WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — People who thought they were relatively safe from the onslaught of Hurricane Florence began boarding up and Georgia's governor declared a state of emergency Wednesday as uncertainty over the path of the monster storm spread worry along the Southeastern coast.

2. Leadership Holes in State Legislature - Thursday, September 6, 2018

With apologies to Robert Zimmerman, “the times they are a-changing.”

Unlike Bob Dylan’s 1964 song of rebellion, Capitol Hill isn’t turning into a bed of liberals, although someday the first could be last. In fact, it could turn more conservative this fall before things take a different direction. But leadership down the line in both parties is due for a big turnover.

3. Testimony Ends in Federal Case Questioning Memphis Police Surveillance Tactics - Thursday, August 23, 2018

After four days, the federal trial where the ACLU sued the city of Memphis over political surveillance of activists, ended Thursday, leaving the decision in the hands of U.S. District Judge Jon McCalla.

4. Around Memphis: July 30, 2018 - Monday, July 30, 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…

5. If Only Legislators Could Focus on Important Issues - Thursday, May 24, 2018

A year-old law enabling Tennessee colleges and universities to keep secret the “proprietary” fees they pay money managers for handling risky investments is likely to be reviewed this year.

6. Germantown To Fund School Deferred Maintenance - Friday, May 4, 2018

Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo will propose more city capital funding in his upcoming budget proposal for renovation and maintenance of schools in the Germantown Municipal School District.

Palazzolo announced the move this week at the groundbreaking for construction of the new $27 million, 110,000-square-foot Germantown Elementary School on Forest Hill-Irene Road south of Poplar Pike.

7. Schools’ Success Too Dependent on Weak Vendor - Thursday, April 26, 2018

The “debacle” called TNReady, a standardized test ruling the lives of students, teachers and administrators, is the predictable result of brain drain – not by students but by Tennessee’s leaders.

8. Dems Need Viable Candidates to Catch Blue Wave - Thursday, March 22, 2018

Republicans called it the “kickoff” to what they hope will be a great election season.

Democrats are downplaying a lopsided loss in the 14th Senate District special election, saying it won’t represent results later this year in President Donald Trump’s midterm.

9. Tennessee House OKs TennCare Work Requirements Push - Wednesday, March 21, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Republican-led Tennessee House has passed legislation aiming to require certain able-bodied TennCare recipients to spend 20 hours a week working, volunteering or attending school.

10. House OKs Bill to Ban TennCare Money to Abortion Providers - Wednesday, March 14, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee's Republican-led House has passed legislation seeking federal approval to ban TennCare payments to abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, for non-abortion services.

11. Lawmakers Consider Armed Off-Duty Officers for Schools - Friday, March 2, 2018

Saying “this is Tennessee, not Florida” and school officers here will face trouble head-on, state Rep. Antonio Parkinson is co-sponsoring legislation to arm off-duty police to patrol public schools.

12. Consensus on Gun Legislation? Not on Your Life - Thursday, February 22, 2018

That burning smell emanating from the General Assembly isn’t coming from the flame of bipartisanship. More likely it’s the result of scorched-earth politics.

Even though a weapons measure called the “carry-like-a-cop” bill died recently in a House committee, the gap between Republicans and Democrats on gun legislation is, for the most part, about as wide as the range of a Barrett .50-caliber rifle, more than 2.5 miles.

13. Details Slow Plan to Shrink UT’s Board of Trustees - Thursday, February 15, 2018

Gov. Bill Haslam’s plan to restructure the University of Tennessee board of trustees appears to be a work in progress.

Timing is critical, too, with the 2018 session of the General Assembly moving at a snail’s pace and UT President Joe DiPietro’s contract set to run out in mid-2019.

14. Haslam Proposes Completion Condition for Tennessee Promise - Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s final State of the State address Monday, Jan. 29, included a call to continue education reform with some changes to the administration’s signature higher education reforms.

15. Haslam Proposes Credit Hours Minimum on Higher Ed Access - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s final State of the State address Monday, Jan. 29, included a call to continue the state’s reforms in education with some changes to the administration’s signature higher education reforms.

16. Tennessee Governor Touts $30M Plan to Fight Opioid Epidemic - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam touted a $30 million plan Monday that focuses on prevention, treatment and law enforcement to attack an opioid epidemic that kills at least three people a day in Tennessee.

