Ray’s Take: It is estimated that by 2020, more than 50 billion Internet-connected devices will be used by 7.8 billion people – doubling the amount of devices per person. This shouldn’t come as shock to any of us. We have all witnessed and been a part of this major digital era.

2. Events - Thursday, September 13, 2018

Memphis Botanic Garden hosts 30 Thursdays: Cocktails and Canvases Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. at 750 Cherry Road. The Plein Air (outdoor) painting class takes place the second Thursday of each month during 30 Thursdays and uses one of MBG’s 31 gardens as a background. Bring your own beverage and painting supplies. Free with garden admission. 

3. 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.

4. Events - Wednesday, September 12, 2018

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

5. Surge, wind, rain, floods: Hurricane Florence could hit hard - Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Surge, wind, rain, floods: Hurricane Florence could hit hard

By JONATHAN DREW, Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Hurricane Florence churned Tuesday toward the Eastern Seaboard as a storm of "staggering" size, forcing a million people to evacuate the coast. Many more were left to wonder where they might be safe if days of torrential rains unleash floods from the mountains to the sea.

6. Events - Tuesday, September 11, 2018

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

7. Events - Monday, September 10, 2018

The Whitehaven Farmers Market, hosted by Methodist South Hospital, is open Monday, Sept. 10, from noon to 5 p.m. in front of Methodist South’s Medical Office Complex, 1300 Wesley Drive. Shop locally grown fruits and vegetables, then visit the University of Tennessee Extension booth, Farmers’ Market Fresh, for children’s activities, food demonstrations, recipes and more. The market continues Mondays through Sept. 24. For more information, call 901-516-3580.

8. Nike's Kaepernick Campaign Signals Change in Shoe Politics - Monday, September 10, 2018

A pair of shoes are set aflame with a cigarette lighter, captured on video and shared widely online to protest a political statement made by the manufacturer.

The New Balance shoes were burned by their owners two years ago after a spokeswoman indicated the company's support for President Donald Trump's trade policies.

9. Events - Saturday, September 8, 2018

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

10. Report: Nearly 3,000 Deaths in Puerto Rico Linked to Hurricane Maria - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Maria killed nearly 3,000 people in Puerto Rico in the desperate, sweltering months after the storm — almost double the previous government estimate — with the elderly and impoverished most affected, according to an independent study ordered by the U.S. territory.

11. Mid-South Fair Returning To Landers Center - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

The 11-day Mid-South Fair begins at the Landers Center in Southaven on Thursday, Sept. 20.

Admission is $10 for those age 13 to 59 and $5 for children age 5 to 12. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased via Ticketmaster. Parking is free daily.

12. US Deports Ex-Nazi Guard, 95, to Germany After Long Wait - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

BERLIN (AP) — The last Nazi war crimes suspect facing deportation from the U.S. was taken from his New York City home on a stretcher and spirited to Germany early Tuesday, following years of efforts to remove him from the United States.

13. New Program Provides Hub Workers LiFE Opportunity - Tuesday, August 21, 2018

FedEx hub workers in Memphis can get a University of Memphis degree tuition free through a new online program called Learning inspired by FedEx (LiFE).

Tuition assistance has long been a hallmark of FedEx benefits and a much-touted incentive for working in the hub, but the LiFE program takes it up a notch.

14. Trump Nixes $92M Military Parade, Blames D.C. For High Cost - Monday, August 20, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday he had canceled plans for a Veterans Day military parade, citing the "ridiculously high" price tag — a day after U.S. officials said the November event could cost $92 million, more than three times the price first suggested by the White House.

15. New Life - Saturday, August 18, 2018

By this time next year, the formerly blighted Frayser Plaza will become Harmony Plaza, with Memphis STEM Academy as its anchor tenant and 100 percent occupancy. It’s part of a new trend of transforming out-of-date retail shopping centers into mixed-use, walkable concepts.

16. Why Local One Commerce Square Owners Are Selling to Out-of-State Investors - Wednesday, August 15, 2018

After successfully renovating the 29-story iBank Tower in Downtown Memphis, the work is done for a group of prominent Memphis investors as they prepare to sell the office building to a new owner with deeper pockets.

