Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn’s Senate campaign received an injection of old-school political support Tuesday, Sept. 4, from Pilot Corp. founder Jim Haslam II and Middle Tennessee State University board of trustees chairman Stephen Smith.

2. Testimony on Parameters of Police Surveillance Ends - Tuesday, August 28, 2018

After four days and more than a dozen witnesses, the federal trial regrading the ACLU’s lawsuit against the city of Memphis over political surveillance of protesters by police ended Thursday

The testimony of three witnesses wrapped up the proceedings that began Monday, Aug. 20.

3. Testimony on Parameters of Police Surveillance Ends - Tuesday, August 28, 2018

After four days and more than a dozen witnesses, the federal trial regrading the ACLU’s lawsuit against the city of Memphis over political surveillance of protesters by police ended Thursday

The testimony of three witnesses wrapped up the proceedings that began Monday, Aug. 20.

4. Urban Meyer Showed His Low Standards and It’s Not Exactly a Surprise - Monday, August 27, 2018

In the wake of the Urban Meyer – what shall we call it? – circus, fiasco, scandal, clichéd business as usual at a big-time football factory – there were a couple of interesting takes.

5. Testimony on Parameters of Police Surveillance Ends - Monday, August 27, 2018

After four days and more than a dozen witnesses, the federal trial regrading the ACLU’s lawsuit against the city of Memphis over political surveillance of protesters by police ended Thursday, Aug. 23.

6. Testimony Ends in Federal Case Questioning Memphis Police Surveillance Tactics - Thursday, August 23, 2018

After four days, the federal trial where the ACLU sued the city of Memphis over political surveillance of activists, ended Thursday, leaving the decision in the hands of U.S. District Judge Jon McCalla.

7. Last Word: Day Two in Federal Court, Cohen on Manafort and Saturation Concerns - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings on the witness stand Tuesday in Memphis Federal Court for day two of the trial on police surveillance of protesters.

And Rallings testified that he had only a “vague” knowledge of the 1978 federal consent decree banning such surveillance prior to the lawsuit filed in 2017 by protesters put on the City Hall security list. As a supervisor at the police training academy, Rallings also testified that the rules set by the decree to prevent political surveillance of protesters were not taught to police officers to his knowledge.

8. MPD Officer Unmasked as 'Bob Smith' in Federal Hearing - Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Memphis police Sgt. Tim Reynolds is “Bob Smith” – the fake Facebook persona the veteran officer used to befriend local protesters and monitor their activities.

9. Last Word: Bob Smith Talks, Crosstown Anniversary and Grant's Parking Lot - Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Bob Smith’s testimony was a good part of the first day of the nonjury trial that began Monday before Memphis Federal Court Judge Jon McCalla on police surveillance of protesters. Smith was the alias used by Police Sgt. Tim Reynolds – Reynolds acknowledged during his testimony Monday Downtown. The identity was also used by several other officers.

10. Democrats Pick 'firsts,' GOP Goes for Trump Fave in Primaries - Thursday, August 16, 2018

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — In a night of firsts, Democrats in Vermont's primary chose the nation's first transgender gubernatorial nominee. In Minnesota, they picked a woman who would be the first Somali-American member of Congress. Connecticut Democrats nominated a candidate who could become the first black woman from the state to serve in Congress.

11. McCalla Says City Violated Consent Decree on Political Surveillance of Protesters - Saturday, August 11, 2018

U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla ruled Friday, Aug. 10, that Memphis Police gathered political intelligence on protesters over the last two years in violation of a 1978 federal court consent decree. And if the plaintiffs in the 2017 lawsuit against the city can establish their standing in court next week, McCalla said he is prepared to declare the city in contempt of the consent decree and impose sanctions.

12. Police Documents Show Protest Spreadsheet and Fear of 'Radicals' - Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Memphis Police brass kept a spread sheet over the past two years on whether a protest received a city permit – was “lawful” or “unlawful” – while continuing to collect information on some of the protesters from public social media.

13. Survivors Recount Deadly Missouri Duck Boat Sinking - Monday, July 23, 2018

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) — "Grab the baby!"

Those were the last words Tia Coleman recalls her sister-in-law yelling before the tourist boat they were on sank into a Missouri lake, killing 17 people, including nine of Coleman's family members.

