Shelby County Mayor elect Lee Harris and the 13-member Shelby County Commission with a majority of eight new members take the oath of office Thursday afternoon Downtown at the Cannon Center. And Harris turned in his resignation as a state Senator Wednesday, urging the county commission to leave the seat vacant for the remaining four months left in his four-year term of office in Nashville.

2. Poll: If DNA Shows Health Risks, Most Want to Know - Friday, July 20, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – Would you want to know if you harbor a gene linked to Alzheimer's or another incurable disease? A new poll finds most Americans would.

Some 17 percent of Americans already have undergone at least one kind of DNA test, and 52 percent of the remainder say they'd like to, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released Thursday.

3. Billionaires Fuel US Charter Schools Movement - Tuesday, July 17, 2018

SEATTLE (AP) – Dollar for dollar, the beleaguered movement to bring charter schools to Wash-ington state has had no bigger champion than billionaire Bill Gates.

4. Pitmaster Pride - Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Rendezvous founder Charlie Vergos is among three new members being inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame. The American Royal Association announced the 2018 class of inductees in May. The induction ceremony will take place on Sept. 13, during the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City, Missouri.

5. 2 More Tigers Taken In MLB Draft - Saturday, June 9, 2018

University of Memphis players Riley Cabral and Tyler Webb were both selected in the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft. Cabral was selected in the 31st round by the Houston Astros, while Webb went to the Minnesota Twins in the 40th round. Previously, pitcher Jonathan Bowlan was selected in the second round by the Kansas City Royals.

6. 2 More Tigers Taken in MLB Draft - Friday, June 8, 2018

University of Memphis players Riley Cabral and Tyler Webb were both selected in the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft. Cabral was selected in the 31st round by the Houston Astros, while Webb went to the Minnesota Twins in the 40th round. Previously, pitcher Jonathan Bowlan was selected in the second round by the Kansas City Royals.

7. Women Seek to Add to Senate Numbers, But Challenges Await - Thursday, May 31, 2018

PHOENIX (AP) – A record number of women are on track to run for the U.S. Senate, though it will be a challenge to capture those seats and help make the chamber more diverse.

Many face uphill campaigns and two Democratic incumbents in particular among the 23 women in the Senate are seen as politically vulnerable in the November election.

8. Best Buy Posts Strong Sales, But Investors Sour on Outlook - Friday, May 25, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – Best Buy posted strong sales of mobile phones, appliances, and smart computing products as it showed in its financial results that store chains can still thrive as shoppers buy more online.

9. Two More Executives Resign at Fred's - Friday, May 4, 2018

Two more senior executives are out at discount retailer Fred’s Inc., with word of their departures coming a week after the Memphis-based company’s CEO resigned.

Fred’s disclosed in a security filing today, May 3, that chief operating officer Timothy Liebmann and chief merchandising and marketing officer Mary Louise Gardner have both resigned “to pursue other opportunities.” Their departures will cost the company more $1.5 million, as that figure alone represents the severance costs of $800,000 that will go to Liebmann and $663,000 going to Gardner. They’ll also get their regular base salary through May 27.

10. Football Can’t Arrive Soon Enough for Vols Fans - Friday, March 30, 2018

Thank goodness Tennessee spring football is here. Vol Nation needs a diversion with all that’s happened the past couple of weeks, like the men’s basketball team losing to Loyola-Chicago in the NCAA Tournament’s second round, and Loyola advancing to the Final Four.

11. EPE Expansion in Limbo, Overton Square Restaurant Sets Opening Date - Monday, March 26, 2018

3734 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38116

Project Cost: $22 million

Owner: Elvis Presley Enterprises

Details: Elvis Presley Enterprises’ expansion plans have been put on hold for the second straight month as the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County board continues to sort out if any implications will stem from approving bond financing for the Whitehaven project.

12. Onyx, Barrett Distribution Seek Tax Breaks - Wednesday, March 21, 2018

A medical device manufacturer and a third-party distribution center operator will be seeking tax abatements from the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County to expand their respective footprints in the area.

13. Medical Device Maker, Distribution Company Seeking Tax Abatements - Tuesday, March 20, 2018

A medical device manufacturer and a third-party distribution center operator will be seeking tax abatements from the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County to expand their respective footprints in the area.