17. Mularkey Couldn’t See What Most Others Could - Friday, January 19, 2018

Mike Mularkey is loyal to his coaches and his coaching philosophies, though probably to a fault, as it appears that was a huge part of why he was fired as the Tennessee Titans head coach on Monday morning.

18. Despite Need, Expanding Health Care Not in Cards - Thursday, January 18, 2018

Springfield resident Felicity Palma struggled mightily when she moved to Tennessee from Florida two years ago after suffering health problems and losing her job.

The 47-year-old former social worker became homeless for a period when she came here, and now she finds herself in a health insurance coverage gap as she tries to get treatment for ulcers, sciatica, fibroids and thyroid disease. Debt is piling up on her, too, for the care she does receive.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. Retired FedEx Exec Rodriguez Becomes City of Memphis CIO - Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Mike Rodriguez recently became the city of Memphis’ director of information services and chief information officer, a role he took on after retiring from a 27-year career at FedEx Corp. Rodriguez, who most recently served as FedEx’s director of information security, was nominated as city CIO by Mayor Jim Strickland and confirmed by the Memphis City Council Sept. 23.

22. Legislature’s End Game on Guns: No Rules at All? - Thursday, July 20, 2017

If you think the state Legislature is full of gun nuts, Rep. Micah Van Huss begs to differ.

“No, not at all,” Van Huss says when asked if the General Assembly is too pro-gun. “I don’t think they’re pro-gun enough. In fact, … I think our laws in Tennessee infringe on our constitutional rights. There are now 16 states – we’ve added two or three this year – that allow constitutional carry. So, we’re falling behind.”

23. View From the Hill: Haslam Credits GOP ‘Experiment’ for Tennessee’s Success - Thursday, May 18, 2017

If you ask Gov. Bill Haslam, Republican government is the best thing since sliced bread.

Not only is GOP leadership responsible for a myriad of tax cuts leading to record surpluses and a $37 billion budget funding better K-12 and higher education, shoring up the rainy day and TennCare funds, shrinking state debt and building an economic environment for job creation, Haslam says. It’s even bringing us the cleanest air since before the industrial revolution.

24. Haslam Credits Republican Leadership for Budget, Economic Accomplishments - Monday, May 15, 2017

With the legislative session finished, Gov. Bill Haslam is touting budget accomplishments and a strong economy as the result of Republican leadership.

In a Capitol Hill press conference shortly after the General Assembly adjourned for the year, the governor called passage of a $37 billion budget, the second consecutive one with no new debt, as the Legislature’s most important act.

25. Legislature Passes Slate of Bills, Adjourns - Friday, May 12, 2017

NASHVILLE – The Legislature wrapped up its business for the year, adjourning Wednesday after taking up a spate of last-minute bills, including postponing a bill increasing the amount of campaign contributions lawmakers could accept.

26. Tennessee Legislature Adjourns After Voting on Last-Minute Bills - Wednesday, May 10, 2017

The Legislature wrapped up its business for the year, adjourning Wednesday after taking up a spate of last-minute bills, including postponing a bill increasing the amount of campaign contributions lawmakers could accept.

27. Tennessee House Passes Gun-Lawsuit Bill - Friday, May 5, 2017

Legislation making it easier for cities to be sued over gun restrictions eased through the state House Wednesday, May 3, even though it would allow those filing lawsuits to claim triple attorney fees.

28. It’s Not Hogwash, State Approves Silencer Bill - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Tennesseans who want to shoot feral hogs won’t have to worry about scaring the critters now that they have permission to put a silencer on their rifle.

The House of Representatives passed legislation 74-18 Monday, May 1, ending the state’s prohibition on possessing, manufacturing, transporting, repairing or selling silencers. The Senate previously passed the measure 28-1.

29. Hits and Misses in UT’s Quest for JuCo Gold - Friday, April 28, 2017

Things were supposed to be so easy for Jonathan Kongbo. He arrived at the University of Tennessee last year as the No. 1-ranked junior college prospect in the nation. He had the combination of size and speed that everybody wants in a defensive lineman. The sky was the limit.

30. Fuel-Tax Bill Short of Votes in the House - Tuesday, April 18, 2017

NASHVILLE – Votes aren’t adding up in the House of Representatives for passage of the governor’s gas tax/tax cut legislation.