14. Grizz Rookie Jevon Carter Promises to be Everything Wade Baldwin Was Not - Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Two years ago, the Memphis Grizzlies used the 17th overall pick in the NBA Draft on Vanderbilt guard Wade Baldwin. It was considered a bold move. An offensive talent, yes, but also known to be less than coachable and team-oriented. But Baldwin showed offensive flashes in the preseason. There was a period of time when everyone from point guard Mike Conley to power forward Zach Randolph was openly saying Baldwin had some Russell Westbrook-like tendencies. They meant it only in a good way.

15. Next Inning for Jason Motte? Teaching Players at U of M - Friday, June 22, 2018

With former St. Louis Cardinals closer Jason Motte joining the University of Memphis baseball program as director of player development, a review is in order.

If you’re a student of Cardinals World Series history, you probably remember the highlights of their victory over the Texas Rangers in 2011. Down three games to two in Game 6 at Busch Stadium, David Freese provided the heroics with a two-out, two-run triple in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the score at 7-7 and rescue the Cardinals.

16. EMS Ready To Double Footprint In Bartlett - Friday, June 1, 2018

After holding on to an adjacent parcel of land for more than a decade next to its facility in Bartlett, medical device manufacturer Engineered Medical Systems LLC is gearing up for a major expansion of its facility. The company is investing $10.5 million in a move that will create 40 new jobs.

17. NFL Takes on Anthem Protesters - Friday, May 25, 2018

ATLANTA (AP) – Stand or stay out of sight.

Looking to quell a national debate that was sparked by Colin Kaepernick, stoked by President Trump and some say chipped away at the very popularity of America's game, NFL owners approved a new policy Wednesday that allows players to protest during the national anthem by staying in the locker room but forbids them from sitting or taking a knee if they're on the field.

18. Medical Device Maker Investing $10.5M in Bartlett Expansion - Friday, May 18, 2018

A Bartlett-based medical device manufacturer is expanding with a $10.5 million investment that will create 40 jobs.

Engineered Medical Systems LLC plans to add 57,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space to its existing 47,500-square-foot facility at 3325 Appling Road, where it makes surgical instruments, implants and other specialty medical devices.

19. Last Word: Veto Override Drama, Iran Reaction & Rise of the Rest Meets Soundways - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Shelby County Commissioners have a busy committee day Wednesday with a budget presentation – county mayor Mark Luttrell’s final one as the county’s chief executive, more discussions about the Graceland plan and a veto override.

20. Last Word: Reading Early Voting Tea Leaves, Corker Qualifies and New Carrot - Monday, April 23, 2018

This should be the week that the Tennessee Legislature adjourns and state Senators and state Representatives return to their districts to begin campaigning in earnest for the August primaries and the November general election beyond that. The only hold-up to adjournment this week would be any more tremors surrounding education policy, specifically the TNReady test debacle of last week.

21. Last Word: Pera's Move, The Catechism of 1968 and Whitehaven's ER - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

A day ahead of the last game of the season for the Grizz on the road, the team’s majority owner, Robert Pera, acted Monday to clear up questions about the ownership of the team going forward. Pera emailed season ticket holders Monday evening that he will not be exercising a buy-sell agreement with his partners who have minority shares of the franchise.

22. Three Incumbents Unopposed at August Primary Ballot Deadline - Monday, April 9, 2018

Three incumbent Democratic state House members in the Shelby County delegation to the Tennessee Legislature were effectively re-elected Thursday, April 5, at the noon deadline for candidates in the Aug. 2 state and federal primaries to file their qualifying petitions.

23. Three Incumbents Unopposed at August Primary Ballot Filing Deadline - Friday, April 6, 2018

Three incumbent Democratic state House members in the Shelby County delegation to the Tennessee Legislature were effectively re-elected Thursday, April 5, at the noon deadline for candidates in the Aug. 2 state and federal primaries to file their qualifying petitions.

24. Last Word: Moot Points in Orlando, EDGE Responds and A Mayoral Forum - Friday, March 9, 2018

The Tigers basketball post season continues to a Friday game with Tulsa the day after the Tigers beat South Florida 79-77 in the AAC tournament in Orlando. But all of this seems to have been rendered a moot point by the all-but-official exit of coach Tubby Smith with Penny Hardaway, and probably much if not all of his staff, waiting in the wings.

