Two weeks out from the formal start of the merger of Shelby County’s two public school systems, critics of the merger on the Shelby County Commission portrayed it as about the Memphis City Schools’ or the Shelby County Schools’ way of doing things.

2. Cates Wears Multiple Hats as Litigator, Prosecutor - Thursday, June 13, 2013

Taylor Cates, attorney with Burch, Porter & Johnson PLLC, describes himself as “an adequate rhythm guitar player.”

3. Fisher Named Director Of Economic Development - Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Gwyn Fisher has been named the greater Memphis regional director of economic and community development by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. In her new role, Fisher will work with companies, municipalities and stakeholders in Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties to create jobs, attract new businesses and expand existing businesses.

4. Funding Conundrum - Friday, May 24, 2013

There were times this week at the Shelby County Commission when the debate over school funding and the schools merger made the superintendent of the consolidated school system more spectator than presenter.

5. Rhodes Honors Gray for Outstanding Research - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Dr. Patrick Gray, an associate professor in Rhodes College’s department of religious studies, has received the college’s Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Research. Gray’s research centers on biblical studies, specifically the history and literature of early Christianity and the Greco-Roman context.

6. Signs of Life - Saturday, April 13, 2013

Home sales activity picked up in the first quarter of this year across the Mid-South, and brokers believe the market recovery is gaining traction.

Shelby County home sales rose 6 percent during the first quarter, with 3,382 sales from January to March compared to 3,179 during the first quarter of 2012, according to real estate information company Chandler Reports, www.chandlerreports.com.

7. Tigers Prepare for Life After Black, Thomas - Friday, April 12, 2013

Wading in with some thoughts on several topics, starting with Adonis Thomas and Tarik Black leaving the University of Memphis basketball program:

• First off, the Tigers will be fine without them. The No. 2-ranked recruiting class in the country is on the way and while the Tigers still want another big man to replace Black, the truth is that both Thomas and Black were disappointments this past season. This is also why I wish Adonis and Tarik were staying; odds are it would be better for them if they stayed.

8. Events - Thursday, April 11, 2013

National Hispanic Professional Organization-Memphis will meet Thursday, April 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Meri Armour, CEO of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, will speak. Cost is free for members and $20 for nonmembers. R.S.V.P. to info@nhpomemphis.us or 466-6476.

9. Decades After King’s Death, Memphis Jobs in Spotlight - Thursday, April 04, 2013

MEMPHIS (AP) – Decades after Martin Luther King Jr. was shot to death here, some of the striking sanitation workers who marched with him are again fighting for their jobs.

10. High Court Takes on a New Affirmative Action Case - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court's decision to hear a new case from Michigan on the politically charged issue of affirmative action offers an intriguing hint that the justices will not use a separate challenge already pending from Texas for a broad ruling bringing an end to the consideration of race in college admissions.

11. 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.

12. Wonder Bread Sale Nearing Completion - Saturday, March 02, 2013

Wonder bread could start appearing in school lunchboxes again soon.

A person familiar with the situation says a bid by Flowers Foods to buy Wonder and several other bread brands from bankrupt Hostess was met with no competing offers. The individual requested anonymity because the auction process is private.

13. Wonder Bread Sale Nears Completion - Thursday, February 28, 2013

Wonder bread could start appearing in school lunchboxes again soon.

A person familiar with the situation says a bid by Flowers Foods to buy Wonder and several other bread brands from bankrupt Hostess was met with no competing offers. The individual requested anonymity because the auction process is private.

14. Schools Questions Dominate County Commission Agenda - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved on the second of three readings Monday, Feb. 25, an ordinance that gives Memphis City Schools teachers living outside Shelby County five years to move within Shelby County.

15. Several Paths for School Funding Possible - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The most important number at a weekend Shelby County Commission budget retreat was not the $145 million in new funding the countywide school board has asked for.

It was a percentage – the projection by Shelby County Assessor Cheyenne Johnson that the 2013 property reappraisal by her office will likely reflect a 4.63 percent loss of value on property for taxation purposes.

