WASHINGTON (AP) — Et tu, Michael Cohen? Loyalty has long been a core value for President Donald Trump. But he's learning the hard way that in politics, it doesn't always last.

2. 11 of 30 Suburban Races in November Decided at Filing Deadline - Monday, August 20, 2018

Of the 30 elected positions on the Nov. 6 ballot in five suburban towns and cities in Shelby County, 11 were decided at the Thursday, Aug. 16, deadline for candidates to file their qualifying petitions.

3. 11 of 30 Suburban Races in November Decided at Filing Deadline - Friday, August 17, 2018

Of the 30 elected positions on the Nov. 6 ballot in five of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County, 11 were decided at the noon, Thursday, Aug. 16, deadline for candidates to file their qualifying petitions.

4. Black Soybean Farmers Claim They Were Sold Faulty Seeds - Monday, August 13, 2018

PARCHMAN, Miss. (AP) — Soybean farmers David Allen Hall and Tyrone Grayer had high hopes when a farm-show salesman told them the seeds he sold would bring good yields in their fertile Mississippi Delta fields, and were less likely to be damaged by weeds.

5. Last Word: Early Voting Tea Leaves, More Sunflowers and Marketing the Airport - Friday, July 27, 2018

The blitz is on to the last weekend of campaigning as early voting finishes up Saturday and election day awaits next Thursday. Some of the contenders on the ballot have their second wind. Others are waiting for their political sails to fill. All of them are still moving at various speeds in the Memphis summer of unrelenting heat, sun screen, three changes of campaign t-shirts per day, 100-foot markers at early voting sites, robo-calls, replaced yard signs, new direct mail pieces and voters who swear they voted for you even if they have no idea what you are running for.

6. Hill Bellan Rejoins Shea, Moskovitz & McGhee - Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Attorney Hillary Hill Bellan, who originally joined Shea, Moskovitz & McGhee in 2012, says she always enjoyed working at the law firm and missed it when she moved to Florida in 2014. Now she is back in Memphis and has rejoined the firm, focusing her practice exclusively on family law matters, including divorce, custody disputes, child support modifications, parental relocation and termination of parental rights.

7. Grizzlies’ Front Office Makes Calculated Moves to Give Team Real Shot at Relevance - Friday, July 20, 2018

We will not be granting general manager Chris Wallace and the rest of the Grizzlies’ front office absolution. Can’t do it. Too many bad draft picks over the years, the bungled Tyreke Evans situation, and the failure to sufficiently vet Chandler Parsons’ health, make that impossible.

8. The Week Ahead: July 2-8, 2018 - Monday, July 2, 2018

Good morning, Memphis! The Fourth of July hits on Wednesday this year, delivering plenty of fireworks and fun in the middle of the week. Check out our roundup of Independence Day events and more you need to know about in The Week Ahead...

9. Back to the Future - Friday, June 29, 2018

The Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to move on from Zach Randolph and Tony Allen before last season was, if not on time, definitely not made too early. That said, the Grizzlies’ team-defense rating ranked 24th out of 30 teams in a 22-60 season. Of such tepid resistance the slogan Grit & Grind was not made.

10. August Council Race, November Suburban Races Remain In Flux - Wednesday, June 13, 2018

With just about a week to the filing deadline, four candidates have filed for the Memphis City Council Super District seat on the Aug. 2 ballot.

They include interim council member Joseph Ford Canale, appointed to fill Philip Spinosa’s vacant seat last month by the council until the results of the special August election are certified.

11. Candidates Stake Claims For November Elections - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

At the Memorial Day holiday, the incumbent mayors of Bartlett, Germantown and Lakeland had pulled petitions to seek re-election in municipal elections on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald and Lakeland Mayor Wyatt Bunker pulled their qualifying petitions from the Shelby County Election Commission on May 18, the opening day of the filing period. Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo, who has already kicked off his re-election campaign, pulled his petition four days later.

12. Fizdale: Lessons Learned in Memphis Will Help in New Job With Knicks - Friday, May 11, 2018

It seems like a long time ago now — or maybe it doesn’t — but back in the middle of David Fizdale’s rookie season as an NBA head coach he had the Grizzlies 11 games over .500 (36-25). Back then, it seemed logical and likely that he would put down roots here.