17. Events - Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Talk Shoppe will meet Wednesday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Pinot’s Palette, 8225 Dexter Road, suite 103. Wardell Seals will present “Heartbeat-CPR: A most entertaining introduction to learning about current CPR practices.” Cost is free. Visit talkshoppe.com.

18. Last Word: Cops Stay Put, Day One at SCS and Barry Gibb Comes To Town - Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Memphis Police are staying put in their recent move to 170 North Main from the CJC. There has been some question about the former state office building the city bought possibly becoming the site of a second convention center hotel. And that’s where this gets complex.

19. Events - Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Novel hosts mindfulness coach Greg Graber in conversation with Grizzlies play-by-play commentator Pete Pranica, discussing Graber’s book “Slow Your Roll: Mindfulness for Fast Times,” Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m. at the bookstore, 387 Perkins Road Extended. Visit novelmemphis.com.

20. Day One - Monday, August 6, 2018

Five school years into the historic merger and demerger of public education in Shelby County, the start of the sixth school year classes this month shows the change is establishing very real roots.

21. Astronauts Picked for SpaceX, Boeing Capsule Test Flights - Monday, August 6, 2018

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA on Friday assigned the astronauts who will ride the first commercial capsules into orbit next year and bring crew launches back to the U.S.

SpaceX and Boeing are shooting for a test flight of their capsules by the end of this year or early next, with the first crews flying from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by next spring or summer.

22. Amazon Proposes Tent Warehouse on McLemore - Saturday, August 4, 2018

Amazon is proposing an unusual development in South Memphis: A “permanent tent’’ to serve as a warehouse.

The world’s largest online retailer wants to build a triangular, 16,575-square-foot warehouse of taut fabric supported by steel-tube trusses and cables, according to construction documents filed with Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement Office.

23. Commercial Appeal, Amazon Eying New Locations - Monday, August 6, 2018

262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105

Permit Amount: $412 million

Project Cost: $330 million

24. Events - Saturday, August 4, 2018

Community Legal Center hosts Cocktails for a Cause Friday, Aug. 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1509 Peabody Ave. No speeches, no agenda – just a good time with all proceeds benefiting CLC. Visit clcmemphis.org for details.

25. Long, Winding Road - Saturday, August 4, 2018

Considered by many to be the main artery of Memphis’ robust logistical and distribution network, the Lamar Avenue Corridor has long been clogged by its own narrow lanes and outdated capacity. 

26. Amazon Proposes Tent Design For West McLemore Location - Thursday, August 2, 2018

Amazon is proposing an unusual development in South Memphis: A “permanent tent’’ to serve as a warehouse.

The world’s largest online retailer wants to build a triangular, 16,575-square-foot warehouse of taut fabric supported by steel-tube trusses and cables, according to construction documents filed with Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement Office.

27. Encore Resort Provides Rare Orlando Relaxation - Thursday, August 2, 2018

“Dad, they have air hockey. And an arcade!”

As we settled into our home at Encore Resort at Reunion in the Orlando area, Colby was busy exploring the large house. And a quick look upstairs revealed our own air hockey table and video arcade machine, complete with dozens of great games from my 1980s youth.

28. Amazon Proposes a Tent Design for New West McLemore Location - Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Amazon proposes an unusual development in South Memphis: A tent to serve as a warehouse for two years.

The world’s largest online retailer wants to build a triangular, 16,575-square-foot warehouse of taut fabric supported by steel-tube trusses and cables, according to construction documents filed with Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement Office.

29. 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.

30. Last Word: No Fifth, The Cordova Triangle and Cheese Festival in South Main - Thursday, July 12, 2018

I am not going to count this as a fifth early voting plan because whether Calvary Episcopal Church would be available for the last two Saturdays of early voting was still up in the air Tuesday. And Wednesday the word was final on Calvary which seems fitting in all things church. The result is what I will optimistically call the final version of early voting sites and their hours and days is a slate of 27 sites that is far from uniform in hours. Early voting begins Friday at five of the 27 sites.

