Memphis Morning News

This week on What's Bugging You (presented by James Pest Management) you called about the fight of words used in arguments with your wife. Also, trash continues to pile up and the 311 system is backed up so much, that pick up is now 5 weeks late according to residents. Trash on the roads, dumpster trucks and dump trucks continue to trash the roads and now we all have to wait on TDOT to get out and pick it up. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Bill Hagerty called in during Memphis Morning News to stress the importance of America leading the digital currency frontier and AI. China is racing to breaking quantum computing that would essentially "crack the code" in all of our encryptions and codes. The GENIUS Act is expected to be passed by the House and signed by President Trump. It's a stablecoin system that is backed by treasury and uses blockchain to verify transactions. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Memphis Tiger basketball alum and NBA star, William Bedford is being inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame this November. William stopped by the Memphis Morning News studio to share memories of the 85 Final Four team from Memphis State and his time in the NBA. "We didn't know anything about whether we were put on Sports Illustrated and where we ranked, we just wanted to play "Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audrey answered the question- what is the Code Crew Hackathon? This year's hackathon is based on sports and introduces young people to the world of technology. The "next big thing" in code and technology might be seeded through the mind of a kid right here in Memphis and Audrey explains more about this years Code Crew Hackathon while visiting Memphis Morning News with Ditch and Tim. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robberies, $40 Million boat docks, Perverts and more in today's edition of 5-1st on Memphis Morning News. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Epstein client list, Seat Belt enforcement and dismissing tickets...Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fake temporary car tags and beaters on the roads of west Tennessee. Is Bringing back the inspection stations the answer to help enforce laws requiring basic safety standards?Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As House of Representatives wait for minority leader, Jeffries to finish his delay tactics speech on the floor, 8th Congressional District representative, David Kustoff called Memphis Morning News with some facts over the rhetoric fictions. Jeffries stating that the OBBB is the beginning of a nationwide abortion ban and other rhetoric statements to draw fears in voters. David Kustoff provided some facts about the tax cuts for all Americans and the growth expectations in the Big Beautiful Bill.Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Congress works to get the One Big Beautiful Bill passed, one side of the aisle is using extreme rhetoric to persuade the Americans against the passage of the bill. "People will die...." , "millions of kids will loose their food benefits..." are statements made by minority leadership in the hours before the final vote. Congressman John Rose from the 6th district of Tennessee called Ditch & Tim on Memphis Morning News to speak about the tax breaks for Americans and economic growth in the wake of the bill and that he thinks the opposition party (Democrats) simply don't want these tax cuts for Americans. "These are all things they just can't wrap their heads around..." .Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Mayor of Memphis, Jim Strickland shares some of his personal experiences working with Fed Ex Founder / CEO Fred Smith and the reach that the Smith family has around the world and the ways it's helped Memphis. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serving the 6th Congressional District of Tennessee, John Rose stopped by Memphis Morning News to talk with Ditch & Tim about his run to be the next Governor of Tennessee. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor on Memphis Morning News sharing stories of representing Fed Ex Founder / CEO Fred Smith as a constituent during Brent's days on city council and most recently in his district at the state level. Fred and son Richard Smith discussed crime often. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman David Kustoff called Memphis Morning News today to discuss the philanthropic contributions and importance of Fed Ex founder and CEO, Fred Smith to Memphis. Congressman Kustoff also addressed US Military strikes in Iran and the importance of knowing where the Iran nationalists are inside our borders that were released into the interior by the Biden administration. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the precedence setting case United States v Skrmetti banning transgender treatments in Tennessee, SCOTUS has ruled in favor of Skrmetti. The AG called Memphis Morning News to discuss the opinion and react to those who say this ban is a loss for all Tennesseans. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Bill Hagerty called Ditch and shared his thoughts on the Israel precision strikes in Iran, the organizations funding and organizing the LA rioters, the Big Beautiful Bill and Rand Paul. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor shared his thoughts with Ditch this morning about the planned No King protest Saturday in Memphis and in other cities. An event that calls for comedy skits, clown shows and other interesting acts of silliness. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The violent protests in Los Angeles required federal assistance. President Trump utilized his authority to protect federal personnel and property. Governor Gavin Newsom is attempting to stop the federalization of the National Guard in California and Mark Miller from Pacific Legal Foundation says he's wrong and explains why. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman David Kustoff called in during Memphis Morning News to talk about Trump v. Elon, The Big Beautiful Bill and the "Green New Scam" and the escalating of antisemitism in America. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Economist at The Heritage Foundation , EJ Antoni says people holding student loan debt faced with finally paying it down, will be a productive thing for the economy. It could create an increase in overall economic production because many of them will have to find an additional job to start paying it down and that adds to production numbers. Buying American is more of challenge than most think about. If you try to avoid tariff prices by simply finding products wholly manufactured in America, good luck. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week a Trump Cabinet participated in an E.O signing and pronounced his support for "nuk-u-ler" . This bugs Ditch and started a conversation about words that are not correctly pronounced or used in context. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Memorial Day approaches, the purpose of the day has been replaced by barbeque, beer and pool side parties. We will not forget why America takes this day to spend time remembering those who put country and freedom first and in doing that, have sacrificed so much. Boy Scout Troop 27 member Wesley from Bartlett, Tennessee spent some time to educate everyone on the protocol & process of retiring The American Flag. The flag placement ceremony at the National Cemetery happens every year on the Saturday before Memorial Day. Volunteers are encouraged to help place flags on all 42,000 + gravesites at the National Cemetery on Jackson Ave. in Memphis. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of What's Bugging You, the storms have magnified motorists ignorance of the road rules and the practice of retail lockups makes it very hard to be loyal. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner on Memphis Morning News with Ditch & Tim Van Horn. When was the last known escape at 201 Poplar and what's the progress of updating the jail cell doors? Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FBI Director Kash Patel says that Memphis is the homicide capital of the US and is addressing the problem with his new plans for the agency and how it fights crime. In an exclusive local radio appearance on Newstalk 989, Tennessee Senator Brent Taylor told Ditch & Tim Van Horn, "...hopefully the grownups will show up and be able to get federal prosecutions where we have not been able to get them at the state level." Taylor also commented on the "bullhorn blowhards" efforts to stop xAI in Memphis. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to House Ways and Means Committee member, David Kustoff, they have completed their markups and have sent the bill to Agriculture, Energy and Commerce committees for markups before it gets voted on and sent to the Senate. Memphis Morning News asked if the Trump tax cuts will become permanent, will there be no taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security and is the left willing to tax Americans as a payback for voting Trump back into office? Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weeks questions for Mark Miller of Pacific Legal Foundation 1) Does Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan have standing on her claim that allowing an illegal immigrant to sneak out through the jury door, was an official act and therefore she should be immune to prosecution? 2) When will SCOTUS decide on the lines between executive vs judicial powers? Plus, a shocking story of a Veteran being sentenced to one year in jail for allegedly violating the clean water act...Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our air travel industry insider, Jay "The Fly Guy" Ratliff worked with Pete Rose over the years and says consequences are just that. "You can't ask after you've been found guilty for the rules to change. There's a bigger part of me that thinks he shouldn't be in because he violated thee rule because betting on baseball almost ended baseball after the Black Sox Scandal in the early 1900's." The FAA can't find suppliers for antiquated equipment parts, so they actually have to bid on used parts at auctions. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hot Take question of the day- Do you support eliminating waste, fraud & abuse as a means of reducing spending in the entitlement programs? Alice is passionate about her stance on the issue and witnessed cousins "living on the system their entire lives". Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelby County Commissioner Amber Mills called in to Memphis Morning News with Ditch & Tim Van Horn and shared details about the proposed ethics ordinance that could be the catalyst to remove Edmond Ford Jr. from his seat. This comes in the wake of federal charges against Ford claiming he took kickbacks from non-profits that received grant money through the commission. Currently, there have been no ethics complaints levied against Edmond Ford Jr. while County Mayor Harris does have ethics complaints against him regarding PR expenditures. Commissioner Mills also hinted of rumored plans to use the ethics ordinance to remove Ford and mentioned the belief is, that Justin Pearson's brother KeShaun Pearson is who the administration wants to fill his seat. KeShaun is the director of Memphis Community Against Pollution and fighting to stop xAI. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Wayne Brown and Dave Martello gave an update on Memphis Morning News this week with information about the reward increase for information that leads to solving a murder. Six people were shot during a Memphis Allies meeting. Mathew Williams was killed while 5 others were treated at Regional One. In 2022 Youth Villages joined with community partners to create Memphis Allies. The goal is to reduce violent crime in Memphis. Williams was at the meeting as an active participant in Memphis Allies to stand against violent gun crimes plaguing the streets of Memphis. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin vs. United States. In a mistaken SWAT raid, Ms. Martin's home is raided and it turned out the FBI had the wrong house. The government told her that she has no right to sue. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Tuesday, Ditch & Tim Van Horn ask- "What's bugging you?" It's your chance to call and get it off your chest. This week, we heard about pets in restaurants, people smoking up before going shopping and the Democratic Party of Shelby County. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do The MATA credit card receipts with charges for trips to Greece, India, Las Vegas and other receipts for fine dining, Party City and a half million dollar suite at Fed Ex Forum constitute misuse of public funds? Memphis Morning News' Ditch & Tim Van Horn spoke with our local news partner WREG's Jessica Gertler about what she found with her investigation into the spending at MATA. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the second largest corporate tax payer in Shelby County quickly developing it's footprint in Southwest Memphis, facts over fears are the most important thing that local leaders can do to assure constituents that laws and regulations are not being broken by the xAI Supercomputer development. Shelby County GOP Chairman, Worth Morgan and Vice Chair Patti Possel were in studio on Memphis Morning News sharing what they saw and heard at the recent Shelby County Health Department's public meeting regarding the xAI Supercomputer site and the companies use of methane powered turbines that only emit 2 particles per million (EPA standard is 25 parts per million). Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee Economic & Community Development Commissioner, Stuart McWhorter delivered an update on Memphis Morning News with Ditch & Tim Van Horn about West Tennessee companies big and small. xAI's future impact in the region, Ford's EV production plans and where does Tennessee sit on the national business climate map? Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So how did a Memphis man get 2 Memphis homes for $10? The quit deed scheme was foiled after Stuart Breakstone 34 was seen in video recordings withdrawing money from an ATM. The money withdrawn came from a bank account set up using ID theft and the sale of two home in Memphis. Real Estate closing attorney Matt McDonald spoke on Memphis Morning News about the quit deed schemes and what can be done to stop them. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The University of Memphis Tigers women's tennis team won the AAC Championship in a 4-2 final against Tulsa. Coach Perez and associate head coach Haymond stopped by the studios and talk about the championship on Memphis Morning News with Ditch & Tim Van Horn. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toxicology results have come back negative for drugs and the cause of death of Kristin Fundo is acute intoxication as a contributing factor. The investigation into allegations of drink tampering has also been completed by Collierville PD. The Chief of Police, Dale Lane called Memphis Morning News to discuss results. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author or great books about RUSH, Sugar Ray Leonard, Scottie Pippen and so many others, has released his latest- The Golf 100. A spirited ranking of the greatest players of all time. So, who’s the best of ’em all? Tiger Woods? Jack Nicklaus? Bobby Jones? Ben Hogan? Golf fans will disagree until the end of time, but one thing is certain: For well over 100 years, the sport has provided its share of spectacular careers and indelible moments. And what about fan favorites such as Phil Mickelson, Nancy Lopez, and Lee Trevino? Where do they rank on the list? Or modern players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, Nelly Korda, and Justin Thomas. Did they make the final cut—and if so, where?Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee representative Mark White tells Memphis Morning News' Ditch & Tim Van Horn modifications to his bill that could give an appointed oversight board the ability to veto MSCS actions in such things as the budget. The advisory board members would be from Shelby County. White also answered questions regarding his vote in favor of HB855 Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Memphis Morning News DC Swamp Report with Douglas K. Blair for the week 03/31. The District bureaucrats are furious that The Department of Government Efficiency is finding so many "non-essential" jobs and programs to cut. For so many, reshaping what constitutes non-essential (under waste, fraud & abuse) is too hard to rationalize as the swamp creatures continue to wage war against DOGE.Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Memphis Shelby County Schools face a state intervention because of how they made decisions to remove the wildly popular superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins, County Commissioner Mick Wright called in to Memphis Morning News to discuss creating an advisory group. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At last count in 2023, there are 336 drive-in movies theaters still open in the US. Callers to Memphis Morning News discussed the demise of the drive-in theater and shared why. Movies aren't made to be shown at drive-in theaters. 4-D, high-def IMAX movies don't look as good through a bug splattered windshield at the drive-in. The movie industry makes movies with effects that are best experienced in a movie theater equipped with surround sound, lighting, seating and often wait staff. Dinner and a movie can now be easily experienced all in one location- the lazy boy equipped movie theater. The nostalgia of the drive-in movie has created a different theater industry- tourism. With some drive-in's on the National Register of Historical Places to theater's with unique twists, the drive-in movie experience has become an experience, not just a night at the movies. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tradition of going to see the latest horror film or action movie at the drive-in theater is becoming more and more scarce as drive-in theaters close around the country. The Malco Summer Drive-in has been placed on the market by the theater company stating declining attendance as the reason for considering selling the 31 acre property. Three screens, a snack bar and a 3 bedroom , 1 bath apartment are included. Ditch and Tim Van Horn spoke with Stephanie Pankey Hall on Memphis Morning News about her life growing up at the drive-in. She recalled some great memories living above the snack bar in the apartment. He dad was the manager of the property and for 15 years, that was home. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baron Von Opperbean & The River of Time through the mind and creation of a group of artists, storytellers, techies, musicians and parents is getting closer to opening at Mud Island in downtown Memphis. Marvin Stockwell stopped by Memphis Morning News to give an update on the progress on the immersive, interactive entertainment experience. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America was once the worlds leading exporter of lumber. Keyword, WAS. President of The American Loggers Council, Mike Albrecht spoke on Memphis Morning News with Ditch. The importing and exporting numbers of lumber in The United States are shocking. "...we've been dismantling the lumber industry in America over the last 3 or 4 decades and we have got to turn that around". Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration attorney Esther Valdes Clayton from Valdes & Associates, A.P.C. in San Diego assists immigrants who want to come to America legally. Esther spoke on those pushing against the deportation of the violent illegals - "They're defending criminal migrants who have committed heinous acts here in United States" Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Edward Lawrence of FOX Business reports on Memphis Morning News from the White House following President Trump's address to the joint session of Congress. Tariffs on dairy, cars and other imports and what economic effects to expect. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman David Kustoff on Newstalk 98-9 with Ditch & Tim Van Horn. His reaction to last nights address by President Donald Trump. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Bill Hagerty spoke on Memphis Morning News with Ditch & Tim Van Horn about the Ukraine negotiations. What is the closest dollar amount given to Ukraine? Do we know?Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.