With floor debate scheduled Wednesday morning, not only is a Republican head count showing lack of support, Democrats aren’t exactly lining up behind the measure. The minority party says it wants concessions on other items from the governor before it can vote for the IMPROVE Act, and some Democrats say they won’t go for a combination of tax cuts for wealthy investors tied to a higher gas tax.

31. Mistreated GOP Legislators Only Want to Be Heard - Thursday, April 13, 2017

Word has it extra tissue will be placed on the desks of some House members in the coming weeks so they can dry their tears of pain.

It seems a faction of the Republican supermajority just hasn’t gotten a fair hearing – from their own party – on opposition to Gov. Bill Haslam’s IMPROVE Act, which contains a dreaded gas and diesel tax increase to rebuild the state’s roads and bridges. It’s the gas tax versus the surplus, which is pretty big at $1 billion in one-time money and another billion in extra recurring money.

32. Trump: Next Old Hickory or Carnival Barker - Thursday, March 23, 2017

For those who ignore the news – fake or otherwise – Donald Trump won the presidency last November.

While he didn’t capture a majority of the vote, he did win the electoral vote, causing many detractors to call for the elimination of this outdated voting method.

33. Tennessee Lawmakers Weigh In on Trump Visit - Friday, March 17, 2017

NASHVILLE – While state lawmakers recognized the historical significance of President Donald Trump visiting the home of President Andrew Jackson in Hermitage Wednesday, March 15, the review is mixed on comparisons between the two as well as the Jackson legacy.

34. The Week Ahead: March 7-13 - Monday, March 6, 2017

Happy Monday, Memphis! Get your taste buds ready: Both Memphis Black Restaurant Week and the inaugural Vintage901 festival are taking place in the coming days. We’ve got details on those, plus plenty of other fun activities and entertainment to check out in The Week Ahead… 

35. Bills Aimed at Raising Permanent Funding For Road Projects Collide Again This Week - Wednesday, March 1, 2017

NASHVILLE – The chairwoman of the House Transportation Subcommittee is defiant in her handling of legislation that could have derailed Gov. Bill Haslam’s fuel-tax plan, a high-profile measure on the panel’s calendar again Wednesday, March 1.

36. Bills Aimed at Raising Road Project Funding Collide Again This Week - Tuesday, February 28, 2017

NASHVILLE – The chairwoman of the House Transportation Subcommittee is defiant in her handling of legislation that could have derailed Gov. Bill Haslam’s fuel-tax plan, a high-profile measure on the panel’s calendar again Wednesday, March 1.

37. Daniel’s ‘Milo Bill’ Evolves In Freedom of Speech Debate - Thursday, February 23, 2017

NASHVILLE – A Knoxville lawmaker pushing free speech on college campuses stopped calling his legislation the “Milo bill” after a video resurfaced of now-former Breitbart News columnist Milo Yiannopoulos approving of pedophilia.

38. Tennessee GOP Mulls Capitol Complex Security Clamp-Down - Friday, February 17, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee Republican legislative leaders are suggesting stricter security to enter the Capitol complex after a few dozen protesters interrupted a news conference about transgender bathroom access.

39. Lovell Resigns Tennessee House Seat, Democrats Seek Probe - Tuesday, February 14, 2017

NASHVILLE – House Democrats are calling for a probe into the sudden resignation of first-term Rep. Mark Lovell, who denies being involved in sexual misconduct as he leaves the state Legislature after just one month.

40. Norris Filing Catch-All Bill for Variations of Proposed IMPROVE Act - Monday, February 13, 2017

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris is filing legislation for the Haslam administration to catch all transportation tax and revenue-related bills in an effort to “start anew” and minimize confusion.

41. View From the Hill: Legislators Feel Free to Work Against Haslam - Thursday, February 9, 2017

Democrats appear delighted about division within Republican ranks concerning Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposed fuel-tax increase, detecting a possible chink in the armor.

“How many times does the supermajority have to stab the governor in the back and undermine his core proposals before the people of the state of Tennessee wonder whether they need a different group up here?” asks Mike Stewart, House Minority Caucus chairman.

42. DeBerry, Tate Defend School Voucher Pilot Program - Wednesday, February 8, 2017

NASHVILLE – Two Memphis legislators co-sponsoring a Shelby County pilot voucher bill say the measure is one more attempt to give students more options for education.