25. Digest - Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Memphis Grizzlies Suffer 15th Consecutive Loss

The Grizzlies lost their 15th straight game, 119-110 at Chicago, on Wednesday, March 7.

The team has not won since defeating the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on Jan. 29.

26. Last Word: Corporate Moves, Hardaway on Strickland and Corker Is Out Again - Wednesday, February 28, 2018

It’s that time when corporate leaders go to their conference rooms – the ones with the Simon-looking conference call orb, with the colored lights taken out, in the center of the table. The attorneys sit next to the CEO to make sure he or she reads the prepared remarks carefully vetted by them and grow concerned as the time for questions nears. The figurative waters of the safe harbor are placid with all statements and forecasts of possible future action having their news hooks filed off by the legalese disclaimer.

27. Last Word: City Hall Fallout, 8Ball on Room 306 and Clark Tower Update - Tuesday, February 27, 2018

A group of students at Maxine Smith STEAM Academy at the Fairgrounds started the school week Monday with a gathering in a circle outside the art deco school building at Central and East Parkway in a student-led memorial for the students killed in Parkland, Florida almost two weeks ago. There was a moment of silence followed by reading the names of the 17 students who died in the massacre.

28. Last Word: Corker at Lincoln Day, Pre K Trouble and Rye at the Orpheum - Monday, February 26, 2018

The National Weather Service was out Sunday surveying damage from storm damage Saturday evening in eight areas of northwest Tennessee and northeast Arkansas as those communities began recovering from the damage of what appears to be at least one tornado. The areas hit are: Trenton, Tennessee; Weakley County northeast of Martin; Madison County, 5 miles northeast of Jackson; Dresden to northeast of Paris; the Union City and South Fulton areas; and Clay County, Arkansas into the Missouri bootheel.

29. Last Word: Patio Test, St. Jude's Edge and Bredesen Runs For the Center - Tuesday, February 20, 2018

All across the city Monday afternoon into the evening, the city was tested just about a month away from spring by the calendar. And I am happy to report that the dry run for the patio season proved Memphis is vigilant and prepared. The test, in extreme temperatures that reached 77 degrees – breaking the record of 76 degrees set in 1986, prompted some of you to break out the running gear and give it a spin just before the early sunset. Others among you were spotted on patios pondering what ever became of Mr. Mister and Glass Tiger.

30. Dunavant Awards Will Feature Hardy As Keynote - Friday, January 26, 2018

As a lifelong Memphian and successful entrepreneur, Carolyn Hardy is all about finding new ways to grow the city.

31. State Voters Have More to Fear Than Russian Meddling - Thursday, January 25, 2018

About 30 years ago, my wife and I were hanging out with another couple and decided to make a big night of it. We’d go out for Mexican food and then rent a movie.

After we had some Mexican grub, we went to Kroger to find a flick. As we perused the selections, my friend said, “What about a Russian spy movie?” To which his girlfriend (future wife, now ex-wife) whined, “John, you know I don’t speak Russian.” (His name is changed to protect the innocent.)

32. Nomination Deadline For Dunavant Awards Feb. 1 - Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Memphis is lucky to have an abundance of residents with a passion for public service and it is time once again to honor their commitment to improving this community.

Each year the Rotary Club of Memphis East recognizes the importance of public service by hosting the Dunavant Public Servant Awards.

33. Dunavant Awards Spotlight Public Servants - Friday, January 12, 2018

Being a public servant often is thankless job, but each year the Rotary Club of Memphis East recognizes the importance of public service to the community by hosting the Dunavant Public Servant Awards.

34. Final Goodbye: Roll Call of Some Who Died in 2017 - Monday, January 1, 2018

They made music that inspired legions of fans. Rock 'n' roll founding fathers Chuck Berry and Fats Domino, rockers Tom Petty and Gregg Allman, grunge icon Chris Cornell, country superstar Glen Campbell and jazz great Al Jarreau were among the notable figures who died in 2017, leaving a void in virtually every genre of music.

35. His Way: Tubby Smith Figured Out Who He Was Long Ago and He’s Not Changing - Friday, December 29, 2017

When his visitor was about to leave, Orlando Tubby Smith had one more story. About a time his father had given him an assignment on the family farm in Maryland. 