31. Events - Thursday, July 12, 2018

Memphis Heritage Inc. hosts a Preservation Posse: After Hours tour of the Frayser Bauhaus on Thursday, July 12, at 6:30 p.m. (doors and bar open 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) at 3590 Thomas St. Stop by for a drink and barbecue, then learn about the restoration project from the experts making it happen. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Visit memphisheritage.org/ppah for details.

32. Events - Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Novel hosts a special storytime featuring “The Cows Go Moo!” author Jim Pepitas Thursday, July 12, at 11 a.m. at the bookstore, 387 Perkins Road Extended. Kids and families will enjoy a morning of singing, dancing, stories and fun, followed by a book signing. Visit novelmemphis.com.

33. Trump's Attacks on NATO Raise Questions About its Future - Wednesday, July 11, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's repeated tongue lashings of NATO allies and his friendly overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin are stirring questions at home and abroad about Trump's commitment to an Atlantic alliance that has been a pillar of U.S. security policy for more than half a century.

34. Events - Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Novel hosts a special storytime featuring “The Cows Go Moo!” author Jim Pepitas Tuesday, July 10, and Thursday, July 12, at 11 a.m. at the bookstore, 387 Perkins Road Extended. Kids and families will enjoy a morning of singing, dancing, stories and fun, followed by a book signing. Visit novelmemphis.com.

35. GPAC Files $3.5M Permit For New Outdoor Venue - Saturday, July 7, 2018

Germantown Performing Arts Center has filed a $3.5 million building permit application for a 1.5-acre open-air performance center. The Grove at GPAC will be located due north of its current location.

36. Events - Monday, July 9, 2018

Community LIFT holds an Empowerment Fund grant information session Monday, July 9, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, 1900 Union Ave. The microgrants are available to fund community-support projects in under-resourced Memphis neighborhoods. Grant applications are due July 27; those interested in applying should attend the information session. Visit communitylift.org for details.

37. Events - Saturday, July 7, 2018

Hands of Mothers hosts its annual benefit concert, featuring Amy LaVere and Will Sexton, Sunday, July 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the High Cotton Brewing Co. taproom, 598 Monroe Ave. Guests will enjoy live music, beer, bloody marys and food, and their contribution ($35 in advance or $40 at the door) will be used to educate and empower mothers and daughters living with HIV in Rwanda. Visit handsofmothers.org/concert for details.

38. GPAC Files $3.5M Permit For New Outdoor Venue - Friday, July 6, 2018

Germantown Performing Arts Center has filed a $3.5 million building permit application for a 1.5-acre open-air performance center. The Grove at GPAC will be located due north of its current location.

39. Going Green Without Spending the Green - Tuesday, July 3, 2018

“Going green” is a phrase that has grown in popularity, making its way into conversations surrounding just about everything. From how we use energy, grow our food and clean our homes, sustainability, I am proud to say, has wiggled its way into many arenas, including the one United Housing performs in – homeownership.

40. Protesters Flood US cities to Fight Trump Immigration policy - Monday, July 2, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — They wore white. They shook their fists in the air. They carried signs reading: "No more children in cages," and "What's next? Concentration Camps?"

In major cities and tiny towns, hundreds of thousands of marchers gathered Saturday across America, moved by accounts of children separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border, in the latest act of mass resistance against President Donald Trump's immigration policies.

41. Last Word: Almost Fixed, Early Voting Flap and New Chandler Numbers - Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Less than 500 MLGW customers still without power Tuesday evening going into Wednesday when the utility’s goal is to have all power outages from the weekend storms fixed. Right after the storm and when this recovery effort began, 35,000 customers were without power.

42. Triplett Returns to Ensafe as Director of Design Engineering - Wednesday, June 27, 2018

After beginning his career with EnSafe in 1990 and working his way up to project manager and lead engineer over the next 17-plus years, Chris Triplett has rejoined the company as its director of design engineering. He spent the past decade working with Barge Design Solutions, and in his new role Triplett will provide leadership to EnSafe’s corporate engineering design group for design execution and delivery. He will also work closely with clients across EnSafe’s landscape to understand their needs and to provide engineering solutions.