Rep. John DeBerry and Sen. Reginald Tate, both Democrats, defended their support of the measure sponsored by Germantown Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey the same day the U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s selection of Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education. DeVos has been under fire from Democrats for her support of charter schools and vouchers and a perceived lack of knowledge about public education.

43. Opponents of Gas-Tax Hike Push Alternative Plans - Monday, February 6, 2017

NASHVILLE – Amid legislative strife over Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to raise gas taxes and reduce business taxes, Rep. Barbara Cooper says she is inviting the governor to “sell” his plan to her Memphis constituents.

44. Opponents of Gas-Tax Hike Push Alternative Plans - Friday, February 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Amid legislative strife over Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to raise gas taxes and reduce business taxes, Rep. Barbara Cooper says she is inviting the governor to “sell” his plan to her Memphis constituents.

45. Opponents of Proposed Gas-Tax Hike Push Alternatives - Friday, February 3, 2017

NASHVILLE – Amid legislative strife over Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to raise gas taxes and reduce business taxes, Rep. Barbara Cooper says she is inviting the governor to “sell” his plan to her Memphis constituents.

46. 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.”

47. New Year, New Resolutions for Legislators - Thursday, December 29, 2016

Some Tennesseans recall the days when the state Legislature met every other year and wonder if it should revert to that schedule. Considering the General Assembly pushes most of its work into 3 1/2 months, it might be worth a try.

48. Memphis Democrats Claim Five Leadership Posts - Saturday, December 3, 2016

Memphis Democrats claimed five of the nine leadership positions in the state House Democratic Caucus over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The caucus for the upcoming 2017-2018 legislative session selected Representative Joe Towns as assistant minority leader to returning minority leader Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley.

49. Memphis Democrats Claim Five Leadership Posts - Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Memphis Democrats claimed five of the nine leadership positions in the state House Democratic Caucus over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The caucus for the upcoming 2017-2018 legislative session selected Representative Joe Towns as assistant minority leader to returning minority leader Craig Fitzhugh of Ripley.

50. State Rep. Feels Heat From Staffer’s Firing - Thursday, October 13, 2016

Like sands through the hour glass, these are the days of our Legislature’s lives.

When General Assembly candidates run for office, they talk of high ideals such as reforming education, creating jobs, saving tax dollars and stifling sexual offenders, even restricting abortion, adopting a state rifle or making the Holy Bible Tennessee’s state book.

51. Spivey: Harwell Shots Not About Durham - Thursday, October 6, 2016

Fallout from Jeremy Durham’s House expulsion keeps piling up. In the latest brouhaha, outgoing Rep. Billy Spivey is calling for an investigation into a report of alleged abuse by House Chief Clerk Joe McCord involving a female staff member working in the office of House Speaker Beth Harwell.

52. The Crooked Path to Durham’s Ouster - Thursday, September 22, 2016

State Rep. Kevin Brooks set the tone for Jeremy Durham’s ouster in prayer, of all places. Quoting from Luke, the Cleveland Republican opened the recent extraordinary session of the General Assembly saying, “Heavenly Father, you’re very clear in your word when you say that every valley will be filled, every mountain and hill brought low and the crooked places made straight and the rough places made smooth.

53. Tenn. House Expels Durham Amid Sexual Harrassment Allegations - Wednesday, September 14, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee House voted Tuesday to expel Republican state Rep. Jeremy Durham following allegations of widespread sexual harassment.

54. As Long as You’re Here, Kick Durham Out - Thursday, September 8, 2016

State lawmakers hit the snooze button in July when prospects were high for a special session to oust Rep. Jeremy Durham over a career of carousing.

55. Ferguson to be Starting QB For Memphis Tigers - Saturday, August 27, 2016

First-year University of Memphis football coach Mike Norvell has named junior Riley Ferguson starting quarterback. The Tigers open the season on Sept. 3 vs. Southeast Missouri State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

56. Ferguson to be Starting QB For Memphis Tigers - Wednesday, August 24, 2016

First-year University of Memphis football coach Mike Norvell has named junior Riley Ferguson starting quarterback. The Tigers open the season on Sept. 3 vs. Southeast Missouri State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

57. Do Titans Finally Have Their Offensive Line? - Friday, August 5, 2016

New Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey’s stated desire to play “exotic smashmouth” football – especially on offense – requires a good offensive line. But if there’s one thing the Titans have not had in recent years it’s a good offensive line.

