Here comes Trader Joe’s with a Friday opening in Germantown after lots of mystery and delays and changes for what is a pretty simple concept. For so many of us, this has been a long-hoped for goal. It’s kind of up there with smuggling in Coors beer from the west in the 70s before it became available everywhere and Coors had a brewery here.

2. Events - Saturday, September 15, 2018

The Levitt Shell’s Orion Free Music Concert Series continues its fall season this week with a lineup that includes Black Umfolosi (Thursday, Sept. 13), Snowglobe with Star & Micey (Friday, Sept. 14), Rhodes Jazz Night with Joyce Cobb (Saturday, Sept. 15) and Those Pretty Wrongs (Sunday, Sept. 16). All concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the shell, located in Overton Park, 1928 Poplar Ave. Visit levittshell.org for the complete fall lineup.

3. Unusual College Career Leads ETSU’s Gatewood to Neyland - Saturday, September 15, 2018

Austin Gatewood was sold on nothing more than a vision. There were no uniforms to wear, no stadium to play in, no veteran teammates to guide him.

4. A New Benchmark - Saturday, September 15, 2018

Shelby Farms Park is gearing up for the second annual Mempho Music Festival and another chance to showcase the country’s largest urban park to a diverse and wide-reaching audience.
Memphis’ newest music festival is expecting a crowd of 20,000 on Oct. 6 and 7, which is impressive for a park two years out from a $70 million renovation embarked upon in 2010 with a distant vision for such an event.
The master plan for the park was designed not only for people to recreate and relax, but as a place to build community, and a music festival can be a big part of that, said Jen Andrews, executive director of Shelby Farms Park. Andrews has always had a larger vision for the park as a place where the community could come together and take ownership and pride in the best that Memphis has to offer.
Enter another visionary, native Memphian Diego Winegardner, founder of Mempho Fest and CEO of Big River Presents, which is putting on the festival. Winegardner grew up in Memphis and now lives outside of New York City where his day job is in finance and investment management. A couple of years ago on a trip home to Memphis he met some old friends for a bike ride at Shelby Farms Park.
“I was completely blown away,” Winegardner said. “The sun was setting on Hyde Lake, and I had this lightning-bolt moment of how special it would be to bring a world-class music festival to this site.
I thought about Memphis’ place in the annals of American music as the birthplace of blues, soul and R&B and the hip hop scene that we have here.
“If you think about the labels … Sun, Stax, Royal…I was exposed to all of that growing up, and seeing B.B. King on Beale Street was just normal,” he said. “I didn’t appreciate it until I was gone. I started to get really nostalgic about my hometown.”
Winegardner is a music enthusiast who has been to most of the notable music festivals in the U.S. and many around the world. He had the resources and connections to realize his dream. Last year, the first Mempho Fest kicked off with great success with 10,000 in attendance for two days of concerts featuring a variety of bands from different music genres.
“I’ve always been a big fan of (Memphis) and its people and a big defender of the city and its history,” Winegardner said. “This music festival was born out of my passion for music and my passion for the city of Memphis.”
When Winegardner first met with Andrews two years ago to pitch his idea, she caught his vision right away.
He approached it cautiously and wanted to understand how to protect the park and still give people a good experience, she said. “We like working with Diego,” she said. “They care about the park, and like us, have a big, bold vision, and they hired a professional team who knew how to put on a safe and fun event.”
This year’s festival will feature two days of multi-genre music headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist and hip-hop superstar Post Malone as well as Beck, Phoenix, NAS and Janelle Monae. Local talent like Lucero and alternative Mac deMarco also will perform, and there will be a special tribute to Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios featuring the label’s past and present stars.
Sunday will feature performances by crowd favorites like George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic and Stones Throw, Chuck Laevell’s Rolling Stones’ backer band.
The festival will not only expand in attendance, but will add a larger culinary and craft beer presence in addition to on-site camping and VIP and super-VIP experiences.
“We’re trying to create more than just music on a stage,” said Winegardner, who also created a nonprofit arm called Mempho Matters that will partner with organizations that line-up with the vision of the festival, such as Oceanic Global Foundation, #BringYourSoul, Learn to Rock and the Memphis Area Women’s Council’s “Memphis Says NO MORE” campaign.
As part of Mempho’s partnership with the Oceanic Global Foundation, the festival has a 100 percent waste-free goal, which will start with its no straw policy.
“A best practice environmental policy is important to help make sure the park is as pristine when we leave as when we showed up,” said Winegardner.
The partnership promoting the Memphis Area Women’s Council’s “NO MORE” campaign is to make sure that Mempho Fest’s female attendees feel safe. Winegardner, who has a teenage daughter, knows stories about the lack of safety for females at other events, prompting him to take up the cause.
“In this day and age, you really have to take a stand and make it an institutional part of our way of doing things,” he said.
Money raised through Mempho Matters will also benefit the Memphis community through contributions to musical education in the form of free tickets for students and teachers to attend the festival as well as instruments and money for music education in local schools.
Last year, Mempho Matters gave away 2,000 tickets to students and teachers.
“We want to build bridges into the community and be as inclusive as possible,” Winegardner said. “We want to educate the children and the youth of tomorrow about the history of Memphis musically and create a sense of pride for its citizens while also attracting new people and adding another chapter to Memphis’ long, rich history.”
Andrews is optimistic about the growth of Mempho Fest this year, projecting double the attendance in its second year as well as adding 400 weekend camping permits. Those include primitive camping, RV hookups and glamping.
“The camping option is an important part of festival culture, and one of the great benefits of the park is its tremendous scale, which can accommodate that,” Andrews said.
But the plan is to grow Mempho Fest slowly, she said.
“We learned a lot the first year, and we’re applying the learning to this year’s festival,” she said. “We have a strong plan for safely managing the crowd. We want this to be a world-class festival.”
Big River Productions and Winegardner have an undisclosed agreement with Shelby Farms Park, and both entities hope to continue the relationship.
“I’m hoping that Mempho Fest will become a long-term asset for the city of Memphis,” Winegardner said.
Music remains a big driver of visitors to Memphis — 56 percent of leisure visitors come to the city for something related to music, said Kevin Kane, president and CEO of Memphis Tourism, formerly called the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’re supporters of (Mempho Fest),” he said. “We believe in it and want to see it grow. Music festivals have a big impact on the economy. The more events we have based in music the better, and we think it’s great to utilize Shelby Farms in this way.”

