(When Pete & Sam’s reopened, I saw Prince Mongo walk barefooted through the kitchen door from the parking lot. Seemed normal to me. Reminds me of a story …)

“38 regular,” I told the chimp.

2. Some Tennessee Lawmakers Living the Life - Thursday, September 13, 2018

Early in his U.S. Senate campaign, former governor Phil Bredesen shied away from talking about his opponent, Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, preferring to focus instead on ideas.

3. Bird Finds Uncharted Nest at U of M - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

The University of Memphis is the first college in the country to partner with Santa Monica, California-based electric scooter-sharing company Bird. Ted Townsend, hired as the U of M’s chief economic development and government relations officer in January, confirmed the exclusive partnership Tuesday.

4. Top UNC Leaders Condemn Confederate Statue Toppling - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Leaders of North Carolina's university system spoke out Tuesday to condemn the toppling of a century-old Confederate memorial on the state's flagship campus by protesters who decried racist motives for its placement on campus dating to a dedication speech praising violence against former slaves.

5. Infill Developments Seek Consideration in September Land Use Control Board Meeting - Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Three proposed infill developments within the Interstate 240 loop would carve out lots for 35 houses, requiring the demolition of one church building, houses sharing ground with another church and the razing of an old commercial building.

6. Colonial Country Club Submits Request for Redevelopment of a Larger Tract - Wednesday, August 8, 2018

The planned redevelopment of Colonial Country Club in Cordova has taken a major turn, including a new, deep-pocketed development partnership planning to add acreage, a mix of retail, restaurants, offices and full-service hotel.

7. 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. 

8. Midtown Getting Denser, North Main Getting New Coffee Shop - Monday, June 25, 2018

2542 Broad Ave.
Memphis, TN 38112

PILOT Length: 15 years

Project Cost: $51 million

9. Binghampton Apartments, Parkside TIF Get EDGE Greenlight - Thursday, June 21, 2018

Several hundred new apartments, a South Memphis grocery store and a new TIF district were all given the green light by the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County during a busy Wednesday, June 20, board meeting. 

10. Last Word: One Beale Changes, Treedom and Motel Mirrors in Cooper Young - Thursday, May 24, 2018

For all of the expectation and ambition present in a Memphis where Crosstown Concourse is almost a year old, Shelby Farms Park is an institution and the local economy in general has shaken off a lingering recession that wanted a rent to own deal – there may be some limits to our ambition. At least the scope of some of our ambition, which brings us to the One Beale project at Beale and Riverside.

11. Last Word: Bar-B-Foo, Grizz Draft Prospects and The Hampline - Friday, May 18, 2018

Alleged sightings of Dave Grohl at the barbecue contest Thursday in Tom Lee Park and a photograph from a distance that might or might not be the head Foo Fighter. This does happen at the barbecue contest – celebrities quietly coming in with a team. Sometimes not so quietly as when Vice President Al Gore returned in the 1990s to a contest he had a booth at during his time as a U.S. Senator.

12. Grocery Wars - Saturday, May 12, 2018

For a typical consumer, a trip to the grocery store might mean little more than a quick run to pick up essentials like bread and milk. Cart filled. Self-checkout. Back out the sliding doors. So mundane, none of it is given a second thought once you’re back in the car with your purchases.

13. 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.

14. Hollywood Feed Expands Into North Carolina - Saturday, March 31, 2018

Memphis-based natural and holistic pet food retailer Hollywood Feed has opened its first North Carolina store in Cary, a city in the Research Triangle area between Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

15. Hollywood Feed Expands Into North Carolina - Thursday, March 29, 2018

Memphis-based natural and holistic pet food retailer Hollywood Feed has opened its first North Carolina store in Cary, a city in the Research Triangle area between Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

16. Lawmakers Seek to Ease Jack Daniel’s Tax Burden - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

NASHVILLE – Jack Daniel’s is over a barrel – literally – regarding a tax assessment, an attorney general’s opinion and the potential impact of President Donald Trump’s trade tariff.

