WASHINGTON (AP) — Increasingly convinced that the West Wing is wholly unprepared to handle the expected assault from Democrats if they win the House in November, President Donald Trump's aides and allies are privately raising alarm as his circle of legal and communications advisers continues to shrink.

2. Firestone Fallout - Saturday, August 18, 2018

The red letters grow fainter as the years pass in North Memphis. The Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. plant’s smokestack, once a symbol of the industrial base that defined North Memphis, has become a different kind of symbol in the 35 years since the tire plant closed.

3. Last Word: MIM Numbers, Feeding 700 Teenagers and Elvis Week Arrives - Friday, August 10, 2018

The honored country tradition of the Memphis In May International Festival is one of those things that gets called into question whenever there is some thought about changes to the city’s biggest party. And the keepers of the festival’s flame always defend the tradition against the notion that they should just go straight to the party and not worry about anything profound.

4. FedEx to be Jersey Sponsor for Grizzlies; Conley working toward season opening return - Friday, August 3, 2018

FedEx is the Memphis Grizzlies’ first-ever jersey sponsor, and the the local company's logo will be integrated into the team’s three newly designed Nike uniforms.

Additionally, the Grizzlies in a special event Thursday night at FedExForum, introduced a refreshed logo, icon and word mark as a part of a reimagined “brand identity” and announced a new design for the court at FedExForum.

5. FedEx Becomes Jersey Sponsor for Grizzlies - Friday, August 3, 2018

FedEx Corp. is the Memphis Grizzlies’ first-ever jersey sponsor and the local delivery company's logo will be integrated into the team’s three newly designed Nike uniforms. Additionally, the Grizzlies in a special event Thursday night at FedExForum, introduced a refreshed logo, icon and word-mark as a part of a reimagined “brand identity” and announced a new design for the court at FedExForum.

6. David Todd moves from The Green Beetle to Become Chef at Interim - Thursday, August 2, 2018

There are big changes in store for Interim, the East Memphis restaurant where the constant has been change in its 12 years. Part-owner and acting executive chef Nick Scott is out and ownership remains with his former partners Tony Westmoreland, along with Brittany and Ed Cabigao, the couple who own SOB and Zaka Bowl.

7. Interning at an Innovation and Strategy Firm - Tuesday, July 31, 2018

The Southern Growth Studio has ongoing internships programs with Rhodes College, Christian Brothers University, the University of Memphis Department of Anthropology, as well as the Temple Israel Fellowship program. This summer, my son, David Graber, also served as an intern. This is his story.

8. Memphis Sports Hall of Fame Will Be One-of-a-Kind - Friday, July 27, 2018

To get an idea of what the future Memphis Sports Hall of Fame might look like, you can travel Interstate 40, stop in at Bridgestone Arena on Broadway in downtown Nashville, and see the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. But you can also go just around the corner, to 421 S. Main St., and visit the Blues Hall of Fame.

9. Arkansas Casino Supporters Given More Time to Get Signatures - Friday, July 27, 2018

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Supporters of a proposal to legalize casinos in Arkansas have been given 30 more days to circulate petitions after falling short of the signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot.

10. Farmers Prefer Trump Do Trade Deals Than Hand Them Cash - Thursday, July 26, 2018

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Many farmers remain critical of President Donald Trump's tariffs and the damage done to commodity prices and markets but were appreciative Tuesday that he offered to provide some cash to help offset their losses.

11. Arkansas Governor Accepts Party's Nomination for Re-election - Monday, July 23, 2018

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has formally accepted the state Republican Party's nomination for governor, seeking re-election to a second term.

Hutchinson accepted the nomination at the state Republican Party's convention Saturday in Little Rock. In a statement Hutchinson vowed to further lower income taxes, "transform state government" and raise starting teacher pay to one of the highest rates in the region.

12. In Face of 6-26 SEC Record Over Four Years, Vanderbilt's Mason Believes Team on Brink of a Breakthrough - Monday, July 23, 2018

The question was natural, maybe even innocent. During Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason’s appearance at SEC Media Days in Atlanta last week, he was asked about going on the road to play Notre Dame early in the season, the challenge it would pose.