13. SEC and Alabama Again Dominate NFL Draft - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

The dominance of SEC football might come into question on a particular Saturday or during a specific postseason. But not during the NFL Draft as general managers time and again treat the league as the next-closest thing to pro football.

14. 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.

15. Last Word: On The EDGE, Tubby Smith and Timing and TVA Keeps Its Wells Off - Thursday, March 8, 2018

Remember when the Memphis City Council and the Shelby County Commission got together a week ago at Beale Street Landing? Here’s a refresher. Among those watching the discussion was Richard Smith, the chairman of the Greater Memphis Chamber, who responded to the criticism of the local approach to economic development this week with an email to members of both bodies that could prompt some changes to the approach and specifically to EDGE.

16. At All-Star Break, Grizzlies’ Reality Not What Anyone Envisioned - Friday, February 16, 2018

The start of training camp was less than 24 hours away. With seven straight playoff appearances behind them, the Grizzlies had a track record of substance. True, they would be without half of the Core Four, Zach Randolph and Tony Allen having been allowed to walk and sign elsewhere.

17. Memphis Experts See Economic Growth Building Off 2017 Into 2018 - Saturday, January 6, 2018

With resolutions made and the new year now, another annual exercise rises to the forefront – predictions on what Memphis and its economy can expect in 2018.

If 2017 taught us anything, it’s that there’s so much we won’t be able to even remotely see coming, from Memphis bidding to become the potential home for Amazon’s second headquarters to action finally being taken on the Confederate monuments in city parks and so much more.

18. So Close ... Tigers Fall 21-20 in AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Monday, January 1, 2018

The last drive and the last hope ended with record-setting Memphis Tigers quarterback Riley Ferguson flinging a fourth-and-10 pass toward wideout Phil Mayhue on the sideline. They didn’t connect.

19. So Close ... Tigers Fall 21-20 in AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Monday, January 1, 2018

The last drive and the last hope ended with record-setting Memphis Tigers quarterback Riley Ferguson flinging a fourth-and-10 pass toward wideout Phil Mayhue on the sideline. They didn’t connect.

On a day when Iowa State tied the AutoZone Liberty Bowl record with six sacks in a 21-20 victory, Ferguson’s final pass came under duress.

20. Last Word: Falling Through Cracks, Germantown's Moratorium and Iowa's Defense - Wednesday, December 27, 2017

The dean of the college of medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center talks about the death of his son a decade ago. That, he tells Michael Waddell in this powerful story, has been a driving force in his search for a way to bridge the gaps between treating substance abuse and treating the mental illness that can also be at play along with addiction. Dr. David Stern is proposing a new pilot program whose goal is to bridge the gaps and save lives.

21. Iowa State Must Stay True to Selves to Beat Tough Memphis Offense - Friday, December 22, 2017

At this late date in the college football season, deception may come on an individual play – a quarterback’s deft sleight of hand on play-action or a linebacker feigning blitz only to drop back into coverage.

22. Grizzlies Not Just Losing Games, But Respect - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Another horrific loss, another long counseling session at Marc Gasol’s locker with Gasol simultaneously playing the parts of frustrated team psychologist and exasperated patient.

This time, he talked more than 12 minutes. At the end of it, after he had tried to explain to us and to himself how the Grizzlies had just lost by 25 points to a mediocre Miami Heat team, the media masses walked away.

23. Grizzlies' Andrew Harrison Again Contributing - Monday, December 11, 2017

There is really no replacing starting point guard Mike Conley. That much is obvious for a Grizzlies team on a three-game losing streak and that has lost 14 of its last 15 games.

While Tyreke Evans has made a pretty good transition from off-the-bench scoring machine to starting and often running the team, another guard also has seen a change in duties.

24. 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.

25. Bench Power - Friday, November 10, 2017

Through games of Nov. 7, the Memphis Grizzlies were 7-4. You probably knew that. You recall the thrill of taking down the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors at FedExForum and beating the much-hyped Houston Rockets twice – on the road and at home.

26. Goodin Joins Hagwood Adelman As Memphis Managing Attorney - Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Michael T. Goodin has joined Hagwood Adelman Tipton PC as managing attorney of the Memphis office. In that role, he provides legal services to HAT’s clients in matters such as medical malpractice and senior housing litigation for health care providers along the continuum of care, including skilled nursing, assisted living, behavioral health, home health and hospice litigation. In addition, he assists in supervising the attorney and paraprofessional teams.