43. OBAP Launches Luke Weathers Flight Academy in Olive Branch - Monday, June 25, 2018

With initial plans to increase diversity of the airline industry by 50 pilots per year within the next five years, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals has opened the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. Flight Academy at the Olive Branch Airport.

44. 5 Questions to Ponder Before Titans’ Camp - Friday, June 22, 2018

In a little more than a month, the Titans will take the field for their first training camp under head coach Mike Vrabel.

There’s an air of anticipation surrounding the team as it comes off back-to-back winning records for the first time since 2007-08.

45. Month-old Bike-Share Program Exceeding Expectations in Memphis - Friday, June 22, 2018

And we’re rollin’! The new bicycle-sharing system introduced a month ago is exceeding expectations and fueling hopes that Memphis is on a revolutionary pathway to improve health and community connectivity.

46. Last Word: Kiwanis Debate, Haslam on the Gov. Race and Street Work - Thursday, June 14, 2018

For the last couple of days there has been this brewing story that Kim Kardashian West was on her way to the city to meet with Alice Marie Johnson, the convicted drug dealer sentenced to life in prison who was pardoned by President Donald Trump last week after serving 21 years in federal prison. And that is just what happened Wednesday – almost. The meeting was in Southaven. And, according to People, it included lessons in how to use Snapchat. The meeting included an interview with the Today show that will air Thursday morning.

47. Events - Thursday, June 14, 2018

Memphis Botanic Garden hosts 30 Thursdays: Cocktails and Canvases June 14, at 6 p.m. at 750 Cherry Road. The plein air (outdoor) painting class takes place the second Thursday of each month during 30 Thursdays and uses one of MBG’s 31 gardens as a background. Bring your own beverage and painting supplies. Free with garden admission. Visit memphisbotanicgarden.com/30thursdays for details.

48. Events - Saturday, June 9, 2018

Hattiloo Theatre performs “Raisin,” a musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” Friday, June 8, through July 1 at 37 S. Cooper St. Visit hattiloo.org for showtimes and tickets.

49. Last Word: Kim Kardashian's Plea, The Duran Stay and Mid-Term Moves - Thursday, May 31, 2018

A drug case from Memphis federal court in the early 1990s was the reason Kim Kardashian West was at the White House Wednesday. Kardashian West is among those pushing for a presidential pardon for Alice Marie Johnson – serving a life sentence on a federal drug and money laundering conviction. Here is the Associated Press story.

50. Tackling Transit, Reappraisal at Once Not Smart - Thursday, May 31, 2018

Nashville’s Metro Council is taking the hit for falling asleep at the wheel in a period of unprecedented prosperity and waking up to a budget shortfall in mid-2018.

“We’ve been drunken by our growth and the label of the It City,” Councilwoman Tanaka Vercher admits. “But this is what happens in growth. It stabilizes.”

51. Trane US Renews 23,000 SF Lease - Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Trane U.S. Inc. has renewed its 23,000-square-foot lease at 1775 Pyramid Place in Nonconnah Corporate Center for an additional seven years.

52. Landing NFL Draft is Fine, But How About a Super Bowl? - Monday, May 28, 2018

One after another, many of the nation’s top sporting events are finding their way to Nashville. News that Music City is playing host to the 2019 NFL Draft really came as no surprise, considering the city’s other recent sports successes here.

53. Events - Saturday, May 26, 2018

Project ChildSafe Memphis will give away free gun locks at all 30 of Memphis’ community and senior centers starting Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28. Project ChildSafe Memphis and its partners have distributed more than 9,000 gun locks since the program launched in October. Visit projectchildsafe.org for details and memphistn.gov for a list of community and senior centers.