13. After the Injury - Friday, July 20, 2018

ATLANTA – Early in last season’s Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving night, Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald made a short run to his left, got hit, and crumpled to the Scott Field turf. His right ankle had been dislocated and his foot had been spun around as though on a swivel.

14. Prime Time: A Day of Deals at Amazon, and at its Rivals - Tuesday, July 17, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – Amazon's annual "Prime Day" promotion that starts Monday will focus on new products, bringing Whole Foods into the process and persuading subscribers that Prime membership is worth the coming price hike.

15. Former Redbird Jacob Wilson Makes Appearance in Triple-A All-Star Game - Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Jacob Wilson could be forgiven for doing something a bit out of the ordinary this past weekend. Like stepping to the plate encased in bubble wrap, or every piece of body armor in his dugout, or maybe a suit of medieval armor.

16. Already Exceeding Expectations: Explore Bike Share on a Roll - Saturday, July 7, 2018

As an afternoon sun slides toward the horizon, Rajah Brown and Jon Pegg pull up in a 17-foot U-Haul truck, jump out and head for the row of 14 shiny bicycles along South Main Street.

Sweat dampens their brows, but Memphis nightlife is a couple hours from heating up. There’s time to take a few bicycles over to the empty station at Loflin Yard after some onsite upkeep.

17. Taking Flight - Saturday, June 30, 2018

In the past 20 years, there has been little to no new multifamily housing growth in Memphis outside of Downtown and Midtown. 

So around this time last year, the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County, at the behest of both mayors, introduced a tax incentive designed to encourage a new wave of multifamily development with the hopes of growing Memphis’ stagnant population. 

18. McCormick: No Evidence of Any Scandal - Thursday, June 28, 2018

Mercurial Republican Rep. Gerald McCormick went from kicking ass to kicking back. Only three days after saying his now-former Democratic opponent, David Jones, would realize how little he has in common with District 26 in Chattanooga “when he gets his ass beat in November,” McCormick abruptly announced he would not seek re-election this year and would be leaving the House effective Oct. 1.

19. Redbirds Rolling Toward Another Playoff Berth - Tuesday, June 26, 2018

The only potential negative to having the special season the Memphis Redbirds did in 2017 when they won 91 regular season games and were Pacific Coast League champions? All that success has the potential to morph into quiet satisfaction, which eventually can devolve into ease and comfort.

20. Morris' Secret Helped Pass Civil Rights Cold Case Laws - Friday, June 15, 2018

Charlie Morris was known for decades as a political operative who defined a brand of grassroots-style campaigning and political involvement in North Memphis. He and his late wife, Alma, operating out of a barber shop in a Quonset hut off Chelsea Avenue, endorsed candidates and worked for them at the polls – going door-to-door in their neighborhood in what was the most basic kind of political organizing.

21. June 15-21, 2018: This week in Memphis history - Saturday, June 16, 2018

1971: Fred Smith incorporates in Delaware a company he calls Federal Express Corp.

Source: “Absolutely Positively Overnight” by Robert A. Sigafoos

22. Hilton Canopy Hotel, Museum Lofts Receive Tax Incentives - Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Rhode Island-based Magna Hospitality Group, doing business as MHF Memphis VI LLC, has been granted a 15-year tax incentive to build a $43 million four-star hotel on the site of the former Benchmark Hotel at 164 Union Ave.

23. Dustin Johnson Heads FESJC Field - Wednesday, June 6, 2018

The last FedEx St. Jude Classic will not be without star power. In the tournament’s final year under the current format before converting to the World Golf Championships - FedEx St. Jude Invitational in 2019, the field will feature World No. 2 Dustin Johnson, No. 9 Brooks Koepka and No. 15 Henrik Stenson (rankings through June 3).

24. County Commission Asked to Fill SCS Budget Gap - Thursday, May 31, 2018

With the Shelby County Schools system’s $1 billion budget delivered to Shelby County commissioners Wednesday, May 30, county government’s consolidated budget started to come into focus.

25. MIFA Marks 50 Years of Interfaith Activism - Tuesday, May 29, 2018

When a group of Memphis religious leaders marched from St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral to City Hall the day after Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination in 1968, they were in the middle of a pivotal year for an ecumenical movement whose impact is still being felt.