14. A Look Back At UT’s History In NCAA Tourney - Friday, March 16, 2018

Basketball coach Rick Barnes was fired by Texas in late March of 2015 when he refused to fire members of his coaching staff.

15. Lake District, Raleigh Springs Town Center Moving Forward with Transformative Projects - Monday, March 5, 2018

3536 Canada Road
Lakeland, TN 38002

Tenant: The Stock Market

Landlord: Gilad Development

16. High Point Climbing Takes Foothold in East Memphis - Saturday, February 24, 2018

By the end of the year, a parking lot just off Walnut Grove Road and North Humphreys Boulevard will be replaced with an outdoor climbing wall – one of the signature design elements of High Point Climbing and Fitness, which just began construction of its first ground-up facility in Memphis.

17. Getting to the Top - Saturday, February 17, 2018

An attorney, a physician and a college president. Three success stories. Three women who made it. They had different challenges, yes, but they also shared obstacles that are ever the same.

Dr. Marjorie Hass, Rhodes College president, recently spoke at a breakfast on campus for female students and alumni. Her message to the young women about to set out on their careers was wrapped in truth. She was encouraging, yes, but she also was not going to make promises that life can’t keep.

18. Vitello Era Begins as Vols Launch 2018 Season - Friday, February 9, 2018

Tennessee baseball is off to a fresh start under first-year coach Tony Vitello, and senior catcher Benito Santiago is savoring every minute of it.

Santiago was along for the ride as the Dave Serrano coaching era ended last spring after six seasons. He says Vitello has brought a new vibe to the program.

19. The Week Ahead: Feb. 5-11, 2018 - Monday, February 5, 2018

Good morning, Memphis! If you’re looking for a legit reason to “space out” this week, The Orpheum’s got you covered with two out-of-this-world events. Meanwhile, LeMoyne-Owen College honors Black History Month and a pair of local nonprofits celebrate the hope and heart of the city. And that’s just a taste of what’s on tap in The Week Ahead.

20. Online SCS Optional/Open Enrollment Marks End of Campouts - Monday, January 29, 2018

When the Shelby County Schools system begins taking applications for optional schools and open enrollment at any school with space Monday, Jan. 29, at 10 a.m., it will be without a row of tents outside its headquarters on Hollywood Street.

21. Strength at FedEx Stands Out Among Memphis’ Fortune 500 Companies - Tuesday, January 23, 2018

The reality confronting each of Memphis’ three publicly traded Fortune 500 companies is a little different as the year gets underway, with one of them the breakaway favorite in terms of investment and opportunity.

22. Factor in Safety Before Choosing a New Dresser or TV - Tuesday, January 2, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – Thinking about getting a new flat-screen TV for the holidays, or a dresser for the baby's room? Factor safety into your choice.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns TVs and furniture like dressers and chests pose tip-over risks if they are not properly anchored to walls. This is especially true in households with young children, who can be tempted to climb on anything. But plenty of adults get injured, too.

23. City Puts Price of Convention Center Renovation at $175M - Friday, December 29, 2017

The renovation of the Memphis Cook Convention Center will cost $175 million and should be completed by the end of 2019, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced Friday, Dec. 29.

24. City Puts Price of Convention Center Renovation at $175 Million - Friday, December 29, 2017

The renovation of the Memphis Cook Convention Center will cost $175 million and should be completed by the end of 2019, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced Friday, Dec. 29.

25. Memphis Baseball Senior On AAC Preseason Team - Saturday, December 30, 2017

University of Memphis senior outfielder Tyler Webb has been named to the Preseason American Athletic Conference team. The all-conference teams were released in conjunction with the league’s preseason poll; Memphis was picked to finish seventh in 2018.

26. Memphis Baseball Senior On AAC Preseason Team - Wednesday, December 27, 2017

University of Memphis senior outfielder Tyler Webb has been named to the Preseason American Athletic Conference team. The all-conference teams were released in conjunction with the league’s preseason poll; Memphis was picked to finish seventh in 2018.

27. FedEx Forecasts Record Holiday Deliveries - Thursday, December 21, 2017

It wasn’t just solid news for FedEx’s fiscal second quarter that ended Nov. 30, during which the package delivery company grew earnings 11 percent to $775 million, or $2.84 a share. That’s up from $700 million, or $2.59 per share during the year-ago period.

