Tupelo, Mississippi-based Renasant Bank (NASDAQ: RNST) officially opened its newest branch in Bartlett on Thursday, Sept. 12, as a strategic entry into one of Memphis’ oldest neighborhood communities.

2. Purple Haze Owners Decide To Close Club Indefinitely - Friday, September 14, 2018

After four people were shot early Monday morning at Purple Haze, a Downtown Memphis nightclub, owners announced Thursday, Sept. 13, they will remain closed indefinitely as management “evaluates best practices” for the business.

3. Purple Haze Owners Decide To Close Club Indefinitely - Friday, September 14, 2018

Purple Haze Owners Decide To Close Club Indefinitely

Special to The Daily News

After four people were shot early Monday morning at Purple Haze, a Downtown Memphis nightclub, owners announced Thursday, Sept. 13, they will remain closed indefinitely as management “evaluates best practices” for the business.

4. Return of Beale Street Cover Charge Adds Fuel to Debate - Friday, September 14, 2018

There are still some details left to work out about the return of the Beale Street cover charge.

The Downtown Memphis Commission and Memphis police have to set criteria for when to use the cover charge. There is also the question of whether it is a $10 cover with coupons from merchants or the $5 cover with no rebates that was in place before the council abolished the cover altogether.

5. Construction on Concourse B At Memphis International Underway - Thursday, September 13, 2018

Memphis International Airport officials launched a $245 million modernization of Concourse B Wednesday, Sept. 12, by shoveling ceremonial dirt in a soon-to-be-demolished section between gates B1 and B2.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Purple Haze Closing Two Weeks to Review Operations After Shooting - Wednesday, September 12, 2018

After four people were shot early Monday morning inside the Purple Haze nightclub in Downtown Memphis, the club is closing for two weeks to “review operations,” said a club spokesman.

“As the safety and security of our guests and employees are our utmost concern we are temporarily closing for two weeks to review operations,” Patrick Collins, a spokesman for Purple Haze, said in an emailed statement.

9. Anniversary of Yellow Fever Epidemic Shows Ongoing Need in Community - Wednesday, September 12, 2018

St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral dean Andy Andrews joked with Margery Wolcott over the weekend that her Constance Abbey street ministry has lasted longer than lots of restaurants do at five years.

10. 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.

11. De-Annexation Votes, MATA Utility Fee on City Council Agenda - Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Memphis City Council members take final votes Tuesday, Sept. 11, on ordinances that would de-annex two parts of Memphis.

The ordinances would shave off the Rocky Point area and the Southwind-Windyke neighborhoods, effective in 2020. The de-annexation proposal follows council approval earlier this year to de-annex the city’s portion of Eads and a flood plain area in southwest Memphis that is uninhabited.

12. Microsoft Executives Host ‘Fireside Chat’ on Tech Careers - Thursday, September 6, 2018

The local workforce readiness effort often has focused on manufacturing, logistics and maintenance jobs that require certification to operate equipment or two-year associate degrees that can lead directly to the workplace.

13. Graceland Dropping Candlelight Vigil Charge, Making Other Changes - Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Graceland is dropping a controversial admission fee for the Aug. 15 candlelight vigil that caps Elvis Week.

The charge was instituted in 2017, when the vigil marking the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death drew an estimated crowd of more than 30,000, and continued this year.

14. Memphis Airport Partners In Federal Drone Program - Thursday, September 6, 2018

Successful drone demonstrations were recently conducted by Memphis International Airport partners participating in a new U.S. Department of Transportation drone program. The operations were conducted at Agricenter International and included simulated runway and perimeter security inspections, as well as safety and backup procedures for drone operations.

15. 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?

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Council Approves TDZ Financing for Second Convention Center Hotel - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Memphis City Council members approved the use of Tourism Development Zone revenues Tuesday, Aug. 28, to finance the construction of a second convention center hotel as they delayed any decisions on long-term crowd control and safety measures in the Beale Street entertainment district.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22. 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.

23. Comptroller’s TBI Report Spurs New Legislation - Thursday, August 23, 2018

Legislation to crack down on misuse of state-issued cell phones is being spurred by a state Comptroller’s report showing the former acting director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and his girlfriend downloaded apps enabling them to communicate undetected.

24. Rallings Recounts Bridge Protest, Says Surveillance Was for Public Safety - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings put on his bulletproof vest en route to a 2016 protest that shut down the Hernando DeSoto Bridge because he didn’t want anyone to die that day.