17. Events - Saturday, March 24, 2018

The Overton Park Conservancy will host a Park Fun Day and Science Fair Sunday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Overton Park’s East Parkway Pavilion. Events include a science fair with research partners from the University of Memphis, Rhodes College and Christian Brothers University; an 11:30 a.m. mini-BioBlitz, a tour of the Old Forest with conservancy staff to record as many species as possible; the finals of the International Society of Arboriculture Southern Chapter's tree-climbing contest; and games and food trucks. Cost is free. Visit overtonpark.org.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Memphis Pedigree - Friday, March 9, 2018

Hollywood Feed’s newest Memphis store is officially open for business at the corner of Collins Street and Sam Cooper Boulevard. This 5,000-square-foot built-to-suit space replaces their flagship store on Broad Avenue, which currently houses the pet specialty retail chain’s corporate offices and distribution warehouse.

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

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

22. Cooper-Young Historic District, Shelby Farms Mixed-Use Project Approved by LUCB - Friday, December 15, 2017

During its last meeting of 2017, The Shelby County Land Use Control Board tackled a particularity large slate of notable projects, including a massive $142 million mixed-use development on the outskirts of Shelby Farms and the fate of Cooper-Young’s Landmarks status.

23. Piece by Piece: Construction Projects Flourishing Throughout Mid-South - Saturday, December 9, 2017

With $11 billion spread out among more than 300 active projects in the Memphis area, according to data from brokerage firm Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors, it’s safe to say business in the region is good.

24. Events - Saturday, November 25, 2017

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park will be open nightly Friday, Nov. 24, through Tuesday, Dec. 29 (closed Nov. 27). Drive through the annual holiday light display, then stop by Mistletoe Village to meet Santa, visit the Starry Petting Zoo, shop local artisans, enjoy live holiday music, and more. Visit shelbyfarmspark.org/starrynights for hours, details and tickets. 

25. Events - Thursday, November 23, 2017

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park will be open nightly Friday, Nov. 24, through Tuesday, Dec. 29 (closed Nov. 27). Drive through the annual holiday light display, then stop by Mistletoe Village to meet Santa, visit the Starry Petting Zoo, shop local artisans, enjoy live holiday music, and more. Visit shelbyfarmspark.org/starrynights for hours, details and tickets. 

26. Events - Monday, November 20, 2017

Elmwood Cemetery will hold a Harvest History Hunt, a self-guided scavenger hunt, Monday through Saturday, Nov. 20-25, at 824 S. Dudley St. Groups of any size can pick up a $20 packet in the Elmwood office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Use the map and clues to find chosen historical sites, fill out the answer sheet and drop it off at the office. Those with correct answers will be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card and other prizes. Visit elmwoodcemetery.org or call 901-774-3212 for details.

27. Last Word: Pinnacle's Drive-Through, Back to Work On Beale and Tea Time - Thursday, October 26, 2017

The Grizz lose 103-94 in Dallas Wednesday to the Mavericks. The Mavericks are here Thursday. And Thursday is also the day the two minority owners of the Grizz can begin a process to possibly buy the team from Robert Pera. ESPN outlines an unusual process that if it comes into play could take a while to sort out.

28. Last Word: Bonus For the Head Tiger, Brooks Downtown? and Harris Runs - Thursday, October 5, 2017

A $100,000 bonus from the University of Memphis board of trustees for U of M president David Rudd at Wednesday’s trustees meeting. The bonus is from private funds raised by the university foundation. The board also approved a paid parental leave policy – specifically the funding for that policy. And it reviewed scaled-back plans for the $30 million new rec center for students that will incorporate some of the existing rec center.

29. Loeb Properties Planning $24M Overton Square Hotel - Saturday, September 16, 2017

Loeb Properties wants to build on the revival of Overton Square by adding a $24 million, 100-room hotel in the district.

The Memphis-based company and its partners – boutique hotel developer LRC2 Properties and hospitality management company MMI Hotel Group – are seeking a 15-year tax abatement to construct a 100-room boutique hotel at the southwest corner of Cooper Street and Trimble Place, south of Madison Avenue in Midtown Memphis.