Tubby was one of 17 children. He had older siblings and younger siblings. He also, at age 12 or 13, already had a sense for what it was to lead and manage.

36. Last Word: Bredesen's Return, Ford's Exit and Otis Redding 50 Years On - Friday, December 8, 2017

Former Tennessee Gov. and Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen formally entered the 2018 race for the U.S. Senate Thursday via a YouTube video. AP on Bredesen’s entry and his background. Republican partisans are already assuming Bredesen is the Democratic nominee and Democratic partisans are already assuming U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn is the Republican nominee. And the expectation of such a match up automatically went on the list of midterm races that those on both sides and pundits inbetween will be watching to get a read on national trends.

37. Last Word: Veto Override, Vince Carter on Fizdale and Corker on Tax Reform - Thursday, November 30, 2017

Signs of life at the old Kroger store on Exeter in Germantown. The new developers for a project that was supposed to be a Trader Joe’s have pulled a $90,000 building permit to remove the façade of the building. But no word on who the new tenant may be and some interesting remarks about recruiting tenants in general who won’t have as many trucks making deliveries in a retail center that borders a residential area.

38. Last Word: 'Seismic Shift,' Mason Village and Running A Store From A Cloud - Thursday, October 12, 2017

It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to drive through the old town part of Cordova near its one-time train station and see the potential. Now word of a new restaurant opening later this month in what is known as Farley House. The old town is an interesting mix of new development and old development including an iconic country Baptist church that not too long ago turned 100 years old. And then there is the trail head for the Shelby Farms Greenline that runs near the train station.

39. Last Word: The Corker Tweets, Market Stabilization and The Rise of the Landshark - Monday, October 9, 2017

In the “That Didn’t Take Long” department, whatever diplomacy there was in the relationship between President Donald Trump and U.S. Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee vanished over the weekend – vanished in the course of several tweets starting with one from Trump claiming he refused an endorsement of Corker in a re-election bid next year and that resulted in Corker’s decision not to seek re-election. He claims Corker “begged” for his endorsement. “Said he could not win without my endorsement,” Trump added. “He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said, ‘NO THANKS.’ He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal.”

40. Trump Nominates 4 for TVA Board - Friday, September 22, 2017

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – President Donald Trump will nominate people from four states to serve on the nine-member board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the White House said Thursday.

41. Last Word: Juvenile Court Return, Berlin Boyd's Week and Tony Allen Thoughts - Friday, September 15, 2017

Two weeks ago Juvenile Court Judge Dan Michael was on Behind The Headlines in a half-hour conversation about the court and federal oversight that drew quite a bit of reaction to Michael’s strong opinions about the need to end that oversight. Even before that reaction we had planned to do a second part of the conversation with those who favor continued federal oversight of the court.

42. All Eyes on Shoop’s Defense Against Gators - Friday, September 15, 2017

Butch Jones will coach one of the biggest games of his Tennessee career against Florida on Saturday.

It’s an even bigger game for UT defensive coordinator Bob Shoop.

Shoop was hired Jan. 9, 2016, from Penn State to fortify Tennessee’s defense, arriving with much hoopla and great expectations. So far, he has not delivered like he did at Penn State (2014-15) and Vanderbilt (2011-13).

43. Breather for Vols Before Traveling to Florida - Friday, September 8, 2017

Get ready for another thrill ride, Tennessee fans. Your football team is at it again, just like last year.

Tennessee needed a comeback and overtime to beat Appalachian State in its 2016 season opener. The Vols needed comebacks to beat Virginia Tech and Florida and got a Hail Mary touchdown pass as time ran out to beat Georgia.

44. 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).

45. Last Word: More Intermodals, 20 Years After the Oilers In Memphis and New Path - Friday, July 28, 2017

The "skinny" repeal of Obamacare comes up short in the U.S. Senate in an after midnight Friday vote in D.C. And it appears U.S. Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee voted for the repeal measure that came up short. Here are the basics early Friday morning from The New York Times.

46. Last Word: Alexander and Corker Differ, Instant Runoff React and Kroger On Hold - Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Tennessee’s two U.S. Senators split their votes Tuesday in Washington on the vote that followed the vote to open debate on a repeal and replacement of Obamacare. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker both voted yes on the debate motion. But then Corker was one of the nine Republican Senate votes that killed the Obamacare replacement plan known as BCRA, while Alexander voted for it.