 “I thought that situation would have made Selma, Alabama look like a day at the park,” Rallings said as he testified Wednesday morning about the 5-hour bridge protest on July 10, 2016.  “I was very concerned about a catastrophic situation. I just did not want it (to) happen on my watch. I did not want us to rewrite Memphis history. We already have enough negative history. “

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

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

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

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

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

27. Last Word: Hotel on the Mall, The Twist in Council Day and Rallings on Surveillance - Wednesday, August 15, 2018

At this point, the second convention center hotel is a bit like the Pyramid was at one point. Before the first dirt was turned on the Pyramid in the late 1980s, there was the discussion about where it should go and there were a lot of ideas on that covering a lot of territory – so much so that then-Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris had a model of a pretty generic looking Pyramid on his desk that had some lego wheels attached to it.

28. Historic District Compromise Tabled Over State 'Threats' - Wednesday, August 15, 2018

After months of discussions, compromises and amendments, the city council member sponsoring an ordinance giving the council more oversight of the local Landmarks Commission tabled the measure on third and final reading.

29. Historic District Compromise Tabled Over State 'Threats' - Wednesday, August 15, 2018

After months of discussions, compromises and amendments, the city council member sponsoring an ordinance giving the council more oversight of the local Landmarks Commission tabled the measure on third and final reading.

30. Historic District Compromise Tabled Over State 'Threats' - Wednesday, August 15, 2018

After months of discussions, compromises and amendments, the city council member sponsoring an ordinance giving the council more oversight of the local Landmarks Commission tabled the measure on third and final reading.

31. Last Word: Bigger Goodlett, Collierville's Dilemma and Ronnie Grisanti's at Regalia - Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Shelby County Schools officials breaking ground Monday evening on the new Goodlett Elementary School to open a year from now on the grounds of the current Goodlett Elementary at 3001 S. Goodlett. The bigger Goodlett will allow for nearby Knight Road Elementary to close and its students to attend the new Goodlett. GOODLETT.

32. Memphis City Council Could Take Final Vote On Historic Districts Oversight - Tuesday, August 14, 2018

After a two-and-a-half-month delay, Memphis City Council members may be ready Tuesday, Aug. 14, to take a final vote on new rules for historic districts including more oversight by the council.

A vote on third and final reading of the ordinance was delayed in June so the sponsor, council member Kemp Conrad, could meet with all sides of the issue to come up with a compromise. The ordinance follows council votes to grant historic district status, with guidelines enforced by the Landmarks Commission, for the Cooper-Young and Speedway Terrace neighborhoods.

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

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

34. FedEx Files $8.2 M Permit For Hub Modernization - Saturday, August 11, 2018

Memphis-based logistics giant FedEx Corp. is putting an $8.2 million sort system in a warehouse it recently leased from the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.

35. FedEx Files $8.2 Million Permit for Hub Modernization - Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Memphis-based logistics giant FedEx Corp. is putting an $8.2 million sort system in a warehouse it recently leased from the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.

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

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

37. Tennessee to Appeal Federal Ruling Over License Revocations - Monday, July 30, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee is appealing a landmark federal court ruling that says it's unconstitutional for the state to revoke or suspend driver's licenses over unpaid court costs.

38. Missouri Coach Odom’s Rant Giving Team an Edge - Wednesday, July 25, 2018

After a 51-14 loss to Auburn in the fourth week of the season, Missouri was 1-3 and had lost three home games. The lone victory? A blowout – and meaningless – win over an FCS team.

This was not the logical point for Missouri head coach and former University of Memphis defensive coordinator Barry Odom to bow up and defend himself and his team after it just got run off its own field. But that’s what he did, showing an intensity usually hidden behind closed doors.

39. HopeWorks Formally Opening New Facility Thursday - Wednesday, July 18, 2018

HopeWorks will hold a ribbon cutting Thursday, July 19, to celebrate its new facility, located in Binghampton at 3337 Summer Ave. in the former Southern Security Federal Credit Union. The grand-opening event will begin at 10 a.m., with tours of the facility. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland will speak prior to cutting the ribbon.

40. Meritan Bike Tour Plans Big Changes For 2018 - Friday, July 13, 2018

Memphis-based social services provider Meritan Inc.’s biggest fundraiser, the Moonlight Classic Bike Tour and Tailgate, has big changes this year, including a new presenting sponsor, a new venue, a new time and a new route.