58. Democrats Want to Expel Republican Lawmaker to Block Pension - Thursday, July 21, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – House Democrats in Tennessee are calling for a special session to expel a Republican lawmaker accused of sexually harassing at least 22 women to block him from receiving a lifetime pension.

59. Methodist Exec: 'Can’t Afford to Not Discuss Expanding Medicaid' - Monday, July 4, 2016

A task force of state lawmakers appointed by Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell has rolled out its plan for an expansion of Medicaid in Tennessee that’s more limited than the one envisioned by Gov. Bill Haslam’s Insure Tennessee plan.

60. House Passes Resolution Directing State to Sue Over Refugees - Wednesday, April 20, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A resolution that would order Tennessee to sue the federal government over its refugee resettlement program passed Monday in the state House. Senate counterparts previously approved the resolution and would only have to agree to a change that would allow a private law firm to sue on behalf of the state before the measure becomes law.

61. Editorial: Memphis Police Director Search Needs Better Sense of Urgency - Saturday, April 9, 2016

Sixty-one homicides in 90 days, including a March death that was classified as a homicide by police on the other side of April.

This will likely get worse before it gets better because there is no quick fix.

62. Sports Notebook: Cardinals Fall in Opener, Tigers Hold First Football Scrimmage - Monday, April 4, 2016

The next run the St. Louis Cardinals score in 2016 will be their first. Opening the season on Sunday, April 3, in Pittsburgh the Cardinals dropped a 4-0 decision to the Pirates and struck out 14 times.

63. SPORTS NOTEBOOK: Cardinals Fall in Opener; Tigers Hold First Football Scrimmage - Monday, April 4, 2016

The next run the St. Louis Cardinals score in 2016 will be their first. Opening the season on Sunday, April 3, in Pittsburgh the Cardinals dropped a 4-0 decision to the Pirates and struck out 14 times.

64. Bill to Require Background Checks for Buying Guns Killed - Thursday, March 24, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A House subcommittee on Wednesday shot down a bill to require background checks for all gun purchases in Tennessee.

Rep. Mike Stewart, the bill's main sponsor, showed off a military-style carbine that he had bought for $750 in cash with no background check. The Nashville Democrat argued that in-person gun sales should be governed by the same rules as buying firearms from retailers.

65. Up-Tempo Offense Will Need ‘Nasty’ O-Line - Wednesday, March 23, 2016

If all goes well, the attention probably will be on the quarterback – an open competition at the moment – and the receivers and the running backs. That’s just how football works.

But ultimately the success of the University of Memphis offense next season will be about much more than the fast guys and the guy who gets the ball to them. First-year head coach Mike Norvell was offensive coordinator at Arizona State and he has brought with him Chip Long, who will serve as Norvell’s offensive coordinator, and who worked with Norvell from 2012 through 2015.

66. Education Leaders Question Why Virtual School Remains Open - Monday, March 21, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Legislature's failure to shut down an academically troubled virtual school run by a for-profit corporation has left some education leaders wondering whether Tennessee lawmakers really want to fix schools or have sold out children to powerful special interests.

67. ‘Fearless’ Stewart Embraces Battles With Supermajority - Saturday, March 12, 2016

Democratic state Rep. Mike Stewart lives on the front lines of the Tennessee General Assembly. As chairman of the House Democratic Caucus with 26 members, Stewart could employ a bunker mentality, but instead has chosen to take the fight to the other side of the aisle.

68. Higher-Ed Shuffle Stokes Fears of UT-TSU Merger - Thursday, March 10, 2016

Anthony Joshua, who moved to Nashville from Madison, Wis., to attend Tennessee State University, says he’s worried his historically black institution could be in for serious change – for the worse.

69. Bratcher Shooting First Test of Local Pact With TBI - Monday, February 1, 2016

The first fatal police shooting since local law enforcement and prosecutors adopted a policy of sending such cases to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is being watched closely.

And a quick initial account by the TBI is a change from the agency’s normal posture of not making any comments and abiding strictly by a state law that seals all of its records from the public unless by court order or subpoena.

70. Events - Saturday, January 9, 2016

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis will host the 14th annual Valero Memphis Refinery Tool Box Bash on Friday, Jan. 15, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road. The event will include live and silent auctions, whiskey tasting, live music and more. Tickets are $60 at toolboxbash.com or 901-322-3532.