54. Events - Wednesday, May 23, 2018

The Shelby County Office of Resilience will unveil draft recommendations for the Mid-South Regional Resilience Plan and gather feedback at workshops Wednesday, May 23, at the Baker Community Center, 7942 Church St. in Millington, and Thursday, May 24, at the University of Memphis Police Services Building, 460 S. Highland St. Both meetings run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The plan is being developed to address unmet recovery needs for weather-related events in Shelby and DeSoto counties, along with parts of Fayette and Marshall counties. Learn more at resilientshelby.com.

55. Divided Supreme Court Sides With Businesses Over Workers - Tuesday, May 22, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – A divided Supreme Court ruled Monday that businesses can prohibit their workers from banding together in disputes over pay and conditions in the workplace, a decision that affects an estimated 25 million non-unionized employees.

56. Events - Tuesday, May 22, 2018

The Shelby County Office of Resilience will unveil draft recommendations for the Mid-South Regional Resilience Plan and gather feedback at three workshops:

• Tuesday, May 22, at the Hernando Public Library, 370 W. Commerce St. (Hernando, Miss.)

57. The Week Ahead: May 21-27 - Monday, May 21, 2018

Good morning, Memphis! School ends this week and the long-awaited Explore Bike Share bicycle stations open across the city. The 600 bikes for rent will enable residents and visitors to explore the city, ride to work, visit local landmarks and get some exercise without polluting the air.

58. It’s Hard, But You Can Do It - Friday, May 18, 2018

TO FLY, YOU’VE GOT TO TRY. This morning, I was feeling kind of sorry for myself. My leg hurt. Hell, both legs hurt. A couple of my deadlines hurt. I was out of coffee, and out of patience with a couple of projects. Just can’t get going. And suddenly somebody I haven’t thought about in a long time from a long time ago came to mind.

59. Last Word: Being Fourth, Barbecue and Davos on the Delta and Steamboat Exit - Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Not. Top. Three. The Grizz got the fourth pick of the NBA draft in Tuesday’s draft lottery in Chicago. Grizz president of business operations Jason Wexler had probably the best reaction on Twitter: “So for the next 5 weeks we are in a window where everyone can be wrong and everyone can be right at the same time.” The memory of Hasheem Thabeet’s arrival in Memphis looms large in this uncertainty and draft day is the only thing that can make that memory fade. At least for now, that image just got a bit sharper. And it becomes more vivid every time between now and the draft in June that you start a sentence with “The Grizz could still…”

60. AutoZone Expanding Downtown, One Commerce Square Hits Market - Monday, May 14, 2018

40 S. Main St.

Memphis, TN 38103

Property: One Commerce Square Building 

Seller: Memphis Commerce Square Partners LLC

Details: One Commerce Square, the fourth-largest building in Memphis, has hit the market.

61. One Commerce Square Office Tower Up for Sale - Saturday, May 12, 2018

One Commerce Square, the fourth-largest building in Memphis, has hit the market.

The 29-story high-rise office tower and four-story annex, located at 40 S. Main St., also comes with a leasehold interest in a roughly 500-space parking garage, according to real estate brokerage firm CBRE’s Deal Flow listing.

62. Irony, Thy Name Is Tennessee - Friday, May 11, 2018

NEW STATUE PROPOSED. Last week in advance of the primary, I read with interest multiple accounts of the Shelby County Republican Party’s outrage with the candidacy of one of their own, Keith Alexander, for property assessor.

63. Grizzlies’ Poor Draft History In Focus With Lottery Pick - Friday, May 11, 2018

When the NBA Draft Lottery is held on Tuesday, May 15, in Chicago, Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley will be watching on TV. The lottery show will air at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN, should you be inclined to join Conley and root along.

64. Memphis To Be One of 10 Drone Test Sites - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority is leading a Memphis group that is part of a national pilot program to integrate drones into air traffic.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration announced the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program Wednesday, May 9, in Washington, D.C., with airport authority president and CEO Scott Brockman and U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis both in attendance.

65. One Commerce Square Office Tower Up for Sale - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

One Commerce Square, the fourth-largest building in Memphis, has hit the market. The 29-story high-rise office tower and four-story annex, located at 40 S. Main St., also comes with a leasehold interest in a roughly 500-space parking garage, according to real estate brokerage firm CBRE’s Deal Flow listing.

