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.

2. Microsoft Uncovers More Russian Hacking Ahead of Midterms - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Microsoft has uncovered new Russian hacking efforts targeting U.S. political groups ahead of the midterm elections.

The company said Tuesday that a group tied to the Russian government created fake websites that appeared to spoof two American conservative organizations: the Hudson Institute and the International Republican Institute. Three other fake sites were designed to look as if they belonged to the U.S. Senate.

3. County Commission Considers Changes To EDGE Near Term's End - Tuesday, August 14, 2018

With only one more regularly scheduled meeting left in their four-year term of office, Shelby County commissioners are considering some changes to the joint city-county Economic Development Growth Engine – or EDGE.

4. Mississippi Governor: Hyde-Smith Was Right Choice for Senate - Monday, August 6, 2018

PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi's Republican governor said he's satisfied he chose the right person to temporarily fill a U.S. Senate seat, even while acknowledging that some of his own supporters passionately disagree with his decision.

5. McKinney Assumes New Role Joining Greater Memphis Chamber - Thursday, August 2, 2018

David McKinney later this month starts his new job as senior vice president for public policy at the Greater Memphis Chamber.

The 36-year-old attorney succeeds Kelly Rayne, who left earlier this summer to become senior counsel for St. Jude ALSAC.

6. Bar Assn. Poll Recommends All Four Appointed Judges - Saturday, July 7, 2018

The Memphis Bar Association poll of the most qualified candidates in the special judicial races on the Aug. 2 ballot recommends all four of the judges appointed to those positions in the interim.

Just over 1,000 attorneys participated in the poll, which asked respondents to pick who is the most qualified among the contenders in those races as well as court clerks on the August ballot.

7. Bar Assn. Poll Recommends All Four Appointed Judges - Friday, July 6, 2018

The Memphis Bar Association poll of the most qualified candidates in the special judicial races on the Aug. 2 ballot recommends all four of the judges appointed to those positions in the interim.

Just over 1,000 attorneys participated in the poll, which asked respondents to pick who is the most qualified among the contenders in those races as well as court clerks on the August ballot.

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. McCormick: No Evidence of Any Scandal - Thursday, June 28, 2018

Mercurial Republican Rep. Gerald McCormick went from kicking ass to kicking back. Only three days after saying his now-former Democratic opponent, David Jones, would realize how little he has in common with District 26 in Chattanooga “when he gets his ass beat in November,” McCormick abruptly announced he would not seek re-election this year and would be leaving the House effective Oct. 1.

10. Next Inning for Jason Motte? Teaching Players at U of M - Friday, June 22, 2018

With former St. Louis Cardinals closer Jason Motte joining the University of Memphis baseball program as director of player development, a review is in order.

If you’re a student of Cardinals World Series history, you probably remember the highlights of their victory over the Texas Rangers in 2011. Down three games to two in Game 6 at Busch Stadium, David Freese provided the heroics with a two-out, two-run triple in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the score at 7-7 and rescue the Cardinals.

11. Johnson Wins Final FESJC, Takes Over No. 1 World Ranking - Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Dustin Johnson had a sizable lead. Only a couple of holes remained in the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind Sunday, June 10, and a victory would push Johnson from No. 2 in the world rankings to No. 1.

12. Dustin Johnson Wins Last FESJC and Takes Over No. 1 World Ranking - Monday, June 11, 2018

Dustin Johnson had a sizable lead. Only a couple of holes remained in the final round of Sunday’s FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind and a victory would push Johnson from No. 2 in the world rankings to No. 1.

13. Dustin Johnson Heads FESJC Field - Wednesday, June 6, 2018

The last FedEx St. Jude Classic will not be without star power. In the tournament’s final year under the current format before converting to the World Golf Championships - FedEx St. Jude Invitational in 2019, the field will feature World No. 2 Dustin Johnson, No. 9 Brooks Koepka and No. 15 Henrik Stenson (rankings through June 3).

14. Around Memphis: May 21, 2018 - Monday, May 21, 2018

The Daily News offers a weekly roundup of Memphis-related headlines from around the web, adding context and new perspectives to the original content we produce on a daily basis. Here are some recent stories worth checking out…

15. Penny Mania - Saturday, May 19, 2018

Derek Jett was coming home from a business trip on the West Coast and making a connection at the airport in Dallas. It was football season, and because it was football season (and not basketball season), he was wearing his University of Memphis cap.

