Shelby Farms Park is gearing up for the second annual Mempho Music Festival and another chance to showcase the country’s largest urban park to a diverse and wide-reaching audience.
Memphis’ newest music festival is expecting a crowd of 20,000 on Oct. 6 and 7, which is impressive for a park two years out from a $70 million renovation embarked upon in 2010 with a distant vision for such an event.
The master plan for the park was designed not only for people to recreate and relax, but as a place to build community, and a music festival can be a big part of that, said Jen Andrews, executive director of Shelby Farms Park. Andrews has always had a larger vision for the park as a place where the community could come together and take ownership and pride in the best that Memphis has to offer.
Enter another visionary, native Memphian Diego Winegardner, founder of Mempho Fest and CEO of Big River Presents, which is putting on the festival. Winegardner grew up in Memphis and now lives outside of New York City where his day job is in finance and investment management. A couple of years ago on a trip home to Memphis he met some old friends for a bike ride at Shelby Farms Park.
“I was completely blown away,” Winegardner said. “The sun was setting on Hyde Lake, and I had this lightning-bolt moment of how special it would be to bring a world-class music festival to this site.
I thought about Memphis’ place in the annals of American music as the birthplace of blues, soul and R&B and the hip hop scene that we have here.
“If you think about the labels … Sun, Stax, Royal…I was exposed to all of that growing up, and seeing B.B. King on Beale Street was just normal,” he said. “I didn’t appreciate it until I was gone. I started to get really nostalgic about my hometown.”
Winegardner is a music enthusiast who has been to most of the notable music festivals in the U.S. and many around the world. He had the resources and connections to realize his dream. Last year, the first Mempho Fest kicked off with great success with 10,000 in attendance for two days of concerts featuring a variety of bands from different music genres.
“I’ve always been a big fan of (Memphis) and its people and a big defender of the city and its history,” Winegardner said. “This music festival was born out of my passion for music and my passion for the city of Memphis.”
When Winegardner first met with Andrews two years ago to pitch his idea, she caught his vision right away.
He approached it cautiously and wanted to understand how to protect the park and still give people a good experience, she said. “We like working with Diego,” she said. “They care about the park, and like us, have a big, bold vision, and they hired a professional team who knew how to put on a safe and fun event.”
This year’s festival will feature two days of multi-genre music headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist and hip-hop superstar Post Malone as well as Beck, Phoenix, NAS and Janelle Monae. Local talent like Lucero and alternative Mac deMarco also will perform, and there will be a special tribute to Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios featuring the label’s past and present stars.
Sunday will feature performances by crowd favorites like George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic and Stones Throw, Chuck Laevell’s Rolling Stones’ backer band.
The festival will not only expand in attendance, but will add a larger culinary and craft beer presence in addition to on-site camping and VIP and super-VIP experiences.
“We’re trying to create more than just music on a stage,” said Winegardner, who also created a nonprofit arm called Mempho Matters that will partner with organizations that line-up with the vision of the festival, such as Oceanic Global Foundation, #BringYourSoul, Learn to Rock and the Memphis Area Women’s Council’s “Memphis Says NO MORE” campaign.
As part of Mempho’s partnership with the Oceanic Global Foundation, the festival has a 100 percent waste-free goal, which will start with its no straw policy.
“A best practice environmental policy is important to help make sure the park is as pristine when we leave as when we showed up,” said Winegardner.
The partnership promoting the Memphis Area Women’s Council’s “NO MORE” campaign is to make sure that Mempho Fest’s female attendees feel safe. Winegardner, who has a teenage daughter, knows stories about the lack of safety for females at other events, prompting him to take up the cause.
“In this day and age, you really have to take a stand and make it an institutional part of our way of doing things,” he said.
Money raised through Mempho Matters will also benefit the Memphis community through contributions to musical education in the form of free tickets for students and teachers to attend the festival as well as instruments and money for music education in local schools.
Last year, Mempho Matters gave away 2,000 tickets to students and teachers.
“We want to build bridges into the community and be as inclusive as possible,” Winegardner said. “We want to educate the children and the youth of tomorrow about the history of Memphis musically and create a sense of pride for its citizens while also attracting new people and adding another chapter to Memphis’ long, rich history.”
Andrews is optimistic about the growth of Mempho Fest this year, projecting double the attendance in its second year as well as adding 400 weekend camping permits. Those include primitive camping, RV hookups and glamping.
“The camping option is an important part of festival culture, and one of the great benefits of the park is its tremendous scale, which can accommodate that,” Andrews said.
But the plan is to grow Mempho Fest slowly, she said.
“We learned a lot the first year, and we’re applying the learning to this year’s festival,” she said. “We have a strong plan for safely managing the crowd. We want this to be a world-class festival.”
Big River Productions and Winegardner have an undisclosed agreement with Shelby Farms Park, and both entities hope to continue the relationship.
“I’m hoping that Mempho Fest will become a long-term asset for the city of Memphis,” Winegardner said.
Music remains a big driver of visitors to Memphis — 56 percent of leisure visitors come to the city for something related to music, said Kevin Kane, president and CEO of Memphis Tourism, formerly called the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’re supporters of (Mempho Fest),” he said. “We believe in it and want to see it grow. Music festivals have a big impact on the economy. The more events we have based in music the better, and we think it’s great to utilize Shelby Farms in this way.”

