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.

2. 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.

3. TruGreen Hires FXI Exec As Next President, CEO - Saturday, August 18, 2018

TruGreen, the Memphis-based lawn care company serving more than 2.3 million customers across the country, has a new driver behind the wheel.

On Tuesday, Aug. 14, the company announced the appointment of John Cowles as president and CEO, effective Sept. 17.

4. TruGreen Hires FXI Exec As Next President, CEO - Thursday, August 16, 2018

TruGreen, the Memphis-based lawn care company serving more than 2.3 million customers across the country, has a new driver behind the wheel.

On Tuesday, Aug. 14, the company announced the appointment of John Cowles as president and CEO, effective Sept. 17.

5. Last Word: The Jenkins Ruling, No More City Court Clerk and Harwell's Quest - Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Making your early voting plan for Friday’s debut of the voting period in advance of the Aug. 2 election day? Well, you might want to hold off until after Tuesday morning. That’s when the latest changes could get set in stone … or not.

6. 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.

7. Last Word: Riverfront Change, Skeleton to Canopy and Summer Camp - Wednesday, June 13, 2018

The two contenders for Shelby County Mayor in the Aug. 2 county general election – Democratic nominee Lee Harris and Republican nominee David Lenoir – meet for the first time in the general election campaign Wednesday at the Memphis Kiwanis Club weekly luncheon. It is the first of several debates between the two. And judging from what Harris and Lenoir have said separately and what we’ve reported from those appearances, this is a highly anticipated debate/discussion about the future of Shelby County on several fronts.

8. Last Word: The Politics of Summer, Perpetual Motion and Nigerian Email Scams - Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Just about the time it is summer by the calendar next week as well as by the ongoing weather, you will start to see a set of one-on-one debates between the Democratic and Republican contenders for Shelby County Mayor – Lee Harris and David Lenoir, respectively.

9. $71.2M Federal Grant Awarded for Long-Sought Lamar Avenue Upgrade - Wednesday, June 6, 2018

A $71.2 million federal transportation grant announced Tuesday, June 5, in Washington, D.C., will fund long-planned and awaited infrastructure updates to the city’s major freight corridor.

Funding under the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation goes for repairs and upgrades to Lamar Avenue from Getwell Avenue to the Mississippi state line.

10. Two Shots Didn’t Phase Lawmakers in Jack Daniel’s Case - Thursday, May 17, 2018

When Van Halen front man David Lee Roth opened a bottle of Jack Daniel’s on stage back in the ’80s, the last thing he thought about was taxes and court appeals when he took a big swig of whiskey.

11. Last Word: Veto Override Drama, Iran Reaction & Rise of the Rest Meets Soundways - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Shelby County Commissioners have a busy committee day Wednesday with a budget presentation – county mayor Mark Luttrell’s final one as the county’s chief executive, more discussions about the Graceland plan and a veto override.

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

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

13. Last Word: Primary Results and Analysis, Bike Launch, Gibson's Bankruptcy - Wednesday, May 2, 2018

The immediate headline of Tuesday’s county primary elections is Lee Harris and David Lenoir battling in the August county general to see who becomes the next county mayor. But there were lots of other stories in the results. Here's the roundup of that and the other countywide primaries.

14. Lenoir and Harris Advance in County Mayor's Race - Wednesday, May 2, 2018

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

15. Tennessee Lawmakers OK Whiskey Barrel Tax Exemption Bill - Wednesday, April 25, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee's Republican-led legislature has passed a proposal to exempt Jack Daniel's and other distillers from property tax on whiskey barrels, a fee the company says it hasn't had to pay at least since Prohibition ended eight decades ago.

16. Last Word: Parking Distrust, Early Voting Numbers and Missile Strike Reaction - Monday, April 16, 2018

There is probably no better symbol of the distrust that has been a factor in reaching a compromise in Overton Park to end greensward parking by the Memphis Zoo. It is what happened to the idea of a walkway from the zoo plaza to the greensward with the critical juncture being where the gravel driveway is now that is used by cars to park on the greensward. We examine that and other larger points from last week’s decision by City Hall to change the design and make the amended plan the final plan.