16. Memphis Startup Soundways Wins $200,000 in Rise of the Rest Competition - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Memphis startup company Soundways, which helps professionals in the music industry collect unpaid royalties, won a $100,000 investment from Steve Case and other entrepreneurs as part of the Rise of the Rest tour that stopped in the Bluff City Tuesday, May 8.

17. Memphis Startup Soundways Wins $200,000 in Rise of the Rest Competition - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Memphis startup company Soundways, which helps professionals in the music industry collect unpaid royalties, won a $100,000 investment from Steve Case and other entrepreneurs as part of the Rise of the Rest tour that stopped in the Bluff City Tuesday, May 8.

18. 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.

19. FedEx Names New CEO Of FedEx Freight - Saturday, May 5, 2018

Memphis-based FedEx Corp. has named John A. Smith the president and CEO of FedEx Freight, effective Aug. 16, the company announced Tuesday, May 1. He will take over for Michael L. Ducker, who announced his retirement plans in April.

20. Commission Races Feature Basar Upset, Lowery is Newest Commissioner - Thursday, May 3, 2018

The 13-member Shelby County Commission will have eight new faces when all of the votes are counted in the Aug. 2 county general election.

Five of the current incumbent commissioners are term-limited from seeking re-election this year and two other incumbents chose not to seek a second term.

21. 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.

22. Commission Races Feature Basar Upset - Wednesday, May 2, 2018

The Shelby County Commission will have eight new faces when all of the votes are counted in the Aug. 2 county general election.

Five of the current incumbent county commissioners are term-limited from seeking re-election this year and two other incumbents chose not to seek a second term on the 13-member body.

23. 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.

24. FedEx Names New CEO Of FedEx Freight - Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Memphis-based FedEx Corp. has named John A. Smith the president and CEO of FedEx Freight, effective Aug. 16, the company announced Tuesday, May 1. He will take over for Michael L. Ducker, who announced his retirement plans in April.

25. FedEx Names New CEO of FedEx Freight - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Memphis-based FedEx Corp. has announced that John A. Smith will assume the role of president and CEO of FedEx Freight effective Aug. 16, 2018.

26. 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.

27. Away From the Court - Thursday, April 19, 2018

For seven straight years, the Memphis Grizzlies made the playoffs. For seven straight years, the winning on the court provided momentum and opportunity for those working on the business side trying to sell season tickets and arrange corporate sponsorships.

28. Memphis Expected to Land World Golf Championship Event - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Beginning in 2019, the annual PGA Tour stop in Memphis will be a World Golf Championship event – unless there is a huge surprise at the Thursday, April 12, press conference the PGA has scheduled at the FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms.

29. Third Tigers Basketball Player Transferring - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Guard Malik Rhodes has joined David Nickelberry and Jamal Johnson in announcing his intention to transfer out of the University of Memphis basketball program.

30. Grizzlies Set to Pick in Top Five; Bickerstaff’s Future Cloudy - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

On Wednesday, the Memphis Grizzlies will play their last game of this difficult season at Oklahoma City. They are on track to finish with the second-worst record in the NBA and to have just under a 20 percent chance in the NBA Lottery to wind up with the overall No. 1 pick.

31. Three Incumbents Unopposed at August Primary Ballot Deadline - Monday, April 9, 2018

Three incumbent Democratic state House members in the Shelby County delegation to the Tennessee Legislature were effectively re-elected Thursday, April 5, at the noon deadline for candidates in the Aug. 2 state and federal primaries to file their qualifying petitions.

32. Medical Pot Bill Dies in Committee, But Senate Sponsor Promises Return - Saturday, April 7, 2018

Legislation decriminalizing medical marijuana in Tennessee is effectively dead for the year after its Senate sponsor, Nashville Republican Sen. Steve Dickerson, withdrew the bill from a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday, April 3.

33. Three Incumbents Unopposed at August Primary Ballot Filing Deadline - Friday, April 6, 2018

Three incumbent Democratic state House members in the Shelby County delegation to the Tennessee Legislature were effectively re-elected Thursday, April 5, at the noon deadline for candidates in the Aug. 2 state and federal primaries to file their qualifying petitions.