16. Commission Mixes Residency With Schools Issues - Monday, February 25, 2013

It isn’t hard to get a debate going on the Shelby County Commission about the coming Shelby County schools merger and separate suburban school districts.

A majority of the 13-member body voted to file the second part of the Memphis federal court lawsuit over the connected issues. But there remains a vocal minority of four to five commissioners on both issues as well.

17. Avast! - Thursday, February 21, 2013

If it looks like a boat and floats, it might not be a boat. So held the Supreme Court in mid-January. Fane Lozman was the owner of a house-like plywood structure with French doors on three sides. It consisted of a sitting room, bedroom, closet, bathroom, kitchen, stairway, and some office space upstairs. An “empty bilge space” below its main floor kept it afloat.

18. Brothers to Open Brewery on Broad - Tuesday, February 19, 2013

A new craft brewery is coming to one of Memphis’ up-and-coming areas – the Broad Avenue Historic District.

Wiseacre Brewing Co., a concept from brothers Kellan Bartosch and Davin Bartosch, has leased 13,000 square feet at 2783 Broad Ave. and is planning to open by late 2013. They chose the old warehouse for its “big open space” and the Binghampton neighborhood for its community appeal.

19. County Commission Debates Schools Merger - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners marked the two-year anniversary Monday, Feb. 11, of the federal lawsuit over schools consolidation and municipal school districts with a running debate across several items about the upcoming schools merger.

20. County Commission Debates Schools Changes on Several Fronts - Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners who just last week seemed to agree on giving Memphis City Schools teachers living outside Shelby County five years to move within the county had some second thoughts Monday, Feb. 11, as they debated the schools merger issue.

21. Commission to Vote on Teacher Residency - Monday, February 11, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners agree on an issue having to do with the coming merger of schools in Shelby County.

At least nine of the 13 commissioners favor giving Memphis City Schools teachers and other system staff who live outside Shelby County five years to move within the county and keep their jobs with the new consolidated school system that takes effect July 1.

22. Events - Thursday, February 07, 2013

The Association of Fundraising Professionals will meet Thursday, Feb. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Thomas Center at Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway S. The topic covers building meaningful relationships. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Visit afpmemphis.org.

23. Austin Takes Reins Of Wolf River Conservancy - Thursday, February 07, 2013

Commercial real estate lawyer Stewart Austin of Glankler Brown, PLLC, has been named the new board president for the Wolf River Conservancy as of Jan. 1.

24. Events - Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Talk Shoppe will meet Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Better Business Bureau, 3693 Tyndale Ave. Don and Holly Swogger of Homevestors will present “Build Wealth Buying Real Estate.” Cost is free. Visit talkshoppe.biz.

25. 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.”

26. Events - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Rotary Club of Memphis East will meet Wednesday, Jan. 23, at noon at The Racquet Club of Memphis, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Unified Shelby County School Board Chairman Billy Orgel will speak. Cost is $17. R.S.V.P. to Lee Hughes at lmhughes@bellsouth.net.

27. Flu Season 'Bad One for the Elderly,' CDC Says - Monday, January 21, 2013

The number of older people hospitalized with the flu has risen sharply, prompting federal officials to take unusual steps to make more flu medicines available and to urge wider use of them as soon as symptoms appear.

28. ‘Bad Joe’ Gone as Poise Brings Winning Formula - Friday, January 11, 2013

The Conference USA Tournament came early this season. That, or Tigers guard Joe Jackson has his dates confused. After two roller coaster seasons that included winning the Most Valuable Player award in two straight league tournaments – a C-USA first – Jackson apparently has decided to flip the calendar forward.

29. Leadership Memphis Wants Public Input on City Plan - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Leadership Memphis, along with Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies Team Up Mentoring Initiative, will seek public input for the city of Memphis’ five-year Strategic Plan and recruit adults willing to mentor area youth at an event later this week.

30. Become Great by Choice - Monday, December 03, 2012

There are those who continually improve their knowledge and skills and have accumulated 30 years experience. And then there are those who simply repeat their initial year of experience 30 times, learning very little along the way.