26. Expansion Golden Knights Shine a Light on Hope - Friday, May 25, 2018

Las Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley had a plan. It was an ambitious plan, but not a crazy plan. His expansion NHL team would strive to make the playoffs in three years and capture the Stanley Cup in six.

27. Davos on the Delta Puts Memphis At Center of Agriculture World - Wednesday, May 16, 2018

The annual raucous Memphis in May Festival has arrived for its 41st year. And in its shadow is the much more sedate second annual Davos on the Delta conference at the nearby Peabody hotel, within earshot of the festival and olfactory stimulation of its sprawling barbecue competition.

28. Commission Races Feature Basar Upset, Lowery is Newest Commissioner - Thursday, May 3, 2018

The 13-member Shelby County Commission will have eight new faces when all of the votes are counted in the Aug. 2 county general election.

Five of the current incumbent commissioners are term-limited from seeking re-election this year and two other incumbents chose not to seek a second term.

29. Harris, Lenoir to Battle for County Mayor - Thursday, May 3, 2018

Republican David Lenoir and Democrat Lee Harris will meet in the Aug. 2 county general election to decide who will be the next Shelby County mayor. Lenoir and Harris won their respective primaries easily Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

30. Commission Races Feature Basar Upset - Wednesday, May 2, 2018

The Shelby County Commission will have eight new faces when all of the votes are counted in the Aug. 2 county general election.

Five of the current incumbent county commissioners are term-limited from seeking re-election this year and two other incumbents chose not to seek a second term on the 13-member body.

31. UK Lawmakers Call on Zuckerberg to Appear Before Them - Friday, April 27, 2018

LONDON (AP) – The U.K. parliament's media committee demanded Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg appear before the panel after lawmakers said the senior executive who testified Thursday failed to fully answer their questions about the data protection scandal that has engulfed the company.

32. Advance And Learn: Predators Prove Their Ability to Evolve - Friday, April 27, 2018

Every round of the NHL playoffs presents teams an opportunity to grow as they move forward.

A year ago, for instance, the Nashville Predators learned they could handle the league’s best by beating Chicago in Round 1, proved they could overcome St. Louis’ tight-checking system in Round 2 and discovered they could match Anaheim’s punishing style in Round 3.

33. Businesses Balance Facebook Privacy Concerns, Ad Needs - Thursday, April 26, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – Some small businesses that use Facebook ads to promote themselves and attract new customers are wrestling with whether they need to change strategy after the company's data-misuse scandal.

34. Early Vote in Shelby County Primaries Tops 20,000 So Far - Tuesday, April 24, 2018

More than 20,000 voters cast ballots early through Saturday, April 21, in advance of the May 1 election, more than half in the Democratic county primaries.

According to the Shelby County Election Commission numbers, 12,001 of the 20,717 early voters cast their ballots in the Democratic primaries and 8,716 voted early in the Republican primaries through the last weekend of the period.

35. Local, State and Federal Election Cycles Blend On Last Weekend of Early Voting - Monday, April 23, 2018

Candidates in the August and November elections were out on the last weekend of early voting in Shelby County in advance of the May 1 election day for county primaries.

The events were a mix of candidates from all three elections on the calendar in 2018.

36. Tractors Worth $50,000 Stolen From Scottie Pippen's Farm - Friday, April 20, 2018

HAMBURG, Ark. (AP) — Authorities in rural Arkansas are investigating the theft of more than $50,000 worth of equipment from a farm owned by former NBA star Scottie Pippen.

Investigator Mark Griever of the Ashley County Sheriff's Office says two tractors were stolen from the farm in Hamburg, about 110 miles (180 kilometers) southeast of Little Rock. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , Pippen's family is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

37. Bickerstaff the Grizzlies’ Best Option for Coach - Friday, April 20, 2018

Would keeping interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff be the easiest play for the Memphis Grizzlies? Absolutely.

Would keeping the 39-year-old assistant who was promoted after David Fizdale was fired amid a losing streak and conflict with star center Marc Gasol be the best budget move for the Grizzlies? Probably.

38. The Latest: Judge Defends Right to Oppose Death Penalty - Thursday, April 19, 2018

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Latest on an Arkansas judge participating in an anti-death penalty demonstration outside the governor's mansion (all times local):

12:35 p.m.