2. Republicans Lack Votes – and Appetite – to End 'Obamacare' - Wednesday, September 12, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — Arizona's new senator says he'd vote to repeal the nation's health care law. That's one additional Republican ready to obliterate the statute because his predecessor, the late Sen. John McCain, helped derail the party's drive with his fabled thumbs-down vote last year.

3. Data Show Big Let-Up in 'Obamacare' Premiums - Monday, September 10, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of people covered under the Affordable Care Act will see only modest premium increases next year, and some will get a price cut. That's the conclusion from an exclusive analysis of the besieged but resilient program, which still sparks deep divisions heading into this year's midterm elections.

4. Events - Saturday, September 8, 2018

Memphis Botanic Garden hosts its Food Truck Garden Party: Medieval Merriment on Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at MBG, 750 Cherry Road. The party features live music, food trucks, cash bar, a pedestal jousting ring and crafts for kids. Cover, which includes one drink ticket, is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers; admission for children 2 and younger is free. Visit memphisbotanicgarden.com/foodtruck for details.

5. Events - Friday, September 7, 2018

The 2018 Delta Fair & Music Festival runs through Sunday, Sept. 9, at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road. Enjoy live music; festival food; carnival rides; a petting zoo; and a range of special events, including the “redneck yacht races” (Sept. 7), the Delta Dash 5K/10 and Cotton Candy Fun Run (Sept. 8) and more. Visit deltafest.com for hours and tickets.

6. Next Generation Has Your Number in the NFL - Friday, September 7, 2018

Fans often identify players by their jersey number. And likewise, many players come to identify themselves with the number on their back during their playing career.

All-time greats in a sport often have their number retired, and certain numbers seem to belong to a player many decades after his career or even his life has ended.

7. Events - Thursday, September 6, 2018

Memphis Botanic Garden hosts 30 Thursdays: Zen and Zinfandel Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. at 750 Cherry Road. The first Thursday of each month features a yoga session led by Sumits Yoga in one of MBG’s gardens – always with a glass of wine nearby. Bring your own yoga mat and beverage. Free with garden admission. Go here for more details.

8. Events - Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Memphis Botanic Garden hosts 30 Thursdays: Zen and Zinfandel Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. at 750 Cherry Road. The first Thursday of each month features a yoga session led by Sumits Yoga in one of MBG’s gardens – always with a glass of wine nearby. Bring your own yoga mat and beverage. Free with garden admission. Go here for details.

9. Caritas Village Sets Reopening Date - Monday, August 6, 2018

Caritas Village in Binghampton has been closed since June 2017. On Aug. 25, it will host its grand reopening.

The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at 2509 Harvard Ave.

10. 50 years on, McDonald's and fast-food evolve around Big Mac - Tuesday, July 31, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) — McDonald's is fighting to hold onto customers as the Big Mac turns 50, but it isn't changing the makings of its most famous burger.

The company is celebrating the 1968 national launch of the double-decker sandwich whose ingredients of "two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions and a sesame seed bun" were seared into American memories by a TV jingle. But the milestone comes as the company reduces its number of U.S. stores. McDonald's said Thursday that customers are visiting less often. Other trendy burger options are reaching into the heartland.

11. Coke is Hoping to Turn Free Water Machine Into a Cash Stream - Friday, July 27, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – Can a machine that dispenses water for free also turn into a cash stream for Coca-Cola?

The world's largest soda maker is testing a fountain that lets people fill reusable water bottles with free, filtered water – but also offers the option of paying to add bubbles and fruity flavors. It's an example of how the maker of Fanta, Sprite and Powerade is searching for new ways to make money as Americans cut back on traditional sodas.

12. Average US Mortgage Rates Edge Up; 30-Year at 4.54 Percent - Friday, July 27, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — Long-term U.S. mortgage rates edged up slightly this week, reaching their highest levels since late June.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages rose to 4.54 percent from 4.52 percent last week. Long-term loan rates have been running at their highest levels in seven years. The average benchmark 30-year rate reached a high this year of 4.66 percent on May 24. The rate stood at 3.92 percent a year ago.

13. Man Who Integrated Ole Miss Chosen for Alumni Hall of Fame - Tuesday, July 24, 2018

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) – The University of Mississippi is honoring the man who integrated the campus in 1962.

James Meredith of Jackson is one of five people being inducted into the Ole Miss alumni hall of fame during homecoming in October. The list of honorees also includes longtime U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran of Oxford, who retired in April.