28. Pay for No Play: Paying Millions to Former Coaches - Friday, December 8, 2017

Tennessee’s bungled search for a football coach will come at a cost for the university. A big cost.

There are buyouts everywhere. A potential lawsuit looms. And a rift between boosters caused by the botched search may be the costliest item of all for the university long term.

29. Tigers Defeat UNO 63-52, Rivers Scores 18 Points - Saturday, November 25, 2017

Forward Jimario Rivers scored a career-high 18 points and the University of Memphis led wire-to-wire in a 63-52 win over New Orleans Tuesday at FedExForum.

The Tigers are 2-1 and next play Northern Kentucky at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at FedExForum.

30. Tigers Defeat UNO 63-52, Rivers Scores 18 Points - Thursday, November 23, 2017

Forward Jimario Rivers scored a career-high 18 points and the University of Memphis led wire-to-wire in a 63-52 win over New Orleans Tuesday at FedExForum.

The Tigers are 2-1 and next play Northern Kentucky at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at FedExForum.

31. Hillsboro’s Phillips Playing for Bragging Rights - Thursday, November 23, 2017

Tennessee’s football team and interim head coach Brady Hoke will try to avoid a historically bad season Saturday.

If the Vols (4-7, 0-7 SEC) lose to Vanderbilt (4-7, 0-7), it would be the first team in program history to lose eight games and go winless in the conference. Kickoff is 3 p.m. CST at Neyland Stadium (TV: SEC Network).

32. Tigers Defeat SMU, Mother Nature to Clinch AAC West Championship - Saturday, November 18, 2017

The football gods decreed that the University of Memphis would have to wait a little longer. Of course they did. Hurricanes and tropical storms altered game schedules and caused harsh playing conditions early in the season. On Saturday, there was a lightning delay just as a berth in the American Athletic Conference title game was within reach.

33. Ferguson, Taylor Rally No. 25 Memphis Past Houston, 42-38 - Friday, October 20, 2017

HOUSTON (AP) — Down 17 in the second half on the road, there was no panic in No. 25 Memphis.

The Tigers kept their focus and finished with a victory.

Riley Ferguson threw for 471 yards and had a 21-yard TD pass with 1:28 left, Patrick Taylor rushed for a career-high four touchdowns and Memphis rallied to beat Houston 42-38 on Thursday night.

34. Big Question For US Cities: Is Amazon's HQ2 Worth The Price? - Friday, October 20, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Dozens of cities are working frantically to land Amazon's second headquarters, raising a weighty question with no easy answer:

Is it worth it?

Amazon is promising $5 billion of investment and 50,000 jobs over the next decade and a half. Yet the winning city would have to provide Amazon with generous tax breaks and other incentives that can erode a city's tax base.

35. Not Worried About Bama? Just Wait Until Kickoff - Friday, October 20, 2017

Tennessee’s football team will make history Saturday against No. 1-ranked Alabama (7-0, 4-0 SEC), no matter what happens with the game.

The Vols (3-3, 0-3 SEC) were 34-point underdogs early in the week for the 3:30 EDT game (TV: CBS) in Tuscaloosa. The 34-point spread is the largest ever in the UT-Alabama series.

36. Memphis Independent Schools Offer Varied Approaches to Early Childhood Learning - Saturday, September 23, 2017

Research has shown show early childhood education sets the foundation for academic success in elementary school, and Memphis’ independent schools boast a number of high-quality preschool programs with expert educators, innovative approaches and state-of-the-art technology.

37. Soulsville Gateway Has 2nd Site - Thursday, September 14, 2017

The South Memphis Alliance is about to close on a 52,923-square-foot warehouse on South Bellevue at Walker Street, the second part of a hard-fought gateway to the Soulsville area that has been in the works for the past five years.

38. Vols, Jackets Each Eager to Make Statement - Friday, September 1, 2017

Enough of the talk. Enough of the speculation. Let’s play some football.

Tennessee starts its fifth season of the Butch Jones coaching era on Monday night against Georgia Tech at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is 8 p.m. (TV: ESPN).

39. Business Owners Upbeat, Cautious About Hiring - Tuesday, August 29, 2017

While many small business owners are upbeat about their companies and the economy, they're maintaining their cautious approach to hiring, according to a survey released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife.