34. Bill to Arm Tennessee Teachers Fails - Wednesday, April 4, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A bill that would arm some school teachers in Tennessee failed Tuesday after heated debate from state lawmakers, including several Republican gun rights advocates.

35. Don't Like Medical Marijuana Bill? Just Wait for Next Version - Monday, April 2, 2018

Legislation decriminalizing medical marijuana in Tennessee could return to its original form, setting up a state commission to oversee use of the drug to treat debilitating illnesses. Any such move also could bring lobbyists back into the fold after they dropped support of the bill when its sponsor, Rep. Jeremy Faison, abruptly changed the bill and left onlookers flabbergasted.

36. Nickelberry to Transfer From Univ. of Memphis - Saturday, March 31, 2018

The first player to leave the University of Memphis basketball program under coach Penny Hardaway is guard/forward David Nickelberry, who averaged 2.8 points and 1.7 rebounds as a freshman under Tubby Smith.

37. Nickelberry to Transfer From University of Memphis - Thursday, March 29, 2018

The first player to leave the University of Memphis basketball program under coach Penny Hardaway is guard/forward David Nickelberry, who averaged 2.8 points and 1.7 rebounds as a freshman under Tubby Smith.

38. Right Call: Hiring Penny Hardaway Already Paying Dividends for U of M - Friday, March 23, 2018

Penny Hardaway appeared and fans cheered, hooted and hollered. Their deliverer, formerly a Memphis State star and All-American wearing No. 25, had come home in a gray suit and blue tie to rescue their beloved Tigers.

39. Last Word: SCS Plans For $15, IRIS Matinees and The Hard Hit Fund - Wednesday, March 21, 2018

“From a financial standpoint, we need our fans back and we need them back now.” University of Memphis president David Rudd breaking the university’s silence on the basketball coaching change that was made formal Tuesday with the announcement that Penny Hardaway is indeed the new coach. And Hardaway had a lot to say that Tigers fans and Memphians wanted to hear.

40. New Memphis Coach Penny Hardaway Vows Return to Glory Days - Tuesday, March 20, 2018

They came in large numbers and they came early. The University of Memphis opened Tuesday’s press conference to the public and the basketball program’s staunchest supporters showed up at the gleaming new Laurie-Walton practice facility for the tip-off of the Penny Hardaway Era.

41. Around Memphis: March 19, 2018 - Monday, March 19, 2018

The Daily News offers a weekly roundup of Memphis-related headlines from around the web, adding context and new perspectives to the original content we produce on a daily basis. Here are some recent stories worth checking out...

42. County Commission Weighs New Majority, Past Experience in Preparing for Budget Season - Monday, March 19, 2018

Shelby County commissioners have plenty to occupy their time as they await the arrival of budget season in May. There is the planning and terms of the county getting into the sewer business, opioid programs and a lawsuit. There is also the exploration with the Memphis City Council and Greater Memphis Chamber of repositioning the city’s economic development pursuits.

43. U of M Going for the Gold with Penny Hardaway - Friday, March 16, 2018

Finally, it was official. The University of Memphis had fired Tubby Smith. His presumptive successor, Penny Hardaway, was coaching his East High School team at the state tournament in Murfreesboro, blowing through a previously undefeated opponent in the quarterfinals.

44. August State and Federal Primary Ballot Taking Shape - Thursday, March 15, 2018

With less than a month to file for the August state and federal primary elections, there are still a few decisions to be made by would-be candidates working in the shadows of those running in the May 1 county primary elections.

45. Smith Out as Tigers Basketball Coach, No Word on Replacement - Wednesday, March 14, 2018

As expected, the University of Memphis and head men’s basketball coach Tubby Smith parted ways on Wednesday, March 14.

The University of Memphis issued a brief statement Wednesday, but provided no information on Smith’s possible replacement.

46. FedEx Investing $1 Billion in Memphis Hub Modernization - Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Memphis-based FedEx Corp. will spend $1 billion on a modernization of its Memphis hub over a six-year period, company founder, chairman and CEO Fred Smith announced Wednesday, March 14.

47. Last Word: Nichols Out at Playhouse, Sickle Cell Research and Heels 4 Healing - Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Tubby Smith's meeting with the University of Memphis take two is Wednesday after some waiting by reporters Tuesday. There was a false alarm later in the evening around a rumor that Smith and U of M President David Rudd were meeting that sent a few folks with cameras scrambling. But nothing there either.