31. Endocrinologist Detti Joins UT Medical Group - Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Laura Detti has joined the Germantown office of UT Medical Group Inc., where she specializes in male and female infertility. Detti provides genetic diagnosis and counseling; management of conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, recurrent miscarriages and premature menopause; and pre- and post-cancer care for fertility issues.

32. Highpoint Church Buys Briarcrest’s East Memphis Campus - Friday, November 09, 2012

After seven years of leasing space for its worship services, Highpoint Church has acquired Briarcrest Christian School Systems Inc.’s property at 6000 Briarcrest Ave. for $7.25 million.

33. Nichols to be Honored by Briggs Foundation - Friday, November 02, 2012

Jackie Nichols, founder and executive producer of Playhouse on the Square, will receive the Thomas W. Briggs Community Service Award Monday, Nov. 5, in a private ceremony at Dixon Gallery and Gardens.

34. Hotel Chisca Gets New Owners, Art Facelift - Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The chain-link fence surrounding the dilapidated Hotel Chisca in Downtown Memphis is a little bit easier on the eyes as of Saturday, Oct. 27.

That’s because it now boasts 30 colorful banners created by students of St. Louis Catholic School, under the leadership of art teacher Robin Durden. The art exhibit, “Memphis Music Icons,” pays tribute to the Hotel Chisca’s legacy of being the location where Elvis Presley was first played on Dewey Phillips’ “Red, Hot and Blue” radio show from the WHBQ studios in 1954.

35. Hotel Chisca Gets New Owners, Art Facelift - Monday, October 29, 2012

The chain link fence surrounding the dilapidated Hotel Chisca in Downtown Memphis is a little bit easier on the eyes as of Saturday, Oct. 27.

That’s because it now boasts 30 colorful banners created by students of St. Louis Catholic School, under the leadership of art teacher Robin Durden. The art exhibit, “Memphis Music Icons,” pays tribute to the Hotel Chisca’s legacy of being the location where Elvis Presley was first played on Dewey Phillips’ “Red, Hot and Blue” radio show from the WHBQ studios in 1954.

36. A Season for More - Monday, October 29, 2012

Last season, the Grizzlies made the playoffs and even earned home-court advantage for their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Last season, the Tigers made the NCAA Tournament after winning the regular season and tournament Conference USA championships.

37. Cohen, Flinn Sparring Heats Up as Election Nears - Monday, October 29, 2012

It’s been an election year in Shelby County dominated by something other than candidates in a local political arena where personality and name recognition usually go far.

There have been significant problems with the accuracy of the vote count, presidential campaigns only momentarily interested in the local Republican and Democratic bases and the politics of tax increases and municipal school districts.

38. First Of Many Funding Requests Approved For Merged System - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The first Shelby County government financing of the soon to be merged public school system approved Monday, Oct. 22, was about $1 million less than expected. And it drew the support of Shelby County Commissioners opposed to the consolidation of Shelby County’s two public school systems.

39. New Vibe Connects to Soulsville’s Classic Sound - Monday, October 22, 2012

When the music that helped define Memphis was being made at 926 East McLemore Ave., there wasn’t much thought about giving the music the grand sweeping depth of a symphony orchestra.

40. Freedom Awards Winners Talk Important Decisions - Thursday, October 18, 2012

An audience of several thousand children from several local schools got a glimpse Tuesday, Oct. 16, of just how tentative the decisions that make history and change can be.

Each of the four winners of the National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Awards talked of different courses they might have taken during the annual forum at Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ.

41. Merchandiser Five Below Signs Lease in Olive Branch - Friday, October 05, 2012

A growing Philadelphia-based value retailer has inked a substantial industrial lease deal in Olive Branch.

Five Below Inc. has leased 605,427 square feet in Hacks Cross Logistics Center Building 1, 9105 Hacks Cross Road.

42. Ciaramitaro Joins Grace-St. Luke’s as School Counselor - Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Licensed clinical social worker Courtney Ciaramitaro has joined Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School as school counselor. She will work primarily with middle school students.