71. Memorable Events of 2015 will Spill Into 2016 - Saturday, January 2, 2016

When you really get down to it, history is a collection of moments, moments that, when they fall one after the other over the long arc of time, eventually form the tapestry representing who we are.

72. If Fear Is Goal, Terrorists Have Won in Tennessee - Thursday, November 26, 2015

The terrorists who struck Paris three weeks ago succeeded in more than killing and wounding hundreds of people. Their attack is pitting Americans against each other in how to respond, and Tennessee politicians are no exception.

73. Tennessee Says Prison Officer Assaults Down Year Over Year - Thursday, November 19, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The number of recorded assaults on prison officers is down compared with a year ago, but critics say it's hard for them to accept any statistics from the Tennessee Department of Correction as fact.

74. TBI Probe Of Fatal Police Shootings Becomes Policy - Monday, October 19, 2015

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has become the go-to agency for the Memphis Police Department in the last year when it comes to investigations of police conduct. And that’s a policy.

MPD director Toney Armstrong, Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham and District Attorney General Amy Weirich announced Thursday, Oct. 14, they have signed an agreement with the TBI to automatically turn all such investigations over to the TBI.

75. Metro Nashville’s Local-Hire Rule Gets Battered On Many Fronts - Saturday, October 10, 2015

The ink wasn’t dry on standards for Metro Nashville’s local-hire charter amendment when new Mayor Megan Barry put the measure on hold – despite sizable support in the August election.

76. Ex-Prison Warden: Tenn. Inmates Misclassified to Save Money - Tuesday, October 6, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A retired prison warden says the reclassification of maximum-security prisoners to medium-security has increased violence directed at both inmates and staff and made the institutions unmanageable.

77. Wharton Calls Challengers "Thermometer People" - Saturday, August 8, 2015

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. continues to respond more aggressively to criticism from his challengers in the October mayoral election.

At the opening of his East Memphis campaign headquarters Saturday, Aug. 8, Wharton referred to them as “thermometer people.”

78. One Week Later, Darrius Stewart Shooting Frames Larger Debate - Friday, July 24, 2015

The best indication the public has of how Darrius Stewart died is a YouTube video of his encounter Friday, July 17, with Memphis Police on Winchester Road.

It’s dark, it’s hard to make out key details and there is a lot happening in and out of the frame.

79. Reaction Grows to Stewart Shooting - Thursday, July 23, 2015

The NAACP’s Memphis branch called Wednesday, July 22, for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to go public with the results of its investigation into the shooting death of Darrius Stewart by Memphis Police office Connor Schilling.

80. Stewart, Goode Deaths Test Memphis, Southaven Police - Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Darrius Stewart and Troy Goode died a day apart on different sides of the state line while both were in police custody.

81. Tennessee Lawmaker Wants to End Nathan Bedford Forrest Day - Wednesday, July 15, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A state lawmaker says he is seeking to have the legislature do away with a day honoring Confederate general and early Ku Klux Klan member Nathan Bedford Forrest.

82. Wal-Mart Keeps It All in the Family, Chair Passed to Penner - Monday, June 8, 2015

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) – Wal-Mart is passing the chairmanship of the world's largest retailer from the eldest son of late founder Sam Walton to a third generation.

The company said that board Chairman Rob Walton will step down and be succeeded by Vice Chairman Greg Penner, who is his son-in-law.

83. GOP Leader: 1-Time School Use Enough to Ban Guns in Parks - Friday, April 3, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A top Republican supporter of a bill to strip local governments of the power to bar handgun carry permit holders from being armed in parks, playgrounds and ball fields said Thursday that even if a school uses a park, playground or ball field for just one event per year, that would enable the school to ban guns there.

84. Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Guns-In-Parking-Lots Update - Wednesday, March 25, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The state Legislature on Monday passed a bill allowing workers to sue their employers if they are fired for storing guns in cars parked on company lots.

The Senate passed the measure on a 28-5 vote, and the House later followed suit on a 78-14 vote.

85. Randy Odom Named CEO of Memphis Athletic Ministries - Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Randy Odom has been named president and chief executive officer of Memphis Athletic Ministries. Odom joined MAM in 2006 as a neighborhood center director and became chief operating officer in 2012. In his new role, he oversees all operations and programming for 10 neighborhood youth centers that serve more than 900 underserved youth after school each day.