14. Around Memphis: July 16, 2018 - Monday, July 16, 2018

The Daily News offers a weekly roundup of Memphis-related headlines from around the web, adding context and new perspectives to the original content we produce on a daily basis. Here are some recent stories worth checking out…

15. Despite Innovative Approaches to Education, Tennessee Children Are Still Lagging Behind - Tuesday, July 10, 2018

During the past five months the major candidates for governor of Tennessee and U.S. Senate have shared their ideas on several crucial issues facing Tennessee. This month, in the final installment of the series, candidates address education. Early voting for the Aug. 2 primaries and county general elections begin July 13.

16. Carolina Watershed to Offer Shuttle Service to Site - Saturday, July 7, 2018

Carolina Watershed is offering shuttle service to and from its 141 E. Carolina Ave. location for Memphis-area residents.

17. New Beale Street Hotel, A Vehicle ‘Vending Machine,’ and New Life on Former Buccaneer Site - Monday, July 9, 2018

380 Beale St.
Memphis, TN 38103

Project Cost: $16 million

Application Date: July 10

Owner: Miller Memphis Inc.

Tenant: TCH Memphis LLC

18. Lessons From Ronald McDonald - Friday, July 6, 2018

CIRCLES AND ARCHES. Our son, Gaines, called the other night and we talked a bit about business, his now and mine once.

My mind wandered to a convertible in a Christmas parade in Jonesboro, or maybe Jackson, Tennessee, or it could have been Tupelo. Wherever it was, Ronald McDonald jumped off the back of the convertible, ran along the edge of the crowd shaking hands with kids and doing the Funky Chicken with any volunteers he could find.

19. Average US 30-year mortgage rates fall to 4.52 percent - Friday, July 6, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — Long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell this week, offering a slight degree of relief to would-be homebuyers.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 4.52 percent from 4.55 percent a week ago. Rates have declined in five of the past six weeks. Still, the average rate has increased from a year ago when it stood at 3.96 percent.

20. Carolina Watershed to Offer Shuttle Service to Site - Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Carolina Watershed is offering shuttle service to and from its 141 E. Carolina Ave. location for Memphis-area residents.

21. Tennesseans Struggle to Get and Stay Healthy - Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Despite having some of the best health care companies in world, the people who live and work in Tennessee are not healthy.

Bad habits

Too many of us are too fat. Tennessee has the worst childhood obesity rate in the USA, and the fifth worst adult obesity rate. 

22. Why Many Americans Aren't Benefiting From Robust US Economy - Monday, June 18, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – "The economy," Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell declared this week, "is doing very well."

And it is. Steady hiring has shrunk unemployment to 3.8 percent – the lowest since the 1960's. Consumers are spending. Taxes are down. Inflation is tame. Factories are busy. Demand for homes is strong. Household wealth is up.

23. Fred's Prepares to Sell Retail Pharmacy Business - Friday, June 15, 2018

Memphis-based Fred’s Inc. wants to sell its retail pharmacies, which would effectively reverse much, if not all, of its efforts to shed its discount-store identity in a transition to personal health care. Fred’s has hired an adviser to talk with potential buyers of its retail pharmacy business, company leaders announced Thursday, June 14, as it reported quarterly financial results to analysts.

24. Fred’s Completes Sale Of Specialty Pharmacy Unit - Saturday, June 9, 2018

Memphis-based Fred’s Inc. has completed the sale of its specialty pharmacy unit, EntrustRx, to CVS Health Corp.

25. To Get Around Pharmacy Gag Rules, Ask About Drug Costs - Thursday, June 7, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – "Do you have prescription insurance?" It's one of the first questions consumers hear at the pharmacy counter, and many hand over their insurance cards in the hopes of getting a good price. But sometimes using insurance can actually cost more – and even prevent the pharmacist from saying so.

26. Fred’s Completes Sale Of Specialty Pharmacy Unit - Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Memphis-based Fred’s Inc. has completed the sale of its specialty pharmacy unit, EntrustRx, to CVS Health Corp.

27. Apple Set to Preview Updates for iPhones, Siri and More - Monday, June 4, 2018

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – Apple is expected to preview new capabilities for its Siri digital assistant and showcase other upcoming software features to help build anticipation for the next iPhones.

28. US Average Mortgage Rates at 7-Year Highs; 30-Year 4.66 Pct. - Friday, May 25, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – Long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose this week, continuing at their highest levels in seven years amid the peak home buying season.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages was 4.66 percent, up from 4.61 percent last week. Pushing toward the significant 5 percent level, the new average benchmark rate was the highest since May 5, 2011. By contrast, the 30-year rate averaged 3.95 percent a year ago.

29. Summer Vacation Planning: Don’t Forget to Pack the LoJack - Thursday, May 24, 2018

Some time ago, our support center received a frantic email from a customer. His laptop had been stolen from his rental car while he was traveling in Texas for business. He wasn’t sure what to do, and was concerned about the loss of data in addition to the obvious concern of finding the hardware.

30. Macy's Sees Robust Mobile, Online Sales as Profits Soar - Thursday, May 17, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – With shoppers in a mood to spend, particularly on clothing, Macy's surpassed profit and revenue expectations for the first quarter of the year and raised its outlook.