An Arkansas judge prohibited from hearing execution cases said he remains as committed to the law and his First Amendment right to express his "moral and religious" opposition to the death penalty as he was a year ago when he was disqualified for participating in an anti-capital punishment demonstration.

39. Sex Week Seems Tame Compared to Session Antics - Thursday, April 19, 2018

Why should UT Knoxville be limited to its annual Sex Week when Tennessee legislators are celebrating year-round?

Based on the scurrilous reports published in these parts over the last couple of years, state legislators are doing more than collecting per diems in Nashville, and there’s plenty of evidence to prove it.

40. Social Media Ad Disclosure Bill Fails in Tennessee - Wednesday, April 18, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee bill that would require the disclosure of who paid for political ads on social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook is likely dead for the year after failing to get enough votes in the House on Monday.

41. UT Board of Trustees Appointees Go Awry - Friday, April 13, 2018

NASHVILLE – One of Gov. Bill Haslam’s main legislative pushes ran afoul of a Legislature angry about everything from Sex Week at the University of Tennessee to the handling of the football coach hiring at the Knoxville campus.

42. UT Board of Trustees Appointees Go Awry - Friday, April 13, 2018

NASHVILLE – One of Gov. Bill Haslam’s main legislative pushes ran afoul of a Legislature angry about everything from Sex Week at the University of Tennessee to the handling of the football coach hiring at the Knoxville campus.

43. Luttrell Says County Pre-K Funding Source Likely to Differ From City’s - Friday, April 13, 2018

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell probably won’t follow the city’s blueprint for funding universal prekindergarten in Shelby County.

44. Ryan Bowing Out, Sending Ripples of Uncertainty Through GOP - Thursday, April 12, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Speaker Paul Ryan announced Wednesday he will retire rather than seek another term in Congress as the steady if reluctant wingman for President Donald Trump, sending ripples through a Washington already on edge and spreading new uncertainty through a party bracing for a rough election year.

45. Lots of Noise, But Few Results in Legislature - Thursday, April 12, 2018

Just when you think the Tennessee Legislature is going off the deep end, someone will throw them a bungee cord. Maybe a rope made out of hemp would work better because a bungee cord leaves people bouncing, never quite reeling them in.

46. Last Word: MLK50s Big Day, Hotel Changes and Murica on Capitol Hill - Thursday, April 5, 2018

The peak of the MLK50 events came Wednesday with a chill but some sunshine and lots to consider. Understand -- this isn’t over. There are still a few more events to go through the weekend and even into next week. If nothing else, a lot more Memphians and visitors got a good look at most of South Main in the best way possible – on foot. And if the Beale Street District ever expands east to Danny Thomas, the intersection there makes a really good place for a party.

47. Lawmakers See Conspiracy In UT Board Alterations - Thursday, April 5, 2018

It’s not that hard to light a fire under some state lawmakers, but the University of Tennessee FOCUS Act raised blood pressure considerably in the House of Representatives before barely passing with 51 votes.

48. Last Word: Mason Temple 50 Years Later, Medical Pot Dies in Nashville and Fire - Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Mason Temple still looks pretty much the same as it did in 1968 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came there to give what would be his last speech – the Mountaintop speech – the night before his assassination. Tuesday evening, 50 years to the day that King gave that speech, the Church of God In Christ sanctuary was awash and aglow in multi-colored lights as a capacity invitation-only crowd gathered to mark the occasion.

49. Prescription for Tragedy - Saturday, March 24, 2018

He has his own GPS, an internal shield that keeps him from driving anywhere near 637 Poplar Ave. Home to the Memphis morgue. That’s where they showed Jerry Davidson his 22-year-old son, Oliver, his eyes closed and his lips purple.

50. Parkinson to Introduce Bill Phasing Out State’s Achievement School District - Friday, March 23, 2018

NASHVILLE – Rep. Antonio Parkinson is set to make a push to remove Memphis schools from the state’s Achievement School District and dissolve the state district because of its failure to pull them out of Tennessee’s bottom 5 percent for performance.

51. Facebook Crisis-Management Lesson: What Not to Do - Thursday, March 22, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – The crisis-management playbook is pretty simple: Get ahead of the story, update authorities and the public regularly, assume responsibility and take decisive action. Crisis-management experts say Facebook is 0-for-4.

