NEW YORK (AP) – It was supposed to be our IPO, the people's public offering.

Facebook, the brainchild of a young CEO who sauntered into Wall Street meetings in a hoodie, was going to be bigger than Amazon, bigger than McDonald's, bigger than Coca-Cola. And it was all made possible by our friendships, photos and family ties.

2. New Venture Empowers Mentoring Programs - Friday, April 26, 2013

Brittany Fitzpatrick recently left her job as communications coordinator for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis because she wants to devote herself full time to the venture she’s founded and to the problem she wants to help solve.

3. Welfare Penalty for Parents Dead This Session - Friday, April 12, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The sponsor of a proposal to dock the welfare payments of parents whose children fail school refused to listen to a little girl opposing the measure Thursday, saying she was being used as a prop.

4. Social Suds Brings Services to Soulsville - Friday, April 05, 2013

With a bubble machine on the roof, the new South Memphis Alliance laundromat and resource center opened Wednesday, April 3, at 1044 S. Bellevue Blvd.

5. Housing Huddle - Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Memphis Area Association of Realtors president Regina Hubbard got an unabashed response from the crowd at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre during the real estate group’s 2013 Residential Real Estate Summit.

6. Marketing Power of Predictability - Monday, April 01, 2013

When I was a very young man many, many years ago, I remember being fascinated by the information on the bottom of the McDonald’s hamburgers signage. Of course, I didn’t know about the word signage back then. I just knew McDonald’s had really cool signs with golden arches and big red and white words. The words at the bottom of the sign intrigued me most.

7. Fresh Focus - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

For family-owned Mosa Asian Bistro in East Memphis, freshness is the key to success.

The neighborhood restaurant creatively blends different styles of Asian cooking into customizable dishes, and it has grown steadily over the years thanks to repeat business from satisfied customers.

8. Ritz, McDonald Clash on Suburban Schools Talks - Tuesday, March 05, 2013

The Shelby County Commission and the county’s suburban mayors agree in writing and in a court proceeding on something related to schools.

But that remains the exception to the rule, particularly on issues beyond the first year of the schools merger – namely separate suburban school systems.

9. Funding From Suburbs Suggested - Monday, March 04, 2013

Countywide school board members are not the only players in the schools merger feeling pressure, although they may be feeling more pressure than others.

Shelby County Commissioners whose districts include suburban towns and cities have also been hearing a lot from parents in the suburbs who not too long ago had made peace with the idea that they would be part of the consolidated school district for at least the first school year.

10. Argent Financial Sees Growth in Memphis, Beyond - Saturday, March 02, 2013

Argent Financial Group hasn’t let its foot off the gas since arriving in Memphis.

The Louisiana-based wealth management firm, which is now responsible for more than $5.5 billion in client assets, has continued to expand both in Memphis and beyond.

11. Kroc Center Opens to Big Crowds - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

To cap off Healthy Heart Month, the new 100,000-square-foot Kroc Center held its open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony last weekend.

The state-of-the-art Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors in its first few days.

12. Ending of Schools Talks Still Rankles Both Sides - Monday, February 25, 2013

When all sides in the school merger court case gather Monday, Feb. 25, before federal court Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays, they will have lots of time to talk over municipal school districts.

The status conference is the only item on Mays’ calendar Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

13. Mays Schedules Monday Schools Case Conference - Saturday, February 23, 2013

Memphis Federal Court Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays has called a Monday, Feb. 25, status conference in the Shelby County schools merger case. All sides in the 2-year-old lawsuit are scheduled to appear before Mays at 9:30 a.m.

14. Events - Saturday, February 23, 2013

Make-A-Wish Mid-South will host Wine for Wishes Thursday, Feb. 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Cadre, 149 Monroe Ave. The fundraiser will include food and wine pairings, a silent auction and live music by The Will Tucker Band. Visit midsouth.wish.org.

15. Events - Friday, February 22, 2013

The Gavel Club of Memphis will meet Friday, Feb. 22, at 11:30 a.m. in the Holiday Inn University of Memphis Medallion Room, 3700 Central Ave. Ron Reid, senior agency manager of Memphis Public Library LINC, will speak. Lunch is Dutch treat. Call Bob Gray at 494-8639.