30. Cooper-Young Invitational For Artists Set for Sept. 14 - Saturday, September 2, 2017

The 2017 Cooper-Young Festival presented by Evolve Bank & Trust will be showcasing more than 25 local artisans at this year’s Art Invitational on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

31. Cooper-Young Art Invitational Scheduled for Sept. 14 - Friday, September 1, 2017

The 2017 Cooper-Young Festival presented by Evolve Bank & Trust will be showcasing more than 25 local artisans at this year’s Art Invitational on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

32. Last Word: Monuments Pace Quickens, Campaigning on Opioids and High Heels - Thursday, August 17, 2017

The financial services company that is a crucial tenant for the Bakery project between the Medical District and Downtown is Orion, which would move to the space in and around the old Wonder Break bakery building on Monroe from its Bartlett HQ.

33. Tensions of Density - Tuesday, August 8, 2017

With hundreds of units already announced and all signs indicating there are more to come, the Midtown apartment market is primed to explode.

But when it comes to development, it’s no secret that Midtown residents can be fiercely protective.

34. Cordova Apartment Community Sells for $27.9M - Friday, August 4, 2017

The Charleston, a 284-unit apartment community on the east side of Houston Levee Road just south of U.S. 64, has sold for $27.9 million, marking a new chapter for a property that was built just last year.

35. Last Word: Repeal Votes, ServiceMaster Exit and Cooper-Young Apartments - Thursday, July 27, 2017

U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee was among the seven Republican Senators who voted Wednesday against a bill that would have repealed the Obama administration’s Affordable Care Act without an immediate replacement. U.S. Senator Bob Corker voted for the repeal. The bill failed.

36. Council OKs Multifamily Project Near Overton Park - Thursday, July 27, 2017

The key element in selling the Overton Gateway project compromise to Midtown homeowners turned out to have little to do with the height of the apartment buildings or the number of parking spaces.

The mixed residential development by Makowsky Ringel Greenberg LLC at Sam Cooper Boulevard and East Parkway drew the concern of a lot of Midtown neighborhoods with historic status because its apartment buildings exceed the guidelines of the Lea’s Woods historic area on the eastern edge of Overton Park.

37. Overton Gateway Compromise Approved By Council - Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Memphis City Council members approved the Overton Gateway mixed residential development Tuesday, July 25 in a pair of unanimous votes – one for the plans on the north side of Sam Cooper Boulevard at East Parkway and the other for the plans on the south side of Sam Cooper at East Parkway.

38. Overton Gateway Compromise Approved By Council - Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Memphis City Council members approved the Overton Gateway mixed residential development Tuesday, July 25 in a pair of unanimous votes – one for the plans on the north side of Sam Cooper Boulevard at East Parkway and the other for the plans on the south side of Sam Cooper at East Parkway.

39. Council Vote Puts Overton Gateway Compromise To Test - Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Memphis City Council members will put a tentative compromise on the proposed Overton Gateway development to the test Tuesday, July 25.

The council is scheduled to vote on the multifamily apartment project to be built by Makowsky Ringel Greenberg that encompasses both sides of Sam Cooper Boulevard at East Parkway.

40. Binghampton, Frayser Retail Projects Look To Lift Communities - Tuesday, July 25, 2017

They say retail is a numbers game, and for some communities, when those numbers don’t add up they can get left behind by developers.

That’s why the Binghampton Gateway and Frayser Gateway – a pair of retail projects in different areas and stages of development – hope to send a message that overlooked communities have more to offer than just numbers.

41. The Week Ahead: July 24-30 - Monday, July 24, 2017

Hello, Memphis! Politics will be heating up this week to match the weather and you’ll be able to see and learn about the stars at the Pink Palace Museum. But there are also some indoor events to take in, including an event for creators at Crosstown Arts.

42. Binghampton, Frayser Retail Projects Could Lift Respective Neighborhoods - Saturday, July 22, 2017

They say retail is a numbers game, and for some communities, when those numbers don’t add up they can get left behind by developers.