41. Beale Hotel, South Main Mixed-Use Top Busy Week In Development - Tuesday, July 10, 2018

It’s a busy week for the city of Memphis when it comes to economic development. The Downtown Memphis Commission has two of its affiliate boards, the Center City Revenue Finance Corp. and the Design Review Board, in action this week, while the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County is holding a meeting for its Economic Development Finance Committee.

42. Last Word: River Museum Review, Tigers' Blended Family and Oxford Crackdown - Friday, July 6, 2018

It’s not the Gulf. It’s Lake Pontchartrain that draws the crowds on Mud Island. The Riverwalk replica of the Gulf of Mexico’s neighbor that is. A few adjustments is all it took to return authorized wading to the area at the end of the scale model of the Mississippi River. The river park is changing as it continues to make its way through the annual season from the summer and into the fall.

43. 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.

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

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

45. Mayoral Security Comes with Controversy and Price Tag - Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Some mayors and other elected officials have referred to it as “fan mail.” It ranges from explicit threats of violence to vague statements that could be taken as threats of physical harm or a prediction of defeat in the next election.

46. Last Word: The Clean-Up, Strickland On Security and Memphis Urbanism - Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Clean up from weekend storms was the first order of business at the top of the work week and that continues into Tuesday around the city. As Monday became Tuesday, MLGW reported 123 power outages it was working on affecting 2,121 customers.

47. Strickland Defends Police Overtime for Personal Security - Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland says he was reluctant initially to increase his security when he took office in 2016. Now in his third year of a four-year term, that has changed to include 24-hour police security on his home.

48. Last Word: Draft Done, New Beale Moves and New Elvis - Friday, June 22, 2018

Well, this is off to a rocky start. Jaren Jackson Jr. indicated he didn’t want to come to Memphis until minutes before the Grizz used their number 4 pick in Thursday evening’s NBA draft to select him and reverse years of bad history in draft selections. That was a lot to ask for in the pick of the youngest player in the draft at 18 years of age. But that’s what drafts in the NFL and NBA have come to be about – big moments, declaring victory and celebrating all before anything pans out.

49. Testing a New Line - Friday, June 22, 2018

Beale Street will be trying out new security measures this month as a task force reviewing the entertainment district continues to work on a better plan for the spring and summer weekend peak nights.

50. Enthusiasm Not Enough to Turn Tennessee Blue - Thursday, June 21, 2018

Tennessee’s legislative Democrats are eternally optimistic. They don’t have much choice but to look on the bright side with 75-24 and 28-5 deficits in the House and Senate.

So when they put a nearly full slate of candidates on the ticket for November’s general election – about 110 districts – and say they’ve got a good chance of picking up seats, they almost have to be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.

51. Corker and Alexander Immigration Policy Reactions Differ As Trump Makes Changes - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

As President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, June 20, that he would reverse his administration's policy on separating children from parents who cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally or seeking asylum, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee was among the Republican lawmakers sitting around the table with Trump.

52. Parkside Proposal - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

The developers of the proposed Parkside at Shelby Farms project have applied for a tax-increment financing (TIF) designation to fund nearly $72 million in public infrastructure improvements to the area, including the construction of Shelby Farms Parkway.

53. Fundraising in the Latino Community - Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Part one of a two-part interview with Cynthia Magallon Puljic. Philanthropy is philanthropy and fundraising is fundraising, right? We’re not so sure. Wanting to know more about philanthropy and fundraising within the Latino community, we talked with Cynthia Magallon Puljic to learn her thoughts and observations. 

54. Laurenzi Joins Baker Donelson After Long Career as Prosecutor - Monday, June 11, 2018

Larry Laurenzi describes himself as a “litigator” – meaning much of his 35-year career in the Memphis U.S. Attorney’s office was about the courtroom – going to trial or preparing to go to trial.

55. Blackburn’s Scattershot Hits Surprise Targets - Thursday, June 7, 2018

Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn is doubling down against Democratic opponent Phil Bredesen in the race for an open U.S. Senate seat, hammering him as a liberal in the vein of Obama, Clinton, Schumer and Pelosi.

56. Boyd Says He Favors State Funding for Shelby County Pre-K Push - Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Republican contender for Tennessee Governor Randy Boyd says he supports the move to expand prekindergarten in Shelby County including the possibility of state funding.