The company reported its second straight quarter of higher sales at existing stores after a three-year funk. Its shares surged nearly 9 percent Wednesday, and the stocks of other department store chains rose as well. The rosy performance bodes well for J.C. Penney and Nordstrom, both set to report their quarterly results on Thursday. All are working to appeal to shoppers who are spending more online rather than at department stores.

31. Rural Tennessee Fighting for Its Prosperity - Saturday, May 12, 2018

For many Tennesseans the pain and financial loss of the 2008 recession has faded.

The state’s unemployment rate is the lowest in the Southeast United States, 3.4 percent in March. Household income and the state’s gross domestic product are at their highest points, and Tennessee continues to attract “high-quality” jobs. (“High-quality” jobs are those that pay higher than the county median wage.)

32. Fred’s Delays Earnings, Annual Report Due to Specialty Pharmacy Unit Sale - Thursday, April 19, 2018

A couple of hours before Memphis-based discount retailer Fred’s Inc. was due to begin its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2017 earnings presentation for analysts, the company pulled the plug.

Scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, Fred’s has postponed not only the earnings presentation but the release of its annual report. Both have been delayed about two weeks due to a decision Fred’s board of directors made in the fourth quarter to sell the company’s specialty pharmacy business.

33. Opioid Abuse is Taking Tennesseans’ Lives - Saturday, April 14, 2018

The 2018 elections are shaping up. The filing deadlines have passed, and most candidates are busy raising money and spending what they have already raised and/or borrowed to tell Tennesseans why they should vote for them and why they shouldn’t vote for those other folks.

34. U of M Deputy AD Alnutt Takes Job at Buffalo - Saturday, March 24, 2018

Mark Alnutt, the University of Memphis’ deputy director of athletics, has taken a job as the University of Buffalo’s athletic director.

Alnutt spent the previous three years at Memphis. He replaces Allen Greene, who was hired in January to take over as Auburn’s athletic director.

35. Tenn.'s Road, Infrastructure Systems Problem Shared Across State - Saturday, March 24, 2018

Though we often complain about our government, we count on it every day, in large ways and small.

An example of a small way … potholes. Which don’t seem like a small issue after they cause your tire(s) to blow out.

36. New Maciel’s Concept Coming to Broad Avenue District - Thursday, March 22, 2018

A new Maciel’s location is in the works, coming to the site behind Rec Room on Broad Avenue that previously housed French Truck Coffee.

Set to open on April 2, it will be something of a twist on the Maciel’s concept – called Maciel’s Bodega – and smaller than the Maciel’s Highland restaurant that just opened in February. Rather than a third full-fledged Maciel’s, which also has restaurants Downtown and in the University of Memphis area, Maciel’s Bodega will be more like a location number 2.5 for the brand.

37. University of Memphis Deputy AD Alnutt Takes Buffalo Job - Thursday, March 22, 2018

Mark Alnutt, the University of Memphis’ deputy director of athletics, has taken a job as the University of Buffalo’s athletic director.

Alnutt spent the previous three years at Memphis. He replaces Allen Greene, who was hired in January to take over as Auburn’s athletic director.

38. Good Shepherd Pharmacy Continues Growth with new Chief Medical Officer - Monday, March 12, 2018

Whenever Dr. Amara Elochukwu discharges a patient and sends them away with medications, she always worries after they leave if they’ll actually be able to afford the drugs.

If they can’t, she often wonders, what’s the point? Why even prescribe them? That concern explains why Dr. Elochukwu is in the process of joining Good Shepherd Pharmacy in Memphis on a part-time basis as the pharmacy’s first chief medical officer.

39. Clark Tower, Primacy Parkway Ink New Tenants - Monday, March 12, 2018

5100 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38137

Lease Amount: 1,830 square feet

Tenant: Accurate Communications Corp.

40. Issues and Answers: Election 2018 - Friday, March 9, 2018

In a survey of 19,000 adults in fall 2017, the Knight Foundation found that 84 percent of Americans think that the news media is very important, even critical, to our democracy. Eighty-eight percent said that news media must “make sure Americans have the knowledge they need to be informed about public affairs.”

41. Maciel’s Taco Shop to Open Highland Store This Week - Saturday, February 17, 2018

Maciel’s Taco Shop and ITS Fine Restaurant Group have teamed up to open a second Maciel’s location at 525 S. Highland St., which will open to the public for lunch and dinner starting Thursday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m.

42. Maciel’s Taco Shop to Open Highland Store This Week - Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Maciel’s Taco Shop and ITS Fine Restaurant Group have teamed up to open a second Maciel’s location at 525 S. Highland St., which will open to the public for lunch and dinner starting Thursday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m.

43. Last Word: Welders & Machinists, MLGW & Trust and Blockchain - Thursday, February 8, 2018

A new report shows jobs in demand in the Memphis area at a time when we are again talking about which expansions and new businesses should be getting incentives and how to get better paying jobs. The annual report by CERT – Center for Economic Research in Tennessee – shows high employer demand for information technology, health care, engineering, business and financial operations and welding.