66. The Kickoff is a Must-Keep Play in College Football, NFL - Friday, May 4, 2018

October 6, 2016, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. From the sideline, then-University of Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson was watching as history disappeared under scorched earth. In other words, as Tony Pollard raced 95 yards and erased a 20-year gap between Memphis kick returns for touchdowns.

67. EDGE PILOTs Outperform Minority Spending Requirements, Report Says - Saturday, April 28, 2018

The Economic Growth Development Engine for Memphis and Shelby County released a PILOT Recipient Spending report that details its certified local, minority and women-owned business spending.

EDGE president and CEO Reid Dulberger presented the report, which tracks PILOT spending from the organization’s first full calendar year in 2012 until the end of 2016, to the EDGE board Thursday, April 27.

68. EDGE PILOTs Outperform Minority Spending Requirements, Report Says - Saturday, April 28, 2018

The Economic Growth Development Engine for Memphis and Shelby County released a PILOT Recipient Spending report that details its certified local, minority and women-owned business spending.

EDGE president and CEO Reid Dulberger presented the report, which tracks PILOT spending from the organization’s first full calendar year in 2012 until the end of 2016, to the EDGE board Thursday, April 27.

69. The Business of Airbnb - Friday, April 27, 2018

Ray’s Take: The story of one of the world’s hottest tech companies starts with two roommates, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, offering air mattresses and homemade breakfast in their apartment to out-of-town guests who couldn’t afford a hotel room in San Francisco. What started as a way to make a few bucks to pay their rent is now the company Airbnb.

70. Downtown Designs - Friday, April 27, 2018

A pair of proposed developments could change the look of two well-known Downtown areas: Mississippi River Park on Riverside Drive and the neighborhood around the National Civil Rights Museum.

One of the first tangible efforts to reimagine the Fourth Bluff area of Downtown Memphis is taking a step forward as the city has submitted plans to use adapted shipping containers as open-air dining pavilions within Mississippi River Park, located on Riverside near the Tennessee Welcome Center.

71. Last Word: Last Day of Early Voting, Senate Poll and Legislature Goes to Overtime - Thursday, April 26, 2018

The last day of early voting before the May 1 election day is Thursday. And the turnout count through Wednesday has eclipsed the total early voting turnout in this same set of elections in 2010 and 2014. You can find a list of early voting locations and the hours at www.shelbyvote.com, the website of the Shelby County Election Commission. The winners on election night next Tuesday advance to the August county general election.

72. Industrial Market Off To Good Start in 2018 - Thursday, April 26, 2018

The Memphis area industrial market is off to a good start in 2018 with a steady stream of tenant demand looking to fill the more than 5 million square feet of construction underway.

During the first quarter of 2018, the Memphis industrial sector experienced 632,366 square feet of direct net absorption, and the weighted average for asking rental rates rose 3.66 percent to $2.83 per square foot, according to real estate brokerage firm Avison Young’s quarterly Industrial Market Report.

73. Redbirds Redux? - Friday, April 6, 2018

So what do the Memphis Redbirds do for an encore after an historic 2017 season? “For an encore, hopefully do it again,” said infielder Patrick Wisdom. “That’s what encore means. Get to 100 wins. That’d be nice.”

74. Trump EPA Expected to Roll Back Auto Gas Mileage Standards - Monday, April 2, 2018

DETROIT (AP) – The Trump administration is expected to announce that it will roll back automobile gas mileage and pollution standards that were a pillar in the Obama administration's plans to combat climate change.

75. The Week Ahead: March 19-25, 2018 - Monday, March 19, 2018

Good morning, Memphis! Spring fever’s in the air as the equinox officially arrives Tuesday morning. Tell winter to take a hike at the new Heels 4 Healing 5K for St. Jude this weekend, then let the kids dance the blues away at a pair of family ballet events. Here’s what else you should know about in The Week Ahead…

76. Pinnacle Honored for Social Responsibility - Monday, March 19, 2018

Pinnacle Financial Partners has earned a spot on the “Honor Roll” for 2018 from the Center for Companies that Care, a ranking that celebrates U.S.-based companies with “outstanding workplace practices and active community involvement.”