16. Mays Schedules Monday Schools Case Conference - Thursday, February 21, 2013

Memphis Federal Court Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays has called a Monday, Feb. 25, status conference in the Shelby County schools merger case.

All sides in the 2-year-old lawsuit are scheduled to appear before Mays at 9:30 a.m.

17. Mays Sets Monday Conference in Schools Merger Case - Friday, February 22, 2013

Memphis federal court Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays has called a Monday, Feb. 25, status conference in the Shelby County schools merger case.

All sides in the two-year-old lawsuit are scheduled to appear before Mays at 9:30 a.m.

18. Tax Zone Would Benefit Fairgrounds - Thursday, February 21, 2013

The Tourism Development Zone that Memphis officials will seek in Nashville over the next three months would generate tax revenue from Cooper-Young, the Midtown Union Avenue corridor and Overton Square for the redevelopment of the Mid-South Fairgrounds.

19. Burger King Plans Apology After Twitter Hack - Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Somebody hacked Burger King's Twitter account on Monday, posting obscene messages and changing its profile picture to a McDonald's logo.

The tweets stopped after a little more than an hour, and Burger King said it had reached out to Twitter to suspend the account. A Twitter spokesman did not immediately respond to a phone message left on Monday.

20. Burger King Feels Heat as Rivals Focus on Value - Monday, February 18, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – A revamped menu helped boost Burger King's profit in the fourth quarter but now the world's second biggest hamburger chain says it needs to play up value more aggressively to compete with rivals.

21. Suburban Districts Back in Federal Court - Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The faded red kick ball that is the issue of metropolitan school districts in the Shelby County suburbs is now back in Memphis federal court after about two-and-a-half months of private mediation talks.

22. Suburban School Talks End - Saturday, February 09, 2013

Private talks between the Shelby County Commission and the county’s six suburban mayors on suburban school districts have ended, according to Shelby County Commission chairman Mike Ritz and Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald.

23. Bishop Byrne Will Close, Merge With Memphis Catholic - Monday, January 28, 2013

Memphis Catholic Bishop J. Terry Steib likens the coming changes in two well-known Catholic schools with long histories to a nova.

“Later this spring we will reshape Memphis Catholic High School and Bishop Byrne High School into one entity,” Steib said in a recorded announcement Thursday, Jan. 24, as the closing of Bishop Byrne at the end of the current school year was announced. “Like the stars of the universe – a nova that implodes creates more stars – Memphis Catholic and Bishop Byrne have reached their peaks and will now help to build a model diocesan school. The best of Bishop Byrne and Memphis Catholic will be used to create the new star.”

24. Fitzpatrick Lends Hand to Nonprofits, Startups - Friday, January 11, 2013

When Brittany Fitzpatrick first came to Memphis a few years ago for graduate studies at the University of Memphis, journalism professor Dr. David Arant welcomed her to the city with three words.

25. Back to Work - Friday, January 11, 2013

The Shelby County legislative delegation to Nashville returned to the capital Tuesday, Jan. 8, with three fewer members – one state senator and two state representatives – all Democrats – but with no new faces.

26. Argent Financial, Highland Capital Merging - Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Memphis-based Highland Capital Management LLC and Louisiana-based Argent Financial Group, which entered the Memphis market a few years ago, are merging.

27. Bigfish Hosts Health Care Social Media Meet-Up - Saturday, December 15, 2012

Memphis-based creative company Bigfish will host a free health care social media meet-up next week.

The event on Dec. 19 will be held starting at noon at the Bigfish office on the second floor of Minglewood Hall.

28. Bigfish Hosts Health Care Social Media Meet-Up - Friday, December 14, 2012

Memphis-based creative company Bigfish will host a free health care social media meet-up next week.

The event on Dec. 19 will be held starting at noon at the Bigfish office on the second floor of Minglewood Hall. The one-hour discussion will focus on audience building, segmentation and monetization specific to health care and nonprofit organizations, and it will include a light lunch.