5. Amazon's Jeff Bezos to Start $2 billion Charitable Fund - Friday, September 14, 2018

SEATTLE (AP) — Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos said Thursday that he is giving $2 billion to start a fund that will open preschools in low-income neighborhoods and give money to nonprofits that helps homeless families.

6. Events - Friday, September 14, 2018

The Levitt Shell’s Orion Free Music Concert Series continues its fall season this week with a lineup that includes Snowglobe with Star & Micey (Friday, Sept. 14), Rhodes Jazz Night with Joyce Cobb (Saturday, Sept. 15) and Those Pretty Wrongs (Sunday, Sept. 16). All concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the shell, located in Overton Park, 1928 Poplar Ave. Visit levittshell.org for the complete fall lineup.

7. Look Who’s Here - Friday, September 14, 2018

(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.

8. Grizzlies’ Mike Conley Bowling to Raise Sickle Cell Awareness - Thursday, September 13, 2018

Mike Conley grew up around cousins who had sickle cell disease. He didn’t understand much about it then, but he saw the impact. Years later, he continues to see it and continues to try and do his part to fight it.

9. Last Word: Jagger, Jerry Lee, Whalum & More and Harris' Plans on BTH - Thursday, September 13, 2018

Sir Mick Jagger and Jerry Lee Lewis walk into Sun Studio Wednesday. That’s not the start of a joke. Variety has reported that Jagger’s film company has signed on to the Elvis biopic being made from Peter Guralnick’s definitive two volume biography of the king. You connect the dots or don’t – who knows if there is a connection? Yes, but they aren’t talking.

10. 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. 

11. Veazey, Carr Promoted in City Hall Shuffle - Thursday, September 13, 2018

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced Wednesday, Sept. 12, he is appointing Chandell Carr and Kyle Veazey to each serve as deputy chief operating officers to COO Doug McGowen.

12. Council Approves Conditional Return of Beale Street Cover - Thursday, September 13, 2018

After much debate and consultation with attorneys, the Memphis City Council voted Tuesday, Sept. 11, to allow Memphis Police and the Downtown Memphis Commission to reinstate a cover charge for the Beale Street entertainment district.

13. Addressing Babies' Needs, One Diaper at a Time - Thursday, September 13, 2018

For want of a nail the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe the horse was lost. For want of a horse the rider was lost. For want of a rider the message was lost. For want of a message the battle was lost. For want of a battle the kingdom was lost. And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

14. Some McDonald's Workers Vote to Strike Over Sex Harassment - Thursday, September 13, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) — Emboldened by the #MeToo movement, McDonald's workers have voted to stage a one-day strike next week at restaurants in 10 cities in hopes of pressuring management to take stronger steps against on-the-job sexual harassment.