That’s why the Binghampton Gateway and Frayser Gateway – a pair of retail projects in different areas and stages of development – hope to send a message that overlooked communities have more to offer than just numbers.

43. MRG, Thomas & Betts Receive Tax Incentives - Friday, July 21, 2017

Makowsky Ringel Greenberg and Thomas & Betts were both awarded tax incentives to advance their respective projects by the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County on Wednesday, July 19.

44. Madison @ McLean Project Awarded 14-Year Tax Abatement - Thursday, July 20, 2017

Local multifamily development group Makowsky Ringel Greenberg has been awarded a 14-year tax abatement to construct a 132,477-square-foot, 108-unit apartment complex in Midtown Memphis.

Named Madison @ McLean after the eponymous Midtown intersection it will reside on, the $14 million project is the first ever recipient of a Residential PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes), incentive, which was created earlier this year by the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County.

45. Council OKs New Homes, Sets Overton Gateway Vote - Saturday, July 15, 2017

The Memphis City Council approved Tuesday, July 11, a set of three single-family homes by Richmark Homes LLC on the southeast corner of East Irvin Drive and Park Avenue.

46. Overton Gateway Developers, Neighbors Reach Tentative Compromise - Friday, July 14, 2017

It may have taken the mediation of a Memphis City Council member and two hours of negotiation, but representatives from a local development group and a coalition of concerned Midtown residents were able to reach a tentative compromise on the fate of a massive project at the doorstep of Overton Park.

47. Last Word: Overton Gateway Talks, Norris of the Governor's Race and Coach O - Thursday, July 13, 2017

Shelby County Commissioners have quite the disagreement going in several ways as they try to put another budget season in the books and let the ink dry. As we’ve reported, the commission approved a $1.2 billion county government budget Monday and there is no taking that back – at least as a budget. That now becomes an important detail because in committee sessions Wednesday in advance of next week’s meeting of the full commission, there were five votes to change the proposed county property tax rate from $4.10 to $4.13.

48. Council OKs New Homes, Sets Overton Gateway Vote - Thursday, July 13, 2017

The Memphis City Council approved Tuesday, July 11, a set of three single-family homes by Richmark Homes LLC on the southeast corner of East Irvin Drive and Park Avenue.

49. Council Approves Sanitation Workers Benefits - Wednesday, July 12, 2017

There may be more than 14 city sanitation workers from 1968 who are still alive. And the city is double-checking its list as the Memphis City Council approved Tuesday, July 11, the payment of $50,000 grants to 14 of the workers it has already identified including four still working for the city.

50. Council Takes Up Sanitation Worker Benefits - Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Memphis City Council members vote Tuesday, July 11, on grants of $50,000 each for the 14 surviving city sanitation workers from the 1968 strike along with a supplemental retirement plan for sanitation workers hired after the strike.

51. Last Word: The List Lawsuit, Charlie Morris on 1939 and New Rules for Democrats - Thursday, July 6, 2017

This looks like the end of Grit ‘n’ Grind as we wait for the other shoe to drop following Zach Randolph’s exit from the Grizzlies to Sacramento. There were a lot of rumors Wednesday, the day after Randolph’s $24 million free agency deal, including some about Marc Gasol and the Celtics. And then Tony Allen dropped a Grizz reference from his Twitter account causing even more speculation.

52. Micromanaging Nashville is Job 1 for Legislature - Thursday, July 6, 2017

Metro Nashville is used to getting hammered by the Legislature’s Republicans.

Nearly every time the Metro Council tries to come up with a solution to growing problems, conservatives in the General Assembly swoop in and save the rest of the state from Music City’s attempts to better handle its success.

53. Tennessee, Left Coast a World Apart on Immigration - Thursday, June 29, 2017

San Francisco resident Terry Karlsson relishes her hometown’s reputation for embracing “multi-cultural diversity.”

The wife of a Swedish immigrant, Karlsson says she believes San Francisco’s status as a sanctuary city, one in which it refuses to participate in the enforcement of federal immigration law, reflects a nation born of people who moved here, a land of immigrants from many countries.