29. Haslam Mulls School Vouchers for State - Monday, December 10, 2012

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam may or may not push directly for some kind of move to school vouchers next year on Capital Hill.

But there will almost certainly be legislation to that effect, possibly with State Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown leading an effort he has made in several previous legislative sessions.

30. Donato Named Catholic Schools Superintendent - Saturday, December 08, 2012

Memphis Catholic Bishop J. Terry Steib has named Janet Donato as the new superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis.

Donato had been serving as interim superintendent after Mary McDonald left to form an education consulting firm and write more about education reform.

31. Donato Named Catholic Schools Superintendent - Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Memphis Catholic Bishop J. Terry Steib has named Janet Donato as the new superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis.

Donato had been serving as interim superintendent after Mary McDonald left to form an education consulting firm and write more about education reform.

32. The Next Steps - Monday, December 03, 2012

About a half hour before the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays in the municipal school district lawsuit, the chairman of the countywide school board called for his board and the school boards for the six suburban municipal school districts to get together.

33. ConAgra Gobbles Up Store Brands With Ralcorp Deal - Wednesday, November 28, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – ConAgra Foods is set to become the nation's biggest maker of store brand foods, with its $5 billion purchase of Ralcorp expanding its stake in the fast-growing market for cereals, crackers and other packaged foods sold under private labels.

34. More Ideas for Holiday Givebacks - Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Last week we spotlighted The Exchange Club Family Center, which is an organization focused on helping families and breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Before we announce the topic for this week’s column, let us thank the hundreds of volunteers that came out on Saturday, Nov. 17, for the McKellar Lake Cleanup. More than 5,000 pounds of trash was removed from the area with 2,750 pounds being recycled. Now it is time to explore a few ways we can give back using holiday cards, honorariums and unwrapped toys.

35. Kroc Center on Target for January - Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is on track to open in January, almost two years after its groundbreaking.

Montgomery Martin Contractors LLC is scheduled to complete the construction of the 104,000-square-foot learning, recreation and worship center on 15 acres adjacent to the Mid-South Fairgrounds by the end of December.

36. Three More From the Record - Thursday, October 11, 2012

After printing those letters last week, how can I not come back this week with more stuff from the Record? How can I not?!

The writers of those letters don’t care that I want to review books I’ve read, share the latest in haiku theory and fuel the debate on the Oxford comma. They want funny stuff that really happened. In court.

37. Soda Industry: Vending Machines Will Show Calories - Tuesday, October 09, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – As criticism of sugary sodas intensifies, Coke, Pepsi and Dr Pepper are rolling out new vending machines that will put calorie counts right at your fingertips.

The move comes ahead of a regulation that would require restaurant chains and vending machines to post the information as early as next year, although the specifics for complying with the requirement are still being worked out.

38. McDonald’s Message - Monday, October 01, 2012

It has been a whirlwind for Dr. Mary McDonald since the end of June when she left as the superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. Just in September, she spent some 20 days on the road.

39. Events - Friday, September 28, 2012

The South Main Art Trolley Tour will be held Friday, Sept. 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the South Main Historic Arts District. Email info@southmainmemphis.net.

40. Return on Investment - Monday, September 24, 2012

Most people already know some of the basic elements of the banking business. From the large national lenders with a Memphis presence to the community banks in the suburbs, one common element is they make money by charging borrowers more than the bank pays in interest to depositors.

41. Facebook Friends Get Out the Vote in Large Numbers - Thursday, September 13, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Here's something most politicians can "like": Facebook friends played a big role in getting hundreds of thousands of people to vote in 2010, a new scientific study claims.

42. Luttrell to Reassess Local Air Quality - Friday, September 07, 2012

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell is about to examine county government’s entire approach to air quality issues after the Memphis City Council voted last month to cut all city funding for vehicle inspections at the end of the current fiscal year on June 30.

43. First Tennessee Unit to Move Downtown - Friday, September 07, 2012

First Tennessee Bank is preparing its Downtown Memphis headquarters for occupancy of one of its units.

