Good morning, Memphis! Go green and capture the luck of the Irish as both Cooper-Young and Beale Street celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style this week. Maybe you’d prefer to explore the universe with a Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist? We’ve got details on those, plus more local happenings you need to know about in The Week Ahead…

2. NBA Coaches Often ‘Interim’ - Friday, January 26, 2018

In one sense, maybe just about every NBA head coach not named Gregg Popovich should have the word “interim” in his job title. Certainly in Memphis the position of head coach is a lot closer to being an adjunct member of the faculty rather than a tenured professor.

3. Republican Tim Burchett Mulls Bid for US House or Senate - Friday, June 30, 2017

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Term-limited Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett says he plans to make a bid to join Tennessee's delegation in Congress next year.

4. Wide Receiver U? That’s So 20 Years Ago - Friday, May 26, 2017

At the 2015 SEC Media Days, Tennessee coach Butch Jones referred to his school as “the original Wide Receiver U.”

The reference goes back to the days when the Vols were loaded with fast, talented pass receivers on the perimeter. In a heady stretch from 1982-91, UT had six wide receivers selected in the first round of the NFL draft – Anthony Hancock, Willie Gault, Clyde Duncan, Tim McGee, Anthony Miller and Alvin Harper.

5. 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).

6. 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.

7. Say It’s So, Mo! Speights Calls out Clippers Teammates for Complaining to Officials - Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Remember our old friend Mo Speights? Big fella, but liked to stay away from the scrums under the basket and instead drop in feathery jump shots?

He played with the Grizzlies in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons, averaging 7.9 points. 

8. 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?

9. Grizzlies’ Carter Voted NBA Teammate of the Year - Thursday, June 9, 2016

NBA players have selected Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter as the recipient of the 2015-16 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.

The award recognizes a player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team.

10. Grizzlies' Season Ends with Heart and Tears - Monday, April 25, 2016

Game 4 of this miserable first-round playoff sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs was almost done. Only a few minutes of garbage time remained.

And the question from Dave Joerger to veterans Matt Barnes and Vince Carter was a simple one: Do you want to stay out there, to keep playing, and to end this thing with your boots on?

11. Grizzlies Hope to Grind Out a Playoff Win at Home - Thursday, April 21, 2016

April 22, 2004. The Memphis Grizzlies’ first home playoff game in franchise history at The Pointed House now known as Bass Pro Shops.

Hubie Brown was the Grizzlies coach then, and the NBA’s Coach of the Year for overseeing a 50-win season. The Gasol on the team was Pau and Bonzi Wells was the more controlled forerunner to Lance “Born Ready” Stephenson.

12. Grizzlies Have No Answers for Machine That Is The Spurs - Tuesday, March 29, 2016

To find 31 point and 13 rebounds in the Grizzlies’ locker room, you would have had to gather two or three players together. But in the locker room of the San Antonio Spurs, all those points and rebounds were in one place, in the person of forward LaMarcus Aldridge after the Spurs had defeated the Grizzlies 101-87 on Monday, March 28 at FedExForum.

13. Almost Gone: Kobe, Carter and an Era - Monday, December 28, 2015

There were moments. For the great ones, for the future Hall-of-Famers, there are always moments.

So yes, Kobe Bryant can still occasionally cross somebody over and run toward the rim. Sunday night at FedExForum, he even did it to Tony Allen.

14. So Far, Grizzlies Fail the Eye Test - Friday, December 11, 2015

In this day and time we hear a lot about statistics and analytics vs. the eye test.

It’s a discussion we have throughout the season when debating the College Football Playoff rankings, and when arguing about the seeding that sets our brackets for March Madness.

15. Spurs Snap Grizzlies' Four-Game Winning Streak, 92-82 - Monday, November 23, 2015

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs played poorly, were not sharp and heard all about it during a fiery timeout.

Imagine if they had lost.

Kawhi Leonard scored 19 points, Tony Parker had 18 and the Spurs held on to snap the Memphis Grizzlies' four-game winning streak with a 92-82 victory Saturday night.

16. Scheduled Good Times: The Next Grizzlies Season - Friday, August 14, 2015

Turns out, Marc Gasol was wrong.

“I don’t think LeBron is coming through that door anytime soon,” Gasol said after the end of last season.

But in fact LeBron James, albeit wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform, will come through the doors at FedExForum for the 2015-16 season opener on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

17. Gasol Back in Fold, Grizzlies Still In Thick of Tough Western Conference - Friday, July 10, 2015

There were a few mildly uneasy days between the arrival of Grizzlies controlling owner Robert Pera in Spain and the news that, yes, All-Star center Marc Gasol would indeed re-sign with the team. And not just for a short-term deal, but a five-year max contract (about $113 million) with a player option after the fourth year.