40. Kelly, Legacy Teammates Ready for Final Season With Vols - Friday, August 11, 2017

Todd Kelly Jr. can’t believe it’s his last hoorah. The senior safety from Webb School of Knoxville enters his final season at Tennessee with thoughts of how it all started in fall of 2014.

41. Marching Band to NFL: Vanderbilt Doctor’s Unlikely Path - Monday, July 31, 2017

When the NFL sought a worthy selection for the first chief medical officer in league history, it turned its eyes to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

In hiring Dr. Allen Sills earlier this year, the league brought on a whirlwind of intelligence and energy with a lengthy curriculum vitae.

42. Rising Interest Rates Boost Bank of America's Profits - Wednesday, July 19, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) – Consumer banking giant Bank of America reported a 10 percent rise in second-quarter profits on Tuesday as gains from higher interest rates were more than enough to offset a drop in trading revenue.

43. Survey: US Uninsured Up by 2M This Year as Gains Erode - Tuesday, July 11, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of U.S. adults without health insurance has grown by some 2 million this year, according to a major new survey that finds recent coverage gains beginning to erode.

44. Memphis Coaches Employ Advanced Metrics to Help Tomorrow’s Cardinals - Friday, July 7, 2017

Almost an hour after a Sunday afternoon game at AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds hitting coach Mark Budaska and pitching coach Bryan Eversgerd are sitting at a small table doing their homework. There are pieces of paper on the table and some visible charts.

45. Survey: Economists Expect Slower US Growth - Saturday, June 10, 2017

Forecasts for U.S. economic growth are coming in slightly lower after a weak first quarter, according to a survey of business economists released Monday, June 5.

The National Association for Business Economists says it’s expecting gross domestic product growth of 2.2 percent this year and 2.4 percent in 2018. Those forecasts are down 0.1 percentage points from a survey in March. The survey is based on responses from 52 professional forecasters.

46. Survey: Economists Expect Slower US Growth - Tuesday, June 6, 2017

DETROIT (AP) – Forecasts for U.S. economic growth are coming in slightly lower after a weak first quarter, according to a survey of business economists released Monday.

The National Association for Business Economists says it's expecting gross domestic product growth of 2.2 percent this year and 2.4 percent in 2018. Those forecasts are down 0.1 percentage points from a survey in March. The survey is based on responses from 52 professional forecasters.

47. AutoZone Downgraded After Disappointing Q3 - Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Analysts downgraded shares of auto parts retail giant AutoZone on Tuesday, May 23, after the company reported a second straight quarter of weaker earnings and sales for its fiscal third quarter.

Raymond James Financial Inc. lowered its rating on AutoZone’s stock from “strong buy” – which it attached to AutoZone back in September 2007 – to “market perform.”

48. Last Word: Minority Business Mic Drop, Truckers & Taxes and Confederate Statues - Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Quite the buzz around the minority business discussion on “Behind The Headlines” – notably the progress report from Greater Memphis Chamber board chair Carolyn Hardy about what’s working and, more to the point, what is not working. In Hardy’s view that would be general minority business goals that she said amount to black-owned businesses being left out some three years into the renewed push for minority business growth – in government contracts and private business-to-business contracts.

49. Lauded Rocker Chris Cornell Killed Himself by Hanging - Friday, May 19, 2017

DETROIT (AP) – Chris Cornell, one of the most lauded and respected contemporary lead singers in rock music with his bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, killed himself Wednesday by hanging in a Detroit hotel room, according to the city's medical examiner. He was 52.

50. If Saban’s the Best, Why Aren’t His Protégés? - Friday, May 19, 2017

In a recent article at CBSSports.com, Nick Saban was ranked the top coach in the so-called Power Five conferences.

No surprise there.

With all due respect to what Urban Meyer has accomplished at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida and now Ohio State, he’s still playing catch-up to Saban. The same can be said for Dabo Swinney and his recent run at Clemson.

51. Majestic Grille Owners to Take Over Beale Street Landing Restaurant - Monday, May 8, 2017

The owners of The Majestic Grille will take over operations of the restaurant at Beale Street Landing starting in June, the Riverfront Development Corp. announced Monday, May 8.

Deni and Patrick Reilly plan to operate the restaurant from June through Oct. 31 as a pop-up restaurant called “The Front Porch.”

52. How Did Vols Not Win More With This Talent? - Friday, May 5, 2017

One check of the 2017 NFL Draft shows why Tennessee was the favorite to win the SEC East Division last fall.