44. Tax Hike Latest Shift in Funding Puzzle - Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The suburban cities and towns that raised their local sales tax rates in August will adapt with little trouble if the rest of Shelby County approves a countywide sales tax hike on the Nov. 6 ballot.

45. McDonald’s Buys Lamar Retail Center for $850,000 - Tuesday, August 28, 2012

2342 Lamar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38114

Sale Amount: $850,000

Sale Date: Aug. 17, 2012

46. McDonald's Buys Retail Center for $850,000 - Friday, August 24, 2012

McDonald’s Real Estate Co. has paid $850,000 for a strip shopping center at the intersection of Lamar Avenue, South Trezevant Street and Deadrick Avenue in the Defense Depot area.

47. Events - Thursday, August 23, 2012

Memphis Breakfast Rotary Club will meet Thursday, Aug. 23, at 7 a.m. at The Racquet Club of Memphis, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Glen Vanderford, regional Rotary Foundation director, will speak. Contact Mark Edwards at medwards@bankofbartlett.com.

48. Herbalife Plans to Expand Memphis Distribution Center - Tuesday, August 21, 2012

5025 Crumpler Road
Memphis, TN 38141

Permit Cost: $4.8 million

Permit Date: Applied August 2012

49. After the Vote - Monday, August 20, 2012

As 400 supporters of municipal school districts rallied just off the Arlington town square in July, conversations about the ballot outcome turned to one question – how Federal Judge Hardy Mays would rule in the legal challenge to the state law governing the establishment of a municipal school district.

50. Airwaves Charity - Friday, August 17, 2012

Members of the media joined the children of Ronald McDonald House of Memphis Wednesday, Aug. 15, for an outdoors tricycle race on the nonprofit’s campus at 535 Alabama Ave.

51. US Economic Recovery is Weakest Since World War II - Thursday, August 16, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The recession that ended three years ago this summer has been followed by the feeblest economic recovery since the Great Depression.

Since World War II, 10 U.S. recessions have been followed by a recovery that lasted at least three years. An Associated Press analysis shows that by just about any measure, the one that began in June 2009 is the weakest.

52. McDonald's Planned for Millbranch Road - Thursday, August 16, 2012

A McDonald’s fast-food restaurant is set to be built at the southwest corner of Millbranch Road and East Shelby Drive in Whitehaven.

A $1.3 million permit application filed with the city-county Office of Construction Code Enforcement by McDonald’s USA states the restaurant at 4673 Millbranch will feature a double drive-thru design as part of a steel and masonry building.

53. Hinte Expands Role At Second to Nunn - Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Lowell Hinte has been promoted to account manager and designer at website- and branding-design company Second to Nunn Design. Hinte has served as a designer at S2N since 2009. In his expanded role, Hinte will ensure clients’ expectations are met on key projects regarding strategy, vision, quality and schedule.

54. McDonald's Showing Signs of Tear From Economy - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – Not even McDonald's Corp. has an iron stomach when it comes to the global economic downturn.

55. Ronald McDonald House Hires Volunteer Coordinator - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Deenean Wilson-Henderson, a Memphis native, has been hired as the new volunteer coordinator at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis, 535 Alabama Ave.

56. Signature’s Marshall Leads Renovation Effort - Friday, July 20, 2012

When Charles Marshall co-founded Signature Advertising & Marketing Solutions with Mark Henry in 1994, the two were the firm’s only employees.

57. McDonald’s Plans Big Local Hiring Push - Monday, July 16, 2012

McDonald’s franchisees across the Mid-South anticipate hiring up to 1,000 employees for crew and restaurant management positions on Wednesday, July 18.

The one-day event is part of a hiring push for the restaurant’s franchisees in West Tennessee, East Arkansas, North Mississippi, southwest Kentucky and southern Missouri, and the new positions will include both seasonal and longer-term full-time and part-time positions based upon individual restaurant needs.

58. WellPoint Buying Amerigroup for About $4.46B - Tuesday, July 10, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Health insurer WellPoint Inc. will raise its stake in a market poised for substantial growth with its $4.46 billion acquisition of Medicaid coverage provider Amerigroup Corp.