27. Grizz Pay for Parsons And Fans Pay for Right to Boo Him - Friday, October 20, 2017

What is your definition of “tasteless?” Is it Grizzlies fans booing $94 million man Chandler Parsons on opening night, frustrated when he wouldn’t shoot open jumpers and when he could only make 1-of-5 free throws? All, by the way, when they were wildly cheering and giving standing ovations to former Grizzly and still adored Grindfather Tony Allen, the guy the organization let walk and sign for the veteran’s minimum with New Orleans?

28. Dillon Brooks Injects Hope, Excitement into Grizzlies’ Season - Friday, October 20, 2017

The rookie admitted there was at least a moment of concern. Dillon Brooks would score 19 points with five rebounds, four steals, mostly look like he had been playing in the NBA for about 10 years, and his team would win on opening night.

29. Roster Moves Show Grizzlies Know They Can’t Put Tomorrow Ahead of Today - Wednesday, October 18, 2017

From the time training camp opened this year, forward Jarell Martin was considered likely to be left on the outside looking in when the Grizzlies made their final roster cuts. Martin was a first-round selection in the 2015 NBA Draft, but speculation was he would be competing with young Deyonta Davis, a second-round pick in 2016, for the last roster slot on the front line. And because Davis was just 20 and considered raw but with much potential, Martin would lose out.

30. Turning The Page - Saturday, October 14, 2017

The Memphis Grizzlies still cling to their old grit-and-grind identity – at least for marketing purposes and perhaps a subconscious need for comfort and security. But they also decided now was the time they had to initiate transformative change.

31. Core Two: Fizdale Expects and Needs Gasol and Conley to Lead - Friday, October 13, 2017

For all of the uncertainty surrounding the Grizzlies as they wind down the preseason – from a still-diminished Chandler Parsons possibly being relegated to backup power forward to ongoing roster spot battles – coach David Fizdale is sure of this much:

32. A Positive First Step For Grizzlies’ Mario Chalmers - Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Veteran point guard Mario Chalmers is on a partially guaranteed contract and that means what it sounds like it means. The Grizzlies wanted to give Chalmers, 31, a long look, but coming off surgery for an Achilles injury they didn’t believe it was automatic he would be ready to serve as Mike Conley’s backup as he did two seasons ago.

33. Chandler Parsons, Grizzlies Hit Reset Button - Friday, September 29, 2017

A much younger Chandler Parsons would not have liked last year’s $94 million chronically hurt, and painfully ineffective, Chandler Parsons. Not one bit.

Parsons grew up in Orlando and rooted for the Magic. He loved like a fan. He hated like a fan.

34. Grizzlies Begin Life Without Z-Bo and TA, But Cling to Grit & Grind - Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Another Memphis Grizzlies Media Day is done, the first one in this seven-year playoff run after the departure of Tony Allen and Zach Randolph.

35. From Ownership to the Roster, Grizzlies Full of Questions - Monday, September 25, 2017

Chandler Parsons’ knees. There are two well-documented concerns.

Depth at point guard. This isn’t just an annual concern, it’s a Grizzlies tradition as much as Zach Randolph throwing his headband into the crowd … oh, yeah, bad example.

36. Last Word: GPAC's Grove, Fairgrounds Tea Leaves and Grizz Money Matters - Friday, September 22, 2017

The Germantown Performing Arts Center has plans for an open-air performance center to be called “The Grove at GPAC” – the latest consideration in what is becoming a vibrant discussion about the capacity for concerts within Shelby County. And it is also a discussion about concert venues that can do other things like festival and movies.

37. Last Word: Juvenile Court Return, Berlin Boyd's Week and Tony Allen Thoughts - Friday, September 15, 2017

Two weeks ago Juvenile Court Judge Dan Michael was on Behind The Headlines in a half-hour conversation about the court and federal oversight that drew quite a bit of reaction to Michael’s strong opinions about the need to end that oversight. Even before that reaction we had planned to do a second part of the conversation with those who favor continued federal oversight of the court.

38. Life After Tony Allen? A Lot More Boring Than Life With Tony Allen - Friday, September 15, 2017

Tony Allen at his best was the best. Or as he loved to remind us all with a gesture and a shout: FIRST-TEAM ALL-DEFENSE!

But God love him, he was never easy.