17. Last Word: Yoga's Return, Strickland on MLK50 and The Broad Water Tower Move - Thursday, March 29, 2018

The two parks where Confederate monuments were removed this past December will feature some new experiences now that spring is here both by the calendar and by all that flowers and clouds that are heavy with rain. Memphis Greenspace, the nonprofit that bought Health Sciences and Memphis Parks from the city at the end of 2017, will roll out its first programming for the two parks next week including a Truth Booth at Memphis Park along with the return of Downtown Yoga. It will be tai chi Tuesdays and yoga Thursdays at Health Sciences Park along with a lunchtime music series.

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

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

19. Last Word: Moot Points in Orlando, EDGE Responds and A Mayoral Forum - Friday, March 9, 2018

The Tigers basketball post season continues to a Friday game with Tulsa the day after the Tigers beat South Florida 79-77 in the AAC tournament in Orlando. But all of this seems to have been rendered a moot point by the all-but-official exit of coach Tubby Smith with Penny Hardaway, and probably much if not all of his staff, waiting in the wings.

20. 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.

21. Alexander, Corker Honor 1968 Sanitation Strikers - Saturday, February 17, 2018

U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker of Tennessee introduced a Senate resolution Tuesday, Feb. 13, honoring the 1,300 Memphis sanitation workers who went on strike in 1968.

The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Doug Jones of Alabama and Ben Cardin of Maryland.

22. Alexander, Corker Honor 1968 Strikers with Resolution - Wednesday, February 14, 2018

U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker of Tennessee introduced a Senate resolution Tuesday, Feb. 13, honoring the 1,300 Memphis sanitation workers who went on strike in 1968.

The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Doug Jones of Alabama and Ben Cardin of Maryland.

23. Last Word: The Mural Takedown, Corker's Calculation and Beale Crowd Control - Monday, February 12, 2018

Cue the organ music from the old-fashioned television soap operas: As the weekend began, city public works crews had painted over – either completely or partially – a lot of the Paint Memphis program murals on the west side of Willett near Lamar. That would be the ones city council members complained about and others that no one complained about.

24. Last Word: Shutdown Round Two, The Pastner Charges and 1968 Virtual Reality - Friday, February 9, 2018

The federal government technically shutdown at midnight in Washington, D.C., Friday for the second time in 17 days. But the House and Senate were still going for a vote on a two-year budget compromise before dawn Friday morning as this is posted.

25. ATA Expands Memphis Presence With Cannon & Co. Acquisition - Saturday, February 10, 2018

Regional accounting firm Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC kicked off the new year with the acquisition of Memphis-based Cannon & Co., strengthening its footprint in the market with an eye on future growth and expansion.

26. Filing, Fundraising Pace Quickens in County Elections - Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Two of the five major contenders for Shelby County mayor in the May 1 primaries have six-figure campaign war chests and a third is just a few thousand dollars away.

That’s according to campaign finance statements filed last week with the Shelby County Election Commission for the period July 1, 2017, to the end of 2017.

27. Cohen Skeptical End of Shutdown Will Resolve DACA Standoff - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

A deal in Washington to end a federal government shutdown Monday, Jan. 22, after three days extends federal funding of government operations through Feb. 8.

The U.S. Senate and House votes approving the continuing resolution drew responses from state and local representatives in Congress that fell along partisan lines, but in some cases left out any reference to which party is to blame.

28. Local Reps. In D.C. Vote For 3-Week Measure Ending Government Shutdown - Tuesday, January 23, 2018

A deal in Washington to end a federal government shutdown Monday, Jan. 22, after three days extends federal funding of government operations through Feb. 8. The U.S. Senate and House vote approving the continuing resolution drew responses from state and local representatives in Congress that fell along partisan lines but in some cases left out any reference to which party is to blame.

29. Tennessee and Local Reps. In DC View Shutdown Across Partisan Divide - Monday, January 22, 2018

Among Tennessee’s two U.S. Senators and the two Congressmen who represent Shelby County in Washington, the partisan differences over the federal government shutdown that began Saturday are right at the top of their prepared statements on the shutdown released over the weekend.

30. Local Reps in D.C. React to Shutdown Along Party Lines - Saturday, January 20, 2018

Reaction among Tennessee’s two U.S. Senators and the two Congressmen whose districts cover Shelby County to the federal government shutdown that began at midnight Saturday, Jan. 20, Washington D.C. time was divided along party lines.

31. Roland Pulls Petition For Mayor, Running As ‘Uniter’ - Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Shelby County commissioner Terry Roland has been campaigning for Shelby County mayor since last year.