44. House Republicans Working to Plan to Avert Another Shutdown - Tuesday, February 6, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – The era of trillion-dollar budget deficits is about to make a comeback – and a brewing budget deal could mean their return comes just next year. In the meantime, House GOP leaders are grappling with the need to pass legislation to avert another government shutdown at midnight on Thursday.

45. Around Memphis | January 29, 2018 - Monday, January 29, 2018

The Daily News offers a weekly look at Memphis-related headlines from around the web, adding context and different perspectives to the original content we produce on a daily basis.

In photos: Barber and beauty shops are centers of community in sprawling Whitehaven
High Ground, Brandon Dahlberg

46. Newspapers Make Public Notice Work for Tennessee - Thursday, January 25, 2018

Each year a few elected officials will sponsor a law or an ordinance to change the way the voters who elected them are notified about actions government wishes to take. 2018 will be no exception.

Generally, our officials say, the proposed changes are to make government notices, and the legally required notices for property foreclosures, bankruptcies or unclaimed property, less expensive to publish. “Anybody can see them on our government website,” they proclaim, “and we will save taxpayers money.”

47. Newspapers Make Public Notice Work for Tennessee - Thursday, January 25, 2018

Each year a few elected officials will sponsor a law or an ordinance to change the way the voters who elected them are notified about actions government wishes to take. 2018 will be no exception.

Generally, our officials say, the proposed changes are to make government notices, and the legally required notices for property foreclosures, bankruptcies or unclaimed property, less expensive to publish. “Anybody can see them on our government website,” they proclaim, “and we will save taxpayers money.”

48. Trump Hits Solar Panels, Washing Machines With Tariffs - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is signing a measure Tuesday imposing tariffs on imported solar-energy components and large washing machines in a bid to help U.S. manufacturers.

49. Priam Purchases Primacy Parkway Property for $14M - Thursday, January 11, 2018

Nashville-based- Priam Capital has secured another East Memphis office property in a multimillion dollar deal.

In the deal, Priam Capital, doing business as Primacy III LLC bought the 130,000 square foot office building from Lone Star Funds doing business as LSREF2 Newtown for $14.1 million, according to a Jan. 9 warranty deed filed with the Shelby County Register.

50. Average Mortgage Rates Climb to 3.99 Percent - Friday, December 29, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Long-term U.S. mortgage rates increased this week, although they're lower than a year ago.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose to 3.99 percent, up from 3.94 percent last week. That average marks a five-month high, but it's still lower than the 4.32 percent a year ago. The rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to an average 3.44 percent from 3.38 percent in the prior week. The 15-year averaged 3.55 percent a year ago.

51. 'Obamacare' Sign-Up Tally Dips Slightly to 8.7M - Friday, December 29, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – The government says more than 8.7 million people have signed up for coverage next year under the Obama-era health care law, exceeding expectations for a program that President Donald Trump has unsuccessfully tried to repeal.

52. US Home Sales Climb 5.6 Percent in November to 11-Year High - Thursday, December 21, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans purchased homes at the fastest pace in nearly 11 years, as sales climbed 5.6 percent in November.

The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday that sales of existing homes rose last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.81 million units. Home sales were last this strong in December 2006, when properties sold at annual pace of 6.42 million.

53. Congress Deals 2 Blows to 'Obamacare' - Thursday, December 21, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Congress dealt a pair of blows to the Obama health care law Wednesday, including a retreat by two senators who were fighting for a provision this year that would help contain premium costs.

54. Mackler Exits Senate Race, Clearing Side for Ex-Governor Bredesen - Friday, December 15, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Democrat James Mackler says he's dropping out of the U.S. Senate race in Tennessee to replace Sen. Bob Corker, a move that appears to clear the path to the Democratic nomination for former Gov. Phil Bredesen.

55. Trump Signs $700 Billion Military Budget Into Law - Wednesday, December 13, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed into law a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes a $700 billion budget for the military, including additional spending on missile defense programs to counter North Korea's growing nuclear weapons threat.

56. Some Glitches Seen In Deadline Week for 'Obamacare' Sign-Ups - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumer advocates reported some glitches Monday in the final days for "Obamacare" sign-ups, although the Trump administration largely seemed to be keeping its promise of a smooth enrollment experience.

57. Macy's Plans to Hire 7,000 Extra Seasonal Workers - Monday, December 4, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) – Macy's is hiring an additional 7,000 seasonal associates this holiday season, saying traffic in its department stores nationwide has been high.

The company said Friday that the hires will work on the sales floors of its stores as well as fulfill online and pick-up-in-store orders and do other operational jobs. Most of the jobs are part-time. They are in addition to the 80,000 temporary holiday workers Macy's said it expected to hire early in the fall.

58. 'Obamacare' Sign-Ups 45 Percent Ahead of Last Year's Pace - Thursday, November 16, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sign-ups for Affordable Care Act health plans are running more than 45 percent ahead of last year's pace, according to government data released Wednesday.