59. Poplar Transformation - Monday, July 09, 2012

Two big retail deals have recently been inked on the Poplar Avenue corridor, soon filling empty spaces on the city’s busiest street.

A new Family Dollar is going in the old Stringer’s Garden Center site at 2974 Poplar, while Office Depot and Hollywood Feed are going in the former Samuel’s Furniture space at 5502-5510 Poplar, near South Yates Road.

60. Consolidation Debate Heats Up as Election Nears - Tuesday, July 03, 2012

For more than a year and a half, the reformation of public schools in Shelby County has followed a flow chart all sides in the historic movement agreed were likely moves before everything was decided.

61. High Court Ruling Benefits Most Health Care Firms - Friday, June 29, 2012

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – The Supreme Court's decision Thursday to uphold President Barack Obama's historic overhaul is expected to be a boon to most of the health care industry by making coverage more affordable for millions of uninsured Americans.

62. Bigfish Hosts Social Media Meet-Up - Friday, June 29, 2012

Memphis-based creative company Bigfish will host a free health care social media meet-up next month at their new office inside Minglewood Hall.

The one-hour discussion starting at noon on July 11 will focus on social media topics specific to health care and nonprofit organizations. The event will include a light lunch and will be led by Tim Nicholson, Bigfish president, and Addie McGowan, director of social media.

63. LM Architecture Making Name for Itself in Industry - Monday, June 25, 2012

Tim McCullough and Douglas Leininger founded Leininger McCullough architecture in September 2009 during the peak of the recession.

64. A Place of Their Own - Thursday, June 14, 2012

So far this year, FedExFamilyHouse has served as a home away from home for more than 800 families whose children have received treatment at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

Last year, the facility at 918 Poplar Ave. – located a short walking distance from the hospital – brought comfort to more than 4,000 individuals, including pediatric patients and their parents, grandparents and siblings.

65. Building Blitz - Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Some of the city’s prominent homebuilders huddled up at McDonald’s on Winchester and Tchulahoma roads around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, June 4, trying to decide what the weather had in store for the first morning of the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis/Memphis Area Home Builders Association Home Builders Blitz.

66. HMCT Partners With Coke to Tackle Obesity Epidemic - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Healthy Memphis Common Table, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of Memphians, recently announced it had formed a new partnership with Coca-Cola Co.

67. Cost Analysis Sparks Little Reaction - Friday, May 18, 2012

Shelby County Commissioner Mike Ritz noted that before he finished his presentation Wednesday, May 16, on how much municipal school systems in the suburbs could cost, other commissioners had already emailed the proposal to suburban mayors backing the move to municipal school districts.

68. Board Representation at Stake in Bill - Tuesday, May 08, 2012

In the legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly last week allowing suburban referendums this year on forming municipal school districts there was another part of the bill.

And it completes some important terms for the Nov. 6 school board elections that would follow the planned Aug. 2 referendums on forming school districts and levying a half- cent local option sales tax rate increase if voters approve both questions.

69. McDonald Leaving As Catholic Schools Spt. - Friday, May 04, 2012

Dr. Mary McDonald is leaving as superintendent of the Memphis Catholic Schools system effective June 30.

70. McDonald Leaving As Catholic Schools Superintendent - Thursday, May 03, 2012

Dr. Mary McDonald is leaving as superintendent of the Memphis Catholic Schools system effective June 30.

71. House, Senate OK Bill Targeting Vanderbilt Policy - Wednesday, May 02, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Lawmakers have given final approval to a bill seeking to rescind Vanderbilt University's "all-comers" policy, which requires school groups to allow any interested students to join and run for office.

72. Bill to Overhaul TRA Passes Tenn. House 60-28 - Wednesday, May 02, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to overhaul the Tennessee Regulatory Authority passed the House on Tuesday despite criticism that it's unnecessary.