When he pulled his qualifying petition Thursday, Jan. 11, to formally enter the May Republican primary for mayor, Roland did so with a slogan of bringing “positive change to Shelby County.”

32. 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.

33. Smart Homes: Not Just for Tech Geeks Anymore - Tuesday, January 2, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – Internet-connected lights, locks and laundry machines are close to becoming everyday household items, thanks in part to voice-activated speakers such as Amazon's Echo and Google Home.

34. Events - Thursday, December 21, 2017

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park will be open nightly through Tuesday, Dec. 29 (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Drive through the annual holiday light display, then stop by Mistletoe Village to meet Santa, visit the Starry Petting Zoo, shop local artisans and more. Visit shelbyfarmspark.org for hours and tickets. 

35. Last Word: Moving the Mountaintop, Brooks Idea and No Voucher Bill in 2018 - Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The Mountaintop is moving – the circa 1977 sculpture that for many years was the only public memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -- other than the pre-National Civil Rights Museum at what was then the Lorraine Motel. It’s had a few locations over the last 40 years and it's been in the Memphis elements constantly.

36. Events - Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The Memphis Animal Services advisory board will hold a public meeting Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave. The public is invited to attend to hear the latest MAS news and ask questions. Visit memphisanimalservices.com.

37. Events - Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Remington College will hold a 3 Lives Blood Drive and a campus open house Tuesday, Dec. 19, at its Memphis campus, 2710 Nonconnah Blvd. The blood drive (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is part of a national effort to recruit minority blood donors, with Remington Memphis’ donations going to Lifeblood. The open house (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) gives prospective students the opportunity to tour labs, chat with instructors and see demonstrations from hands-on training porgrams. Visit remingtoncollege.edu.

38. The Week Ahead: December 18-24 - Monday, December 18, 2017

Good morning, Memphis! Winter officially begins this week, and Santa’s making one last pass on his naughty-or-nice list (though we know you’ve all been good this year). Check out a couple of ways you can give back – plus more fun happenings you need to know about – in The Week Ahead...

39. Events - Monday, December 18, 2017

Remington College holds a 3 Lives Blood Drive and campus open house Tuesday, Dec. 19, at its Memphis campus, 2710 Nonconnah Blvd. The blood drive (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is part of a national effort to recruit minority blood donors, with Remington Memphis’ donations going to Lifeblood. The open house (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) gives prospective students the opportunity to tour labs, chat with instructors and see demonstrations from hands-on training programs. Visit remingtoncollege.edu.

40. 50 Years Later - Friday, December 8, 2017

Almost 50 years to the day after he died in a plane crash while on tour, the image and sound of soul singer Otis Redding remains vital and relevant – and heard.

41. Last Word: Grizz Ownership Moves, Confederate Deadline and Medical Family Tree - Monday, December 4, 2017

As many of us were focused on Tigers football and the journey to Orlando last week, there was word that either both or one of the two minority owners of the Grizz had exercised a buy-sell provision in the NBA team’s unique ownership agreement. And what could be a fight for control of the team’s ownership is underway. The sports website The Athletic broke the story last Thursday. Here it is. It also talks about the timing of this coming with the controversial sacking of David Fizdale, an interim coach at the helm of a changing team and lead owner Robert Pera’s lack of visibility in all things Grizz around the city.

42. Corker, Alexander Split in Senate Tax Reform Vote - Saturday, December 2, 2017

Tennessee’s two Republican U.S. Senators split in the Friday, Dec. 1, 51-49 Senate vote approving tax reform legislation.

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker has been leading a group of self-described “deficit hawks” in the Senate who held out for triggers in the tax cuts included in the bill that would have raised tax rates in later years if the tax cuts weren’t living up to projections of economic growth.

43. December 1-7, 2017: This week in Memphis history - Saturday, December 2, 2017

2013: The St. Jude Marathon is canceled because of subfreezing temperatures and the threat of icy streets. But some runners from Memphis and others who had traveled to the city for the annual event, run the course anyway.

44. Last Word: Alexander on Trump, Gibson Sells and Chandler Home Sales Numbers - Friday, October 20, 2017

If you tuned out at half-time in Houston Thursday evening, you may need to examine your committment and give me five sets of wind sprints from East Parkway to the fountain at the other end of Tiger Lane. And no drinking the blue water.