UT had six players drafted in the first four rounds, the most for the program since 2002, breaking a two-year drought with no players. The six Vols drafted tied for the most since 2010 and 2007. Eight Vols were drafted in 2003 and 10 drafted in 2002.

53. Craigmont Alumni Work To Restore Planetarium - Tuesday, April 18, 2017

In an effort to restore the only planetarium within Shelby County Schools, a group of Craigmont High School alumni, is partnering with Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous to host the Cheers for Craigmont fundraiser (#CheersforCraigmont).

54. Memphis Basketball Adding More Junior College Players; Bill Self Mum on K.J. Lawson - Tuesday, April 18, 2017

With only two returning scholarship players from last season’s team, University of Memphis basketball coach Tubby Smith continues to mine the junior college ranks for players he hopes can contribute immediately.

55. Game 1 Suggests Grizzlies Don’t Have Enough to Compete for 48 Minutes - Monday, April 17, 2017

The Grizzlies can win a quarter. They won the first quarter in Game 1 of their playoff series at San Antonio. Even led by as many as 13 points before carrying a 30-25 lead into the second quarter.

But in the three quarters that followed they were outscored 27-19, 32-15 and 27-18. That added up to a 111-82 loss that, until the Grizzlies prove otherwise, confirmed the worst fears about how this series will go.

56. Condominium Inventory Runs Dry As Popularity Soars, Sales Improve - Saturday, April 15, 2017

2016 was a big year for Memphis’ condominium market. Sales were up 18 percent from 2015, driven primarily by brisk sales at the Artesian Metropolitan Residences, the luxury high-rise on Riverside Drive. Excited reports were made of a renaissance in Memphis condo sales. It seemed as if everyone wanted a condo, and wanted one fast.

57. Events - Tuesday, April 11, 2017

A strategic management seminar presented by Fisher Phillips, Judy Bell Consulting and HR Professionals magazine will be held Tuesday, April 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crescent Club, 6075 Poplar Ave., suite 909. Supervisors, managers and HR professionals will learn about how to prevent sexual harassment lawsuits, hire A-players, handle LGBT issues, be an effective leader, and more. Visit hrprofessionalsmagazine.com to register.

58. Events - Monday, April 10, 2017

A strategic management seminar presented by Fisher Phillips, Judy Bell Consulting and HR Professionals magazine will be held Tuesday, April 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crescent Club, 6075 Poplar Ave., Suite 909. Supervisors, managers and HR professionals will learn about how to prevent sexual harassment lawsuits, hire A-players, handle LGBT issues, be an effective leader, and more. Visit hrprofessionalsmagazine.com to register.

59. Events - Saturday, April 8, 2017

The fourth annual Bringing Out the Leaders Networking Event will be held Thursday, April 13, at 6 p.m. at the University of Memphis University Center, 499 University St. College students from across the Mid-South will have the opportunity to connect with top business, community and political leaders at this program sponsored by the nonprofit Setting the Standard Enterprise. Cost is free; registration required. Visit stsenterprise.org.

60. Private Reprimand Ends Jackson Case Aftermath - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The private reprimand for District Attorney General Amy Weirich issued by the state Board of Professional Responsibility is probably the last formal word on the way the prosecutor’s office tried Noura Jackson for the murder of her mother.

61. Temple Sweeps Tigers; Ferguson and Miller Honored - Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Just consider all the things that can be done in about 10 minutes: You could jog a very leisurely mile. Or run two miles and be huffing and puffing. You could dance the Minute Waltz – over and over. You could watch Tom Brady run the two-minute drill – like five times. Or in the case of the University of Memphis basketball team on Sunday, Feb. 12 vs. Temple at FedExForum, you could go 10:55 of game clock without scoring one point. And when you do that, you get the result you expect: You lose, in this instance by a score of 74-62.

62. State Of The Suburbs - Saturday, February 11, 2017

With its central location, unparalleled access to major roads, rails, runways and rivers and low cost-of-living, it’s no surprise that Memphis and the surrounding area is a popular destination for corporate headquarters, national retail brands and major industrial centers.

63. DMC Explores Long-Term Planning for Beale - Thursday, February 9, 2017

The leader of the Downtown Memphis Commission wants to start working toward a long-term approach to day-to-day management of the Beale Street entertainment district.