The measure carried by Republican Rep. Pat Marsh of Shelbyville was approved 60-28 on Tuesday. Voting for the bill were 58 Republicans, one Democrat and one independent. Twenty-five Democrats and three Republicans voted against the proposal, including Rep. Matthew Hill, son of TRA Chairman Kenneth Hill.

73. Giving Leads To Receiving - Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Last week we spotlighted Mid-South Food Bank, which is fighting hunger through the efficient collection and distribution of wholesome food as well as through education and advocacy. Inspired by a recent visit from the legendary running back Herschel Walker, this week let us reflect on his examples of how giving back has opened doors and led to opportunities that have yielded great success in his business and personal life.

74. Events - Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Greater Memphis Chamber will hold a Small Business Council breakfast Thursday, April 26, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. The topic is “Make Your Business Mobile.” Cost is $25 for chamber members and $30 for nonmembers. Call Erica Milford at 543-3518 for details.

75. Events - Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Memphis Social Media Club will meet Wednesday, April 25, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Glankler Brown PLLC conference room, 6000 Poplar Ave., suite 400. Eric Proseus will discuss communicating via social media during bad weather and other crises. Email memphissmc@gmail.com or call 521-1453 for details.

76. Tennessee Legislature Could Decide Muni Districts - Monday, April 23, 2012

This could be the week that the Tennessee Legislature decides the timing of the rise of suburban municipal school districts in Shelby County.

The issue is an amendment to a Senate bill on school bullying that would permit the suburbs to call referendums this year on forming such school districts.

77. Schools Planning Commission Weighs, Rejects Stand on Schools Bill - Friday, April 20, 2012

The schools consolidation planning commission considered Thursday, April 19, but voted down a resolution that would have urged the Tennessee legislature not to pass the bill that would allow suburban towns and cities to hold referendums this year on forming municipal school districts.

78. Reactions to Schools Legislation Changing in Nashville - Friday, April 13, 2012

Tennessee legislators from outside Shelby County got a look at where the Shelby County schools reformation discussion was in January this week on Capitol Hill in Nashville.

And they didn’t like the idea that their counties could be living with Shelby County rules.

79. Argent Opens Trust Office in Nashville - Wednesday, April 04, 2012

It’s been a few years now since Louisiana-based Argent Financial Group, a diversified financial services company responsible for more than $3 billion in client assets, arrived in Memphis.

Since then, Argent has solidified its ties to the city. Now, it’s grown beyond Memphis deeper into the state.

80. Consolidation Planning Remains in Flux - Monday, April 02, 2012

The way some on the schools consolidation planning commission see it, the group has some momentum going in its goal of selling a still-forming consolidated school system plan to parents – urban and suburban.

81. Municipal Schools Bill Amendment Surfaces - Friday, March 30, 2012

As the Tennessee House education subcommittee was meeting in Nashville Wednesday, March 29, it was where most of those involved in the local schools reformation saga were focusing their attention.

And the center of their attention was a bill lifting the statewide ban on the creation of municipal school districts.

82. Bill Lifting Muni School Ban Advances - Friday, March 30, 2012

A bill in the Tennessee Legislature to lift the statewide ban on creating municipal school districts is moving as the legislative session nears an end.

The House Education subcommittee approved the bill Wednesday, March 28, on a voice vote with the House Education Committee to consider the bill next week.

83. Municipal School District Bill Moves In Nashville - Thursday, March 29, 2012

A bill in the Tennessee legislature to lift the statewide ban on creating municipal school districts is moving as the legislative session nears an end.

The House education subcommittee approved the bill Wednesday, March 28, on a voice vote with the House education committee to consider the bill next week.

84. Suburbs Consider Legal Challenges In Schools Fight - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

After a race to call special referendum elections in May, suburban leaders this week may be in a race to get to Chancery Court in a legal challenge of the Tennessee attorney general’s opinion that last week stopped the referenda move.

85. Starbucks Opening Evolution Fresh Juice Store - Tuesday, March 20, 2012

SEATTLE (AP) – Starbucks Corp. is pushing beyond coffee with the opening of the first Evolution Fresh Inc. juice store, the company said Monday.