47. 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?

48. Vols Roster Gets Little Respect from SEC Media - Friday, July 21, 2017

It was no surprise last week when Tennessee’s football team was picked to finish third by the media in the East Division at 2017 SEC Media Days.

Almost every national publication is picking the Vols third in the East behind Georgia and Florida, although not necessarily in that order.

49. Last Word: Health Care Plan React, Treasury Footprint and Tom Bowen - Take Two - Friday, June 23, 2017

It’s like they aren’t even looking at the same legislation. That’s one explanation of the very different reviews the Senate health care bill got Thursday as it was unveiled in Washington. Illustrating the contrast, the reactions of Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis.

50. Last Word: Grade Tampering, The Tom Lee Storm and Fred's Strategy - Wednesday, June 7, 2017

There are indications that allegations of grade-tampering at Shelby County Schools are not going to recede as rapidly as they did late last year when the allegations first came up. The first indication was word late last week that the state department of education will audit the grade transcripts of all SCS high schools. But there are still some fuzzy points in that about whether that is a new move or whether it is something that has been underway since last year.

51. Last Word: Recovery Day 6, Trezevant Allegations Resurface and Memphis Is Hard - Friday, June 2, 2017

There is some debate about how the Memorial Day weekend storm compares to the Ice Storm of 1994 and Hurricane Elvis in 2003. A city public works supervisor who is a veteran of both earlier incidents weighed in this week as Mayor Jim Strickland stopped by Collins Yard to rally the city’s troops in the recovery effort. Rodney Wakefield also had a lot to say about what motivates city workers to tackle this hard work in a sweltering spring and do it as quickly and as safely as possible.

52. Last Word: BSMF, Budget Books and Milli Vanilli - Monday, May 8, 2017

Three days of sun and mild temperatures for the Beale Street Music Festival. Not to be all “Dawn Lazarus” about the weather. Of course, it wasn’t just that way over Tom Lee Park. And many of us continue to find there is life outside after you have determined your festival days may be behind you. We were all over the place this weekend including Tom Lee Park and Shelby Farms Park and backyards and trails and on a rising river. Can you still claim you were at BSMF if you were within earshot of it?

53. Last Word: The Day After, $21.9M More for SCS and First Tennessee Overdrafts - Friday, April 21, 2017

Take That For Data, Indeed. The Grizz crack the century mark over the Spurs 105-94 in a motivated Game 3 of the playoff series before a loud and proud Forum. Game 4 is Saturday on Beale. Meanwhile, Markel Crawford chooses. He will be leaving the Tigers basketball program for Ole Miss.

54. Who Will Grab the Spotlight in Vols' Spring Game? - Friday, April 21, 2017

Tennessee completes its fifth spring practice under head coach Butch Jones on Saturday, April 22, at 4 p.m. with the DISH Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium.

It’s merely the beginning as the Vols prepare for the 2017 season.

55. Corker To Keynote Dunavant Awards - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker will be the keynote speaker at the Rotary Club of Memphis East’s annual Dunavant Public Servant Awards.

Co-sponsored by The Daily News, the awards luncheon is 11:30 a.m., April 18, at the Memphis Hilton, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd.

56. Vols Need a Good Spring With So Many No. 1 Players Gone - Friday, March 17, 2017

Butch Jones is about to embark on his most crucial of five seasons as Tennessee’s football coach, and it begins with spring practices starting Tuesday, March 21.

Jones is coming off back-to-back 9-4 seasons capped by bowl wins, but has fallen short of the SEC East Division title both years. He was the preseason favorite to win the East in 2016, and the previous year had a team with potential to win the division.

57. Last Word: 'Sun Records,' Ole Miss's Lack of Control and Haslam in 2018 - Friday, February 24, 2017

I am not going to be one of those people who at this late date in the history of television dramas based on real people points out every departure from reality. The first episode of the CMT television series “Sun Records” Thursday was a scene-setter and introduction of sorts to an ensemble cast with plenty of opportunities to name that place in Memphis. That usually means a pretty complex story line to come and there are more than enough memorable characters in the story of Sun.