48. Last Word: River Crests, Tigers Post-Season and Library Shift - Monday, March 12, 2018

The slow fall of the Mississippi River begins. The river at Memphis crested at 39.2 feet over the weekend. By Friday it should be below flood stage, which at Memphis is 34 feet. The high river season here was marked mostly by a lot of watching by Memphis public works and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the river and its tributaries moved into the bottom land it usually occupies at this time of the year.

49. Tigers Bounced from AAC Tourney; Was the Game Tubby's Last at Memphis? - Monday, March 12, 2018

The No. 5 seed Memphis Tigers opened the American Athletic Conference Tournament doing what they were supposed to do by beating No. 12 seed South Florida. Then they upset No. 4 Tulsa on buzzer beater.

50. 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.

51. Tubby Time - Thursday, March 8, 2018

At various points in his life, Guffrie Smith was a soldier, a barber, a farmer, and a school bus driver. These are not jobs that reward impatience. If you’re inpatient in those occupations, you or someone else gets hurt.

52. 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.

53. One Last Play? - Thursday, March 8, 2018

American Athletic Conference commissioner Mike Aresco was talking about the league being on an upswing, having three certain NCAA Tournament teams in regular season champion Cincinnati, and Wichita State and Houston. With the conference tournament then just a few days away – it starts on Thursday, March 8, in Orlando, Florida, – Aresco noted that the league could be even better if traditionally strong programs such as Memphis, Connecticut and Temple also took steps forward.

54. Last Word: Penny Turns Up, Boots to Tickets and Ag Innovation - Wednesday, March 7, 2018

So it begins as it always does in the world of Tigers basketball. Gary Parrish of CBSSports reporting the University of Memphis is considering a change from Tubby Smith to Penny Hardaway. Hardaway’s name last surfaced during the exit of Josh Pastner. This time around, the report is that Hardaway has already started rounding up possible staff members. This will either vanish with a very quiet poof and University officials saying they always review their options at the end of the regular season or it will move swiftly to an announced deal.

55. Last Word: Corporate Moves, Hardaway on Strickland and Corker Is Out Again - Wednesday, February 28, 2018

It’s that time when corporate leaders go to their conference rooms – the ones with the Simon-looking conference call orb, with the colored lights taken out, in the center of the table. The attorneys sit next to the CEO to make sure he or she reads the prepared remarks carefully vetted by them and grow concerned as the time for questions nears. The figurative waters of the safe harbor are placid with all statements and forecasts of possible future action having their news hooks filed off by the legalese disclaimer.

56. Weaver Joins Paragon Bank As Senior Loan Officer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Steve Weaver has been appointed senior vice president, senior loan officer, at Paragon Bank. He brings with him more than 27 years’ experience in the banking industry, most recently at Simmons Bank, where he served as Southwest Tennessee market president and spearheaded the institution’s entry into the Memphis market in 2013.

57. Four County Commissioners Unopposed As May Ballot Filing Deadline Approaches - Thursday, February 15, 2018

With a noon deadline Thursday, Feb. 15, to make the May 1 Shelby County primary ballot, four incumbent county commissioners had no opposition filed in their re-election bids.

Five Republican primary races on the ballot for 23 county offices, including the 13 commission seats, were one-candidate affairs with two or more Democrats running in the competing primaries as of Tuesday. Two Democratic primary races were also one-candidate races against a field of multiple Republican contenders in the companion primary.

58. Case, Vance Bringing 'Rise of the Rest' Startup Fund to Memphis This May - Wednesday, February 14, 2018

The co-founder of America Online is coming to Memphis this May with his investment fund to hear pitches from local startup companies and award $100,000 in seed funding to one of them.

Steve Case, the chairman and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm Revolution, and venture capitalist and author J.D. Vance are leading the second leg of the current Rise of the Rest bus tour. Rise of the Rest is also the name of the seed fund.

59. Events - Saturday, February 10, 2018

The Home Show of the Mid-South takes place Friday through Sunday, Feb. 9-11, at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road. Exhibitors will showcase home decor, lighting, pools, patios, services and more. Matt Blashaw, host of DIY Network’s “Yard Crashers,” will hold seminars/meet-and-greets Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visit memphishomeshow.com for show hours, tickets and other details.