77. New TCAT Campus to Address Workforce Development - Friday, March 16, 2018

Planning for the new Tennessee College of Applied Technology satellite campus in Bartlett is moving forward, with a projected construction start date early next year.

The Greater Memphis Medical Device Council helped TCAT get the funding for the 48,000-square-foot campus, which will include a state-of-the-art medical device training center and the ability to train 350 to 400 students. Construction could get underway by next spring at the northwest corner of Appling Road and Brother Boulevard.

78. 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.

79. Last Word: Forrest and Slavery, The Tariff Blitz and Angus McEachran - Tuesday, March 6, 2018

The report on poverty in Memphis over the last 50 years is on its way to a Greater Memphis Chamber breakfast meeting Thursday. And Terri Lee Freeman, the president of the National Civil Rights Museum and Elena Delavega, the University of Memphis lead researcher of the report, say their message is that as goes Memphis in this regard so goes the nation. And if employers start with lower pay at hiring with percentage raises across the board they feed the racial income gap and bonuses do as well.

80. 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.

81. Not Your Father’s Office Building - Saturday, February 24, 2018

2017 was a big year for Clark Tower, with more than $9 million in physical improvements. But perhaps one of the biggest changes to the 34-story East Memphis office tower, located at 5100 Poplar Ave., is a change in perception.

82. Consensus on Gun Legislation? Not on Your Life - Thursday, February 22, 2018

That burning smell emanating from the General Assembly isn’t coming from the flame of bipartisanship. More likely it’s the result of scorched-earth politics.

Even though a weapons measure called the “carry-like-a-cop” bill died recently in a House committee, the gap between Republicans and Democrats on gun legislation is, for the most part, about as wide as the range of a Barrett .50-caliber rifle, more than 2.5 miles.

83. Last Word: Looking In The Lookout, Women in Business and The Race for Governor - Monday, February 19, 2018

What would bring a Memphian on his own to The Lookout – the restaurant and bar at the top of the Pyramid? The view, of course. So after the obligatory walk outside to the views south along the riverfront and west across the river, I settled in Sunday for the view from within. I lined up with both of the tree stumps in the round fish tank in the center of the Pyramid’s apex, a steampunk frog watching from above.

84. The Day After - Tuesday, February 6, 2018

There is perhaps no greater scrutiny that a brand faces than during the biggest U.S. sporting event of the year. Courageous brands bet big that their ad will win hearts and minds, but alas, only 36 percent of Super Bowl ads earned favorable ratings from our team of advertising professionals, likely making for some uncomfortable ad execs on the hot seat Monday morning.

85. Nike’s Memphis Facilities Earn LEED Certification - Saturday, February 3, 2018

Both the Nike Tennessee U.S. Footwear Distribution Center and its office building in Memphis have earned silver certifications through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program.

86. Digest - Monday, January 29, 2018

Memphis Toys R Us

To Remain Open

A representative with Toys R Us has confirmed to The Daily News that the retailer’s Memphis location, at 7676 Polo Ground Blvd., won’t close after all.

87. Nike’s Memphis Facilities Earn LEED Certification - Thursday, February 1, 2018

Both the Nike Tennessee U.S. Footwear Distribution Center and its office building in Memphis have earned silver certifications through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program.

88. Last Word: Wiretaps in the Wright Case, Target Layoffs and SCS Looks To Move - Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen of Memphis among those boycotting the State of the Union address Tuesday evening by President Donald Trump. “The president is unworthy of the podium, the position and the power.” Republican Congressman David Kustoff of Germantown among those not boycotting SOTU. “Just one year after president Trump took the oath of office, our economy is the strongest it has been in decades. … We passed historic tax reform and we bolstered our military and support our veterans. Last year, the president kept his promises and tonight, he told the American people that he is not done.”

89. 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.)