58. Arkansas Committee Approves Bill Requiring Use of American-Based Laws - Friday, February 3, 2017

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – An Arkansas House committee has approved a bill that would re-quire state judges to use American-based laws when deciding cases, rejecting concerns the legis-lation might be unconstitutional and complaints that it targets Muslims.

59. Riding Momentum - Saturday, December 31, 2016

Around this time each year, everyone tends to start fetishizing the blank slate a bit, with its attendant allure of reinvention and that sweeping away of the old order to make way for what comes next.

60. What Lies Ahead for UT Athletics in 2017 - Friday, December 30, 2016

Hey Vols fans, Happy New Year. May your 2017 year in Tennessee sports be better than your 2016 year in Tennessee sports. Perhaps, a fresh start is what we all need. Let’s face it. The Music City Bowl wasn’t where Tennessee wanted the 2016 football season to end. The Vols were picked to win the SEC East Division in preseason and floundered to an 8-4 record in the regular season, 4-4 in the SEC. Their football season was about the norm for most UT sports in 2016: average. Here are some dates to mark in hope of better things ahead in 2017...

61. New Coaches Highlight Past Year in Memphis Sports - Thursday, December 29, 2016

As always, you can categorize the sports year by the wins and losses. By the Grizzlies making a sixth straight playoff appearance and by the University of Memphis football team going to a third consecutive bowl game. And by the Big 12 eliminating U of M from the expansion process before the league ditched the idea altogether.

62. FedExFamilyHouse Eyes $12M Expansion - Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital-owned home away from home for families of patients being treated at the hospital is about to get a lot bigger.

The FedExFamilyHouse at 918 Poplar Ave. has launched a fundraising campaign to pay for the planned $12 million cost of expanding the facility. By the time that expansion is finished in 2018, the space will have tripled in size and will be better able to keep pace, officials say, with the growth in specialty care at Le Bonheur that’s helped draw more patients – and families who need a place to stay.

63. As Big 12 Stands Pat, AAC Looks To Grow Brand - Friday, October 21, 2016

It wasn’t difficult to figure out why the Big 12 – or the Confused 10, if you prefer – started down the road of exploring expansion.

It turned out to be a road to nowhere – a twisting, turning road with many stops to ask for directions – and finally the league announced on Monday, Oct. 17, that it would, in fact, not expand.

64. Game-Changer - Saturday, August 6, 2016

So as it turns out, the FedEx St. Jude Classic in June was a missed opportunity. No one in the gallery shouted, “University of Memphis – Big 12!” The tournament’s “Hush Y’all” signs were obeyed and to no good end.

65. Would You Work for Free? - Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Last week, I had the good fortune to attend a work conference in Chicago. It wasn’t your average work conference though. Attendees wanted to be there. In fact, their companies didn’t pay for them to go. Attendees paid their own way. And they went to all of the workshops offered – even at the end, when everyone was tired.

66. Last Word: Verdell Smith and Lifeline, Strickland's First 5 Months and Tennessine - Thursday, June 9, 2016

Lots of blue lights in Cordova Thursday evening as the Memphis Police Department remembers Officer Verdell Smith, who died in Saturday’s Downtown rampage in the line of duty. His funeral is Friday.

67. State Systems Acquires Columbia Fire Equipment - Saturday, March 5, 2016

Memphis-based State Systems Inc. has acquired Columbia Fire Equipment, a fire safety company that provides extinguishers, alarms and suppression systems in Columbia, Tenn. It is the third acquisition for State Systems in less than a year.

68. Last Word: Hedgepeth Speaks, Josh Pastner's Future and Big Box Liquor - Friday, March 4, 2016

Where else is there to begin but the Greensward controversy.
And we start with an email from Memphis City Council member Reid Hedgepeth in what is rapidly becoming a Last Word tradition and institution – the email in full.

69. State Systems Acquires Columbia Fire Equipment - Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Memphis-based State Systems Inc. has acquired Columbia Fire Equipment, a fire safety company that provides extinguishers, alarms and suppression systems in Columbia, Tenn. It is the third acquisition for State Systems in less than a year.

70. Last Word: Legislature's Return, Uber Pilot, Minivan Comeback and Bowie's Exit - Tuesday, January 12, 2016

The gavel falls in Nashville.
The Tennessee legislature is back in session Tuesday. This is an election year session for the legislature. So it will be short – likely an early April adjournment. But that doesn’t mean the session is without expectations from outside Nashville.