That’s what DMC president Terence Patterson told Memphis City Council members Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the council’s second discussion in three weeks about Beale Street.

64. Events - Saturday, February 4, 2017

The second We Mean Business Symposium, hosted by the City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity and Compliance, will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Tower Center at Clark Tower, 5100 Poplar Ave., 33rd floor. The primary focus is to share upcoming city bid opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses. Companies also will learn about the certification and registration process and how to leverage the city’s diversity programs. The first J.E. Walker Breaking Barriers Awards Luncheon will follow. Cost is free; RSVP required. Register at eventbrite.com.

65. Events - Monday, February 6, 2017

NAWBO Memphis will present “Selling for Business Owners” Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Seasons 52, 6085 Poplar Ave. Shawn Karol Sandy, chief revenue officer of The Selling Agency, will share the three-point plan that builds your own selling program and positions your company in front of your ideal customers. Register at nawbomemphis.org.

66. Back-to-Back Dak? Dobbs Shines at Senior Bowl - Friday, February 3, 2017

To say Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs might be the next Dak Prescott is a stretch. Or is it? Prescott, the former Mississippi State quarterback, caught the eye of the Dallas Cowboys with his MVP performance in the 2016 Senior Bowl. The Cowboys chose Prescott in the fourth round (No. 135 overall pick) of the 2016 NFL Draft, and it proved a fruitful pick.

67. McDonald's Sells China Business in Deal Worth Up to $2.1B - Tuesday, January 10, 2017

HONG KONG (AP) – Fast-food giant McDonald's is selling a controlling stake in its China business to a group of investors led by state-owned Chinese conglomerate Citic in a deal worth up to $2.1 billion, the companies said Monday.

68. Poll: Tennessee Optimism Grows for Future of State, Country - Friday, December 9, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – In a state that heavily favored President-elect Donald Trump, a Vanderbilt University poll says optimism in Tennessee has grown about the future of the state and country since the spring.

69. Shelby County Home Sales Rise 30 Percent in November - Thursday, December 8, 2016

November was a strong month for home sales in Shelby County. November sales increased 30 percent, with 1,424 sales compared to 1,093 a year ago, according to Market Trend data compiled by real estate information company Chandler Reports.

70. Not Again. Or Not. - Friday, December 2, 2016

I WON’T DO THAT AGAIN. Words3 is a writers group that meets monthly at the Church of the Holy Communion to read and reflect. And eat doughnuts.

This week’s column is courtesy of one of them, Robert Propst, who writes songs –Dylanesque, except with a sense of humor – and shares them with folks who might be getting just a bit too reflective long about now – say, me.

71. Two Ways To Boost Employee Engagement - Thursday, October 27, 2016

A Gallup research study of employee engagement released in 2012 found that only 30 percent of employees in the workplace in the United States are actively engaged in the work they do. Which means that 70 percent of the employees are either not engaged (52 percent) or actively disengaged (18 percent).

72. Calming Halftime Helps Save a Season - Friday, September 30, 2016

Tennessee football coach Butch Jones went from goat to hero in a matter of hours last Saturday.

The Vols trailed Florida 21-0 in the first half – and 21-3 at halftime – and appeared headed to their 12th consecutive loss to the Gators.

73. Nothing Else Counts for Jones if He Can’t Top Gators - Friday, September 23, 2016

Since his arrival at Tennessee in December 2012, Butch Jones often has spoken about the importance of getting the Vols back up and running in their biggest rivalry games.

Easier said than done. Jones has yet to beat either of UT’s two biggest rivals – Florida and Alabama.

74. The Crooked Path to Durham’s Ouster - Thursday, September 22, 2016

State Rep. Kevin Brooks set the tone for Jeremy Durham’s ouster in prayer, of all places. Quoting from Luke, the Cleveland Republican opened the recent extraordinary session of the General Assembly saying, “Heavenly Father, you’re very clear in your word when you say that every valley will be filled, every mountain and hill brought low and the crooked places made straight and the rough places made smooth.

75. Looks Like 10-2, SEC Title Game, Orange Bowl for UT - Monday, September 5, 2016

Editor’s note: Nashville sports correspondent Dave Link has been accurate in predicting season outcomes for the Tennessee Vols in recent years. His 2016 season predictions, released just before press time, culminates with an SEC Championship appearance. Here’s his take on the season…

76. Recording Academy’s Hornyak To Be Honored by U of M - Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Jon Hornyak, executive director of the Memphis Chapter of The Recording Academy, will receive the University of Memphis College of Communication and Fine Arts’ 2016 Distinguished Achievement Award in the Creative and Performing Arts.