54. EDGE Gives Frayser Gateway Project Nod - Friday, June 23, 2017

With all of the new development buzzing around Downtown, Midtown and East Memphis, it could be easy to overlook the addition of a new grocery store, but for some Frayser residents, it could mean everything.

55. Last Word: Cooper-Young's Controversy, Harris and Norris and Fulmer Returns - Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Shelby County Commissioners have at least two hot topics to talk about Wednesday at committee sessions that could take up most if not all of the work day. By the agenda, these sessions go from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. But they have been known to stretch into the afternoon quite a bit.

56. Hernando Ice Cream Parlor Preparing Crosstown Location - Thursday, June 15, 2017

1350 Concourse Ave.

Memphis, TN 38104

Permit Amount: $80,000

Application Date: June 2017

57. MRG’s Overton Gateway Rejected by Land Use Board - Saturday, June 10, 2017

The Overton Park Gateway, a multifamily development proposed by Makowsky Ringel Greenberg LLC, was rejected by the Land Use Control Board Thursday, June 8.

58. Golden India Seeks New Location Near Square - Friday, June 9, 2017

The owners of Golden India restaurant in Overton Square want to move from their Madison Avenue storefront of 20 years to the site of a circa-1912 duplex on North Cooper Street where they intend to build a new restaurant.

59. Overton Gateway Multifamily Project Rejected by Land Use Board - Thursday, June 8, 2017

The Overton Gateway, a proposed multifamily development planned by Makowsky Ringel Greenberg LLC, has been rejected by the Land Use Control Board at its Thursday, June 8, meeting.

A sizable crowd of Lea’s Woods residents and representatives from various Midtown neighborhood associations showed up to the meeting to voice their opposition. Chief among their complaints were issues with parking and building heights.

60. Last Word: Easy Fishing on Big River, Competing City Priorities and Durham's Fine - Thursday, June 8, 2017

The Arkansas side of the Big River Crossing opened Wednesday for the first time since May 2 when a rising Mississippi River prompted its closing while the crossing proper on the north side of the Harahan Bridge remained open. There is still some of the muddy river left on the Arkansas flood plain and several dozen cranes stopping in Wednesday afternoon for some easy fishing in the shallow waters.

61. Golden India Makes Relocation Plans Near Overton Square - Thursday, June 8, 2017

The owners of Golden India restaurant in Overton Square want to move from their Madison Avenue storefront of 20 years to the site of a circa 1912 duplex on North Cooper Street north of Madison where they intend to build a new restaurant.

62. Last Word: Your Neighbor Has Power, City Budget Wrap Take One and BBQ - Wednesday, May 31, 2017

We are at the point in our storm recovery where the novelty and sense of adventure have reached the end of their very short lives in areas where the power is still out. And the restoration of that service is at a point where you now have people on one side of a street with power and those on the other side may still be in the dark and the heat.

63. Last Word: Murphy's, Mount Arlington in Midtown and Surgery Open House - Monday, May 15, 2017

Senses, the nightclub on the eastern side of the Poplar viaduct, is back. Apparently it’s been back for a little while but the top code enforcement official involved says it is news to him and may be a violation that puts this matter in Environmental Court.

64. Last Word: End of The Season, Honoring Forrest and MATA's Coming Campaign - Friday, April 28, 2017

It’s over. No Game 7 for the Grizz and the off-season begins. Spurs advance after beating the Grizz at the Forum Thursday 103 – 96. But in the process, the Grizz created a chapter in Memphis basketball lore where it is about more than winning on the court.

65. MRG Reshapes Overton Gateway Plan, Residents Still Not Happy - Thursday, April 27, 2017

A revised multifamily development planned by Makowsky Ringel Greenberg LLC that reduces the number of apartment units and adds amenities that would better connect the project with the neighborhood still didn’t get positive reviews from residents.

66. Events - Wednesday, April 26, 2017

SRVS and West Tennessee disability services providers will host an Employment and Community First services career fair Wednesday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lipscomb & Pitts Building first-floor conference center, 2670 Union Ave. Staff will be conducting on-site interviews and hiring support staff and job coaches for ECF Services. Email kytrinia.miller@srvs.org for details.