15. Council Approves Conditional Return of Beale Cover - Wednesday, September 12, 2018

After much debate and consultation with attorneys, the Memphis City Council voted Tuesday, Sept. 11, to allow Memphis Police and the Downtown Memphis Commission to reinstate a cover charge for the Beale Street entertainment district.

16. 'Big and vicious': Hurricane Florence Closes in on Carolinas - Wednesday, September 12, 2018

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — Motorists streamed inland on highways converted to one-way routes Tuesday as more than 1 million people in three states were ordered to get out of the way of Hurricane Florence, a hair-raising storm taking dead aim at the Carolinas with 130 mph winds and potentially ruinous rains.

17. 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.

18. Is Your Brand Trusted? - Wednesday, September 12, 2018

If you haven’t seen Nike in the news lately, it’s time to catch up. Regardless of your stance on the controversial spokesperson of the brand’s 30th “Just Do It” campaign, it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of brand authenticity.

19. Last Word: Gun Group Endorsements, Kirby Complexities and Purple Haze Closes - Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Two races on the Nov. 6 ballot within the Shelby County legislative delegation to Nashville getting some attention as our Nashville correspondent Sam Stockard takes a look at “gun sense” ratings from the group Moms Demand Action, which has called for stricter gun laws.

20. City Panel Debates Whether to Tweak or Toss EDGE - Tuesday, September 11, 2018

A seven-member city group looking at the effectiveness of EDGE – the city-county Economic Development Growth Engine – has a decision to make.

Do they recommend tweaking the body that grants tax abatement incentives or do they take the city out of the EDGE and create a city Industrial Development Board?

21. 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.

22. Trump Administration Orders Closure of Palestinian office - Tuesday, September 11, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration ordered the closure of the Palestinian diplomatic mission in Washington on Monday and threatened sanctions against the International Criminal Court if it pursues investigations against the U.S., Israel, or other allies. The moves are likely to harden Palestinian resistance to the U.S. role as a peace broker.

23. 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.

24. Companies Weighing Options to Continue Recycling - Saturday, September 8, 2018

Recycling capabilities for many Memphis businesses and institutions were stopped or substantially reduced in recent weeks, even as global warming continues to escalate.

Republic Services confirmed that its Memphis recycling facility, ReCommunity, recently stopped accepting recycling items from commercial and institutional sources.

25. 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.

26. Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum Helping Local MWBEs Connect, Grow - Saturday, September 8, 2018

For local minority- and women-owned business owners like Will Graham, becoming a member of the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum (MMBCC) has been a critical piece of her company’s growth. She joined the MMBCC to help connect her medical device special processing business with local medical device manufacturers, suppliers and other medical professionals.

27. Blazing Trails - Saturday, September 8, 2018

What a difference a decade can make. Successful local entrepreneurs like Muddy’s Bake Shop founder Kat Gordon, Hollywood Feed president Shawn McGhee, and executive chefs and owners Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman at Enjoy A|M Restaurant Group spent that time growing their small businesses into thriving enterprises over that time.

28. Memphis Tigers Travel to Naval Academy for Key AAC West Game Saturday - Thursday, September 6, 2018

What’s not to like about a trip to Hawaii? If you’re the Navy Midshipmen, a lot. Despite going to Hawaii early to make the adjustment to the time change, Navy spotted the home team a 28-0 lead before losing 59-41 last weekend.

29. Last Word: Graceland Opens Vigil, Hunt-Phelan For Sale and Southern Heritage - Thursday, September 6, 2018

After two years of making the Elvis candlelight vigil more about who paid and getting people in line, Graceland said Wednesday the vigil will return to being a free event next August – no admission, no buying packages that include the vigil. The timing on this is interesting coming about two weeks after the 2018 edition of the vigil.

30. Karl Dean Pledges Commitment to Completing Megasite - Thursday, September 6, 2018

Pointing at the need to bolster distressed West Tennessee counties, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Karl Dean is pledging to complete the Memphis Regional Megasite and appoint an adviser to oversee the project.

31. Solid Foundation - Thursday, September 6, 2018

While sitting at his desk, Fred Jones needs only to take a quick look up and to his right to see the strides made by him and his Southern Heritage Classic. But what does the 70-year-old Jones see when he looks up at the hopeful guy in his early 40s staring back from a newspaper photo accompanying a story prior to the inaugural game in 1990?