52. Dems Need Viable Candidates to Catch Blue Wave - Thursday, March 22, 2018

Republicans called it the “kickoff” to what they hope will be a great election season.

Democrats are downplaying a lopsided loss in the 14th Senate District special election, saying it won’t represent results later this year in President Donald Trump’s midterm.

53. Trump Opioid Plan Includes Death Penalty for Traffickers - Tuesday, March 20, 2018

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) – President Donald Trump's plan to combat opioid drug addiction calls for stiffer penalties for drug traffickers, including the death penalty where appropriate under current law, a top administration official said. It's a fate for drug dealers that Trump has been highlighting publicly in recent weeks.

54. Strickland Unveils Pre-K Funding Plan Without Tax Hike or Referendum - Saturday, March 17, 2018

The city has a plan to provide $6 million of the $16 million needed to fully fund prekindergarten in Memphis for 8,500 children starting when a federal grant that currently funds 1,000 of the existing 7,000 seats runs out in 2019.

55. Last Word: The Memphis Hub Modernization, Gun Protests and MLK 50 Plans - Thursday, March 15, 2018

Back in January, the FedEx board approved a $3.2 billion package that had pay raises, bonuses and similar items that have become the corporate reaction to federal tax reform that set a lower rate of taxation for companies that repatriate money they have overseas. There was a mention of $1.5 billion for the Indianapolis hub and unspecified plans for the Memphis hub to come later. And later was yesterday in a pretty modest announcement at Signature Air given the scope of what FedEx has planned for its Super Hub here.

56. Milwaukee Bucks Send Grizzlies To 18th Consecutive Loss - Wednesday, March 14, 2018

The longest losing streak in the history of the Memphis edition of the Grizzlies stretched to 18 games with a 121-103 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum on Monday, March 12.

This latest loss also marked the Grizzlies’ seventh straight defeat at home. Memphis now stands at 18-49, the worst mark in the NBA. Milwaukee got 24 points from Khris Middleton and 20 from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Grizzlies were led by Marc Gasol’s 17 points. Jarell Martin, Dillon Brooks and Ben McLemore each finished with 16 points.

57. Milwaukee Bucks Send Grizzlies to 18th Consecutive Loss - Tuesday, March 13, 2018

The longest losing streak in the history of the Memphis edition of the Grizzlies stretched to 18 games with a 121-103 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum on Monday, March 12.

This latest loss also marked the Grizzlies’ seventh straight defeat at home. Memphis now stands at 18-49, the worst mark in the NBA. Milwaukee got 24 points from Khris Middleton and 20 from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Grizzlies were led by Marc Gasol’s 17 points. Jarell Martin, Dillon Brooks and Ben McLemore each finished with 16 points.

58. 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.

59. Last Word: On The EDGE, Tubby Smith and Timing and TVA Keeps Its Wells Off - Thursday, March 8, 2018

Remember when the Memphis City Council and the Shelby County Commission got together a week ago at Beale Street Landing? Here’s a refresher. Among those watching the discussion was Richard Smith, the chairman of the Greater Memphis Chamber, who responded to the criticism of the local approach to economic development this week with an email to members of both bodies that could prompt some changes to the approach and specifically to EDGE.

60. For Many Factory Towns, White Collar Job Loss Hurts the Most - Thursday, March 8, 2018

ERIE, Pa. (AP) – With the abandoned smokestacks off the bay and ramshackle factories along 12th Street, it's easy to pin the blame for this industrial city's plight on the loss of manufacturing jobs to China and Mexico.

61. Grizzlies’ Rookies Ivan Rabb, Kobi Simmons Getting On-The-Job Training - Friday, February 23, 2018

Back in late January, the San Antonio Spurs dropped by FedExForum to give the Grizzlies a 108-85 butt-kicking. But for one young Grizzlies rookie, there was associated value. Because if you’re paying attention, a loss like that is less a trip to the woodshed and more real-time tutoring with a little embarrassment added in so you don’t forget.

62. Sweet Spot - Friday, February 23, 2018

They nearly gave up, almost put away their pastry bags, their icing pens, their cake molds and shut down operations at home. Short of funds, the family’s prospects looked grim. “It started out really slow,” said Bill Kloos, who was a chef at the time, helping his parents rustle up clients. “There was no capital. No money. They came close to giving up a lot of times.”