60. Events - Friday, February 9, 2018

Home Show of the Mid-South will be held Friday through Sunday, Feb. 9-11, at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road. Exhibitors will showcase home decor, lighting, pools, patios, services and more. Matt Blashaw, host of DIY Network’s “Yard Crashers,” will hold seminars/meet-and-greets Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visit memphishomeshow.com for show hours, tickets and other details.

61. Digest - Monday, January 29, 2018

Memphis Toys R Us

To Remain Open

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

62. Study: Federal Utility Shifts Costs to Residential Customers - Thursday, February 1, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The nation's largest public utility has given large businesses breaks on electric rates over six years while residential customers' rates increased, according to a study released this week.

63. Social Media Valuable Tool For FESJC, Sports Teams - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Earlier this week FedEx St. Jude Classic tournament director Darrell Smith put an offer out on Twitter to a noted entertainer with local ties: “Hey @jtimberlake, I know you have a couple shows in PA after Memphis, but feel free to come on back the next Wednesday, June 6, for our pro-am. Got a spot if you want it. #HushYall.”

64. Grizzlies’ Pranica Named TN Sportscaster of the Year - Saturday, January 20, 2018

Memphis Grizzlies television play-by-play announcer Pete Pranica of FOX Sports Southeast was voted the 2017 Tennessee State Sportscaster of the Year, the National Sports Media Association has announced.

65. FedEx Realigns Businesses Under Trade Networks - Thursday, January 18, 2018

FedEx is preparing to realign its specialty logistics and e-commerce solutions in a structure that will beef up its FedEx Trade Networks division.

The new organization, which is effective March 1, will roll in FedEx’s Custom Critical, Cross Border and Supply Chain businesses; FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage; and a new company called FedEx Forward Depots that has responsibility for several areas, including 3-D printing and the company’s packaging lab.

66. FedEx Realigns Specialty Companies Under Trade Networks - Tuesday, January 16, 2018

FedEx Corp. has announced that effective March 1, the company will realign its specialty logistics and e-commerce solutions under FedEx Trade Networks Inc. and FTN CEO Richard W. Smith.

67. 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.

68. Off to a Great Start - Wednesday, January 3, 2018

When Megan Smith, the former U.S. chief technology officer under the Obama administration, praised Memphis’ startup community during an interview last summer on Bloomberg TV, it was a high-profile example of the ongoing coming-of-age of the ecosystem here.

69. Final Goodbye: Roll Call of Some Who Died in 2017 - Monday, January 1, 2018

They made music that inspired legions of fans. Rock 'n' roll founding fathers Chuck Berry and Fats Domino, rockers Tom Petty and Gregg Allman, grunge icon Chris Cornell, country superstar Glen Campbell and jazz great Al Jarreau were among the notable figures who died in 2017, leaving a void in virtually every genre of music.

70. His Way: Tubby Smith Figured Out Who He Was Long Ago and He’s Not Changing - Friday, December 29, 2017

When his visitor was about to leave, Orlando Tubby Smith had one more story. About a time his father had given him an assignment on the family farm in Maryland. 

Tubby was one of 17 children. He had older siblings and younger siblings. He also, at age 12 or 13, already had a sense for what it was to lead and manage.

71. Tigers Hang On to Defeat Siena 70-66 at FedExForum - Friday, December 22, 2017

Jeremiah Martin and Kyvon Davenport each scored 16 points as the University of Memphis improved to 8-3 on the season with a 70-66 victory over Siena on Wednesday, Dec. 20, at FedExForum.

The Tigers won without forward Jimario Rivers, who sat out after suffering a concussion in the loss to Louisville Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

72. Improving Tigers Will Get Tested Facing Louisville in Madison Square Garden - Friday, December 15, 2017

Already, the Memphis Tigers had survived to beat Northern Kentucky by two points, Mercer by two points (in double-overtime) and Samford by one point. All on their home floor at FedExForum.

So with score tied 45-45 vs. Albany midway through the second half, the Tigers looked to be on their way to another one-possession outcome. But after junior guard Jeremiah Martin anticipated a pass by Albany’s Joe Cremo and intercepted it like a safety reading the quarterback’s eyes, Martin raced down the court for a dunk that gave Memphis a 53-48 lead with 6:30 left in the game.