32. Amazon is 2nd U.S. Company to Reach $1 trillion Market Value - Wednesday, September 5, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon on Tuesday became the second publicly traded company to be worth $1 trillion, hot on the heels of iPhone maker Apple.

Launched as an online bookstore in 1995, Amazon.com has changed the way people shop for toilet paper, TVs and just about anything else. In its two decades, the company has expanded far beyond those bookseller beginnings, combining its world-spanning retail operations with less flashy but very profitable advertising and cloud computing businesses. It's now expanding into the health care industry and increasing its brick-and-mortar presence.

33. Water Coolers Replace School Drinking Fountains in Detroit - Wednesday, September 5, 2018

DETROIT (AP) — Thousands of Detroit public schools students were told Tuesday to drink from district-supplied water coolers or bottled water on the first day of classes, after the drinking fountains were shut off because of contaminants in some water fixtures.

34. Think Viral Marketing is Out of Your League? - Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Producing a campaign that catches fire on social media and the internet is the ultimate dream of many hopeful brands. Think viral content marketing is out of your league? Think again. Any company can create potentially viral content on a shoestring budget.

35. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Won't Seek 3rd term - Wednesday, September 5, 2018

CHICAGO (AP) — In a surprise announcement, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Tuesday that he would abandon his effort to seek a third term next year and gave no reason for his sudden change of heart.

36. Chaos Marks Start of Kavanaugh Confirmation Hearing - Wednesday, September 5, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — Quarreling and confusion disrupted the start of the Senate's confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Tuesday, with Democrats trying to block the proceedings over documents withheld by the White House while protesters interrupted the session in a persistent display of opposition.

37. Last Word: Selling Local Soccer, Football's Arrival and Luttrell's Vetoes - Tuesday, September 4, 2018

So the United Soccer League Memphis franchise is to be called Memphis FC 901. The branding was launched as the Labor Day weekend began with a video that is part Rogues nostalgia, soccer at school memories and a liberal dose of Grit ‘n’ Grind rhetoric from another sports franchise just down the street from AutoZone Park. The combination is another example of sports carrying the banner for the promotion of Memphis in general.

38. Arkansas Town's Mayor Hopes Mural Will Attract Visitors - Tuesday, September 4, 2018

BLACK OAK, Ark. (AP) — A new mural is giving drivers pause in Black Oak. And most are pulling over for an extended look. Three large panels — one displaying a portrait of famed author John Grisham, who set his novel "A Painted House" in the city, one displaying a field of lily-white cotton and one, a re-creation of 1973's "High on the Hog" album by hometown Southern rock supergroup Black Oak Arkansas — are the latest additions to the small town.

39. Enthusiastic Fans Embrace City’s New Soccer Team - Tuesday, September 4, 2018

How’s this for a 9-01 day? At 9:01 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1, Memphis’ expansion United Soccer League franchise rolled out its logo and identity as Memphis 901 FC on social media.

By 12:01 p.m., fans were already snatching up gear in the team’s AutoZone Park store – seven months before 901 FC plays its first game in March.

40. Memphis Thumps Mercer, 66-14 - Tuesday, September 4, 2018

By the second quarter, Twitter couldn’t help itself: When will the “Mercer” rule go into effect? And Lord, have Mercer! On and on it went. But why not? The University of Memphis offense went on and on in a 66-14 season-opening romp over the FCS Mercer Bears.

41. Gov. Haslam Hears Concerns for TNReady Credibility at Collierville Forum - Monday, September 3, 2018

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam heard from a group of Memphis and Shelby County educators that the state’s TNReady test has credibility issues with parents and doesn’t provide reliable data quickly enough for teachers to make better use of it in improving student achievement.

42. Attitude, Ability Give Gabbert NFL Longevity - Friday, August 31, 2018

Entering his eighth professional season, Blaine Gabbert has had many labels attached to his NFL career.

First-round pick. Franchise savior. Bust. Backup. Journeyman. But maybe what fits him best is survivor.

43. Memphis Hustle Start Home Schedule Nov. 9 - Saturday, September 1, 2018

The Memphis Hustle have announced the regular season schedule for its 2018-19 season in the NBA G League, beginning its home slate with a pair of weekend games on Friday, November 9 at 7 p.m. against the Windy City Bulls and on Sunday, November 11 at 3 p.m. against the Austin Spurs.

44. Rhodes’ Football Team Relying On Defensive Changes, 3-Year Starting QB - Saturday, September 1, 2018

Parker Rye can’t help but smile when he watches his Rhodes College teammates, most of whom came from elite private schools around the country, get Memphis-ized. More specifically “North North North North” Memphis-ized.