71. North Texas Could Never Upset the Vols, Right? - Saturday, November 14, 2015

No way Tennessee’s football team can lose Saturday’s homecoming game against North Texas, one of the worst teams in college football.

Right?

Tennessee (5-4) was a 40.5-point favorite early in the week coming off a 27-24 victory over South Carolina last Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

72. Wrigley No-No? You Had To Be There. - Friday, July 31, 2015

This is a story about a no-hitter. But even more, a story about being an eye witness.

Last Saturday, while my family and I were on vacation in Chicago, we were at Wrigley Field when then-Philadelphia Phillies lefthander Cole Hamels no-hit the Cubs.

73. Nine to be Inducted Into Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame - Tuesday, July 28, 2015

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — Former Associated Press executive Kent Flanagan is among nine people being inducted posthumously into the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame Aug. 11 in Murfreesboro.

Flanagan spent more than 40 years in journalism, including 21 years as Tennessee chief of bureau for the AP. He died in February after a long illness.

74. Tennessee Lawmaker Calls for Maker of New State Logo to Give Refund - Tuesday, July 7, 2015

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A state lawmaker is calling for a refund of all but $10,000 of the $46,000 paid for development of a new Tennessee state logo, saying the company that developed it was "substantially over-compensated."

75. More Giving - Thursday, May 28, 2015

The most dedicated donors to the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis give with their hearts and their minds, striking a balance between real-time needs and the financial realities of any given moment.

76. 'Symphony in Rose Garden' May 17 in Collierville - Wednesday, May 6, 2015

The Collierville Arts Council is once again staging the annual fundraiser, “Symphony in the Rose Garden,” Sunday, May 17.

The annual event will be held on the three-acre estate home of Bob and Mary Jean Smith. The historic home is located at 156 West Poplar Ave., just off the historic town square, and features a garden filled with more than 1,000 roses.

77. Ford Jr. to Headline Dunavant Award Event - Friday, January 23, 2015

Former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. will be the keynote speaker for the March 25 Dunavant Public Servants Awards luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Memphis East.

The awards, now in their 12th year, honor one elected official and one non-elected public official within Shelby County who demonstrate the qualities and characteristics of longtime Probate Court Clerk Bobby Dunavant.

78. Millennial Challenge: Do I Rent or Do I Own? - Saturday, January 17, 2015

Mike Smalling is a mortgage loan originator with F&M Mortgage and is a lifer in mortgage lending. He recently penned a book entitled “Your Mortgage Matters,” and the work provides information for those new to home buying, as well as those that have bought and sold numerous homes.

79. Tennessee Joins Multistate Lawsuit Over Immigration - Tuesday, December 23, 2014

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee is joining a multistate lawsuit seeking to halt President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration, state Attorney General Herbert Slatery announced Monday.

80. Stars Flock to Music City’s Ernest Tubb Record Shop - Saturday, December 13, 2014

When Bob Dylan drops by, he generally goes right for “a handful” of Hank and Carter Family recordings, although on one Lower Broadway afternoon the old man from the North Country also is reported to have purchased a “Larry the Cable Guy” DVD.

81. May We Remember - Friday, October 31, 2014

MAY WE NOTE LEST WE FORGET. The day after Benjamin Crowninshield Bradlee died last week, I told my audience that I was going to open my remarks with a question, and I knew I was going to be depressed by the answer.

82. Frayser Battleground for Achievement Schools - Friday, October 31, 2014

After two years of being confronted with bad student achievement data, teachers at schools on the Achievement School District’s list for a takeover are confronting the ASD and charter organizations with data from the first two years of the state-run district.

83. Vols: Looks Like 6-6 Season - Saturday, August 23, 2014

Pull out your 2014 schedules, UT fans.

Fall camp is done, and it’s time to get in game-week mode with the season opener against Utah State fast approaching.

So go to the little box next to each of UT’s opponents on the 2014 schedule and pick the winner.

84. FedEx Founder Highlights Economic Club Fall Slate - Thursday, July 31, 2014

FedEx founder Fred Smith will make a rare public speaking appearance in Memphis Nov. 6, as part of the fall 2014 lineup of speakers planned for the Economic Club of Memphis.