No player, just like no person, is always at his best. We know this. We all have our highs and lows. Thing is, most of us spend much of life in that vast middle ground of our own, personal, averageness.

39. Tennessee Taco Opens in Former Los Compadres Space - Monday, September 11, 2017

3295 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38111

40. Looks Like Another 8-4 Season for Tennessee - Friday, August 25, 2017

Oops. I goofed last year. So did lots of other people who thought Tennessee’s football team would win the SEC East Division and go to the league championship game for the first time since 2007.

41. Down on the Corner: Titans Fix Old Problem - Friday, August 11, 2017

The Titans have been searching for years for an answer at cornerback. They think they found two answers during the offseason.

Through free agency and the draft, second-year general manager Jon Robinson orchestrated a total makeover of the crucial position, adding veteran Logan Ryan and rookie Adoree’ Jackson to a defense that has been easy pickings for a well-thrown football.

42. 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.

43. Last Word: Freeze Warning, Corker on Obamacare Repeal and The Disney Example - Friday, July 21, 2017

What do you call it when you expect a lot of trouble coming from a specific direction – with a detailed roadmap -- and a completely different controversy comes in from a different direction, hits and leaves a crater. Whatever you call it, that is what happened to Ole Miss football coach Hugh Freeze Thursday evening. Or did it?

44. Actor Red West, Longtime Elvis Confidant, Dies - Friday, July 21, 2017

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Actor and songwriter Robert Gene "Red" West, a longtime confidant of Elvis Presley, has died in Memphis.

Danita Allen of Memorial Park Funeral Home said West died Tuesday. He was 81. His wife, Pat West, told The Commercial Appeal he died at Baptist Hospital after suffering from an aortic aneurysm.

45. Grizzlies Paradox: Get Younger, Get Older, Stay Relevant - Friday, July 21, 2017

The Memphis Grizzlies continue to walk dual trails. It is what they must do, even if such hedging threatens to constrain both their immediate and long-range future.

We learned this week that 31-year-old point guard Mario Chalmers is returning to the Grizzlies on a partially guaranteed one-year contract. Two seasons ago, Chalmers was an impactful backup for Mike Conley until a ruptured Achilles tendon ended his season.

46. Last Word: Fifth Wave, Hidden Gem in OB and the Freeze Filibuster - Friday, July 14, 2017

There is one less contender in the crowded field of potential and declared candidates for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2018. State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville was nominated for federal court judge Thursday by President Donald Trump who also nominated Memphis attorney and former federal prosecutor Tommy Parker to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee as well. Both are part of what The White House described as a “fifth wave” of judicial nominees.

47. Crust Named MSO Assistant, Youth Symphony Conductor - Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Andrew Crust, who recently was named assistant conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and conductor of the Memphis Youth Symphony, shares why young musicians inspire him and how orchestras can reach a younger audience in this week's Newsmakers Q&A.

48. Last Word: Vince Carter Leaves, Fairgrounds and Pulling the Plug on Green Tech - Friday, July 7, 2017

Vince Carter joins Zach Randolph with the Sacramento Kings next NBA season with an $8 million one-year pact for Carter. Still no word on Tony Allen’s free agency status as we put this up. The Grizz plan to retire Randolph’s jersey.

49. The Press Box: Grizzlies Inevitable Victims of Identity Theft - Friday, July 7, 2017

It was late last November and Zach Randolph was going to be away from the team for several days because of his mother’s passing. So before the Grizzlies played the Miami Heat at FedExForum, the head coach was asked how he would cover Randolph’s minutes.

50. Z-Bo Leaves Memphis With Many Memories - Thursday, July 6, 2017

Eight years ago this week, there was a press conference at FedExForum. The Memphis Grizzlies had acquired a power forward via a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.

As is the routine when the Grizzlies get a new player, he posed holding his new jersey – No. 50 – with general manager Chris Wallace. That was how the Zach Randolph years started here.

51. Sports Notebook: Grizzlies Sign Selden, Set Summer League Roster - Monday, July 3, 2017

The Memphis Grizzlies and their notable free agents – JaMychal Green, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen and Vince Carter – have been fairly quiet. That could change at any moment, of course, and Randolph in particular is the subject of speculation that the Cleveland Cavaliers are in pursuit of one of the best sixth men in the NBA last season.