86. Prep Coaches, Players Sold on Jones the Recruiter - Saturday, September 20, 2014

Nothing surprises Murfreesboro Blackman High School football coach Philip Shadowens when it comes to college recruiting.

Shadowens has seen it all – including the flurry of activity created by Blackman senior quarterback and safety Jauan Jennings, rated the No. 18 athlete in the nation by Rivals.com.

87. Hit Factory - Friday, August 15, 2014

The massive trees and the shade they make are the only thing left on the northwest corner of Danny Thomas Boulevard and Chelsea Avenue from the days when American Studios turned out 120 hit records from 1965 to 1972.

88. 2 Lawmakers Ask for Probe Into Test Score Delay - Monday, June 2, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – Two Republican Tennessee lawmakers have asked for an investigation into the delay of student test scores.

Meanwhile, three Democrats have filed an open records request seeking information about the late release of student scores on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program.

89. Haslam Vetoes Reduction of Penalties for Pollution - Monday, May 26, 2014

NASHVILLE (AP) – Republican Gov. Bill Haslam on Thursday vetoed a bill over what he called an unintended consequence of reducing the criminal penalties for pollution in Tennessee.

The bill sponsored by Sen. Stacey Campfield of Knoxville and fellow Republican Rep. Andy Holt of Dresden was aimed at penalizing retail vandalism by "flash mobs." It had passed the Senate 29-0 and the House 63-31.

90. ‘Champion of Working Man’ Rep. Turner Set to Retire - Wednesday, March 19, 2014

State Rep. and Nashville Democrat Mike Turner is retiring from the General Assembly and considering a run for mayor.

91. Former Democratic Senator Pleads Guilty to Theft - Monday, March 3, 2014

WINCHESTER, Tenn. (AP) – Former Democratic state Sen. Eric Stewart has pleaded guilty to a theft charge.

92. Former Democratic Senator Facing Charges - Thursday, November 7, 2013

WINCHESTER, Tenn. (AP) – Former Democratic state Sen. Eric Stewart has been indicted on charges of theft and insurance fraud.

93. Smith Finds Design Passion in Helping Communities - Saturday, October 12, 2013

When reflecting on why he chose to become an architect, Stewart Smith tells a story of his father who could draw and had an industrial design background.

94. Report: J.C. Penney Dumps Martha Stewart - Friday, September 6, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – J.C. Penney is ending a tug-of-war with its nemesis over Martha Stewart.

95. Oklahoma Hotel Group Buys Baymont Inn - Tuesday, August 20, 2013

6020 Shelby Oaks Drive
Memphis, TN 38134
Sale Amount: $2.1 million

Sale Date: Aug. 6, 2013
Buyer: Champion Regional Development LLC
Seller: BRE/LQ Properties LLC
Loan Amount: $2.1 million
Loan Date: Aug. 7, 2013
Maturity Date: N/A
Borrowers: Sunny Management LLC; KNSB LLC; Jansa LLC
Lender: InterBank
Details: An affiliate of Oklahoma City-based Champion Hotels has paid $2.1 million for the 103-room Baymont Inn & Suites Memphis East hotel at 6020 Shelby Oaks Drive in Northeast Memphis.

96. House Votes to Place Income Tax Ban Before Voters - Wednesday, April 10, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The House gave final approval Monday to a proposed constitutional amendment to ban a state income tax in Tennessee, which means the measure will go before the voters next year.

97. Lawmaker Says Grade-Fixing Questions Justify Bill - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Questions about grades being changed at a privately run online school are a good example of why the so-called virtual schools should be run by the government, a state lawmaker said Tuesday.

98. Phillips Joins Spirco as Manager, Vice President - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Mike Phillips has joined Spirco Manufacturing as general manager and vice president of operations. In his new role, Phillips will oversee all divisions of the metal-building manufacturer and direct its organizational needs.

99. Haslam Proposes Capping Online-School Enrollment - Thursday, January 31, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Some Democratic lawmakers say they support a proposal by Gov. Bill Haslam that would place stricter enrollment requirements on online public schools established in Tennessee.

100. Lawmakers to Resume Education Focus in New Session - Tuesday, January 8, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Legislation that would allow parents to decide the fate of a struggling school is among several education-related proposals lawmakers are likely to discuss during the 108th Tennessee General Assembly that convenes Tuesday.