45. Events - Saturday, September 1, 2018

The 2018 Delta Fair & Music Festival runs Friday, Aug. 31, through Sept. 9 at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road. Enjoy live music; festival food; carnival rides; a petting zoo; and special events such as “redneck yacht races” (Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 3, 7), the Delta Fair Queen Pageants and “I am Beautiful” Pageant (Sept. 1), the Delta Dash 5K/10 and Cotton Candy Fun Run (Sept. 8) and more. Visit deltafest.com.

46. Kick in the Grass - Saturday, September 1, 2018

Mentally, the ownership group bringing a United Soccer League team to share AutoZone Park with the Memphis Redbirds has been flipping the switch for the better part of two years. After the last out of the Redbirds regular-season home finale was recorded Monday, the act got physical. The concept became real.

47. Funding Home Improvement Projects - Friday, August 31, 2018

Ray’s Take: If you talk to any homeowner, he or she can probably spout a list of 10 things that need to be repaired or improved on their home – whether the home is brand new or 50 years old, it usually makes no difference. Whether it be a new deck or a new roof, at some point in your life, you will want to start a special home improvement project.

48. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, New County Commissioners Sworn In - Friday, August 31, 2018

New Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and the 13 members of the Shelby County Commission were sworn in together – to show unity between the two bodies of government – Thursday afternoon at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

49. Last Word: Tiger Fortunes, Union Mission Expansion and Beale Cause and Effect - Friday, August 31, 2018

The Tigers open the football season Saturday at the Liberty Bowl against Mercer and many of you are ready for football season – college or NFL but rarely both – to begin. Never mind that the World Series still awaits in October or that every time I look up at an NFL pre season game someone is running a kickoff back from one end zone to another because no one wants anyone to hit too hard out there until it counts.

50. Events - Friday, August 31, 2018

The 2018 Delta Fair & Music Festival runs Friday, Aug. 31, through Sept. 9 at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road. Enjoy live music; festival food; carnival rides; a petting zoo; and a range of special events, including the “redneck yacht races” (Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 3, 7), Delta Fair Queen Pageants and “I am Beautiful” Pageant (Sept. 1), the Delta Dash 5K/10 and Cotton Candy Fun Run (Sept. 8) and more. Visit deltafest.com for hours and tickets.

51. John McCain Remembered as Hero, Fighter, Friend - Friday, August 31, 2018

PHOENIX (AP) — Sen. John McCain was eulogized Thursday as a "true American hero" — and a terrible driver with a wicked sense of humor and love of a good fight — as 3,500 mourners crowded into an Arizona church to pay their final respects to the maverick politician.

52. Memphis City Council Debates Reality vs. Perception on Beale - Thursday, August 30, 2018

A stabbing in the Beale Street entertainment district the Saturday night before Memphis City Council members took up safety and crowd-control recommendations from a task force added some urgency to an already emotional subject.

53. 10 Reasons You Should Watch Division III Football - Thursday, August 30, 2018

Here’s who you will find in the stands at a Division III college football game: parents, the players’ girlfriends, a couple fraternity pledge classes, a few student fans, and one or two professors.

54. Paying it Forward - Thursday, August 30, 2018

The idea started with a birthday party. Many years later, the Annie Ervin Willis Scholarship Fund is providing help to a graduating senior that lives or attends school in one of the ZIP codes where Willis attended school and church.

55. Even with Jeremiah Martin’s Surgery, Tiger Hoops Fans Can Be Hopeful - Thursday, August 30, 2018

The rumor turned out to be a reality. Sure enough, the best player from last season’s University of Memphis basketball team had surgery last Monday.

To be exact, Jeremiah Martin – the guard who averaged 18.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.3 steals – had an inguinal hernia repaired. So confirmed a UofM press release

56. MATA’s Lack of Funding Could Result in Route Cuts - Thursday, August 30, 2018

The Memphis Area Transit Authority is proposing several adjustments to its bus network, including the elimination of seven routes. Tuesday night, MATA held a public hearing at the Benjamin Hooks Central Library for the proposed changes, which can be found here. 

57. Win-Win: Memphis Redbirds Having Success Here and in St. Louis - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Stubby Clapp has watched his Memphis Redbirds do a lot of incredible things on the field this season. It’s why they clinched a playoff spot with more than a week left in the regular season. And why Clapp just picked up his second Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year Award in as many years.