The numbers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services come as Republican senators are pushing to pay for tax cuts by repealing the "Obamacare" requirement to carry coverage.

59. Department Stores: Macy's Sales Fall, Kohl's Profit Drops - Friday, November 10, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) — Macy's sales fell as it had a hard time pulling shoppers through its doors and Kohl's reported a drop in quarterly profit Thursday, underscoring just how challenging the holiday shopping season will be for department store chains.

60. Seeing the Future With ‘Macroforces’ - Tuesday, October 31, 2017

A keynote talk from the 2017 Back End of Innovation Conference by Tom LaForge, founder and CEO, Macroforces LLC. Tom LaForge begins the conference asking, “What is a macroforce and why should they be important to you?”

61. Chinese Machine Parts Maker Building Plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas - Thursday, October 26, 2017

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A Chinese company that makes machine parts for heavy equipment is spending $20 million to build a new manufacturing facility in northeast Arkansas that will employ 130 people.

62. Uninsured Rate Up to 12.3 Percent Amid ‘Obamacare’ Turmoil - Monday, October 23, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of U.S. adults without health insurance is up nearly 3.5 million this year, as rising premiums and political turmoil over "Obamacare" undermine coverage gains that drove the nation's uninsured rate to a historic low.

63. UTHSC Pharmacy College Establishes Scholarship - Saturday, October 21, 2017

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy is the first among the six colleges on campus to establish and award a faculty and staff endowed scholarship.

Eighty-six percent of faculty and staff in the college contributed to the scholarship as of August 31. The college has raised more than $29,000, exceeding the endowment goal of $25,000.

64. UTHSC College of Pharmacy Establishes Faculty and Staff Scholarship - Monday, October 16, 2017

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy is the first among the six colleges on campus to establish and award a faculty and staff endowed scholarship.

Eighty-six percent of faculty and staff in the college contributed to the scholarship as of August 31. The college has raised more than $29,000, exceeding the endowment goal of $25,000.

65. Trenary Named to FAA’s Management Advisory Council - Monday, October 2, 2017

Phil Trenary, former CEO of Pinnacle Airlines and current Greater Memphis Chamber President & CEO, has been appointed to the Federal Aviation Administration’s 13-member Management Advisory Council (MAC).

66. Microsoft AI in Use at Macy's, Handling Service Requests - Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Microsoft has created a virtual assistant that can be used by companies to respond to customer service requests.

CEO Satya Nadella said Monday that Macy's and Hewlett-Packard have already begun to use the technology, which emerged from the company's research into artificial intelligence.

67. Macy's Trims Holiday Hires By Nearly 4 Percent - Monday, September 18, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) – Macy's is increasing the number of temporary workers it's hiring for distribution and warehouses for the holiday season as it chases fast growing e-commerce sales. But overall holiday hiring will fall nearly 4 percent.

68. All NFL Games Will Air Online, But Watching Won't Be Easy - Friday, September 8, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) – Every NFL football game will be shown live online this season – but that doesn't mean you'll be able to watch them.

New this year is the ability to watch with an Amazon Prime or a CBS All-Access subscription. Even so, the sports universe is heavily Balkanized online, meaning your best bet at comprehensive streaming of pro football will involve that old standby – a cable or satellite TV subscription – or cellphone service through Verizon. Otherwise, you'll be limited to a few unrestricted games online, including Thursday's night season opener between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots.

69. Baptist Opens Specialty Pharmacy - Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Baptist Memorial Health Care has opened the first specialty pharmacy in the system, a place that the hospital’s leadership says is especially well-suited to care for the medication needs of patients dealing with chronic health conditions.

70. Macy's, Best Buy Expanding Same-Day Delivery Service - Friday, September 1, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) – Macy's and Best Buy are expanding their same-day delivery offers as they try to be more competitive with online leader Amazon.

The nation's largest consumer electronics chain, Best Buy, says it will expand to 27 metropolitan markets from 13 starting next week. That number should reach nearly 40 cities by the winter holidays. In a separate announcement, Macy's Inc. says it will offer same-day delivery in 15 additional markets for a total of 33 areas.

71. Yellen Defends Bank Regulations Passed After 2008 Crisis - Monday, August 28, 2017

JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming (AP) – Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen on Friday emphatically defended the web of regulations the Fed helped enact after the 2008 financial crisis, saying it helped restore the banking system's health and disputing criticism that the rules have hurt lending.

72. Lips Are Smacking For Front Porch Oyster Roast - Saturday, August 26, 2017

Chargrilled oysters, fresh-shucked raw oysters, oyster po’boys and more are on the menu for The Front Porch’s Oyster Roast that begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3.

The Front Porch, located at 251 Riverside Drive, is a pop-up dining experience on the banks of the Mississippi River that began in June. It is the brainchild of Patrick and Deni Reilly, owners of The Majestic Grille, and is operated in partnership with Majestic Hospitality Consulting and the Riverfront Development Corp.