52. New Grizzlies Ready to Work, Free Agent Picture Still Cloudy - Friday, June 30, 2017

All across the NBA landscape, teams are trotting out their second-round draft picks and saying the same things: We had these players rated higher. We couldn’t believe they were still there. And the classic, “We’re so happy they fell to us.”

53. For Grizzlies, a New Chapter About to Begin - Friday, June 16, 2017

The June 22nd NBA Draft will tip off without the Memphis Grizzlies. At least that’s the case almost one week out. The Grizzlies have no picks.

What they do have, in abundance, are free agents.

54. Business Time - Saturday, May 6, 2017

Had the flattering comments come from the Memphis Grizzlies’ own content producers, Grind City Media, they would have been easy enough to dismiss. After all, that would have been like what center Marc Gasol said at season’s end when stressing the importance of candid evaluation.

55. His Team: After One Season, David Fizdale Leaves Fingerprints on Grizzlies - Friday, May 5, 2017

The pain of losing his first NBA playoff series as a rookie head coach was still fresh, still raw. The night before, David Fizdale watched as his Grizzlies fell to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 in the first round.

56. NFL Draft’s Favorite Flavor? SEC, Heavy on Alabama - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Penn State won the Big Ten title in 2016, but the Nittany Lions didn’t score many recruiting points during the 2017 NFL Draft. They had just one player selected. And so did other traditionally stout football schools named Texas and Nebraska.

57. 7 Takeaways as Grizzlies Transition to Off-Season - Monday, May 1, 2017

The Grizzlies’ Game 6 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in their first-round playoff series ended their 2016-2017 season. Less than 24 hours later at FedExForum, first-year coach David Fizdale and players met with the media to recap the season that was and to look ahead.

58. Spurs Win Series with 103-96 Victory in Game 6 - Friday, April 28, 2017

With 6:29 left in the fourth quarter San Antonio’s Danny Green fouled Mike Conley as he was attempting a 3-point shot. It was a mistake that went against the Spurs’ championship DNA. And when Conley made all three free throws, the Memphis Grizzlies owned an 88-81 lead late Thursday night within the friendly confines of FedExForum.

59. Fizdale’s Rant Echoes Before Game 3 vs. Spurs - Thursday, April 20, 2017

As expected, the NBA reacted to Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale’s press conference critique of its officials by handing out a $30,000 fine. Fizdale spared no opinion after the Game 2 first-round playoff series loss in San Antonio, detailing a free-throw disparity that had Kawhi Leonard shooting 19 free throws to the 15 takes by all of the Grizzlies.

60. Game 1 Suggests Grizzlies Don’t Have Enough to Compete for 48 Minutes - Monday, April 17, 2017

The Grizzlies can win a quarter. They won the first quarter in Game 1 of their playoff series at San Antonio. Even led by as many as 13 points before carrying a 30-25 lead into the second quarter.

But in the three quarters that followed they were outscored 27-19, 32-15 and 27-18. That added up to a 111-82 loss that, until the Grizzlies prove otherwise, confirmed the worst fears about how this series will go.

61. If It’s the NBA Playoffs, It Must Be Grizzlies vs. Spurs - Friday, April 14, 2017

For the fifth time in the 10 playoff seasons in franchise history, the Memphis Grizzlies will play the San Antonio Spurs. They have been swept them by them in the first round twice (2004 and 2016), swept in the Western Conference Finals (2013) and shocked the NBA by upsetting the Spurs as the No. 8 seed in the first round (2011).

62. Tennessee Titans Have Rarely Found Success With Drafted SEC Players - Friday, April 7, 2017

The NFL Draft is fast approaching, which raises an interesting question: Is this the year the Titans finally shop locally and target Southeastern Conference talent?

If history is any indicator, the answer: No.

63. Grizzlies Limp Into Closing of Regular Season - Wednesday, April 5, 2017

For a brief and blessed time the Grizzlies’ injury reports were vacant. This was back before Chandler Parsons’ season ended with yet another knee issue, before Marc Gasol’s left foot strain, JaMychal Green’s sore left shoulder and Andrew Harrison’s gimpy right ankle.