45. Last Word: The Chamber on Forrest, Different Amazon News & More 2018 Dominoes - Friday, October 6, 2017

The Greater Memphis Chamber rolls out its part of the push by the city administration to get a state waiver for the removal of the Nathan Bedford Forrest statue. Next week is the meeting of the Tennessee Historical Commission with Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland showing up to make his pitch. That is even though the chairman of the body has told him the commission will not take up a waiver at the meeting.

46. Last Word: Las Vegas React, Moral Monday, Who Pays For Beale Security? - Tuesday, October 3, 2017

We open with reaction Monday to the mass shooting in Las Vegas:

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland:

47. Last Word: Political Tide Comes In, First Tn and Pinnacle Settle and The No Compete - Thursday, September 28, 2017

In East Memphis Thursday afternoon, Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir will formally announce what has been evident for some time – he is running for Shelby County Mayor in 2018 starting with the May Republican primary. The primary field includes Shelby County Commissioner Terry Roland and Juvenile Court Clerk Joy Touliatos. Shelby County Commissioner Sidney Chism is the only declared Democratic mayoral contender as we speak. Look for that to change.

48. Last Word: Corker's Decision, Buses & Bikes and Tenoke Comeback - Wednesday, September 27, 2017

And with a brief, carefully-worded written statement Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Senator Bob Corker has blown up the forming-2018 race for the Senate seat he will give up at the end of 2018 and that probably applies to the 2018 race for Tennessee Governor. That’s even if Corker doesn’t follow Tuesday’s announcement by getting into the race for Governor at some point. Corker said nothing about what is next beyond his remaining time in office.

49. Senate Confirms Dunavant As U.S. Attorney - Monday, September 18, 2017

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Tipton County prosecutor Mike Dunavant as the new U.S. attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, based in Memphis with offices in Jackson, Tennessee.

50. Dunavant Confirmed As U.S. Attorney - Friday, September 15, 2017

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Tipton County prosecutor Mike Dunavant as the new U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, based in Memphis with offices in Jackson, Tennessee.

51. Cohen Criticizes, Kustoff Commends 6-Month DACA Wind-Down - Wednesday, September 6, 2017

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis termed President Donald Trump’s decision Tuesday, Sept. 5, to wind down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program over the next six months “heartless, illogical and un-American.”

52. Cohen Defines Gap Between Trump and Republicans - Tuesday, August 15, 2017

There is a distinction to be made between the Republican majorities in the U.S. House and Senate and President Donald Trump, says U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, one of Trump’s most vocal and virulent critics.

53. Kustoff: Window for Congressional Tax Reform Narrow - Thursday, August 3, 2017

When the House and Senate return to Washington from the August recess, the clock will be ticking on a tax-reform proposal that is a Republican priority.

And U.S. Rep. David Kustoff of Germantown says time is of the essence with 53 legislative days left in the year, as midterm election considerations in 2018 will make a tax-cut bill he and other Republicans favor more unlikely.

54. Last Word: 'Secular Stagnationists', CRE's Big Year in Memphis and Lakeland Prep - Monday, July 31, 2017

Protests over the weekend in Martyr’s Park and at the federal prison facility in Mason, Tennessee for those rounded up in the ICE – Immigration and Customs Enforcement -- raids here in Memphis that began a week ago. Latino Memphis is also offering legal advice to those who believe they may be caught up in the new push. There are also several efforts to support families that find mothers and/or fathers in federal custody in the sweeps. And over the weekend, Memphis Police issued an arrest warrant for a bounty hunter who turned up on YouTube video in an apartment complex with a large Latino tenant base wearing some kind of badge and vest.

55. TruGreen Hires New CFO As It Looks to Drive Growth - Saturday, July 29, 2017

Memphis-based TruGreen has named a new chief financial officer as current CFO David Martin transitions into the new role of vice president of sourcing and accounting.

56. Last Word: More Intermodals, 20 Years After the Oilers In Memphis and New Path - Friday, July 28, 2017

The "skinny" repeal of Obamacare comes up short in the U.S. Senate in an after midnight Friday vote in D.C. And it appears U.S. Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee voted for the repeal measure that came up short. Here are the basics early Friday morning from The New York Times.

57. Boyd Says Luttrell Endorsement is ‘Partnership’ - Friday, July 28, 2017

Republican contender for Tennessee governor Randy Boyd says his endorsement this week by Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell is more like a partnership.