Hometown: Memphis

43. ‘Back in Time’ - Tuesday, September 25, 2012

When local model railroaders first got together with the idea two years ago, there was little more than a dream and a dark tunnel.

Today, the light at the end of that tunnel is the 2,500-square-foot Memphis Railroad & Trolley Museum at 545 S. Main St. in Downtown.

44. LeMoyne-Owen to Begin Work on $13.5 Million Residence Hall - Tuesday, September 18, 2012

869 Saxon Ave.
Memphis, TN 38126

Permit Cost: $9 million

Permit Date: Applied September 2012

45. Weinreich Switches Gears at College of Optometry - Thursday, September 13, 2012

An attorney by profession, Christine Weinreich recently switched gears, taking on the role of director of corporate and foundation relations for the Southern College of Optometry, an independent, nonprofit academic institution at 1245 Madison Ave.

46. Election Winners Take Oaths of Office - Wednesday, September 05, 2012

The Labor Day weekend served as a political marker for past and future events in Memphis politics.

The four Shelby County general election winners from the Aug. 2 vote are officially in office as the weekend ends and the workweek begins.

47. Ruling Alters Fayette County Education Landscape - Friday, August 24, 2012

A court case, school closings, attendance zone changes as well as school system and county government differences.

The familiar sounding elements of a school system in transition, in this case, apply not to Shelby County Schools but to Fayette County Schools.

48. Funding Cut Underscores Gov. Divide - Thursday, August 23, 2012

Consider this the latest dust-up on the city-county government divide. Some Memphis City Council members who voted this week to end city funding for vehicle inspections at the end of June 2013 see the decision as one in a series of challenges to the long-held definition of what city government does and what county government does.

49. McKee Embodied ‘Danny’s Dream’ - Tuesday, August 21, 2012

David L. McKee, longtime chief operating officer at ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, died in a car accident in the Memphis area Friday, Aug. 17. He was 66.

In a long and storied ALSAC career that spanned 35 years, McKee served in a variety of leadership roles, including CEO, chief operating officer and senior executive vice president.

50. County Approves Sales Tax Hike - Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell has told Shelby County Commissioners that he will probably veto a proposed half-cent countywide local sales tax increase bound for the Nov. 6 ballot in Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County.

51. Events - Monday, August 13, 2012

Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir will address the Collierville board of aldermen Monday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. at Collierville Town Hall, 500 Poplar View Parkway. The open forum will include an update on property tax revenue and future economic trends affecting the community. Visit shelbycountytrustee.com.

52. Business Focus - Monday, August 13, 2012

Memphis’ small-business community got a shot in the arm earlier this month.

Tennessee’s three-day sales tax holiday ran from Aug. 3 through Aug. 5, and it drew shoppers to retailers that carry certain clothing items, school supplies and computers.

53. Ritz Seeks Countywide Sales Tax Hike - Monday, August 13, 2012

Incoming Shelby County Commission chairman Mike Ritz wants to add a countywide sales tax hike for education to the Nov. 6 ballot.

The move, if approved by voters, would not only trump the half-cent sales tax hikes approved this month for five of the six suburban municipal school districts – it would also lessen the revenue the city of Memphis would get from a half-percent citywide sales tax hike already on the November ballot.

54. Muni Schools Questions Pass, Cohen Wins Big - Friday, August 03, 2012

Voters in each of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County approved establishing municipal school districts in the unofficial results of the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general and state and federal primary elections.

55. East Joins Carriage Crossing As Marketing Coordinator - Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Kendra East has joined Carriage Crossing as marketing coordinator. East’s new responsibilities include creating and implementing the lifestyle center’s yearly marketing budget, spearheading onsite events and leading merchant communication.

56. Events - Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Talk Shoppe will meet Wednesday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Hutchison School, 1740 Ridgeway Ave. Caroline Blatti of Hutchison will present “How Business Can Impact Youth.” Cost is free. Visit talkshoppe.biz or call Jo Garner at 482-0354.