77. Downtown Office Market Picking Up, Industrial Market Could Get Hotter - Saturday, August 20, 2016

Memphis’ office and industrial markets saw strong second quarters, with increased absorption and positive outlooks for the rest of the year.

The quarter was dominated by ServiceMaster Global Holdings’ announcement that it was moving its headquarters from East Memphis to the shuttered Peabody Place mall. The home services and tech company will transform the former mall into a $27 million, Class A office building.

78. Kustoff Claims 8th GOP Primary, Todd Upset by Lovell, Jenkins Over Newsom - Friday, August 5, 2016

Former U.S. Attorney David Kustoff claimed the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 8th Congressional district Thursday, Aug. 4, in a 15-county contest in which the eastern parts of Shelby County played a decisive role.

79. The SEC is TEC – Tight End Conference - Friday, July 29, 2016

Last season, Hunter Henry became the second Arkansas Razorback to win the John Mackey Award, which for the last 16 years has annually recognized the best tight end in college football. Henry, famously known for the fourth-and-long “Hunter Heave” in the Razorbacks’ wild 53-52 overtime win over Ole Miss, also produced a strong body of work for the entire season, including 46 receptions for 647 yards and three touchdowns.

80. South End Gets a $15 Million Apartment Complex - Thursday, June 30, 2016

250 E. G.E. Patterson Ave.
Memphis, TN 38126

Permit Amount: $14.6 million

Owner: Elmington Capital Group

81. Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns Duo Dies at 74 - Thursday, June 23, 2016

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Trumpet player Wayne Jackson, who played standout horn lines on rock 'n' roll, soul, R&B and pop mainstays along with Memphis Horns partner and tenor saxophonist Andrew Love, has died. He was 74.

82. One Family - Saturday, May 21, 2016

An unprecedented private investment aims to restore a commercial heart to the Soulsville USA neighborhood, where a pair of sprawling buildings take up nearly a full block across from the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. It isn’t an eyesore, but inactivity within those walls has been a drag on the community.

83. Poll: Americans More Upbeat About Own Finances Than Economy - Thursday, May 19, 2016

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans are of two minds about the economy in the midst of an elec-tion race that largely hinges on the issue. They are strikingly pessimistic about the national econ-omy yet comparatively upbeat about their own financial circumstances.

84. Planning Your Second Act - Friday, May 6, 2016

Ray’s Take When surveyed, many baby boomers say they plan to do some kind of work in retirement. The reality is that we are living longer, healthier lives than our parents and grandparents. When we reach the traditional retirement age, we probably have a lot of years of living (and spending) left. What to do with those years is changing with the retirement of the boomer generation.

85. Grizzlies Sign Guard McCallum to Another 10-Day Contract - Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Guard Ray McCallum appeared in six games (two starts) with the Grizzlies after signing his first 10-day contract with the team on March 12 and has averaged 8.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 24.3 minutes. Now, the Grizzlies have signed McCallum to a second 10-day deal.

86. The Moving Election - Saturday, February 27, 2016

The Trump balloons were a late arrival to the Shelby County Republican party’s annual Lincoln Day Gala, the local party’s largest annual fundraiser.

They were an unsubtle accent in a room of 500 people where unabashed hand-to-hand campaigning kept the buzz of conversation at a steady level for most of the evening.

87. Last Word: 901Fest, First Tennessee Sues Pinnacle and EDGE Responds - Thursday, February 18, 2016

U of M Tigers 73 – UCF Knights 56 at FedExForum and on ESPN Wednesday evening.

As that was underway, Vice President Joe Biden was on his way out of the Memphis area after a visit to the Norfolk Southern intermodal facility in Rossville.
Here’s the basic web story account from Wednesday evening of Biden’s visit which comes on the seventh anniversary of the enactment of the federal stimulus act.
More on the larger themes in the visit and three-city tour by Biden in the print version that hits online Thursday afternoon.

88. Paris Remains Open for Travel - Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Paris is open for travel.

What once was an obvious statement now comes with a question mark for some travelers. After the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks that saw 129 killed and hundreds more wounded at several locations throughout Paris, canceling travel plans to the City of Light might seem prudent.