58. TruGreen Hires New CFO As It Looks to Drive Growth - Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Memphis-based TruGreen has named a new chief financial officer as current CFO David Martin transitions into the new role of vice president of sourcing and accounting.

59. Last Word: Health Care Plan React, Treasury Footprint and Tom Bowen - Take Two - Friday, June 23, 2017

It’s like they aren’t even looking at the same legislation. That’s one explanation of the very different reviews the Senate health care bill got Thursday as it was unveiled in Washington. Illustrating the contrast, the reactions of Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis.

60. Last Word: Recovery Day 6, Trezevant Allegations Resurface and Memphis Is Hard - Friday, June 2, 2017

There is some debate about how the Memorial Day weekend storm compares to the Ice Storm of 1994 and Hurricane Elvis in 2003. A city public works supervisor who is a veteran of both earlier incidents weighed in this week as Mayor Jim Strickland stopped by Collins Yard to rally the city’s troops in the recovery effort. Rodney Wakefield also had a lot to say about what motivates city workers to tackle this hard work in a sweltering spring and do it as quickly and as safely as possible.

61. Soulful Sounds Made in Memphis Again - Wednesday, May 17, 2017

An original Stax Records sign hangs in the stairwell of the new Made in Memphis Entertainment facility as inspiration for artists and guests entering as they head up to the new company’s main offices.

62. Kustoff Talks Comey Missteps, Health Care - Tuesday, May 16, 2017

The FBI investigation into possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign will continue without fired FBI director James Comey, says U.S. Rep. David Kustoff.

63. Alexander: Senate Will Write Own Version of Health Care Act - Saturday, May 6, 2017

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee says the Senate will write its own version of the American Health Care Act that includes keeping coverage for pre-existing conditions.

“The Senate will write its own bill,” the Republican chairman of the Senate Health Committee said in Memphis Friday, May 5. “We’ve already started that. The House has passed its bill. If we find good ideas, we will borrow them and put them in our bill. But we’ll write our own bill. That’s why we have two houses of Congress.”

64. Memphis Basketball Adding More Junior College Players; Bill Self Mum on K.J. Lawson - Tuesday, April 18, 2017

With only two returning scholarship players from last season’s team, University of Memphis basketball coach Tubby Smith continues to mine the junior college ranks for players he hopes can contribute immediately.

65. Last Word: A New Chapter, The Kissell Dome and The New Bartlett High School - Friday, March 31, 2017

Booksellers of Laurelwood is set to return in most of the same location with a smaller footprint and new owners. John Vergos of the Rendezvous and a former Memphis City Council member is among the investors bringing back the East Memphis institution that closed in February. No word on whether the new group will keep the name or go with a new name.

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

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

67. Governor Haslam’s Fuel-Tax Bill Still Alive After Parliamentary Wrangling - Friday, March 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam’s IMPROVE Act and fuel-tax increase plan remains alive after parliamentary moves Wednesday, March 1, in the House Transportation Subcommittee and action that led to the death of a competing bill.

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

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

69. Last Word: State of the State React, Reverse Logistics and Speed Limiters - Tuesday, January 31, 2017

As the work week began, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis joining House Democrats in sponsoring a bill that would bar the use of any federal funds to carry out President Trump’s order barring refugees from seven majority Muslim countries.

70. Cohen Co-Sponsors Bill to Stop Trump Immigration Order - Tuesday, January 31, 2017

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen is among the House sponsors of a bill that would prohibit the use of federal funds to enforce President Donald Trump’s order barring refugees from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days.

71. Local and State Reaction To Trump Immigration Executive Order - Monday, January 30, 2017

Here is reaction from state and local leaders to federal court orders in four states over the weekend blocking an executive order signed by President Donald Trump Friday, Jan. 27, that restricts immigration and travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. The original order applied to those with green cards and has since been changed to allow those with green cards.

72. View From the Hill: Taxing Online Sales Not Such an Easy Fix - Thursday, January 12, 2017

Cumberland Transit owner Allen Doty isn’t sure if a rule requiring major out-of-state retailers to collect Tennessee sales taxes will create more equity for his shop.

But Doty, who has been selling everything from bicycles to kayaks and camping gear for 34 years in Nashville, is definitely tired of people shopping in his store for hours, snapping a picture of shoes they like, then going home and buying them online “just to avoid sales tax.”

73. Last Word: Laurelwood Lament, Fairgrounds Redux and Deeper on Crime - Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Booksellers at Laurelwood made it through the Christmas shopping season but will close its doors in Laurelwood probably in February with the liquidation sale beginning Friday – as in this Friday.