57. Events - Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Attorneys from AutoZone Inc., Bass, Berry & Sims PLC and Memphis Area Legal Services will hold the fourth annual free legal clinic for Memphis-area seniors Tuesday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at Orange Mound Senior Center, 2590 Park Ave. The pro bono clinic offers seniors essential legal advice and helps in the preparation of wills, advanced care plans and more. Call Linda Warren Seely of MALS at 523-8822.

58. Schools Consolidation Foes Meet in Court - Monday, July 09, 2012

When Memphis Federal Court Judge Hardy Mays convenes a status conference Monday, July 9, in the schools consolidation case, attorneys for at least three of the suburban towns and cities trying to form municipal school districts will be there.

59. Greer Elected Vice Pres. Of West Tennessee TAJ - Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Thomas Greer, partner in Bailey & Greer PLLC, has been elected vice president of the West Tennessee grand division of the Tennessee Association for Justice.

60. Luttrell Weighs in On Commission’s Motion - Friday, June 29, 2012

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell termed the basis for a legal motion by the Shelby County Commission seeking to stop the Aug. 2 suburban referendums on municipal school districts inflammatory.

61. Literacy Mid-South’s Dean Appointed to State Coalition - Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Kevin Dean, executive director of Literacy Mid-South, has been appointed to the Tennessee Literacy Coalition’s board of directors. The board unanimously approved Dean’s nomination, and he will serve as a representative from West Tennessee for three years.

62. Ackermann Joins FirstBank as Financial Manager and VP - Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Thomas “Lynn” Ackermann has been hired as financial manager and vice president of the Memphis Poplar branch of FirstBank.

63. White House: No Timetable for Bryson's Return - Wednesday, June 13, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House said Tuesday there was no timetable for Commerce Secretary John Bryson's return from medical leave, as California officials indicated the Cabinet member may not face criminal charges if a blood test shows no sign of drugs or alcohol.

64. Events - Thursday, June 07, 2012

The Association of Fundraising Professionals will meet Thursday, June 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Thomas Center at Christian Brothers University, 650 E. Parkway South. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Register at afpmemphis.org.

65. Baker Donelson’s Bogard Honored for Pro Bono Work - Thursday, June 07, 2012

Kate Bogard is one of a group of five attorneys at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC recently named by the firm as its Memphis Pro Bono Attorneys of the Year.

66. Events - Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Kiwanis Club of Memphis will meet Wednesday, June 6, from noon to 1 p.m. at The Peabody hotel, 149 Union Ave. Hattiloo Theatre founder Ekundayo Bandele will speak. Cost is $25 for nonmembers.

67. McFarland Named VP At Visible Music College - Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Christy McFarland has been named the vice president of business at Visible Music College. Previously the director of marketing, McFarland will now oversee VMC’s marketing/public relations, business and operational functions.

68. 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.

69. ‘Hopefully’ Springs Eternal - Thursday, May 17, 2012

Near the end of a short essay, “El Dorado,” published in 1881, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, “… to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive ….” (Hint: The essay is not about travel at all. It’s about life.)

70. ‘Serious, Systemic Failures’ Mar Juvenile Court System - Monday, May 14, 2012

When U.S. Justice Department attorneys came to Memphis in 2010 and 2011 with a team of juvenile justice experts, they had good news and bad news for leaders of Memphis-Shelby County Juvenile Court.

71. Kiser Joins Volunteer Mid-South As Community Services Director - Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Amanda Kiser has joined Volunteer Mid-South as community services director. Kiser’s responsibilities include mobilizing and maximizing volunteer resources, coordinating training for partner agencies, creating and leading community projects, and marketing VMS’ benefits to agencies and the public.

72. Discrimination Found in Juvenile Court - Friday, April 27, 2012

The U.S. Justice Department said Thursday, April 26, that juvenile offenders in Shelby County are denied due process rights and that black children are treated differently and more harshly than white children by the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, including the process used to transfer children who are to be tried as adults.

73. Juvenile Court Discrimination Found In Scathing DOJ Report - Thursday, April 26, 2012

The U.S. Justice Department said Thursday, April 26, that juvenile offenders in Shelby County are denied due process rights and that black children are treated differently and more harshly than white children by the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, including the process used to transfer children who are to be tried as adults.