67. Andrews Gazes into Memphis’ Green Future - Friday, April 21, 2017

Imagine you’re in a helicopter. Stretched out beneath you is one of the country’s largest urban parks – 4,500 acres of sprawling hills, glistening lakes, and furry green forest, dotted with tiny people who are walking, cycling, picnicking, fishing, kayaking and riding horses.

68. Last Word: Derailed, The View From Pyramid Harbor and New History - Friday, April 14, 2017

“Do Not Occupy” notices posted Thursday afternoon on most but not all of the newly-opened Railgarten complex on Central Avenue east of Cooper in Midtown. Local code officers acted after questions about whether the owners of the complex had approval for intermodal containers being used as part of the structure. The restaurant part of the structure in what was once an ice house remains open. There was already a lot of grumbling from neighbors about the music volume and late hours as well as parking for the development

69. Last Word: The CA Marks A Year, Bike Lanes and Nicole Miller for Fashion Week - Wednesday, March 29, 2017

The city of Memphis is in a two-front legal fight in federal court over alleged surveillance of protesters that landed several dozen of them on the City Hall list – according to each of the two lawsuits filed this past month.

70. Last Word: Veep Visit, Women and Baseball and Civil Rights Cold Cases - Friday, March 24, 2017

Game time at FedExForum for the NCAA South semifinals and Vice President Mike Pence is expected to be here to cheer on the Butler Bulldogs. The Butler mascot – a live bulldog – was already in town Thursday making the rounds. I think March Madness requires that all involved up their mascot game if they get this far. So UCLA, we expect to see a live bear roaming Beale Street. You might be able to work a deal with the zoo on this. But if there’s a cost split make sure you nail down those percentages.

71. Binghampton Gateway Builds on Decade of Momentum - Friday, March 24, 2017

While construction recently began on the large-scale Binghampton Gateway Center and more development is on the way, the revitalization process to bring businesses and jobs back to the distressed Binghampton area began more than a decade ago.

72. Last Word: The Overton Park Split, Democrats Help The Gas Tax Bill and LaVar Ball - Thursday, March 23, 2017

The city's tallest building, the fenced-off, derelict, 38-story 100 N. Main Building, cited in the past by fire officials for code violations including fire alarms that don't work -- had a small fire Wednesday 34 floors up.

73. Two Memphis Democrats Help Move Amended Fuel-Tax Bill Along - Thursday, March 23, 2017

NASHVILLE – Two Memphis legislators helped move the governor’s IMPROVE Act and fuel-tax increases out of the House Transportation Committee Tuesday, March 21, saying they support a section allowing local governments to raise funds separately for mass transit.

74. Midtown Residents Bemoan MRG Multifamily Plan - Thursday, March 23, 2017

A nearly century-old neighborhood that was torn in two when Interstate 40 came crashing to a halt at the doorstep of Overton Park is now again on the precipice of change.

Dubbed the Overton Gateway, Makowsky Ringel Greenberg’s plans for a proposed multifamily development at the confluence of Sam Cooper Boulevard and East Parkway received a cold reception from residents of the surrounding Lea’s Woods neighborhood Tuesday evening, March 21.

75. Last Word: No More Lottery Balls, The Voucher Bill Advances and UCLA - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Spring is in the air, which can only mean one thing – the Overton Park Greensward controversy is back on. Just this past weekend, I was in the park noting the metal barrier that separates Greensward pedestrians from Zoo parkers and that the barrier was not “decorated” with save the greensward paraphernalia as much as it has been the previous three springs.

76. Last Word: Lakeland Date Set, Silos in South Main and Trespassing in Apartments - Thursday, March 16, 2017

Here comes the Governor’s race with Randy Boyd doing the honors here in Memphis Wednesday at the top of the second day of his fly-around. Boyd’s opening sounds very much like he is running as the heir apparent to Gov. Bill Haslam – although there are no heirs in politics, at least not without an election. He talked a lot about hitting workforce development and job goals of the Haslam administration if he is elected Governor in 2018.