63. Is Inflation Rising as Investors Fear? 5 Ways to Keep Track - Wednesday, February 14, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — After nearly a decade of being all but invisible, inflation — or the fear of it — is back.

Tentative signs have emerged that prices could accelerate in coming months. Pay raises may be picking up a bit. Commodities such as oil and aluminum have grown more expensive. Cellphone plans are likely to appear costlier.

64. Twitter Makes Money for First Time Ever, But Problems Remain - Friday, February 9, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – Twitter made money for the first time in its nearly 12-year history, a milestone that satisfied investors in the short term but might not resolve the company's broader problems any time soon.

65. Slip Sliding Away … Tubby’s Tigers And Season On Downward Plane - Friday, February 9, 2018

After his Tigers had suffered the ignominy of losing a college basketball game to East Carolina, Tubby Smith questioned his players’ sanity.

“We probably need some psychological help,” Smith had said after the 88-85 overtime loss at ECU on Saturday, Feb. 3. “Really, I’m serious. There’s some strange things.”

66. Monument Bills Create State Heritage Battlegrounds - Friday, February 9, 2018

Legislative battles are looming over a spate of bills designed to hammer Memphis and any other cities accused of violating the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act.

Lawmakers filed several pieces of legislation aimed at punishing local governments in the wake of the Memphis City Council move to topple the Nathan Bedford Forrest statue in Health Sciences Park and two other Confederate monuments in another park by selling the property to a newly created nonprofit organization.

67. Female Songwriters in Nashville Say ‘Time's Up’ - Wednesday, February 7, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Female musicians in Nashville have long complained about the lack of representation on country radio, but now a collective of female songwriters are singing "Time's Up."

68. Dreamers Deferred - Saturday, February 3, 2018

You never really get to the point where you can stand at a particular moment in time and forecast with any certainty how your life is going to turn out, how things are going to look or what’s going to be different over a long time horizon. That’s certainly the way it’s been, and still is, for Mauricio Calvo and Memphians like him.

69. Rotating Forrest Bust Out of Capitol Gains Momentum - Thursday, February 1, 2018

Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest’s days in the State Capitol could be numbered. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican, says he could support a move to rotate Forrest’s bust out of the Capitol and make sure Capitol displays are “more reflective of the entire history of Tennessee.”

70. Dunavant Set Gold Standard As Public Servant - Wednesday, January 31, 2018

For the late Bobby Dunavant, who worked as Shelby County Probate Court Clerk for 40 years from 1954 to 1994, qualities like being honest, accessible, generous, empathetic and highly attentive to detail made him beloved by friends and colleagues throughout his life.

71. Fed Likely to Hold Rates Steady at Yellen's Final Meeting - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – Janet Yellen's final Federal Reserve policy meeting will likely bring an uneventful end this week to her four-year tenure as Fed chair but perhaps offer hints of the central bank's approach to interest rates in the months to follow.

72. US Economy Grew at Solid 2.6 Percent Rate in Fourth Quarter - Monday, January 29, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy grew at a solid rate of 2.6 percent in the final three months of last year, helped by the fastest consumer spending since the spring of 2016 and a big rebound in home construction.

73. Sports Executives Enjoying ‘Glory Years’ of Memphis Sports - Monday, January 29, 2018

With sports clicking on all cylinders in Memphis and a new professional team on the horizon, these days could really be seen as the glory years of Memphis sports.

That was the observation of Jason Wexler, president of business operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, who was one of four panelist Thursday, Jan. 25, at Newmakers: Memphis Sports, part of The Daily News’ Seminar Series.

74. Back to School - Friday, January 26, 2018

Third grade math is still all about multiplication and division, which may be learned through memorization or through applying addition and subtraction. But it is always about understanding the concept.

75. 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.)

76. What a Kick - Saturday, January 20, 2018

Peter Freund is a baseball guy. Grew up on the New York Yankees. Today, not only is he principal owner of the Memphis Redbirds, he owns stakes in other minor league teams through his Trinity Baseball Holdings and even has a small slice of the Yankees. But make no mistake, he is a businessman. And it was the businessman in him that was convinced to bring a United Soccer League (USL) team to Memphis and AutoZone Park for the 2019 season.