86. Decision Could Go Until August In Bartlett - Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Two of the five suburban towns and cities pursuing municipal school districts have their May 10 referendums on the ballot and a second one scheduled for Aug. 2.

The May ballot question is about a municipal school district, not the half-cent local sales tax hike that is the other part of forming such a school district.

87. Economy Adds 227K Jobs, Jobless Rate Unchanged - Monday, March 12, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The United States added 227,000 jobs in February as the nation has put together the strongest three months of job growth since the Great Recession, boding well for President Barack Obama's re-election chances.

88. New Schools Plan Has Multiple Autonomy Options - Thursday, March 08, 2012

The group drafting the blueprint for the structure of a new consolidated countywide school system will discuss Thursday, March 8, a new plan that is a mix of two other options it had been considering.

89. Planning Commission Reworking System Structure - Monday, March 05, 2012

The schools consolidation planning commission isn’t quite ready to vote on a structure for the consolidated countywide system to come. That milestone vote may come Thursday, March 8.

The hold up is how the new system will handle decisions that are already being dictated by other events in education reform like charter schools and the state’s Achievement School District.

90. Teens Awaken in Broadway Musical - Monday, March 05, 2012

Love and flowers aren’t the only things that bloom in spring, at least according to an award-winning Broadway musical premiering at Circuit Playhouse in March.

In “Spring Awakening,” teenagers’ natural urges and unanswered questions combine in a rush of rock music to spell out the drama of becoming an adult.

91. ‘Wheel’ Now in Motion for New School System - Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Those on the schools transition planning commission called it “the wheel.” Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald called it “the wheel of education.”

92. Planning Group Hears of Structure Proposal - Monday, February 27, 2012

Next school year, a group of 112 schools in the separate Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools systems will operate outside the framework used by each of the school systems for governing their other schools.

93. Schools Planning Group Hears Specifics of School Structure Proposal - Friday, February 24, 2012

The group drafting the blueprint for the structure of a consolidated countywide public school system got several dozen PowerPoint slides and a briefing Thursday, Feb. 23, on the idea of a two-track school system that includes a “path to autonomy.”

94. Schools Discussion Hits Two Points - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The Arlington board of aldermen takes a final vote Tuesday, Feb. 21, on a May 10 referendum on a municipal school district.

If the referendum ordinance is approved, it would be the first of several moves to the ballot by Shelby County’s suburban municipalities who are considering each creating their own school systems.

95. Oscar Night Party to Benefit Ronald McDonald House - Monday, February 20, 2012

Oscar Night America 2012 to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis will be held Sunday, Feb. 26, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Minglewood Hall, 1555 Madison Ave.

96. Suburban Schools’ Train ‘Has Left the Station’ - Monday, February 20, 2012

The six suburban mayors say the train to municipal school districts is on the tracks and has no time to stop to consider whatever plan the schools consolidation transition planning commission comes up with for a merged public school system.

97. Suburban Mayors Hear Lots Of Concerns From Schools Planning Commission - Friday, February 17, 2012

The group drawing up the blueprint for a consolidated countywide public school system will plan for a school system that covers the entire county including the suburban towns and cities.

That’s what the chairwoman of the schools consolidation transition planning commission told all six suburban mayors Thursday, Feb. 16, as the planning commission talked with the mayors about their plans to create municipal school districts.

98. Turbo-Traders Take Bank of America for a Ride - Monday, February 13, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – On a normal day, 4 billion shares of stock change hands on the New York Stock Exchange. One in 10 belongs to a single company. It's not McDonald's or IBM, both of which have been on a tear.

99. RMHC Radiothon Helps ‘House That Love Built’ - Friday, February 10, 2012

The 21st annual Ronald McDonald House Radiothon is in full swing over at the facility, which serves as a home away from home for patients undergoing treatment at nearby St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

100. RMHC Radiothon Helps ‘House That Love Built’ - Thursday, February 09, 2012

The 21st annual Ronald McDonald House Radiothon is in full swing over at the facility, which serves as a home away from home for patients undergoing treatment at nearby St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.