18. Fast Growth for Knoxville Diocese - Saturday, June 20, 2015

For the smallest Catholic diocese in the U.S., the Knoxville diocese knows how to draw a crowd of movers and shakers.

At the April 19 groundbreaking for the new $25 million cathedral, the lineup of both secular and non-secular dignitaries attending a weekend of events was impressive.

19. Hey Grizz Fans: Check Out Those Royals, Twins! - Friday, June 5, 2015

Is it now easier for an MLB team, regardless of market size, to seriously compete for a championship than for an NBA team from a similar type market (read: Memphis)?

Short answer: Yes.

As these NBA Finals get underway, with LeBron James and reigning MVP Steph Curry as the headliners, there is an accepted truth – be it in a flyover hamlet or a bigger city on one of the coasts – that no team can truly compete for a title without a superstar.

20. Dream Season - Saturday, February 7, 2015

The Grizzlies had just defeated the rival Oklahoma City Thunder before a loud sellout crowd in The Grindhouse and Jerry “The King” Lawler had defended his Memphis championship wrestling belt, albeit with an assist from the Grizzlies’ crack game operations staff.

21. Events - Thursday, January 22, 2015

National Black MBA Association, Memphis chapter will host its 2015 kickoff meeting, “Reaching Your Financial Goals: How Fit is Your Plan?” Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at International Paper headquarters, Tower 3, 6400 Poplar Ave. The guest speaker is Roland Cole, financial adviser with Duncan-Williams’ Private Client Group. Visit nbmbaamemphis.org.

22. Events - Wednesday, January 21, 2015

The Association for Women Attorneys will host its 35th annual banquet and silent auction Thursday, Jan. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. Cost is $60 for AWA members, $70 for nonmembers and $40 for law students. RSVP to Keating Lowery at keatingl@lawrencerussell.com or 901-844-4438 by Wednesday, Jan. 21.

23. Grizzlies Hope to Continue Building Off Spurs Defeat - Thursday, January 1, 2015

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – The Memphis Grizzlies made sure early that they didn't go to triple overtime again against the San Antonio Spurs.

Fueled by 16 first-quarter points from Mike Conley, the Grizzlies built an early 10-point lead, eventually led by 16 and weathered a fourth-quarter push by the Spurs for a 95-87 victory over San Antonio on Tuesday night.

24. Gasol, Grizzlies Finding New Heights - Thursday, November 27, 2014

It’s the unachievable goal, but still a worthy pursuit.

We are, of course, speaking of perfection.

Or rather, Grizzlies center Marc Gasol is speaking of perfection.

“We can never be satisfied,” Big Spain was saying after going for 30 points and 12 rebounds in the Grizzlies’ 107-91 thumping of the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum last Sunday. “As soon as you’re satisfied, you start taking steps backwards.

25. Grizzlies Brass Has Challenge In Analyzing Player Minutes - Friday, October 31, 2014

It took but a single game for one of the Memphis Grizzlies’ main dilemmas to present itself. Namely, what’s a coach to do when his starters are playing well and the bench is giving him almost nothing?

26. Retail Skirmish Blocks Apple Pay at Checkout Line - Wednesday, October 29, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) – Plan on paying in stores with your shiny new iPhone 6? Not so fast.

Retailer resistance to Apple Pay had been expected because Apple hasn't offered incentives to install pricey point-of-sale terminals and train staff on its new mobile payment system. But the decision to not accept Apple Pay by retailers that already have contactless terminals in the checkout line is a "skirmish" rooted in competition.

27. Grizzlies Part of Crowded Western Conference Race - Monday, October 27, 2014

Calling it the Wild West just doesn't do it justice anymore.

The NBA's Western Conference is brutal. It's loaded with talent. And the eight teams that make it through a gruelingly competitive regular season to reach the playoffs will only find slugging their way to the NBA Finals even more daunting.

28. Grizzlies Find Respect Hard to Come By - Friday, October 24, 2014

Perhaps it was a just coincidence. On the day that the results of the annual NBA General Managers’ survey were announced, ESPN was in Memphis for its only scheduled visit of the season.

Or perhaps this was no coincidence at all.

29. Events - Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Memphis Botanic Garden will host a Food Truck Garden Party Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the garden, 750 Cherry Road. The event will include local food trucks, live music and a cash bar. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Visit memphisbotanicgarden.com.

30. Sherman Joins Campbell Clinic as Sports Medicine Physician - Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Dr. Henry “Hank” Sherman has joined Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics as a sports medicine family practice physician in its Southaven office. Sherman treats patients who suffer from a variety of orthopedic injuries – from competitive athletes looking to get back in the game to weekend warriors who want to stay active later in life.