74. Presidential Election Tops Busy Year for Memphis Voters - Friday, December 30, 2016

2016 was an eventful election year in Shelby County, ending with the most popular voting cycle in Shelby County politics: the U.S. presidential general election in November. Slightly more than 60 percent of the county’s voters cast a ballot either during early voting in October or on the Nov. 8 Election Day.

75. Outsourcing: Savings, But No Specifics - Thursday, December 8, 2016

The Haslam administration is forging ahead with plans to nab a statewide facilities services contractor after an outside analysis backed up a study showing estimated cost savings of more than $35 million a year at Tennessee universities.

76. Last Word: Fire Recovery, Justice Department Work Begins and Rocky Top Angst - Friday, December 2, 2016

The death toll in the East Tennessee wildfires goes to 10 Thursday as the recovery effort moves beyond a search for those missing. The count of buildings burned in Sevier County is estimated at more than 700 – 300 just in Gatlinburg. And 47 people are injured by the latest count. The count of those who died in the fires includes confirmation that Jon and Janet Summer of Memphis are among the dead recovered so far.

77. County Has Lowest Voter Turnout in 12 Years - Thursday, November 10, 2016

Voter turnout in Shelby County for the 2016 presidential general election was 59.7 percent, according to unofficial returns posted by the Shelby County Election Commission early Wednesday, Nov. 9. That marks the lowest showing since the 2004 presidential general election, when turnout was 57 percent.

78. Facing $60M Penalty, Tennessee Repeals Underage DUI Law - Thursday, September 15, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee lawmakers on Wednesday repealed an underage drunken driving law that threatened to cost the state $60 million in road money by running afoul of federal zero-tolerance standards.

79. Thrill-Ride Accidents Spark New Demands for Regulation - Tuesday, August 23, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – In some parts of the U.S., the thrill rides that hurl kids upside down, whirl them around or send them shooting down slides are checked out by state inspectors before customers climb on. But in other places, they are not required to get the once-over.

80. Kustoff Claims 8th GOP Primary, Todd Upset by Lovell, Jenkins Over Newsom - Friday, August 5, 2016

Former U.S. Attorney David Kustoff claimed the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 8th Congressional district Thursday, Aug. 4, in a 15-county contest in which the eastern parts of Shelby County played a decisive role.

81. Last Word: Convention Bounces, Changing Schools and Blue Collar Changes - Friday, July 29, 2016

Before the balloons dropped Thursday and a Katy Perry soundtrack brought the Democratic National Convention to an end, state Representative Raumesh Akbari of Memphis spoke at the convention on its final day.

82. Pat Summitt Remembered for Achievements On, Off Court - Monday, July 18, 2016

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Pat Summitt was remembered as a loving mother, a loyal friend and a tireless fighter as well as a champion coach Thursday in a public ceremony honoring the person who built the Tennessee women's basketball dynasty.

83. Schism Among State Republicans Hits Critical Point With Resignation - Thursday, July 14, 2016

A rift within the Tennessee Republican Party, whether a tempest in a teapot or the early signs of implosion, isn’t likely to hit the big tent party hard at the polls this fall.

But make no mistake, there is some trouble in paradise.

84. Scramble in the 8th District - Saturday, July 9, 2016

You might call it the calm before the storm. The Aug. 4 election, for which early voting starts July 15, is calmer than usual for the election cycle before a November presidential general election – the only election that more than half of Shelby County voters regularly show up for.

85. 8th District Republican Contenders Highlight Differences - Friday, June 24, 2016

Most of the 13 contenders in the August Republican primary in the 8th Congressional District agree on a lot. They think the country is going in the wrong direction. They believe the policies of a Democratic president are a factor in that, and they support Donald Trump as the Republican Party’s presidential nominee.

86. Show Time - Saturday, June 11, 2016

For the first time in years, the Peabody Place mall was packed. On June 3, hundreds of ServiceMaster employees and a handful of business and government leaders ushered in One ServiceMaster Center, a multimillion-dollar headquarters for Memphis’ fourth-largest public company.

87. Supermarket Wine Bill Derailed Over Liquor Store Cap - Thursday, February 25, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A legislative disagreement over protecting liquor stores from competition means Tennesseans looking to buy wine at their local supermarket will likely have to wait a little longer for the shelves to be stocked.