58. Last Word: New Council Smell, Harris's First Pick and Detroit's Comeback - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

After months of renovation work, the new Memphis City Council committee room was ready for the council Tuesday on the fifth floor of City Hall. The council had been meeting in its chambers on the ground floor for the seven hours of committee meetings that precede the council’s main voting meeting at 3:30 p.m. two Tuesdays a month. The council room has that new council smell -- kind of ironic for a body that is about to get three new members by the end of the year.

59. Tigers’ O-Line in the Business of Clearing Real Estate - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Much focus has fallen on what the Memphis football team lost from its offense – two-year starting quarterback Riley Ferguson and playmaking wideout Anthony Miller. But graduate transfer quarterback Brady White will line up behind an offensive line that returns four of five starters.

60. Memphis Hustle Start Home Schedule Nov. 9 - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

The Memphis Hustle basketball team has announced the regular-season schedule for its 2018-19 season in the NBA G League, beginning its home slate with a pair of weekend games on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. against the Windy City Bulls and on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. against the Austin Spurs.

61. Clapp Named PCL Manager of the Year – Again - Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Memphis Redbirds manager Stubby Clapp was named Pacific Coast League manager of the year on Tuesday, Aug. 28, his second consecutive year to win the honor.

Clapp becomes only the third manager in PCL history to win the honor in consecutive seasons. Tacoma’s Dan Rohn was recognized in 2004 and 2005, while Jim Lefebvre of Phoenix was honored in 1985 and 1986.

62. How Memphis Can Learn from Detroit: Creating an Inclusive Comeback Story - Tuesday, August 28, 2018

The City of Detroit intends to create the most inclusive comeback story America has ever told.

Detroit is the largest African-American majority city in the country with a population over 400,000. Memphis is the second largest.

63. Accounting for Music - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

For veteran accountant and accomplished musician Steve Dunavant, balancing his two passions – music and accounting – is easy. For more than 20 years, he has maintained music as a side gig, playing multiple instruments around town, recording albums, and creating a music label and recording studio to help showcase Memphis musicians. During his weekdays, he crunches numbers as CBIZ senior managing director.

64. Memphis Tigers, QB White Set to Open New Campaign on Saturday Against Mercer - Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Memphis coach Mike Norvell isn’t a big fan of season openers. The mysteries tend to bother him. “I really don’t like first games,” Norvell said during his first weekly luncheon press conference of the season on Monday, Aug. 27. “There’s so many unknowns.”

65. 'It Just Doesn't Make Sense': Gamers Baffled by Shootings - Tuesday, August 28, 2018

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The suspect in a deadly shooting at a Florida video game tournament was known to barely speak to fellow gamers and sometimes exhibited an erratic playing style, according to other competitors, who were baffled that their virtual sport could lead to bloodshed.

66. Last Word: End of Term, After The Testimony and John McCain - Monday, August 27, 2018

Shelby County commissioners meet Monday for what is the last regularly scheduled meeting of their four-year term of office. Eight of the 13 commissioners are leaving the body of 13 at the end of this month as is Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell.

67. Restaurant Returns To Roots on Broad - Monday, August 27, 2018

Lucky Cat Ramen will move this fall to 2583 Broad Ave. in the former Jack Magoo’s sports bar space.

68. Redbirds Playoff Tickets on Sale - Saturday, August 25, 2018

With the magic number to secure a second straight division championship and playoff berth counting down, the Memphis Redbirds have begun selling tickets for the Pacific Coast League Playoffs at AutoZone Park.

69. U of M Program Mentors High School Seniors - Saturday, August 25, 2018

The University of Memphis announced Thursday, Aug. 23, a new Growing, Educating and Mentoring Students (GEMS) initiative to help high school seniors gain access to resources that can help them through the college application process.

70. U of M Program Mentors Seniors Through Application - Friday, August 24, 2018

The University of Memphis announced Thursday, Aug. 23, a new Growing, Educating and Mentoring Students (GEMS) initiative to help high school seniors gain access to resources that can help them through the college application process.

71. Kroger to Phase Out Plastic Bags at All Stores - Friday, August 24, 2018

CINCINNATI (AP) — The nation's largest grocery chain has begun to phase out the use of plastic bags as more Americans grow uncomfortable with their impact on the environment.

Kroger Co. will start Thursday at its QFC stores in and around Seattle, with the goal of using no plastic bags at those stores at some point next year. The company said it will be plastic-bag free at all of its nearly 2,800 stores by 2025.

72. Align Physical, Digital Self to Broaden Horizons - Friday, August 24, 2018

When you hear the term “personal branding,” you probably think of celebrities, business leaders or politicians. While each of those people have carefully crafted a personal brand, if you participate in social media in any way, you too have a digital personal brand.