77. Last Word: Second Snow Day, The Post-King Generation and Cohen's Cadillac - Wednesday, January 17, 2018

A second snow day awaits Wednesday on this short week for many but not all of us. And there is some grumbling about the approach to treating roads off the main thoroughfares that may, in this city where a cut-through detour is a real thing and the reason for speed humps, still see a lot of traffic.

78. Q&A: What Facebook's Shift Could Mean to Users, Businesses - Monday, January 15, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – In coming days, Facebook users will see fewer posts from publishers, businesses and celebs they follow. Instead, Facebook wants people to see more stuff from friends, family and other people they are likely to have "meaningful" conversations with – something the company laments has been lost in the sea of videos, news stories (real and fake), and viral quizzes on which "Big Bang Theory" character you are.

79. Legislature Moving on Civil Rights Cold Cases - Friday, January 12, 2018

Charlie Morris may be nearing 100 years of age, but he’s never given up on his quest for Tennessee to delve into decades-old civil rights crimes.

80. Why Aren’t Starved Fans All In for the Titans? - Friday, January 5, 2018

There is some irony in the Tennessee Titans’ going to the “Show-Me State” for a first-round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Perhaps there the 9-6 Titans, a team its own fans have yet to completely embrace, can finally make an impression in their first playoff game in nine years.

81. GOP's Senate Majority Shrinks With Jones Sworn Into Office - Thursday, January 4, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – Democrat Doug Jones of Alabama was sworn into office Wednesday, shrinking the Senate's Republican majority and leading lawmakers of both parties to plead for more bipartisanship as Congress tackles pressing issues in advance of the 2018 midterm elections.

82. US Stocks Mount Milestone-Shattering Run in 2017 - Monday, January 1, 2018

Taken a look at your stock portfolio lately? It's a good bet it's racked up solid gains for the year.

Wall Street has taken stock investors on a mostly smooth, record-shattering ride in 2017. The major stock indexes made double-digit gains for the year, led by Apple, Facebook and other technology stocks.

83. 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.

84. Start With Feeling - Tuesday, January 2, 2018

People ask me often about innovation. No one has a clear definition. Innovation is one of those words that mean something different to anyone who hears it. Similar to other words that are filled with misunderstanding, such as creativity or strategy, innovation requires a refining conversation to demystify and better understand. 

85. Titans' Season Once Again Hinges on Jacksonville - Friday, December 29, 2017

By now, Titans fans know winning Sunday’s game against Jacksonville would put the team in an NFL playoff game for the first time since Jan. 10, 2009.

A victory against the Jaguars would not only end a postseason drought that has stretched for nine years, it also would validate the decision that the Titans’ hierarchy made early in 2016 when controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk and brand new general manager Jon Robinson retained Mike Mularkey as head coach.

86. Democrats Look to Cooperate on Key Issues - Thursday, December 28, 2017

With the state’s budget projected to be tight and lawmakers lining up to run for re-election in 2018, the coming legislative session isn’t expected to yield many surprises.

But the 110th General Assembly still has a long row to hoe as the session starts Jan. 9 with new legislative offices and committee rooms in the renovated Cordell Hull Building in downtown Nashville.

87. Tax Pros are Suddenly Very Popular, If a Little Confused - Tuesday, December 26, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – Don't feel bad if you don't understand how the new tax bill will affect you. Chances are, your accountant doesn't yet either.

From New York to Kentucky to Florida, accountants and tax lawyers are scanning the 1,000 page measure, fielding a swirl of questions from clients and swapping tips via email in their efforts to fully grasp the bill's far-reaching changes.

88. GOP Tax Overhaul Will Be Felt by State, Local Governments - Friday, December 22, 2017

With Congress sending President Donald Trump a tax overhaul, state and local governments are preparing for some fallout.

A look at some of the ways it might affect them:

FEDERAL-STATE CONNECTIONS

89. Last Word: Grizz Speculation, SCS Grade Floors and Cedar Heights - Thursday, December 14, 2017

Grizz lose to the Wizards 93-87 in Washington. And ESPN columnist Zach Lowe says the team has lost its identity as well as a lot of games. CBSSports reports Marc Gasol is open to a trade but will not request one. And if you are looking to go far afield with the theories, here’s one from a Dallas Mavericks fansight, mavsmoneyball, that includes a really good graphic on the salaries of Grizz players.

