Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

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 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!

My guests include Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher. From the Importance of voting, to the Memphis Safe Task Force, to the National Guard shooting death of 20-year old Tyrin Johnson in the back near downtown Memphis, there is plenty to discuss. He will share his unfiltered thoughts. Redistricting is top of mind for several southern states. Mississippi has now taken up the issue of changing congressional districts and redrawing maps to favor the Republican Party. Taylor Vance, writer for the Mississippi Today newspaper has been following this closely and joins me to lay it all out. Finally, literacy is a very big issue especially with our younger students that has gotten a lot of attention and is becoming a real priority. Author Alice Faye Duncan is a National Board Library Media Specialist who writes for young learners. Since 1995, she has written 15 picture books that are celebrated for inspiring messages. Alice served as a school librarian in the city of Memphis for 30 years and is a motivational speaker. She joins me to share why motivating others isn’t only for kids. 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 Michalyn Easter-Thomas. It has been quite a while since she has joined me so I thought it was time to catch up. She speaks on a variety of subjects like MATA, the Safe Task Force and an update on xAI data centers. Next, newly elected District 8 County Commissioner Will Richardson. His campaign was centered on three core priorities; public safety, education and workforce development and economic empowerment. I ask him about the obvious challenges that lie ahead like the budget, a new hospital and how to approach the need for a new jail. Lastly, the conversation on AI data centers is getting louder and it focuses on several concerns on local communities including noise, toxic emissions, environmental conditions and increased energy costs. Memphis activist KeShaun Pearson leads Memphis Communities Against Pollution and will join me to talk about this situation and why it’s so important. 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! Thanks!

My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. She’s a busy woman no doubt with a singular goal of making things better for every citizen. This week, she and her colleagues will address the XAI data center situation and how they plan to slow things down. She is also eying a much bigger challenge as she will explain. Next, the City of Millington is doing big things and growing population is just one of them. City Manager Frankie Dakin talks about what a special place it is and how they are just getting started. Finally, we all know Memphis is a good sports town. Things are starting to crank up with Tigers football,Tigers basketball and the Grizzlies right around the corner. To discuss, I welcome a first time guest to Real Talk. He is the co-host of the popular Jason and John sports talk radio show which can be heard weekdays from 9am-noon on 92.9 ESPN. Jason Smith joins me to break it all down. That and more both 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!