31. ‘Pop’ at Top of His Game One More Time - Friday, June 20, 2014

Numbers rarely lie, and in Gregg Popovich’s case they finally piled up in a way too compelling to ignore.

Five NBA titles spread over 15 years is a dynasty, even – maybe especially – in this era of short attention spans. It’s long past time Popovich got the credit he deserves.

32. Finals Presents Intriguing Question About Coaching - Friday, June 6, 2014

So if the Miami Heat win a third straight NBA championship, it’s all about LeBron James and a cast of future Hall-of-Famers that includes Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen and, in a lot of people’s view, Chris Bosh.

33. Grizzlies’ Gutsy Comeback Falls Short - Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Fans had reason to cheer when the Grizzlies’ overtime game with the San Antonio Spurs ended Tuesday, Jan. 7, at FedExForum.

The home team had rallied from a 16-point deficit with 5:25 to play, and made up a 12-point gap in the last 1:59 of regulation. During a wild 14-2 run in those last two minutes, point guard Mike Conley scored nine of his season-high 30 points.

34. Wheel Could Bring Fortune to NBA Draft - Friday, December 27, 2013

This June’s NBA Draft is projected to be deep, with perhaps as many as a half-dozen players capable of changing a franchise’s fortunes. It’s a great incentive for “tanking” and trying to get into the top tier of the NBA Lottery.

35. NBA Playoffs Serve as Reminder: Players More Valuable Than Coaches - Friday, June 21, 2013

Game 6 of the NBA Finals was a lot of things, including epic and unbelievable and an instant classic. But it was also something else: a vivid reminder that players matter more than coaches.

From TV to Twitter San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, roundly recognized as the best coach in the NBA, took much criticism for the Spurs letting go of a 5-point lead with 28.2 seconds remaining as their fifth NBA title vanished – at least for a night.

36. Spurs Provide Right Role Model for Grizzlies - Friday, May 31, 2013

Every time Tony Parker made another impossible shot, he was easy to hate. Every time Tim Duncan turned back the clock by sprinting down the court, he was easy to hate. Every time coach Gregg Popovich made an adjustment and put the Grizzlies’ offense deeper into the mud, he was easy to hate.

37. Grizzlies Confident Despite Odds Against Them - Friday, May 24, 2013

The Grizzlies have to win four of five to beat the San Antonio Spurs and advance to the NBA Finals. In other words, if reality itself could hold up a towel it would read: “I don’t bluff.”

The Grizzlies dropped the first two games in San Antonio and, historically speaking, a fool would soon part with his money if betting on the Grizzlies to come back and win the series. Because when a team wins the first two games of a seven-game series, it goes on to win that series 93.7 percent of the time. The Grizzlies already have upset these odds once, falling behind the Los Angeles Clippers 0-2 in this year’s opening-round playoff series before rallying to win four straight.

38. Events - Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, May 21, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Tim Brown, president of Kroger’s Delta Division, will speak. Cost is $18. R.S.V.P. to Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

39. Events - Monday, May 20, 2013

Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, May 21, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Tim Brown, president of Kroger’s Delta Division, will speak. Cost is $18. R.S.V.P. to Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

40. Events - Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Black Business Association of Memphis will meet Thursday, May 23, at 8 a.m. at the Renaissance Business Center, 555 Beale St. Jack Sammons, chairman of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, will discuss what new developments at the airport mean for small businesses. R.S.V.P. to myron@whatshappeningmyron.com.

41. Events - Friday, May 17, 2013

Germantown Community Theatre will present the musical “Ruthless” May 17 to June 2 at the theater, 3037 Forest Hill-Irene Road. Visit germantowncommunitytheatre.org.

42. Conley Proving Adept at Stealing the Show - Friday, April 5, 2013

The question came at Lionel Hollins as a compliment, the way many questions after dramatic victories do.

The Grizzlies had just beaten the San Antonio Spurs, 92-90, at a rowdy FedExForum on a driving layup by point guard Mike Conley for the team’s 50th win – tying the franchise record. So the coach was asked to explain his team’s “resiliency.”

43. The Least Loved Day is Also the Market's Worst - Monday, August 20, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – It's not just in your head. Mondays really are the worst.

Monday is the only day the stock market is more likely to fall than to rise. The Dow Jones industrial average has been down 10 of the past 11 Mondays. And the two worst days in market history are both known as Black Monday.

44. Grizzlies Show Fatigue As Season Grinds On - Friday, February 10, 2012

This isn’t the San Antonio Spurs’ first rodeo, so spare them the tales of woe over the lockout-shortened season, its compressed schedule and more back-to-back games.