88. Senators Say Court Vacancy Is Next President’s Job - Tuesday, February 23, 2016

U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker told Shelby County Republicans over the weekend that they favor the next president appointing the successor to the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

89. Last Word: SOTU React, OPEB Comeback and NFL Nostalgia - Wednesday, January 13, 2016

The day after the last State of the Union address by President Barack Obama here's a breakdown of the reaction from our delegation to Washington.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen emphasized Obama's references to criminal justice reform.
"I know he is also committed to criminal justice reform and I hope my colleagues will work together to put meaningful reform on his desk," Cohen said.
Republican U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher tweeted, "We need a plan to keep America safe and make America strong. I did not hear that from the President tonight."
Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander: "If Pres. Obama focuses on what he agrees on with Congress instead of what we disagree on, there's quite a bit we could get done in 2016."
Republican U.S. Senator Bob Corker urged the "swift release" of U.S sailors being held overnight by Iran in a border dispute just before the speech.

90. Last Word: Legislature's Return, Uber Pilot, Minivan Comeback and Bowie's Exit - Tuesday, January 12, 2016

The gavel falls in Nashville.
The Tennessee legislature is back in session Tuesday. This is an election year session for the legislature. So it will be short – likely an early April adjournment. But that doesn’t mean the session is without expectations from outside Nashville.

91. Tenn. House GOP to Discuss Durham Leadership Post - Friday, December 18, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's House Republican caucus will meet next month to reconsider embattled Rep. Jeremy Durham's leadership position over what one colleague called his "questionable judgment."

92. Scotts LawnService to Merge With TruGreen - Saturday, December 12, 2015

Memphis-based TruGreen Holdings Inc. is merging in a joint venture with the Scotts LawnService division of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. of Marysville, Ohio.

93. Scotts LawnService to Merge With TruGreen - Friday, December 11, 2015

Memphis-based TruGreen Holdings Inc. is merging in a joint venture with the Scotts LawnService division of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. of Marysville, Ohio.

94. TruGreen Selects East Memphis for New Headquarters - Friday, May 29, 2015

TruGreen is moving more than 300 Memphis-area employees and its corporate headquarters to a 65,000-square-foot space at the Forum II office building in East Memphis, the company announced Friday.

The new headquarters, which will eventually house up to 400 of TruGreen’s corporate associates, will be part of the three-building Forum Office Complex, situated at the intersection of Kirby Parkway and Poplar Avenue.

95. Ramsey Uses ‘System’ to Reshape State’s Political Landscape - Thursday, May 28, 2015

Senate Speaker and Lieutenant Gov. Ron Ramsey laughs at the notion he’s changed since being elected to the Legislature 23 years ago, that he’s lost touch with the common man or become “arrogant” as lieutenant governor of Tennessee.

96. TruGreen Inches Closer to New Memphis Headquarters - Tuesday, May 19, 2015

TruGreen will move its 300 Memphis-area employees to a new corporate headquarters by the end of 2015, a move that will solidify the company’s spot in the Memphis business landscape.

“We are very close,” said Amy Simpson, spokesperson for TruGreen, adding that the company has “narrowed it down to a few places.”

97. Students Not Giving Up on Tuition Equality - Thursday, April 30, 2015

Tennessee students without citizenship say they’ll continue the battle for in-state tuition in 2016 after a measure to help them overcome the financial hurdle of out-of-state tuition barely failed on the House floor.

98. Will Tennessee Republicans Ever Be Truly Happy? - Thursday, April 30, 2015

Why aren’t Tennessee Republicans happier?

With the GOP so dominate in the Tennessee General Assembly and losses so rare – on the Hill or in elections – the party’s lawmakers should be jubilant with this year’s session. But it’s never enough.

99. 1 Million New Residents: Where Will They Live? - Saturday, April 18, 2015

At least 1 million people are expected to move to the Nashville region over the next 20 years. Already, the early arrivals have begun to dramatically change the landscape of the suburban counties surrounding the city.

100. Ford Jr. to Headline Dunavant Award Event - Friday, January 23, 2015

Former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. will be the keynote speaker for the March 25 Dunavant Public Servants Awards luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Memphis East.

The awards, now in their 12th year, honor one elected official and one non-elected public official within Shelby County who demonstrate the qualities and characteristics of longtime Probate Court Clerk Bobby Dunavant.