77. House Committee Delays Haslam's Transportation Bill - Thursday, March 9, 2017

NASHVILLE – A split House Transportation Committee slammed the brakes Tuesday on Gov. Bill Haslam’s IMPROVE Act, even though it contains a measure to use the sales tax for transportation funding instead of raising fuel taxes.

78. Last Word: Who Needs To Be Watched, Hopdoddy and Fresh Fed Numbers - Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Three Memphis City Council members on Behind The Headlines had quite a bit to say about protesters and lists and police surveillance. Council chairman Berlin Boyd and council members Kemp Conrad and Worth Morgan all say the surveillance question, which is the central issue now that the City Hall list has been pared significantly, is complex because of public postings and protests in public places.

79. Last Word: Bar Louie's Corner, Chucalissa and Shark Tank for Ag - Monday, March 6, 2017

The key corner at the intersection of Madison Avenue and North Cooper Street is the southwest corner where since the opening of a renovated Overton Square several years ago Bar Louie has had the corner. And the restaurant chain wants to keep the corner although its landlord wants to make a change. That’s the bottom line in bankruptcy reorganization court documents filed in February.

80. Last Word: Gas Tax Conflict, Redbirds Changes and Hidden Office Space - Tuesday, February 28, 2017

The CEO of Memphis-based AutoZone, Bill Rhodes, among the corporate leaders meeting with President Donald Trump recently to urge him to abandon plans for a border tax. This is the tax on goods imported to the U.S. from other countries that U.S. Rep. David Kustoff says also has some opposition among Republicans in D.C.

81. Events - Friday, February 24, 2017

Stax Music Academy will perform a Black History Month tribute to the 1967 Stax/Volt European Tour Friday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Minglewood Hall, 1555 Madison Ave. The concert will feature the music of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the MGs, Eddie Floyd, Carla Thomas, and Arthur Conley. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door; call 901-946-2513, ext. 250, to buy advance tickets.

82. Binghampton Gateway Comes to Food Desert - Friday, February 24, 2017

The groundbreaking of a shopping center doesn’t always attract a large crowd of city officials and TV cameras, but then again not every shopping center is an oasis in the middle of a food desert.

83. Last Word: Binghampton Gateway, Beale's Baggage and SoundStage Memphis - Thursday, February 23, 2017

You’ve seen stories here about how difficult it can be to assemble land and financing for a hotel project. Supermarkets have proven much more difficult to pull off at least in Memphis where food deserts are a problem in several parts of town.

84. Binghampton Gateway Center Spells End for Inner City Food Desert - Thursday, February 23, 2017

The groundbreaking of a shopping center doesn’t always attract a large crowd of city officials and TV cameras, but then again not every shopping center is an oasis in the middle of a food desert.

85. The Week Ahead: February 20-26 - Monday, February 20, 2017

Enjoying that spring-like weather, Memphis? It’s another week of politics and music in the Bluff City, highlighted by the anticipated announcement Wednesday of acts that will be playing the Beale Street Music Festival in May. Here are some other highlights:

86. Sexual Harassment Takes Stage in State Capitol Again - Monday, February 20, 2017

NASHVILLE – Saying she was a victim of sexual harassment when she entered the Legislature, state Rep. Barbara Cooper is calling on tougher rules to stop inappropriate behavior toward women.

“When I first got here I was violated and disrespected by one or two of the legislators. And of course I did get an apology, but that’s all that was done. And I feel like if we have some strong measures in place, these kinds of things will not continue,” Cooper says.

87. Last Word: Impasse Flashback, Pot Alliances in Nashville and The Age of Etsy - Wednesday, February 8, 2017

The late 1970s – bell bottoms, punk rock, disco, that perpetual haze floating over those lucky enough to get the most expensive concert seats for as much as $10 each on the floor of the Mid-South Coliseum… and yes, the impasse ordinance.