73. Ernest Strickland Has Been on City’s Front Line - Friday, August 24, 2018

Some people grow up waiting for the chance to get out of their hometown. Others, like Ernest Strickland, senior vice president of workforce development for the Greater Memphis Chamber, view staying put as an opportunity to make a difference.

74. Outdoors Buzz - Friday, August 24, 2018

Two men on a beeping scissor lift strung a red backpack high on a front wall, a woman removed Hydro Flask vacuum bottles from boxes and displayed them on shelves, two women transferred the day’s truck shipment of Columbia outdoor apparel from boxes to hangers, a woman in back stuck code labels to water footwear, and store manager Annelise Danielson checked to ensure the security cameras worked.

75. Memphis Speculative Industrial Building Will Be First in a Decade - Thursday, August 23, 2018

An Atlanta-based real estate development and acquisition company next month plans to start building Memphis’ first speculative industrial space in more than decade, the company announced Wednesday.

76. Redbirds Playoff Tickets on Sale - Thursday, August 23, 2018

With the magic number to secure a second straight division championship and playoff berth counting down, the Memphis Redbirds have begun selling tickets for the Pacific Coast League Playoffs at AutoZone Park.

77. Video Shows Crash of Police Helicopter in Arkansas - Thursday, August 23, 2018

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Authorities have released video showing the crash of a police helicopter in Arkansas that left one person injured.

The video posted Tuesday on the Little Rock Police Department's Facebook page shows the Bell TH-67 on a platform at a police training facility with its rotors turning. The chopper and the platform start to move as the helicopter pitches and fails to gain altitude.

78. 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.

79. Even with Questions and Injuries, Alabama Has Rich People’s Problems - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

See if any of this sounds like cause for concern: The team has an ongoing quarterback controversy. It lost four defensive leaders to the NFL Draft, injuries have cut into the depth at outside linebacker, the secondary had a lousy scrimmage a couple of days ago, and the leading returning receiver only made 14 catches last season.

80. The Time to Find a New Job is Now - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

For years, the job market has been tight. I’ve spoken to many job seekers who are suffering through work each day. They aren’t sure what their alternatives are, and they’re not prepared to be unemployed for any length of time. If you can relate, there’s good news for you.

81. Even with Questions and Injuries, Alabama Has Rich People’s Problems - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

See if any of this sounds like cause for concern: The team has an ongoing quarterback controversy. It lost four defensive leaders to the NFL Draft, injuries have cut into the depth at outside linebacker, the secondary had a lousy scrimmage a couple of days ago, and the leading returning receiver only made 14 catches last season.

82. Bredesen Seeks Rural Broadband Access Through TVA - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen is calling for congressional action enabling the Tennessee Valley Authority to deliver broadband internet access to rural parts of the state, a plan his opponent, U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, says would be “anti-competitive.”

83. Sen. Collins, Potential Swing Vote, Meets With Kavanaugh - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh met Tuesday with Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a centrist who's seen as a potential swing vote on his confirmation, while Democrats push him to release more documents from his years in the George W. Bush White House.

84. Police Chief: Department Understaffed Amid Surge in Killings - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The police chief in Mississippi's most populous city says the department is understaffed and facing other issues amid a surge in slayings.

This year, 59 people have been killed in Jackson compared to 61 in 2017. The Clarion Ledger also reports Jackson Police Interim Chief James Davis told the City Council at a budget hearing Monday the department is short nearly 100 employees.

85. David Moore Leaving Memphis Tigers Program, Brady White to Start as QB - Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Quarterback David Moore is leaving the Memphis Tigers program, according to head coach Mike Norvell. “David Moore is no longer part of the program,” Norvell said. “He has elected to explore his options and transfer.” Norvell also announced Brady White will be the starting quarterback for the Tigers opening matchup against the Mercer Bears.

86. Restaurant Iris Reopens Wednesday with New Look, New Menu - Monday, August 20, 2018

On Wednesday, Aug. 22, Kelly English opens the doors to a new Restaurant Iris, 10 years, four months and 20 days after he opened it the first time. It’s also his 40th birthday, as good a time as any, English says, to launch a midlife crisis or have an unforgettable celebration. Whichever, perhaps both.

87. Last Word: Police Surveillance on Trial, Elvis Alternatives and Firestone's Dilemma - Monday, August 20, 2018

In Memphis Federal Court Monday morning, Memphis Police surveillance of protesters over the last two years is on the docket of U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla. McCalla ruled earlier this month in advance of the nonjury trial that police conducted “political surveillance” of protesters in violation of a 1978 federal court consent decree.