90. 2 Dead, 17 Injured in Kentucky School Shooting; Suspect Held - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

BENTON, Ky. (AP) – A 15-year-old student opened fire with a handgun inside his rural Kentucky high school Tuesday, killing two classmates, injuring 17 others and sending hundreds fleeing for safety.

91. Editorial: Kroger’s Bottom Line Isn’t Ours - Saturday, January 20, 2018

The decision by Kroger’s Delta Division to close stores in Southgate shopping center and on Lamar Avenue west of Airways next month is probably based on dollars and cents – millions of dollars in losses at each store.

92. Reversing The Travel Slump - Thursday, January 18, 2018

U.S. travel industry representatives earlier this week expressed concern over declines in international travelers to the U.S.

A so-called “Trump Slump” has been blamed in some circles, but organizers of the new Visit U.S. Coalition were quick to point to a bigger long-term situation, a decline that goes back to 2015.

93. The Week Ahead: Jan. 15-21 - Monday, January 15, 2018

Good morning, Memphis! We hope you’re thawing out today on the last federal holiday for a while. Check out what you need to know in The Week Ahead, from the National Civil Rights Museum’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances to the mayor’s state of the city address and plenty of entertaining events...

94. 1968 Sanitation Workers on Way to NAACP Image Awards - Monday, January 15, 2018

The surviving city sanitation workers from the historic 1968 strike will be honored Monday, Jan. 15, with the NAACP’s Vanguard Award during the live telecast of the 49th NAACP Image Awards.

The ceremony in Pasadena, California, will air live at 8 p.m. Central time on TV One.

95. Mariota Finds His Swagger, Giving Titans Fans Hope for 2nd-Round Playoff Win - Friday, January 12, 2018

About a month ago, following a Dec. 10 loss at Arizona, Marcus Mariota showed a seldom-seen side of his personality.

Clearly dejected, he seemed flustered and distraught while answering questions in his post-game press conference, even answering that he was “pissed off” about his performance when asked why he seemed more bothered than usual following the Titans’ 12-7 loss to the struggling Cardinals.

96. MLK50 Weekend, Martin’s Mindset, NFL Mock Draft - Friday, January 12, 2018

The MLK50 events around Monday’s Grizzlies-Lakers game will include NBA commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Players Association executive director Michele Roberts touring the National Civil Rights Museum and joining players Mike Conley and Brooks Lopez and retired WNBA star Swin Cash in a discussion: “MLK50: Where do we go from here?”

97. Last Word: Mural Madness, Madison Plans and New Judges - Thursday, January 11, 2018

Maybe this discussion was bound to happen in a city where murals have been going up at a pretty good clip for several years now. At first, it was a rather startling form of civic witness in a new kind of Memphis boosterism that was a reaction to years of downing Memphis as the dominant civic monologue. And it rapidly became about how much the murals could speak to the real Memphis – in other words pro-Memphis but with an edge and more than a nod to the city’s reality. That’s a lot for a mural to pull off.

98. Last Word: Soccer Returns, Confederate Reprisals and Megasite Politics - Tuesday, January 9, 2018

So much going on off the field and on parts of the field in Atlanta Monday evening as Alabama beat Georgia – a clothesline, a punch thrown on the field and an attempt to throw another punch on the sidelines at an Alabama coach and all of that from a single Alabama player. So a lot of speculation after the College Football Playoff National Championship about how that will be resolved. Alabama over Georgia 26-23 in overtime.

99. Moore Named Executive Director of Explore Bike Share - Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Trey Moore has been named executive director of Explore Bike Share, the Memphis nonprofit that is preparing to launch a local bike-share system with 600 bicycles and 60 stations. Moore, who is returning to Memphis from Atlanta, Georgia, will lead Explore Bike Share’s staff in operations, fund development and community engagement activities in partnership with the organization’s board of directors.
As executive director, he also is committed to bicycling as a sustainable transportation option with access to as many Memphians as possible, and will help promote a bike-friendly culture in Memphis while encouraging exercise and healthy lifestyles.

100. 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.