57. Last Word: Big River Summer, AuthenticAfrican Revealed and 100 North Main - Friday, June 1, 2018

It’s the month that doesn’t have a festival with its name in the title, the month after the month that does have a festival bearing its name. It’s the month of heat and sun and heat lightning, lightning bugs and tourists and no school. Baseball before the All-Star break, politics past one set of primaries but before the other midterm primaries, budget seasons and the difference between the unrestricted fund balance and the restricted fund balance and patio society underneath the ferns. Welcome to June.

58. Trustmark Bank Scores No. 1 Ranking In Customer Satisfaction Survey - Saturday, June 2, 2018

With intense competition in the Memphis banking market to win over new customers and keep their existing ones, customer satisfaction is key. In the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study, Trustmark National Bank scored the highest marks for the South Central region, which includes Memphis.

59. 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.”

60. Last Word: After The Tom Lee Storm, Tiger Lane Changes and Crosstown Growth - Tuesday, May 29, 2018

A year ago many of you were without power in the wake of a sudden and violent storm that has come to be known as the Tom Lee Storm. It is the third most powerful storm, according to Memphis Light Gas and Water Division, in terms of those without power and the damage done. It’s called the Tom Lee storm because the 1950s-era Tom Lee memorial in Tom Lee Park – the obelisk – was toppled and shattered as the obelisk fell from the base. A year later, the base that proclaims Tom Lee “a worthy Negro” remains and the obelisk is in storage.

61. Events - Tuesday, May 29, 2018

The Beethoven Club Music Series, featuring a performance by some of Memphis’ brightest young college classical musicians, continues Tuesday, May 29, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave. The Beethoven Club of Memphis hosts the series on the last Tuesday of every month. Admission is free; light refreshments will be served. Visit beethovenclubmemphis.org.

62. Safe and Sound - Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Entrepreneur Jim Turner is enjoying the recent growth of his MedixSafe drug security cabinet business, which sprouted from his successful security-based business, Electronic Security Specialists & Cabling (ESSC). This year, MedixSafe will top $1 million in sales for the first time and will account for one-third of ESSC’s overall business.

63. Bitcoin Fans Rave, But Understand It’s Still a Risky Business - Monday, May 28, 2018

By now, anyone who follows Wall Street even slightly has heard of cryptocurrency and its most famous spawn – bitcoin, which launched in 2009 but grabbed headlines last year for its wild swings in valuation.

64. Events - Monday, May 28, 2018

Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s School hosts its third Summer Dance Intensive Tuesday, May 29, through Friday, June 1, at Buckman, 60 Perkins Road Extended. The four-day program is designed for musical theater students and dancers ages 8 and older who are looking to explore new genres. Tuition is $150. Visit buckmanartscenter.com for details and registration.

65. Blockchain Tech ‘is the Shiny New Penny’ - Monday, May 28, 2018

During the General Assembly session that just ended legislators debated a number of hot-button issues: guns, abortion, Confederate statues and medical marijuana.

But tucked among the headline-grabbers was a brief bill, less than 300 words long, that attracted no controversy whatsoever.

66. 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.

67. 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.

68. Beale Street Bucks Comeback Recommended as Lawsuit Dismissed - Thursday, May 24, 2018

Almost a year after all cover charges to get in the Beale Street Entertainment District were dropped, the cover charge program known as Beale Street Bucks could be making a comeback.

The suggestion is sure to renew a vocal debate about whether charging a cover after 10 p.m. on Saturdays during the summer is an effective security measure or selective crowd control on the street that gave birth to the blues, where Saturday night crowds are a part of its history. 

69. Memphis Surgeon Kelly Honored By Pediatric Orthopaedic Society - Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Dr. Derek M. Kelly, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, has been awarded the Special Effort and Excellence Award from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America.

70. Dot Transportation To Open Terminal In West Memphis - Friday, May 18, 2018

With a new distribution terminal opening in West Memphis this month, Dot Transportation, an affiliate of Dot Foods Inc., is looking to hire new truck drivers to add to its fleet.

71. Second Convention Center Hotel Has Footprint Beyond City’s Tallest Building - Monday, May 14, 2018

After four years as an emptied out eyesore and lots of promises with very little follow up, the city’s tallest building is at the center of a tentative deal to make it the second convention center hotel.

72. Last Word: New Football League, Drone Testing and New Chandler Numbers - Thursday, May 10, 2018

The Alliance of American Football announces its presence in Memphis Thursday afternoon at the Liberty Bowl. And so begins another chapter in the city’s colorful history of start-up leagues. It is a long history dominated by football with a good stretch of the timeline taking in the city’s pursuit of an NFL franchise. Sometimes the rules are a bit different and the leagues have a history of not lasting very long. But they are fondly remembered.