74. Chandler Takes ‘Simply’ Series Formula To Grill - Wednesday, April 11, 2012

This time last year, local chef Jennifer Chandler was finishing up her third cookbook, launching a restaurant and in the midst of a national media tour with French’s for the release of a new Dijon mustard brand.

75. Cohen-Hart in Congressional Race at Filing Deadline - Friday, April 06, 2012

The chairman of the countywide school board, Billy Orgel, was effectively elected to his District 7 school board seat without opposition at the Thursday, April 5, filing deadline for candidates on the Aug. 2 primary and general election ballot in Shelby County.

76. Season Evaluation: Pastner Discusses Roller Coaster Year - Friday, March 23, 2012

The interviewer asked University of Memphis coach Josh Pastner if he knew how all coaches, no matter the sport, were evaluated. Pastner nodded as he received the question and smiled.

“The postseason,” he said.

77. Irish Stories - Monday, March 19, 2012

Throughout the nation’s history, millions of Irish men and women – in an effort to escape poverty, famine, joblessness and English oppression at home – made the journey across the Atlantic seeking fresh starts in the “land of opportunity.”

78. 100 Years of Design - Thursday, March 15, 2012

Evans Taylor Foster Childress, which celebrates its centennial in March, can trace its origins to two distinguished Memphis architectural firms.

79. Revealing Character - Monday, March 05, 2012

Not long after the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature was awarded to “Undefeated” during the 84th annual Academy Awards, the film’s big-name executive producer excitedly sent out a flurry of tweets.

80. Obama Demands Congress End Oil, Gas Subsidies - Friday, March 02, 2012

NASHUA, N.H. (AP) – President Barack Obama, turning his political sights on snowy New Hampshire, demanded that Congress eliminate oil and gas company subsidies that he called an outrageous government "giveaway." Though politically a long shot, the White House believes the idea resonates at a time of high gasoline prices.

81. Calvary Kicks Off Lenten Festivities - Tuesday, February 28, 2012

In a Memphis tradition dating back to 1928, locals from all walks of life gather each weekday during Lent at Calvary Episcopal Church to nourish their bodies with warm, home-cooked meals and their souls with the word of God and the fellowship of neighbors.

82. The Coach’s Calling - Friday, February 24, 2012

Earlier this week, Manassas High School principal James Griffin was shopping at a Sam’s Club store and was stopped by several people raving about “Undefeated,” the Oscar-nominated documentary about one season in a hard-fought turnaround of the Manassas football program that could earn an Academy Award this weekend.

83. Thomas’ Law Practice Moves to New Office - Thursday, February 23, 2012

Justin Thomas opened his boutique family law firm last year in Clark Tower.

Now, he’s moved into a new office at 6263 Poplar Ave. that has more room to hold his ambitions for Thomas Family Law Firm PLC.

84. Chamberlain Joins MBI - Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Jessica Chamberlain has joined MBI as a workspace consultant.

Hometown: Arlington, Tenn.

85. Candidates Begin Pulling Petitions - Wednesday, February 15, 2012

As early voting in advance of the March 6 primary Election Day begins Wednesday, Feb. 15, candidates are already considering races on the August ballot.

And at least one of the potential candidates just finished one political conquest.

86. County Commission - Luttrell Clash on Urgency of School Transfer Rules - Monday, February 13, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners approved Friday, Feb. 10, a resolution authorizing Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell to negotiate with the countywide school board on the terms of a transfer of school buildings in the event suburban municipal school districts are formed.

87. ‘RISE’ Showcases Co.’s Essence - Monday, February 06, 2012

February is celebrated as African-American History Month by arts groups across Memphis, but Collage dance Collective hopes to make the month part of a wider legacy.

Now in its second season in Memphis’ only all-black ballet school and professional company will stage a visual representation of what it’s like for African-Americans to forge into unknown territory with their second of three concerts this season.