73. Last Word: Bredesen's Return, Ford's Exit and Otis Redding 50 Years On - Friday, December 8, 2017

Former Tennessee Gov. and Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen formally entered the 2018 race for the U.S. Senate Thursday via a YouTube video. AP on Bredesen’s entry and his background. Republican partisans are already assuming Bredesen is the Democratic nominee and Democratic partisans are already assuming U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn is the Republican nominee. And the expectation of such a match up automatically went on the list of midterm races that those on both sides and pundits inbetween will be watching to get a read on national trends.

74. Last Word: Veto Override, Vince Carter on Fizdale and Corker on Tax Reform - Thursday, November 30, 2017

Signs of life at the old Kroger store on Exeter in Germantown. The new developers for a project that was supposed to be a Trader Joe’s have pulled a $90,000 building permit to remove the façade of the building. But no word on who the new tenant may be and some interesting remarks about recruiting tenants in general who won’t have as many trucks making deliveries in a retail center that borders a residential area.

75. November 24-30, 2017: This week in Memphis history - Saturday, November 25, 2017

2012: Memphis Federal Court Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays rules the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County have to stop their movement toward suburban school districts, voiding the moves they already had made, including school board elections. The six suburbs will soon restart the efforts with the formal work toward building the school systems from the ground up starting in January 2014 toward an opening of all six of the districts eight months later.

76. Tigers' New Basketball Facility a Palatial Recruiting Tool - Thursday, November 23, 2017

When you donate $10 million toward the construction of new basketball practice facility that bears your name, you are entitled to make a joke. So former Tiger Bill Laurie, who played on the 1972-73 Memphis State team that was NCAA runner-up, went for the laugh at the recent ribbon cutting ceremony for the University of Memphis’ $21 million Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center on south campus named after Laurie and his wife, Nancy Walton Laurie.

77. County Primary Filing Opens With Paperwork Flurry - Monday, November 20, 2017

A total of 37 prospective candidates in the May 2018 county primaries pulled qualifying petitions last week on the first day of the filing period Friday, Nov. 17.

And the first contenders through the doors at the Shelby County Election Commission in a period that extends to a February deadline confirms a few trends.

78. Chamber Chairman’s Circle Expands Leadership - Saturday, November 18, 2017

As the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Chairman’s Circle continues to grow, its founding members have decided to restructure its leadership.

Original co-chairs Gary Shorb, Richard Smith, Calvin Anderson, Carolyn Hardy, Spence Wilson Jr., Duncan Williams, Leigh Shockey and Jason Hood voted to install a new leadership structure that will include addition of a chairman, vice chairman and new co-chairs.

79. Last Word: 2018 Head Start, Tax Reform Bill Votes and Tigers Basketball in Decline - Friday, November 17, 2017

Can you smell the paper? Friday is the first day that candidates in the 2018 elections can start picking up qualifying petitions for their place on the ballot – in this case the May county primary elections in Shelby County. Here is the scene setter.

80. Chamber Chairman’s Circle Expands Leadership - Thursday, November 16, 2017

As the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Chairman’s Circle continues to grow, its founding members have decided to restructure its leadership.

Original co-chairs Gary Shorb, Richard Smith, Calvin Anderson, Carolyn Hardy, Spence Wilson Jr., Duncan Williams, Leigh Shockey and Jason Hood voted to install a new leadership structure that will include addition of a chairman, vice chairman and new co-chairs.

81. Tigers Eager to Prove the Skeptics Wrong - Wednesday, November 1, 2017

The question was pretty direct: “Jimario, what do you think is the biggest question facing this team?”

Said Jimario Rivers, even more to the point: “Probably, how many games we’ll win.”

82. Making the List - Friday, October 27, 2017

With black-and-white images from Memphis in conflict circa 1968 projected larger than life on a video screen behind him, Kirk Whalum stood in the sanctuary of Clayborn Temple earlier this week talking about growing up in Memphis in that era.

83. Fogelman Properties Adds Day As Senior VP of Investments - Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Matthew Day has joined Fogelman Properties as senior vice president of investments. Day comes to the Memphis-based multifamily real estate services company with 15 years of investment experience and will spearhead its investment platform across the Southeast, Southwest and Midwest regions.