64. The Conductor, Mike Conley, Orchestrating A Career Year - Friday, March 31, 2017

Hours before the Indiana Pacers found themselves caught in the middle of a tornadic offensive performance from Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley, there was a calm at FedExForum. As the Grizzlies went through their day-of-game shoot-around, Conley was almost still, standing off to the side and playing coach. With Conley’s history of being banged up at this stage of the season, Tony Allen was understandably concerned.

65. Grizzlies Reeling as They Begin Two-Game Homestand - Wednesday, March 29, 2017

When the Grizzlies play the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night, March 29, at FedExForum it will be the first of their last eight games in the regular season. When they tip off just after 7 p.m., they will do so carrying a four-game losing streak and having lost nine of their last 13 games.

66. First Tennessee Opens Fourth HOPE Inside Office - Saturday, March 25, 2017

First Tennessee Bank is set to open its fourth HOPE Inside office Thursday, March 23, at 3 p.m. at the First Tennessee branch at 3391 N. Watkins in Frayser.

67. First Tennessee Opens Fourth HOPE Inside Office - Thursday, March 23, 2017

First Tennessee Bank is set to open its fourth HOPE Inside office Thursday, March 23, at 3 p.m. at the First Tennessee branch at 3391 N. Watkins in Frayser.

68. Late in the Season, Grizzlies Still Seeking Consistency, Chemistry - Friday, March 10, 2017

Players and coach David Fizdale have had some, well, interesting things to say in the wake of that dreadful 122-109 loss to the NBA-worst Brooklyn Nets. But this isn’t about one game, one lineup change or even one quote from Fizdale that at times has been taken out of context.

69. Grizzlies’ Struggles Continue in Loss to Lowly Nets - Wednesday, March 8, 2017

By the end, FedExForum looked like the early days at The Pyramid. The Grizzlies were losing by double-digits as the clock was winding down and fans were filing out into the night.

The Grindhouse, once a fortress of defense and Memphis pride, had a sadness about it, a tiredness and a quietness about it, except for the occasional and echoing “boo-o-o-o” that was well-deserved, if also pointless.

70. Another Country - Saturday, March 4, 2017

On the road into the C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa in southwest Memphis, there is a sign you might not notice on your way to the museum and archaeological site.

An arrow pointing east is the way to Memphis. The western arrow reads Chucalissa.

71. As Rookie NBA Head Coach, Grizzlies’ David Fizdale Earns Acclaim - Friday, February 24, 2017

He has been forthright – with his players and when speaking with the media. First-year Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale doesn’t go in for verbal gymnastics or political double-talk.

Nor does he worry about appearances. He cancelled shoot-arounds on game days multiple times right before the All-Star break because he believed his veteran guys could use the rest. A more paranoid coach, a less assured man, might have worried about the fallout if the results were not good.

72. Grizz Hit All-Star Break With Loss, But Their Goals Are Within Reach - Friday, February 17, 2017

After he had answered the obligatory questions about the Grizzlies’ ugly 95-91 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in the last game before the All-Star break, coach David Fizdale spoke to the big picture: “We’re in good position.”

73. Warriors Get Revenge against Grizzlies 122-107 - Monday, February 13, 2017

Maybe it was as simple as the law of probabilities.

“They weren’t losing three times in a row,” Tony Allen said after the Golden State Warriors came into FecExForum and beat the Grizzlies 122-107 Friday night, Feb. 10.

74. Mortgage Market Shows Strength In January - Friday, February 10, 2017

2017 may be another busy stretch for mortgage bankers in Shelby County, if the atypically busy start to the year is any indication.

Purchase mortgage volume came out of the gate strong in January, rising 28 percent to a little more than $112 million compared with $87.4 million in the year-ago period, according to the latest figures from real estate information company Chandler Reports, chandlerreports.com.

75. Grizzlies Hold Spurs to Season-Low for Points in 89-74 Victory - Tuesday, February 7, 2017

No Grizzlies player scored more than 15 points or made more than one 3-pointer. The team’s big free agent signing in the off-season, forward Chandler Parsons, suffered through another cold shooting night going 1 of 10 from the floor.

76. Imperfect Grizzlies? Yes, And They Have Much Company - Friday, January 27, 2017

T he Grizzlies have two wins over both the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. That’s, you know, not supposed to happen. And this week, LeBron James sounded off on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ desperate need for a backup point guard. So the world champions have issues.

77. Sports Bind City - Saturday, January 21, 2017

Maybe it is your spouse’s Christmas party. Or a local business conference and no one else from your company is attending. When you give the room the once-over, it’s full of unfamiliar faces.