73. 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.

74. Fred’s Reports Another Quarter’s Bleak Results - Monday, May 7, 2018

Joseph Anto’s first presentation of the quarterly numbers for discount retailer Fred’s Inc. lasted about 13 minutes from start to finish.

Anto, appointed last week as interim CEO of the troubled Memphis-based company, is personally approving every invoice over $5,000. The company, he said, is “maniacally” focused on cutting expenses and in the process of pursuing yet another strategy shift after a failed transition of the company’s emphasis to personal health care.

75. Fred’s Fiscal Year Loss Doubles From 2016 - Friday, May 4, 2018

Joseph Anto’s first presentation of the quarterly numbers for discount retailer Fred’s Inc. lasted about 13 minutes from start to finish.

Anto, appointed last week as interim CEO of the troubled Memphis-based company, is personally approving every invoice over $5,000. The company, he said, is “maniacally” focused on cutting expenses and in the process of pursuing yet another strategy shift after a failed transition of the company’s emphasis to personal health care.

76. Two More Executives Resign at Fred's - Friday, May 4, 2018

Two more senior executives are out at discount retailer Fred’s Inc., with word of their departures coming a week after the Memphis-based company’s CEO resigned.

Fred’s disclosed in a security filing today, May 3, that chief operating officer Timothy Liebmann and chief merchandising and marketing officer Mary Louise Gardner have both resigned “to pursue other opportunities.” Their departures will cost the company more $1.5 million, as that figure alone represents the severance costs of $800,000 that will go to Liebmann and $663,000 going to Gardner. They’ll also get their regular base salary through May 27.

77. The Seam in Memphis Joins EEA Blockchain Initiative - Friday, May 4, 2018

The Seam, a provider of agribusiness software and commodities trading solutions, has joined the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA), the world’s largest open-source blockchain initiative.

The Seam joined EEA to collaborate with industry leaders on the architecture and deployment of blockchain solutions for the enterprise. As a member, The Seam will work alongside many individuals and organizations by promoting and facilitating open standards, decentralized architectures, security and best practices for Ethereum-based technologies, including smart contracts.

78. Tenn. Legislature Breaks TNReady Gridlock, Adjourns Session - Thursday, April 26, 2018

NASHVILLE – The House and Senate broke gridlock Wednesday night on problems stemming from the results of troubled TNReady testing by passing legislation saying no “adverse action” would be taken against teachers, students or schools for poor test scores.

79. 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.

80. TNReady Causes Gridlock in Tenn. Legislature - Thursday, April 26, 2018

NASHVILLE – The day after Republican House leaders called for a review of the state’s TNReady testing vendor, the House of Representatives and Senate got stuck on the impact of botched testing this spring and the potential for incorrect student scores affecting teacher evaluations.

81. TNReady Causes Gridlock in State Legislature - Thursday, April 26, 2018

NASHVILLE – The day after Republican House leaders called for a review of the state’s TNReady testing vendor, the House of Representatives and Senate got stuck on the impact of botched testing this spring and the potential for incorrect student scores affecting teacher evaluations.

82. Events - Tuesday, April 24, 2018

The Beethoven Club Music Series, featuring a performance by some of Memphis’ brightest young college classical musicians, continues Tuesday, April 24, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave. Admission is free; light refreshments will be served. Visit beethovenclubmemphis.org.

83. With NFL Draft Thursday, Will Tigers’ Anthony Miller Go Late in First Round? - Tuesday, April 24, 2018

The NFL Draft is this Thursday. And University of Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller is on the league’s radar. At nfl.com, draft analyst Mike Mayock ranks Miller as being tied for fifth-best receiver available with Oklahoma State’s James Washington.

84. Events - Monday, April 23, 2018

The Voices of the South Writing Cabaret will meet Monday, April 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at TheatreSouth, 1000 S. Cooper St. (in the First Congregational Church basement). At the start of the evening, participants receive a writing prompt and write for an hour, then everyone is given the opportunity to share what they have written. Cost is free; one drink minimum. Visit voicesofthesouth.org.

85. Electronic Security Firm Buys Select Frase Accounts - Saturday, April 21, 2018

Memphis-based Electronic Security Specialists (ESSC), a licensed low-voltage contractor that installs and services electronic security equipment, has purchased required commercial fire alarm accounts from Frase Protection.