85. UAW: 'Consensus' Reached With Volkswagen on Union - Friday, July 11, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – United Auto Workers leaders said Thursday they have reached a "consensus" with Volkswagen and expect the German automaker to recognize the union if they sign up enough workers at a new local for the company's assembly plant in Tennessee.

86. State Systems Prides Itself on Protecting Customers - Monday, June 9, 2014

In 1986, the father-and-son team of Robert and Bob McBride bought a fledgling small business called State Systems.

87. Events - Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Downtown Memphis Commission board will meet Thursday, Dec. 19, at noon in the commission conference room, 114 N. Main St. Visit downtownmemphiscommission.com.

88. For Jobless Over 50, A Challenging Search for Work - Wednesday, October 23, 2013

EDITOR'S NOTE: Aging America is a joint AP-APME project examining the aging of the baby boomers and the effect this so-called silver tsunami is having on society.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — When Charlie Worboys lost his job, he feared searching for a new one at his age might be tough. Six years later, at 65, he's still looking.

89. Contested Judicial Elections Spark Debate - Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Memphis attorneys John Ryder and Gary Smith both think it is a bad idea to have contested elections for state appeals court judges.

90. Mock Development Pitches Presented to Investors - Thursday, September 26, 2013

At first glance, the four sharks seemed pretty intimidating.

They sat in a row and watched the men in front of them with interest, weighing their options, considering their plans of action.

Then one of them cracked a joke and took a long pull out of a bottle of Bud Light and the mood lightened considerably.

91. Turner Asks for Haslam Correspondence With Volkswagen - Friday, September 13, 2013

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) – A Democratic leader in the House says he has asked for correspondence between Gov. Bill Haslam and Volkswagen.

Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that he's "concerned" about Haslam "possibly interfering with (Volkswagen's) internal decisions."

92. Mean Streets - Saturday, August 31, 2013

Alabama’s Nick Saban can walk anywhere he wants in the Southeastern Conference – college football’s roughest neighborhood – and no one can lay a finger on him.

His teams have won the national championship in three of the last four years. Overall, SEC teams have won the title seven consecutive years and the league is a dream destination for head coaches – until it turns into a grinding, weekly nightmare.

93. Neal Joins Madison Line Records as Chief Operating Officer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Antonio Neal has joined Madison Line Records, the record label affiliated with Visible Music College, as chief operating officer. Neal – a four-time Gospel Music Association Dove Award winner who has also been nominated for a Grammy Award and four Stellar Gospel Music Awards – will oversee marketing, publishing and day-to-day operations at the label.

94. Senate Votes to Block Access to Gun Carry Records - Thursday, April 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Before last year's elections, the Senate Republican Caucus obtained a copy of the entire database of handgun carry permit holders in Tennessee. On Wednesday, the GOP-controlled chamber voted to block public access to those records.

95. Administration Advances Brown for TVA Board - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The Obama administration has angered Tennessee’s U.S. senators by again nominating energy-efficiency expert Marilyn Brown for a full term on the Tennessee Valley Authority board.

96. Gammon Joins Methodist in Business Development - Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Myra Gammon has joined Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare as a business development account manager for Community Care Associates. In her new role, Gammon is responsible for the development and management of the Occupational Health and Wellness Services program.

97. Easy Money - Monday, October 8, 2012

When the Federal Reserve announced a few weeks ago its newest – i.e., third – round of quantitative easing intended to once again try to juice a sluggish economy, an employee of FTN Financial couldn’t resist a metaphor for the Fed’s open-ended commitment.

98. Cohen Talks About Opponents, Schools, Race and His Political Past - Monday, July 23, 2012

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen is running for a fourth term in Congress starting with the Aug. 2 primary, in which he is being challenged by countywide school board member Tomeka Hart.

99. Weather Alerts Coming Soon to Smartphone Near You - Friday, June 29, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Attorney Bob Burns already gets a lot of information from his smartphone, but he welcomes the prospect of getting a little more – free warnings about life-threatening weather from a sophisticated new government system.

100. Hotel Company Sues Government Over Tenn. Flooding - Wednesday, May 2, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Gaylord Entertainment Co. filed a lawsuit Monday accusing the National Weather Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of negligence that heavily damaged its luxury hotel in Nashville and the famous Grand Ole Opry House during flooding in 2010.