78. Grizzlies Hesitate to Use 3-Point Shooting Bargain - Friday, January 20, 2017

On Jan. 16, Grizzlies guard Troy Daniels quoted Martin Luther King Jr., posting this on Twitter: “Your self-sacrificing devotion to your purpose in life and your unwavering faith will carry you through times of difficulty.”#MLKDay.

79. 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.”

80. Final Goodbye: Roll Call of Some of Those Who Died in 2016 - Monday, January 2, 2017

Death claimed transcendent political figures in 2016, including Cuba's revolutionary leader and Thailand's longtime king, but also took away royals of a different sort: kings of pop music, from Prince and David Bowie to George Michael.

81. Growing Pains - Saturday, December 24, 2016

First came the ho-hum start that left open the possibility the Grizzlies’ harshest critics might be right: This season could be the fast-forwarded beginning of an end, a sad narrative that could leave the Grizzlies on the outside of the postseason after a thrilling six-year run.

82. Grizzlies Great at Winning Close Ones, But Upcoming Schedule Unkind - Friday, December 9, 2016

The Grizzlies had just survived to beat the Orlando Magic 95-94 at FedExForum. This was on the first day of December and it kicked off what would become, at minimum, a four-game winning streak.

“We did a good job of staying in the moment,” center and team captain Marc Gasol said.

83. Conley Injures Back in Grizzlies’ Lopsided Loss to Charlotte - Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley could miss six weeks after sustaining a back injury in Monday’s 105-84 loss to the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. 

Near press time, Adrian Wojnarowksi of Yahoo! Sports reported that Conley had suffered a transverse process fracture of the vertebrae and  would be out indefinitely.

84. Tied at the Hip: Conley-Harrison Giving Grizzlies Strong Point Guard Play - Thursday, November 24, 2016

Tom Thibodeau does not hand out compliments casually. He was demanding and exacting as coach of the Chicago Bulls and he is the same way with the Minnesota Timberwolves. And when he praises an opposing player, he isn’t offering a sound bite. He is simply speaking the truth.

85. Grizzlies Beat Charlotte For Fifth Straight Win - Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Point guard Mike Conley scored a season-high 31 points and center Marc Gasol nearly had a triple-double as the Grizzlies cruised to a 105-90 win at Charlotte Monday night for their fifth consecutive victory.

86. Grizzlies Win Fourth Straight, 93-71 over Minnesota - Monday, November 21, 2016

It was like old times. Tony Allen was saying “we hold our hats on the defensive end,” the Grizzlies’ horrendous 3-point shooting didn’t matter, and even a paltry 19 combined points from Mike Conley and Marc Gasol didn’t doom them.

87. CBU Honors Salinas As Distinguished Young Alumna - Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Gabriela “Gabby” Salinas has been named Christian Brothers University’s 2016 Distinguished Young Alumna. Salinas, who was among the honorees at the Bell Tower Gala on Saturday, Nov. 12, graduated from CBU’s biochemistry program in 2011 and went on to earn a microbiology degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She currently is a pursuing a Ph.D. in immunology and biochemistry at the University of Kentucky.
In addition to her studies and managing her job at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Salinas travels the country advocating the work of St. Jude. She’s also a three-time bone cancer survivor who founded Danny’s Dream Team, a fundraising team of pediatric cancer survivors who now participate in the St. Jude Half Marathon.

88. Financial Pros Digest, Analyze Impact of Trump Win - Thursday, November 10, 2016

Money managers in Memphis were up late Tuesday night, digesting the impact of Donald Trump’s surprise election win like everybody else, and are still sorting through the impact on markets and stock sectors.

89. Last Word: An Early Voting Challenge, Raleigh Settlement and Rocky Top Tumult - Friday, November 4, 2016

Early voting in Shelby County ended with some lines Thursday at several of the 21 sites. We should have the final turnout numbers Friday morning and you can get the totals first @tdnpols, www.twitter.com/tdnpols.

90. The Week Ahead: October 24-30 - Monday, October 24, 2016

The real fall may finally have arrived in Memphis, but we’ll see. What we do know will arrive this week is the Memphis Grizzlies’ first real game of the 2016-2017 season at FedExForum. And the first public look inside a very historic Memphis church near FedExForum the day before that season opener. The Wolf River also is in the news this week and toward week’s end, Halloween will be lurking around the corner.     