If any other NBA team wants to complain about the schedule, well, it is a free country. But understand: On Monday, Feb. 6, the Spurs started their annual “Rodeo Road Trip” with an 89-84 victory over the Grizzlies at FedExForum. It was just the first of nine straight road games – covering 7,941 miles – due to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo taking over their arena.

45. Parker, Duncan Lead Spurs Past Grizzlies 89-84 - Tuesday, February 7, 2012

MEMPHIS (AP) – Tony Parker appreciates San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich's conservation plan.

46. Spurs Hand Grizzlies 4th Straight Loss, 83-73 - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

MEMPHIS (AP) – The San Antonio Spurs hardly looked like an aging team playing the second night of a back-to-back.

But the Memphis Grizzlies sure appeared to be a team still in a haze from a four-game road trip.

47. Ginobili's 24 Helps Spurs Get Revenge on Grizzlies - Wednesday, December 28, 2011

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Manu Ginobili never saw the Memphis Grizzlies play that badly in the playoffs, and is pretty sure he won't again.

But the San Antonio Spurs will take it.

Ginobili scored 24 points and San Antonio ran away from what barely resembled the up-and-coming Memphis team that stunned the 61-win Spurs in the first round last season, beating the Grizzlies 95-82 on Monday night.

48. AP Exclusive: Evaluations Worry Teachers - Monday, August 22, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee education officials say they're taking steps to address teachers' concerns about a new evaluation system that for the first time will use students' standardized test scores as part of the process.

49. Tenn.’s Duncan Among Congressmen Suing Obama Over Libya Strikes - Thursday, June 16, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A bipartisan group of 10 lawmakers is suing President Barack Obama for taking military action against Libya without war authorization from Congress.

Among the lawmakers is U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, R-Tenn., who represents Tennessee’s Second District: Knox, Blount, Loudon, Monroe and McMinn counties, as well as a potion of Sevier County.

50. Memphis Integral in Race to the Top Effort - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

When Tennessee made its pitch to federal officials for $500 million, Memphis school board member Tomeka Hart was part of the five-person Tennessee team.

And as the state formulated its proposal for the Race to the Top funding, Teresa Sloyan of the Memphis-based Hyde Foundation worked with Hart and others to put together the “ask.”

51. Takeover of Failing Schools Not Done Deal - Monday, January 25, 2010

A state takeover of any public schools isn’t going to happen until 2011 at the earliest, Memphis schools superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash said late last week after an afternoon of conference calls with state education commissioner Tim Webb.

52. Obama Speech to Students Sparks New Controversy - Monday, September 7, 2009

DALLAS (AP), - When kids all across the country return to school Tuesday, some will see a welcoming message from President Barack Obama and some won't.

Obama's planned address to students has touched off yet another confrontation with Republican critics, who have battered the White House over health care and now accuse the president of foisting a political agenda on children.

53. Area Banks Could Accept Federal Help - Monday, November 17, 2008

Community bankers in the Memphis area as well as throughout Tennessee could be changing their minds about the merits of accepting injections of capital from the U.S. Treasury Department.

About a month ago, Treasury officials sat the heads of nine large U.S. banks – including Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup – down around a table and all but forced them to collectively accept $125 billion as part of a broad strategy to shore up the economy by directly injecting capital into banks to encourage them to lend money. Regional players such as SunTrust and Memphis-based First Horizon National Corp. later stepped up and applied for the federal cash as well.

54. Area Banks Consider Bailout Options - Monday, October 20, 2008

The impact of the federal government’s flurry of moves to shore up the country’s financial marketplace soon may be visible among local and regional players. But opinions are mixed about what the impact here will be.

55. 'Catching the Wave' - Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Like many Memphians, Kevin Warr is very familiar with all the residential development going on in Downtown Memphis. And also like many small-business owners, he decided in 2006 to open his business there to take advantage of all the growth.

56. Business Filings Down in Q3 - Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Former University of Memphis basketball player Tim Duncan held a grand opening ceremony Thursday for his new business, the PR Store, a marketing superstore. The store officially opened a few months ago at 6139 Poplar Ave.

57. Marketing Rebounds For Tim Duncan - Tuesday, August 22, 2006
     Former University of Memphis basketball player Tim Duncan has opened a PRstore franchise at 6139 Poplar Ave.
     Duncan, his wife, Lisa, and their partner, Veronica Walton, are co-owners of

58. Events - Thursday, May 25, 2006

The Memphis Advertising Federation meets today at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. Lance Barrow, coordinating producer and lead game producer for the National Football League on CBS and coordinating producer of CBS Sports golf, is the guest speaker. Admission is free for members; $25 for guests; and $10 for students. Call 726-0384 or visit www.memphisadfed.org to register.