James Coleman

Alondra Hernandez Rodriguez/Niner Times Fall is here! The change in season always calls for a change in day-to-day living.

It’s debate season and political candidates are looking in their vanity mirrors, whispering affirmations to themselves in the mirror. “I don’t chase voters, I attract them,” and “the votes that are meant for me will come to me” are repeated as they smooth their hair and choose their tie in the perfect shade of red. Their constituents type out Instagram posts and endorsements before the debate has even begun, saving them to their drafts preemptively. At the debate, every word spoken by the favored candidate is met with applause, every take from the opposite side met with boos or even just crickets. Instagram stories quickly follow, post after post about their candidate’s incredible debate skills, post after post about the opposition’s lack thereof.

Attorney General Todd Blanche, flanked by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta, leads a roundtable session on the Memphis Safe Task Force in the city on Friday, Oct.16. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

State Rep. Justin Pearson holds a news conference outside city hall before the Memphis City Council meeting Wednesday, Oct. 20. The council had banned Pearson and others from the meetings following a raucous previous meeting, but a judge overruled its order. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

By now, everyone has heard the tale of the avoidant woman. She could keep a man, but she doesn’t want to. She could be emotionally vulnerable, but it seems like a massive undertaking to her. She could make an exception, but she did that once already and it wasn’t worth it. Instead, she dominates when it comes to commitment issues, standing on business and romanticizing lonely nights. If you have yet to meet a girl like this, look no further. Dating leaves an aftertaste of unshowered boys and a sense of dread deep in my throat. I would count someone lucky if they made it past the first conversation with me. My disdain for dating has given me many single years to develop my opinions towards it, and though I wouldn’t advise others to adhere to them as stubbornly as I do, they all come with a general message everyone needs: stand up.

Shelby County Commissioner Amber Huett-Garcia is working on a comprehensive data center regulatory ordinance modeled on the City of Memphis’ approach, with proposed rules addressing electricity demand, noise, water consumption and closed-loop systems. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

Following the lead of its largest city, Shelby County commissioners debated a proposed ordinance during Wednesday, Oct. 21, committee meetings to regulate

Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery outlines priorities for his administration, including stabilizing county finances, addressing jail overcrowding and expanding access to pre-K education. Lowery’s first-term strategic plan, “One Shelby,” was released Oct. 22. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners postponed votes on a proposed data center regulatory ordinance and a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction in unincorporated areas until Nov. 18. Commissioners also discussed forming a study committee to help develop regulations addressing energy use, water conservation and environmental impacts. (File photos)

It's been in the same Canberra family since 1927, when a drive to Sydney meant stopping to open farm gates.