73. Lips Are Smacking For Front Porch Oyster Roast - Friday, August 25, 2017

Chargrilled oysters, fresh-shucked raw oysters, oyster po’boys and more are on the menu for The Front Porch’s Oyster Roast, scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3.

The Front Porch, located at 251 Riverside Drive, is a pop-up dining experience on the banks of the Mississippi River that began in June. It is the brainchild of Patrick and Deni Reilly, owners of The Majestic Grille, and is operated in partnership with Majestic Hospitality Consulting and the Riverfront Development Corp.

74. UTHSC Readies New Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility - Wednesday, August 23, 2017

UTHSC is putting the final touches on its new $20 million Plough Center for Sterile Drug Delivery Systems, a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at the site of a former warehouse at 208 S. Dudley St. in the Memphis Medical District.

75. Report: Higher Premiums If Trump Halts 'Obamacare' Subsidies - Thursday, August 17, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Premiums for a popular type of individual health care plan would rise sharply, and more people would be left with no insurance options if President Donald Trump makes good on his threat to stop "Obamacare" payments to insurers, the Congressional Budget Office says.

76. Fannie Mae Posts $3.2B Profit in Q2; To Pay $3.1B Dividend - Friday, August 4, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Fannie Mae reported net income of $3.2 billion from April through June, up from a year earlier as the mortgage giant marked gains on its investments.

The government-controlled company released its second-quarter results Thursday. Washington-based Fannie Mae will pay a dividend of $3.1 billion to the U.S. Treasury next month if the company's federal regulator agrees. That payment would bring the total dividends paid by Fannie to $165.8 billion.

77. US Home Sales Fell in June; Would-Be Buyers Can't Find Homes - Tuesday, July 25, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Homebuyers faced surging prices and a shrinking number of properties for sale in June – causing the pace of sales to fall.

Sales of existing homes slipped 1.8 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.52 million, the National Association of Realtors said Monday.

78. Last Word: Freeze Warning, Corker on Obamacare Repeal and The Disney Example - Friday, July 21, 2017

What do you call it when you expect a lot of trouble coming from a specific direction – with a detailed roadmap -- and a completely different controversy comes in from a different direction, hits and leaves a crater. Whatever you call it, that is what happened to Ole Miss football coach Hugh Freeze Thursday evening. Or did it?

79. 'Let Obamacare Fail,' Trump Says After GOP Plan Collapses - Wednesday, July 19, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump declared Tuesday it's time to "let Obamacare fail" after the latest GOP health care plan crashed and burned in the Senate, a stunning failure for the president, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and a party that has vowed for years to abolish the law.

80. Tennessee Democrat Mackler Raises $451K in US Senate Bid - Monday, July 17, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Nashville attorney and former Army helicopter pilot James Mackler says he has raised $451,000 in his Democratic bid for the U.S. Senate.

Mackler's campaign says the total accounts for all fundraising since launching his 2018 campaign for Sen. Bob Corker's seat on April 17.

81. UTHSC Hosting Pharmaceutical Safety Conference - Tuesday, June 27, 2017

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is working toward playing a major role in the safety and quality of medical products and the global pharmaceutical supply chain.

Its latest step in that direction is the university’s designation as a Center of Excellence in global medical product quality and pharmaceutical supply chain security. That comes from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, an international forum supporting economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

82. Last Word: Cooper-Young Complications, The Mackin Investigation and Tuition Hike - Monday, June 26, 2017

Landmarks status for Cooper-Young is on hold because part of the process for the status isn’t an official part of the application process. That would be the part that requires a certain number of signatures to get the status. And it has put on hold a similar process in Vollintine-Evergreen.

83. Last Word: The Mackin Letter, A County Property Tax Cut and UrbanArts Responds - Friday, June 9, 2017

The Overton Gateway multi-family development on the eastern side of Overton Park looks to be the next development controversy heading for City Hall. The Land Use Control Board voted down the amended MRG plans Thursday that have drawn neighborhood opposition in both versions. The LUCB rejection doesn’t stop the project. It goes to the Memphis City Council at a date to be determined with a negative recommendation that certainly doesn’t do the project any favors.

84. 3-Attorney Panel to Review Mackin's Allegations Against Shelby County Schools - Friday, June 9, 2017

A panel of three attorneys, including former U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton are investigating allegations of a cover-up, sexual harassment, theft and widespread grade tampering made last week by former Trezevant High School principal Ronnie Mackin.

85. Average US 30-Year Mortgage Rate Falls to 3.89 Percent - Friday, June 9, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell this week, as the benchmark 30-year rate declined for the fourth straight week to its lowest level in nearly seven months.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate home loans dropped to 3.89 percent from 3.94 percent last week. The rate stood at 3.60 percent a year ago and averaged 3.65 percent in 2016, the lowest level in records dating to 1971.