90. Trump Says Government Shutdown Possible, Blames Democrats - Thursday, December 7, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that a government shutdown was possible this weekend because Democrats were demanding to have "illegal immigrants pouring into our country," tossing incendiary rhetoric onto a partisan showdown that had been showing signs of easing.

91. Worth the Wait - Thursday, December 7, 2017

Just since 1995, the University of Southern California has stayed home to play in the Rose Bowl more than a half-dozen times. Steve Ehrhart, executive director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, couldn’t help but look at that with a bit of envy.

92. Grizz Break Streak; Norvell’s Status Uncertain - Wednesday, December 6, 2017

How do you celebrate the end of an 11-game losing streak? If you’re Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, you speak from the heart. And the gut.

After the Grizzlies beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 95-92 Monday night at FedExForum, Gasol did an interview with the team’s sideline TV reporter. Gasol dropped in the usual stuff about “guys need to get used to having a little more confidence with the ball in their hands and get used to playing together,” and then out of sheer joy and relief he added, “Overall, we won, so (screw) it.”

93. Editorial: Protest and Public Safety Balance Due for Review - Saturday, December 2, 2017

Americans’ right to protest by peaceful and lawful means may be one of the most complex, difficult-to-define rights after freedom of speech.

Some individuals believe there shouldn’t be a formal process for protesting because the nature of protest is spontaneity. Others believe measures to preserve public safety should take a higher priority than the freedom to express dissent, especially when that dissent comes in a lawful but uncomfortable presence.

94. Arkansas Hires Search Firms to Aid With Search for AD, Coach - Wednesday, November 29, 2017

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) – Arkansas will use a pair of firms to search for its new athletic director and football coach.

The school announced the hiring of firms Korn Ferry and DHK International on Tuesday, two weeks after Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz fired former athletic director Jeff Long – and less than a week after interim athletic director Julie Cromer Peoples fired former coach Bret Bielema.

95. Lenox Park Buildings Sell for $5.3 Million - Monday, November 27, 2017

This week's Real Estate Recap features the sale of two Class A office buildings totaling more than 200,000 square feet; a residential development being planned near a proposed new elementary school in Germantown; and more.

96. As Interest Rates Rise, Banks Are Paying More for Deposits - Monday, November 27, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) – Slowly, but surely, being a saver is paying off again.

For years after the recession, banks paid next to nothing on deposits – much to the detriment of savers everywhere. Now, banks have increased lending and need more deposits, so they're will-ing to pay higher interest rates.

97. Trustee’s Office Promotes Financial Education and Counseling - Monday, November 20, 2017

Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir will tell you that the myriad financial education programs and initiatives his office is involved with – covering everything from helping improve consumer credit to financial counseling – are what he sees as part of his job as the “banker for the county.”

98. The Next Four Years - Saturday, November 18, 2017

A week before candidates for the 2018 Shelby County elections could pull qualifying petitions to run, Shelby County Commissioner David Reaves was thinking out loud on Facebook.

“Next four years,” was how it began.

99. Last Word: The Year of Tyreke Evans, Opioid Ruling and Installing a Jumper - Wednesday, November 15, 2017

The Tigers basketball home opener is a come from behind win Tuesday at the Forum over Little Rock 70-62. Still not enough to determine where this new team in so many ways is bound. But that won’t stop the early speculation … or the later speculation starting with the New Orleans game at the Forum in another week. The Grizz take their turn Wednesday with the Pacers kicking off a Grizz home stand followed by the Rockets Saturday for the third time in this young season, Trail Blazers Monday and Mavericks Wednesday. But let’s not get too far ahead here.

100. Tigers Easily Tamed by No. 25 Alabama in Opener - Monday, November 13, 2017

They weren’t very good from the free-throw line (22 of 36 for 61.1 percent) and they were abysmal from 3-point range (2 of 17 for 11.8 percent). None of the players, with the exception of guard Kareem Brewton (13 points), could consistently create his own shot and they collectively finished with seven assists and 17 turnovers.