86. Events - Saturday, April 21, 2018

Circuit Playhouse will present the regional premiere of “Stupid F#!&ing Bird” Friday, April 20, through May 13 at 51 S. Cooper St. Visit playhouseonthesquare.org for times and tickets.

87. More Scrutiny for Employers Likely This Year From Immigration Services - Saturday, April 21, 2018

Local immigrant and businesswoman Alexandra Matlock knows how hard it can be navigating the U.S. customs process. Her journey coming from Colombia to eventually obtaining permanent work status in the U.S. took well over a decade.

88. Last Word: 'Poking The Bear,' National Walk Out Day and McQueen on Capitol Hill - Thursday, April 19, 2018

The state House’s Tuesday action cutting $250k in funding for Memphis from Gov. Bill Haslam’s budget proposal is turning into a cause back here, starting with a GoFundMe page. Elsewhere on social media, you can see the unmistakable outline of a party or parties for the cause beginning to form. This is near the end of session for the Legislature when the budget is the last action before going back to the district to run for re-election. Different timing over here, with multiple crawfish outings leading into Memphis in May.

89. EDGE Approves Trio of Tax Abatements - Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County approved a trio of tax abatement packages during its Wednesday April 18 meeting.

Massachusetts-based Franklin Sports Inc. was awarded a six-year Jobs PILOT to build a 250,000- to 300,000-square-foot warehouse adjacent to its Memphis distribution center at 5510 Getwell Road, adding 27 new jobs with an average salary of $39,722, excluding benefits.

90. Electronic Security Specialists Buys Frase Fire Alarm Accounts - Thursday, April 19, 2018

Memphis-based Electronic Security Specialists & Cabling (ESSC), a licensed low-voltage contractor that installs and services electronic security equipment, has purchased required commercial fire alarm accounts from Frase Protection.

91. Southern Poverty Law Center Seeks Duran’s Release - Tuesday, April 17, 2018

The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a petition in federal court seeking the release of Manuel Duran, a journalist arrested by Memphis Police earlier this month and then detained by federal immigration agents once the misdemeanor charges by police were dropped.

92. 3 Companies Seek Abatements for Memphis Projects - Saturday, April 14, 2018

Sports equipment manufacturer Franklin Sports Inc., pharmacy services provider Enclara Pharmacia Inc. and petroleum distributor OMO Energy & Technology Inc. will all make their cases for tax incentives when the Economic Development Growth Engine meets Wednesday, April 18.

93. Raymond James Sues Landlord Over Elevators - Friday, April 13, 2018

Raymond James & Associates Inc., the name tenant of the Raymond James building at 50 North Front St., is suing its landlord at the building over elevator problems in a lawsuit first filed in Chancery Court in February that has since been transferred to Memphis federal court.

94. One City, One Team: When a Memphis sports entity succeeds, everyone wins - Friday, April 13, 2018

On the occasion of the home opener for the reigning Pacific Coast League champion Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park, new Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch. Predictably, he received a standing ovation just for walking out to the pitching mound.

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

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

96. Airport Overhaul Hits Milestone With B Concourse Closure - Thursday, April 5, 2018

Roughly a year after Memphis International Airport first unveiled its $214 million modernization plan, the project is taking its next significant step.

On Wednesday, April 4, Memphis International officially closed the B Concourse and relocated all airline operations, restaurants and retail businesses to the A and C concourses until the project wraps up in 2021.

97. Perry Leading Fire Museum Forward as Executive Director - Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Shannon Perry became executive director of the Fire Museum of Memphis earlier this year, a role that brings her back to the institution she helped launch in the 1990s, when she served as its first curator. As executive director, Perry is the Fire Museum’s only full-time employee, and she handles a range of functions – including its collection, exhibits and facilities, budgets, fundraising, public relations, special events, staff and volunteers – while also working directly with the museum’s board.

98. 'This Was Like A War': Witnesses Remember Day MLK Was Shot - Tuesday, April 3, 2018

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Clara Ester's eyes were fixed on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as he stood on the concrete balcony of the Lorraine Motel.

99. MLK 50 Years Later - Saturday, March 31, 2018

Bernard Lafayette remembers being in Memphis April 3, 1968, and a dejected Martin Luther King Jr. being roused from his room at the Lorraine Motel to speak at Mason Temple on a rainy night.

100. Cohen Says He Fears Consequences of Increased Defense Spending - Friday, March 30, 2018

Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis almost voted for the Republican omnibus appropriations bill that recently passed Congress, averting a government shutdown.