86. Mackin Renews Trezevant Grade-Tampering Allegations, Goes Public With More - Friday, June 2, 2017

When Ronnie Mackin, the principal of Trezevant High School, reported a discrepancy last September in the transcript grades of some football players at his school and their grades in the same areas in other student records last October, Shelby County Schools officials were quick to say the school system had “the utmost confidence” in Mackin.

87. Fred’s Pharmacy Donations To Heart Association Grow - Saturday, May 20, 2017

Fred’s Pharmacy awarded another check to the American Heart Association this month, and through its in-store free blood pressure screenings the past four years, has donated a total of $130,703 to AHA, the company announced.

88. Fred’s Pharmacy Donations To Heart Association Grow - Friday, May 19, 2017

Fred’s Pharmacy awarded another check to the American Heart Association this month, and through its in-store free blood pressure screenings the past four years, has donated a total of $130,703 to AHA, the company announced.

89. US Homebuilder Sentiment Climbs Higher in May - Tuesday, May 16, 2017

U.S. homebuilders are feeling more optimistic about their business prospects, reflecting a recent surge in sales of newly built homes and a lingering shortage of previously occupied homes on the market.

90. Macy’s Outlet Opens At Oak Court Saturday - Saturday, May 13, 2017

Macy’s is opening its outlet store concept Macy’s Backstage, the first such store in Tennessee, on Saturday, May 13.

The new outlet opens inside the Oak Court Mall Macy’s store at 9 a.m. As part of the opening, the first 100 customers will be given a $20 gift card.

91. Windows 10 Update Aims to Help Identify Best Photos, Videos - Friday, May 12, 2017

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – An upcoming feature in Microsoft's Windows 10 system will automatically identify the best photos and videos to help people create highlights of their experiences.

The tool, called Story Remix, will be part of a "Fall Creators Update" to roll out later this year to 500 million personal computers, smartphones and tablets powered by Windows 10. Microsoft previewed the update Thursday at a conference in Seattle for applications developers.

92. Macy’s Outlet Opens At Oak Court Saturday - Thursday, May 11, 2017

Macy’s is opening its outlet store concept Macy’s Backstage, the first such store in Tennessee, this weekend.

The new outlet opens inside the Oak Court Mall on Saturday, May 13, at 9 a.m. As part of the opening, the first 100 customers will be given a $20 gift card.

93. Joyful House Republicans Vote to Repeal Reviled 'Obamacare' - Friday, May 5, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Delivering at last, triumphant House Republicans voted Thursday to repeal and replace the "Obamacare" health plan they have reviled for so long, overcoming united Democratic opposition and their own deep divisions to hand a major win to President Donald Trump.

94. Plans for Boutique South Main Hotel Move Ahead - Friday, May 5, 2017

A new South Main restaurant, an up-and-coming boutique hotel brand and a Medical District mixed-use development all got the green light from the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Design Review Board Wednesday, May 3.

95. Apple’s Growing Cash Stash Spurs Talk of Huge Acquisition - Thursday, May 4, 2017

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – As Apple's stash of cash grows, so does the possibility that the world's most valuable company will use some of the money for a huge acquisition that would expand its empire beyond iPhones and other gadgets.

96. McDonald's US Sales Climb, Customer Traffic Still a Focus - Wednesday, April 26, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) – McDonald's says new Big Mac sizes helped boost a key sales figure in the U.S., but that it is still working on trying to attract more customers to its stores.

The world's biggest burger chain said Tuesday that global sales rose 4 percent at established locations in the first three months of the year. That included a 1.7 percent increase in its flagship U.S. market, where the fast-food chain has suffered four straight years of declining customer visits.

97. EDGE Board Approves Two PILOTs, GMACW Merger - Friday, April 21, 2017

The Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County on Wednesday, April 19, granted tax abatements for a pair of companies with capital investment plans totaling $34 million and approved a resolution that allows the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce to merge into EDGE.

98. GMACW May Become Part of EDGE - Tuesday, April 18, 2017

The Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce would become part of the Economic Development Growth Engine organization in a proposal the EDGE board is to vote on Wednesday, April 19.

GMACW was created three years ago as part of a regional economic development plan and its efforts have include the “MemphisWorks” app of job listings and videos as well as job resumes that was launched late last year. The alliance has also explored the idea of Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools, also known as P-Tech schools that extend high school for two years beyond the senior year and offer college-level courses starting in the 10th grade for college credit.

99. GMACW To Merge With EDGE - Monday, April 17, 2017

The Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce would become part of the Economic Development Growth Engine organization in a proposal the EDGE board is to vote on Wednesday, April 19.

GMACW was created three years ago as part of a regional economic development plan and its efforts have include the “MemphisWorks” apps of job listings and videos as well as job resumes with interaction between the two groups that was launched late last year. The alliance has also explored the idea of Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools, also known as P-Tech schools that extend high school for two years beyond the senior year and offer college level courses starting in the 10th grade for college credit.

100. UTHSC College of Pharmacy Hosting Race for the Summitt - Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Students from the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center will host Race for the Summitt at UT Health Sciences Park in Memphis on Sunday, April 23.