89. Dangerous Time to Play Emotionally Charged Missouri - Saturday, November 21, 2015

Tennessee’s football team may be headed into a perfect storm Saturday night at Missouri.

It’s been an emotional whirlwind the last two weeks for the Tigers (5-5, 1-5 SEC), and they will have plenty of motivation against the Vols (6-4, 3-3).

90. Won’t be the same without the head ball coach - Saturday, November 7, 2015

I miss Steve Spurrier.

It won’t be the same without Spurrier coaching South Carolina when Tennessee (4-4, 2-3 SEC) plays host to the Gamecocks (3-5, 1-5) on Saturday.

It wasn’t the same this week without Spurrier throwing a jab or two at UT leading up to the game.

91. College Football Notebook: As Usual, LSU And Alabama Control SEC West - Tuesday, November 3, 2015

So here we are back at a familiar place: LSU vs. Alabama in a game that goes a long way toward determining the SEC West champion. And by extension, in all probability, the SEC champion. (Sorry Florida, but in this corner, we’re not true believers yet.)

92. Report: Small to No Change on Tennessee National Test Scores - Thursday, October 29, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Two years after Tennessee proclaimed itself the fastest-improving state for education in the country, that growth has leveled off, according to a national report that concluded the state has seen little to no change in fourth- and eighth-grade math and reading scores over the last two years.

93. Reveiz Knows What Vols Need to Snap Streak - Friday, October 23, 2015

Tennessee place-kicker Fuad Reveiz was anxious and nervous much of the week leading up the Vols’ game against Alabama on Oct. 16, 1982.

It was a tall order for the Vols.

Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant had an 11-game winning streak against UT. The Crimson Tide was 5-0, ranked No. 2 in the country and coming off a 42-21 victory against then-No. 3 Penn State.

94. Holiday Sales Seen Rising 3.7 Percent - Friday, October 9, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans are expected to spend at a slower pace than last year during the crucial winter holidays, weighed down by sluggish wage growth and other factors, according to the nation's largest retail industry trade group.

95. Tigers Give Up 752 Yards, Still Beat Cincinnati To Remain Undefeated - Friday, September 25, 2015

Playing on ESPN’s national stage Thursday, Sept. 24, the University of Memphis showed the country what it can do on offense.

And what it can’t yet do on defense.

But in the end, on the right side of a 53-46 victory over Cincinnati at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium before 45,172 fans, the Tigers also showed they could overcome just about anything.

96. Memphis Kicker Selected AAC Special Teams Player of Week - Wednesday, September 23, 2015

University of Memphis place kicker Jake Elliott has been named the American Athletic Conference’s Special Teams Player of the Week after kicking three field goals in the Tigers’ 44-41 win at Bowling Green Saturday, Sept. 19.

97. 'En Fuego' - Saturday, August 1, 2015

When Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite took office in June 2013, one of the first tasks that landed on his desk was a long-planned regional outlet mall.

The outlet mall, planned for a roughly 33-acre site at Church Road and Interstate 55 in the DeSoto County city, had been on the drawing board for some time, but the recession and its aftermath caused developers and Mississippi officials to put it on hold.

98. Beale Authority Prepares to Negotiate Lease With Memphis Leaders - Monday, July 13, 2015

The Beale Street Tourism Development Authority is at what Downtown Memphis Commission president Paul Morris describes as an “awkward interim stage.”

99. Better Catch Schwarber While He’s Still a Smokie - Saturday, June 6, 2015

SEVIERVILLE – Tennessee Smokies catcher Kyle Schwarber didn’t waste any time catching the attention of the Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon during spring training.

It was March 5, Schwarber’s 22nd birthday, and the Cubs were playing San Francisco. Schwarber came to bat for the first time in spring training with the bases loaded against Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong.

100. US Home Sales Slide in April Amid Listing Shortage - Friday, May 22, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sales of existing U.S. homes slipped in April due mainly to relatively few listings and rising prices, providing evidence of the housing sector's uneven recovery.

The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that sales of existing homes fell 3.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.04 million. April marked the second straight month of the sales rate topping 5 million homes. Purchases have recovered from a disappointing 2014 because strong job growth and low mortgage rates have generated more would-be buyers.