
On your June MLGW bill, TVA's fuel cost adjustment is 2.9 cents per kilowatt hour. That's going to jump 46% to 4.3 cents per kilowatt hour on July 1 and could rise further after that.
Samuel explains how the fuel cost adjustments work and how much you might have to pay to MLGW.
Tennessee grapples with fentanyl crisis
Fentanyl use has been skyrocketing in Tennessee as the number of overdoses related to the drug increased by more than 50% from 2020 to 2021, Logan reports.
"One pill can kill," said Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch. "Fentanyl is the most deadly substance that we have."
Tennessee had one of the highest fatal overdose rates in the nation in 2020, when more than 2,000 Tennesseans died of overdoses involving fentanyl.
"One little grain will kill you," Victor Padilla said after his sister Joy Padilla-Anderson died of an overdose in Midtown.
Hear Joy’s story, how the drug has been a statewide crisis and how people can stop the addiction with help, in Logan’s story for subscribers.
Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks in Memphis
Memphians will gear up for the usual firework spectacles, games, food and fun this weekend as they celebrate Independence Day.
Our Niki Scheinberg lists a roundup of some Fourth of July celebrations happening throughout the Memphis and North Mississippi area this weekend for families and friends to join in on the celebration.
Ja Morant agrees to record-breaking contract extension with Grizzlies
Point guard Ja Morant agreed to a record-breaking five-year contract extension worth $193 million, our Damichael Cole reports.
The extension is the largest deal in franchise history. Morant earned his first All-Star appearance and was named second-team All-NBA after leading Memphis to a 56-26 record.
"Memphis is my home," Morant wrote on Twitter Thursday night after the news broke.
Jaren Jackson Jr. undergoes surgery, expected to miss 4 to 6 months
Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent surgery Wednesday because of a stress fracture in his right foot and he’s expected to miss four to six months, Damichael reports.
The recovery timeline makes it unlikely that Jackson returns by the beginning of next season.
Foot injuries can be problematic, so the Grizzlies may opt to err on the side of caution. The Grizzlies drafted Jake LaRavia and David Roddy, who can both play power forward. Brandon Clarke also played stretches at the position last season.
The 901 is written by Ray Padilla, digital producer for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at raymond.padilla@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter at @Ray_Padilla_.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: The 901: July 1 includes new Tennessee laws; MLGW bills to increase