88. Opponents of Gas-Tax Hike Push Alternative Plans - Monday, February 6, 2017

NASHVILLE – Amid legislative strife over Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to raise gas taxes and reduce business taxes, Rep. Barbara Cooper says she is inviting the governor to “sell” his plan to her Memphis constituents.

89. Opponents of Gas-Tax Hike Push Alternative Plans - Friday, February 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Amid legislative strife over Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to raise gas taxes and reduce business taxes, Rep. Barbara Cooper says she is inviting the governor to “sell” his plan to her Memphis constituents.

90. Opponents of Proposed Gas-Tax Hike Push Alternatives - Friday, February 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Amid legislative strife over Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to raise gas taxes and reduce business taxes, Rep. Barbara Cooper says she is inviting the governor to “sell” his plan to her Memphis constituents.

91. Last Word: Connecting Downtown, Tranquil Treasure and Gas Tax Complexities - Thursday, January 26, 2017

Temple over the Tigers Wednesday in Philadelphia 77-66. East Carolina at the Forum is coming up Saturday. Grizz and Raptors at the Forum Wednesday evening and the Grizz win 101 – 99. The Grizz are on the road starting Friday against the Trail Blazers.

92. Last Word: The TVA Well Controversy, Fred Smith Redux and Norris On The Gas Tax - Wednesday, January 25, 2017

The new Trader Joe’s in Germantown won’t be alone by the plans the supermarket chain got approved Tuesday night by the Germantown Design Review Commission. The conversion of the old Kroger store on Exeter includes seven other bays as Trader Joe’s goes for a smaller footprint than the size of the original building.

93. State Targets Refugee Program; Lollar to Lead Delegation - Tuesday, January 17, 2017

The state Legislature is likely to file a complaint before the end of January challenging the legality of the Refugee Resettlement Program in Tennessee, according to Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris.

94. Last Word: Charter Schools Views, Capitol Hill Round Up & Explaining The Cold War - Thursday, January 12, 2017

Double trouble Wednesday in Oklahoma. The Grizz lose to the Thunder 103-95 in OKC. They are on their way to Houston for a Friday game before returning home Sunday for the MLK game against the Chicago Bulls at the Forum. Meanwhile Tigers lose to Tulsa Wednesday, also in Oklahoma, 81-71. They are back at the Forum Saturday to play South Florida.

95. Opponents of Dairy Expansion To Host Community Meeting - Tuesday, January 10, 2017

A group of Midtown citizens who are opposed to the expansion of Turner Dairy’s Madison Avenue location will hold a public meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m. in the Hattiloo Theatre lobby, 37 S. Cooper St.

96. Last Word: Change at the Top, Legislature New Year's Resolution and Election Selfies - Thursday, December 29, 2016

It’s the Grizz and the Thunder Thursday at the Forum followed by the Tigers and South Carolina at the Forum Friday. And yes there are still people in town watching football. They are here for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl earlier in the day Friday between Georgia and TCU. You should join them.

97. Council Signals Minority Contract Concerns on Airport Bond Issue - Thursday, December 22, 2016

Memphis City Council members approved the issuance of $110 million in airport authority revenue bonds at the last council meeting of 2016.

But council members served notice that in the new year they expect the airport authority and other public entities to do better in minority and locally owned-business contracting.

98. Council Questions, Approves Airport Revenue Bonds - Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Memphis City Council members approved the issuance of $110 million in airport authority revenue bonds at the last council meeting of 2016. But council members served notice that in the new year they expect the airport authority and other public entities to do better in minority and locally owned-business contracting.

99. HopeWorks Busy Helping People While Staying Grounded in Faith - Thursday, December 8, 2016

As executive director of nonprofit HopeWorks, Ron Wade has to be practical. And helping people get their education and find employment is about as practical as it gets.

100. Last Word: The Return of Stubby Clapp, Poplar & Ridgeway for Pedestrians and Mice - Thursday, December 1, 2016

The death toll in the Sevier County-Gatlinburg wildfires is at seven. Authorities believe a fire at The Chimney Tops in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was what started the disaster and had consumed 15,563 acres as of Wednesday evening. At that point, the fire was 10 percent contained.