84. Last Word: The Bucc Falls, Lakeland Demolition and Crossing The Year Mark - Monday, October 23, 2017

Late word Sunday that Bernal Smith II, the president and publisher of the New Tri-State Defender, died at his home Sunday. Smith was a part of the reporters roundtables we do from time to time on "Behind The Headlines." He brought back the city's legacy African-American-owned newspaper and in that role over the last seven years was a big voice in the reshaping of Memphis as a media market. He put reporters back on the streets of this city to cover Memphis and its issues in an independent way that make this a much richer and more competitive media market than it has been in quite some time. Editorially, he was a strong voice on numerous issues and he spoke from the experience of growing up in this city. He was 45 years old and here at The Daily News, those of us who came to know him and work with him on the show express our condolences to his family.

85. Last Word: Grit & Grind As A Mindset, Sewer Retaliation and MUS & Hutchison - Tuesday, September 26, 2017

More than a few bread crumbs on the direction the Fairgrounds redevelopment proposal is … well, developing after the second of three very important public forums last week by City Hall. The signs indicate a water park or surf park is highly unlikely, the gym at Maxine Smith STEAM Academy would go to open up Central Avenue frontage and a new gym built behind Kroc Center, a hotel by the Children’s Museum and the high school football field and track oval move from Central to where Libertyland used to be. And the city says none of this is set in stone even if it does show up on a tentative site plan among the exhibits last week.

86. Events - Saturday, September 23, 2017

The Greater Memphis Chamber will hold the 2017 Move It Memphis 4-Mile Race Thursday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. starting and ending at Loflin Yard, 7 W. Carolina Ave. New this year is a Memphis Spirit Contest, a costume contest where runners can show their Memphis spirit and be judged for their creativity. Cost is $30 in advance or $35 on race day. Visit memphischamber.com.

87. 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.

88. Intriguing Story Playing Out Off The Football Field - Friday, September 8, 2017

Anybody got an extra billion dollars lying around? If so, you can own one-third share of an NFL franchise plus a handful of other assorted business ventures.

That’s the situation involving the Tennessee Titans as they head into what could be a very eventful season. Susie Adams Smith, one of three children of the late franchise founder Bud Adams, is attempting to divest herself of one-third interest in KSA Industries, the business conglomerate built by her father.

89. Events - Monday, August 28, 2017

Remington College will hold its 3 Lives blood drive for Lifeblood on Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Memphis campus, 2710 Nonconnah Blvd. The drive is part of a national effort highlighting the need for minority blood donors to help patients with sickle cell and other blood disorders. Visit 3lives.com.

90. Events - Saturday, August 26, 2017

Girl Scouts Heart of the South’s second annual One Smart Cookie Luncheon will be held Thursday, Aug. 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Sylvia Acevedo, CEO of Girl Scouts of the United States of America, will present the keynote. Come early to browse the tables and place bids in the One Smart Cookie silent auction. Tickets are $75; several sponsorship levels are available. Visit girlscoutshs.org for details.

91. 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.

92. Last Word: St. Jude School, More Gannett Moves and Maida Pearson Smith - Thursday, August 3, 2017

For most, the school year starts next week. But classes are already underway at St. Jude’s new Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, an idea 15 years in the making, according to the physician who had that idea. The school is a big step in higher education in Memphis and its road to research center status.

93. 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.

94. New Shelby County Democratic Party Still Faces Challenges - Tuesday, July 25, 2017

The Shelby County Democratic Party is almost back as a reconstituted organization and it has a lot of new blood as well as new rules.

But the final verdict on the party’s effectiveness in a county where Democrats are the majority is still out even after the Saturday, July 22, party convention.

95. 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?

96. 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.

97. 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.

98. 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.

99. Century Mark - Saturday, June 17, 2017

During a visit to Memphis in April, Andrew Young was talking with reporters about his lengthy public history – being part of Dr. Martin Luther King’s inner circle, a congressman, mayor of Atlanta, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. It was as he talked about King’s death in Memphis that Young, without any prompting, talked about a trio of Memphis attorneys – Benjamin Hooks, Russell Sugarmon and A. W. Willis – that were the key to his and King’s efforts to get things done in Memphis and the surrounding region.

100. SEC Baseball Vanderbilt’s Toughest Year Comes Up Short - Friday, June 16, 2017

When the Vanderbilt baseball team finished its season one step short of its goal – the College World Series – there was a sense of profound disappointment for the Commodores.

That’s to be expected.