88. The Week Ahead: Aug. 20-26 - Monday, August 20, 2018

Good morning, Memphis! Fall is just around the corner and the weather later this week may give a you a more convincing notion of that. Here is a list of events and meetings that may be of interest as you get the week started.

89. Startup Founders from Four Industries Target Investor Dollars - Monday, August 20, 2018

Biodegradable birth control implants, a lawn sensor that automates lawn service once grass reaches the owner’s desired height, a smart device that attaches to rodent traps, a scalable STEM education kit and a total ankle replacement product.

90. Grizzlies Sign Former Tiger Markel Crawford - Monday, August 20, 2018

The Memphis Grizzlies have signed guard Markel Crawford and added him to the team’s training camp roster.

Crawford, a former University of Memphis player, appeared in seven games (one start) for the Grizzlies during NBA Summer League 2018 in Las Vegas and averaged 9.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 18.4 minutes while shooting 53.1 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from three-point range. The 23-year-old Memphis native also saw action in three games as a reserve during the 2018 Utah Jazz Summer League and averaged 5.7 points in 12.8 minutes.

91. Redbirds Playoff Tickets on Sale - Monday, August 20, 2018

With the magic number to secure a second straight division championship and playoff berth counting down, the Memphis Redbirds have begun selling tickets for the Pacific Coast League Playoffs at AutoZone Park.

92. In a Comeback Season For Hollywood, a Summer Without Bombs - Monday, August 20, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) — Have you noticed something oddly tranquil about this summer movie season? For the first time in recent memory, there hasn't been one major bomb.

Usually by now, there would be blockbuster-sized craters left on the charred summer-movie battlefield, the inevitable toll of Hollywood's most high-stakes season. But this year, summer-movie bomb-watching, long one of the most dependable spectator sports of the season, has gone entirely without the sight of a "Lone Ranger"-sized mushroom cloud.

93. REI Sets Plans For Memphis Grand Opening - Saturday, August 18, 2018

REI is planning special events and giveaways for the opening weekend of its Memphis store, Aug. 24-26.

The outdoor retailer’s grand opening at 5897 Poplar Ave. in Ridgeway Trace Center will feature parking-lot parties with free breakfast, music, games and REI Outdoor School programs. The events start at 8 a.m. Aug. 24-25 and 9 a.m. on Aug. 26, and end at noon each day.

94. County Mayor-Elect Harris Starts Transition to Office - Saturday, August 18, 2018

Shelby County Mayor-elect Lee Harris told 35 members of his transition team that they will probably continue working through the end of October, two months after he takes office as mayor.

95. 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.

96. Riverline to Make ‘Big Jump’ South of Crump - Friday, August 17, 2018

The Riverline bike and pedestrian trail along the Mississippi River’s edge will be jumping to Crump Boulevard into South Memphis.

And that’s what a Big Jump launch event Aug. 23 will mark – planning of the southernmost segment of the Riverline from Big River Crossing to Martin Luther King/Riverside Park.

97. Grizzlies Start Caravan Friday at AutoZone Park - Friday, August 17, 2018

The Memphis Grizzlies will tour the Mid-South for their Sixth Annual Regional Caravan Tour set to tip-off Friday, Aug. 17, at AutoZone Park for Grit Grind Night when the Memphis Redbirds take on the Round Rock Express at 7:05 p.m.

98. USL Memphis Coach Tim Mulqueen Embraces Expansion Challenge - Thursday, August 16, 2018

Let’s get the hard part out of the way first, the thing that might make you resistant to welcoming your first USL Memphis head coach. Tim Mulqueen is a rabid New York Knicks fan. Yes, the same team that now employs former Grizzlies coach David Fizdale.

99. REI Sets Plans For Memphis Grand Opening - Thursday, August 16, 2018

REI is planning special events and giveaways for the opening weekend of its Memphis store, Aug. 24-26.

The outdoor retailer’s grand opening at 5897 Poplar Ave. in Ridgeway Trace Center will feature parking-lot parties with free breakfast, music, games and REI Outdoor School programs. The events start at 8 a.m. Aug. 24-25 and 9 a.m. on Aug. 26, and end at noon each day.

100. County Mayor-Elect Harris Starts Transition to Office - Thursday, August 16, 2018

Shelby County Mayor-elect Lee Harris told 35 members of his transition team that they will probably continue working through the end of October, two months after he takes office as mayor.