91. Resetting the Bar - Saturday, October 22, 2016

David Fizdale is a first-time NBA head coach. Tubby Smith is a college coach with a Hall-of-Fame resume.

In Memphis, on the eve of the 2016-2017 NBA and college basketball seasons, they also share this in common: They are leaders that are worlds apart from their most immediate predecessors. Their mere presence, before the season even tips off, has changed the hopes, dreams and expectations for the city’s hoops fans.

92. Cleveland Indians, ‘Major League’ Come to World Series - Friday, October 21, 2016

The Chicago Cubs have the charm and the brand. Lovable losers. The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field.

And they are fighting 108 years of history. The Goat Curse. The Gatorade on Leon Durham’s glove. Steve Bartman.

93. 24 Questions: Counting Down to the Start of the NBA Season - Friday, October 14, 2016

With the start of the NBA season drawing near, let’s get that shot clock running and put up 24 questions in need of answers:

24. Will the Philadelphia 76ers, who were at FedExForum to play the Grizzlies in a preseason game this past week, finally crack 20 victories after winning 19 games three seasons ago, then 18, and only 10 last season?

94. The Press Box: Flawed Feathers, Grizz Preseason, and Dak’s Fame - Friday, September 30, 2016

Wading in with a few thoughts as the baseball postseason nears, the Grizzlies get ready to play games that don’t count, and Dak Prescott’s new-found fame …

The St. Louis Cardinals, in all probability, will not make the playoffs. Oh, sure, as I write this they are mathematically alive for a wild card spot. They win out, they get help – the San Francisco Giants’ combustible bullpen being the most likely source – they could sneak in, even win the wildcard game, and find themselves facing the rival Chicago Cubs in the Division Series.

95. Could Fizdale Be the Wind Beneath Grizzlies’ Wings? - Friday, September 30, 2016

Preseasons are based on optimism, on fresh starts, on positive change and on the belief that anything is possible. So, yes, it was all ice cream and sunshine at Grizzlies Media Day; actually, a slimmer Zach Randolph was seen helping himself to a slice of the media’s pizza, but the point is unbridled hope is the oxygen that sustains teams – and fans – before the games start for real.

96. Fizdale Vows to be Cautious With Gasol, Conley in Training Camp, Preseason - Wednesday, September 21, 2016

No one, including Marc Gasol himself, will know that he has really recovered from his broken foot suffered last February until he’s playing games that count and then able to stack games on top of one another.

97. Grizzlies to Stay Home For Training Camp - Saturday, September 10, 2016

The Memphis Grizzlies will remain in the Bluff City for their preseason training camp from Sept. 27 through Oct. 2.

This marks the 10th time since relocating from Vancouver in 2001 that the Grizzlies have held their training camp in Memphis. The team also has hosted camp in Barcelona, Spain (2003), Malaga, Spain (2007), Birmingham, Ala. (2009), Nashville (2013), San Diego (2014) and Santa Barbara, Calif. (2015).

98. Grizzlies to Stay Home For Training Camp - Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Memphis Grizzlies will remain in the Bluff City for their preseason training camp from Sept. 27 through Oct. 2.

This marks the 10th time since relocating from Vancouver in 2001 that the Grizzlies have held their training camp in Memphis. The team also has hosted camp in Barcelona, Spain (2003), Malaga, Spain (2007), Birmingham, Ala. (2009), Nashville (2013), San Diego (2014) and Santa Barbara, Calif. (2015).

99. Looks Like 10-2, SEC Title Game, Orange Bowl for UT - Monday, September 5, 2016

Editor’s note: Nashville sports correspondent Dave Link has been accurate in predicting season outcomes for the Tennessee Vols in recent years. His 2016 season predictions, released just before press time, culminates with an SEC Championship appearance. Here’s his take on the season…

100. Suburban Challengers Emerge at Filing Deadline For November Ballot - Monday, August 22, 2016

Thirteen incumbents in the four suburban municipal elections on the Nov. 8 ballot were effectively re-elected to new terms at the Thursday, Aug. 18, filing deadline for the set of 30 races.

And Chris Denson claimed a seat on the Millington School Board with no opposition for the position incumbent Donald Holsinger is giving up to run for alderman in Millington.