88. Commission Looks at Power Realignment - Friday, January 20, 2012

For three months, a split among the six Republicans on the 13-member Shelby County Commission has been more evident than the split among the seven Democratic commissioners.

As the commission started over this week on the redistricting process that highlighted the Republican rift, however, the split has evolved into a realignment of political power on the body.

89. Wharton Keeps Most Division Directors, Shifts Some Duties - Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. is keeping the same team of division directors except two for his full four year term of office that started Sunday.

But the administration’s lobbyist in Nashville, TaJuan Stout Mitchell, is retiring and the position will change to be more of a contact person with the Memphis City Council instead of state legislators in Nashville.

90. County Redistricting Goes to Court - Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Three Shelby County commissioners – one Democrat and two Republicans – filed suit against the full commission Tuesday, Jan. 3, over the body's stalled deliberations on a redistricting plan.

91. Thomison Joins PGM/Trumbull - Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Dr. John Thomison has joined Pathology Group of the Mid-South/Trumbull Labs LLC.

Hometown: Nashville

92. Charlotte Supt. to Talk Schools Merger - Monday, December 12, 2011

The schools consolidation planning commission will talk Monday, Dec. 12, with the former superintendent of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system in North Carolina.

Peter Gorman resigned as superintendent of the consolidated school system in August to become part of the new education division of News Corp., Rupert Murdoch’s media company.

93. Shoppers Say 'Ho-Hum' Not 'Ho-Ho-Ho' to Sales - Thursday, December 08, 2011

Sale, schmale.

Used to be, customers would come running when stores cut prices. But these days, more Americans are becoming blasé about bargains.

Jennifer Beasley recently left a Toys R Us in Cary, N.C., unimpressed by the retailer's offers that day of 50 percent discounts on things like a $150 Sylvania tablet computer and a $45 My Baby Alive Doll.

94. County Pay Bonuses to be Given Dec. 15 - Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Shelby County Commissioners approved a flat $650 bonus per county employee Monday, Dec. 5, after a lengthy debate about what to do with $2.5 million of an $8.7 million surplus from the fiscal year that ended June 30.

95. Calvary Series Ends With Christmas Pops Concert - Wednesday, December 07, 2011

The Calvary & the Arts concert-and-lunch series wraps up this week with a show about the Christmas holiday celebrated in song as “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Attendees of Calvary’s Christmas Pops Concert Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Calvary Episcopal Church at 102 N. Second St. can expect to enjoy classic treats like “Sleigh Ride,” “Christmas Fantasy” and other well-loved symphonic works.

96. Commission Approves Flat Bonus, Moves Toward Redistricting End Game - Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Shelby County Commissioners approved a flat $650 bonus per county employee Monday, Dec. 5, after a lengthy debate about what to do with $2.5 million of an $8.7 million surplus from the fiscal year that ended June 30.

97. Prison Stories Lends Ear to Women Behind Bars - Friday, November 11, 2011

Elaine Blanchard has a reputation in the Memphis community as a gifted storyteller, but her greatest gift seems to lie in her willingness to listen, particularly to those who are listened to least.

98. Tenn. Officials Mark 25 Years Since Textbook Case - Tuesday, November 01, 2011

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Attorneys and court officials in Tennessee were remembering a tumultuous federal court case over religion and school textbooks that got its first ruling 25 years ago.

99. Commission Begins Redistricting Work - Monday, October 31, 2011

Shelby County Commissioners take the first of three votes Monday, Oct. 31, that will likely change the structure of the 13-member legislative body.

The commission would remain at 13 members representing the entire county, but commissioners are considering two redistricting plans that would change how the districts are configured.

100. Mission at Vito’s To Go: Quality Food Quickly - Monday, October 10, 2011

The interior of Vito’s To Go resembles a submarine in its claustrophobic crowding of narrow kitchen, prep table, drive-through accommodation, bread-making area, storage and office. Six years in the planning, the restaurant, which features coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, salads and pizzas only on a drive-through, delivery or call-in/pick-up basis, is the creation of Chris Conner, whose extensive experience in construction, engineering and the local restaurant business goes back to the mid-1980s.