After two years of making the Elvis candlelight vigil more about who paid and getting people in line, Graceland said Wednesday the vigil will return to being a free event next August – no admission, no buying packages that include the vigil. The timing on this is interesting coming about two weeks after the 2018 edition of the vigil.

2. Court Dismisses Club 152’s Suit Against Purple Haze - Saturday, September 1, 2018

Last call at Purple Haze nightclub near FedExForum won’t get any earlier thanks to a judicial ruling.

Club 152, whose ownership team includes spokesperson and co-owner Wilber Hensley, filed a lawsuit April 28, 2016, immediately prior to Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival to stop Purple Haze Nightclub from serving alcohol between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., claiming it was not physically located in the Beale Street Historic District.

3. Memphis Cashes In On Airbnb Agreement - Saturday, September 1, 2018

Airbnb booked 87,000 overnight guests in Memphis and generated more than $647,000 in hospitality taxes during the first year of an agreement with Memphis city government.

The home-sharing platform reported Tuesday that rentals were up 67 percent year over year, including a significant spike during this year’s Memphis in May International Festival and Beale Street Music Festival.

4. Memphis City Council Debates Reality vs. Perception on Beale - Thursday, August 30, 2018

A stabbing in the Beale Street entertainment district the Saturday night before Memphis City Council members took up safety and crowd-control recommendations from a task force added some urgency to an already emotional subject.

5. Memphis Cashes In On Airbnb Agreement - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Airbnb booked 87,000 overnight guests in Memphis and generated more than $647,000 in hospitality taxes during the first year of an agreement with Memphis city government.

The home-sharing platform reported Tuesday, Aug. 28, that rentals were up 67 percent year over year, including a significant spike during this year’s Memphis in May International Festival and Beale Street Music Festival.

6. Court Dismisses Club 152 Lawsuit - Monday, August 27, 2018

Last call at Purple Haze nightclub near FedExForum won’t get any earlier thanks to a judicial ruling.

Club 152, whose ownership team includes co-owner Wilber Hensley, filed a lawsuit April 28, 2016, immediately prior to the Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival to stop Purple Haze Nightclub from serving alcohol between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., claiming it was not physically located in the Beale Street Historic District.

7. Last Word: MIM Numbers, Feeding 700 Teenagers and Elvis Week Arrives - Friday, August 10, 2018

The honored country tradition of the Memphis In May International Festival is one of those things that gets called into question whenever there is some thought about changes to the city’s biggest party. And the keepers of the festival’s flame always defend the tradition against the notion that they should just go straight to the party and not worry about anything profound.

8. 2019 Memphis In May Festival to Honor City's Bicentennial - Friday, August 10, 2018

For the first time in its 42-year history, the month-long Memphis in May International Festival will depart in 2019 from its tradition of honoring a country and promoting trade ties with that country.

9. Commercial Appeal Looking at New Spot Downtown - Thursday, August 2, 2018

The Commercial Appeal building was a nexus of local news coverage for Memphis and the Mid-South for nearly a half-century, but The CA won’t be operating out of its 495 Union Ave. location for the first time since the Ford Administration.

10. The CA Looking at New Spot Downtown - Thursday, August 2, 2018

The Commercial Appeal building was a nexus of local news coverage for Memphis and the Mid-South for nearly a half-century, but The CA won’t be operating out of its 495 Union Ave. location for the first time since the Ford Administration.

11. Big Attraction Not Key to Remaking Mud Island River Park, N.Y. Expert Tells Memphis Group - Thursday, July 19, 2018

Mud Island River Park doesn’t need a master plan or a new big attraction, the former director of Governors Island in New York City told a Memphis group this week.

Leslie Koch said she had neither during her tenure as president and chief executive of the Trust for Governors Island, the organization created to manage the former military base that was turned over to the city of New York as park land.

12. Heat Wave - Saturday, July 14, 2018

After what was a banner year in many ways for Memphis commercial real estate in 2017, projections for this year were bullish. But at the halfway point of 2018, have expectations in the area risen with the temperatures or have they begun to dry out under the sweltering summer heat? 

13. The Week Ahead: July 9-15 - Monday, July 9, 2018

Good morning, Memphis! This week delivers a blast with some entertainment straight out of the '80s, plus your chance to tour a midcentury property in the midst of a restoration. Plus, we share what you need to know about early voting, I-240 closures, and plenty of other local happenings in The Week Ahead...

14. Testing a New Line - Friday, June 22, 2018

Beale Street will be trying out new security measures this month as a task force reviewing the entertainment district continues to work on a better plan for the spring and summer weekend peak nights.

15. Memphis Daily News Wins 9 Green Eyeshade Awards - Saturday, June 9, 2018

The Daily News and the Memphis News placed in nine categories in the Society of Professional Journalists’ annual Green Eyeshade Awards, including five first-place finishes. The regional awards cover an 11-state area.

16. City Council Approves $685M City Budget, Takes City Tax Rate to $3.19 - Wednesday, June 6, 2018

The Memphis City Council gave final approval Tuesday, June 5, to a $685 million city operating budget, an $87 million capital budget and a $3.19 city property tax rate.

The votes ended City Hall’s budget season with few changes by the council to the budget proposed by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

17. City Council Faces Final Vote on Tax Rate - Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Memphis City Council members could start to wrap up the budget season Tuesday, June 5, with third and final-reading votes on the city property tax rate and a resolution approving the city’s capital budget.

18. Memphis News, Daily News Win 9 Green Eyeshade Awards - Tuesday, June 5, 2018

The Daily News and the Memphis News placed in nine categories in the Society of Professional Journalists’ annual Green Eyeshade Awards, including five first-place finishes. The regional awards cover an 11-state area.

19. One Beale, St. Jude, Sedgwick Projects Move Forward - Monday, June 4, 2018

263 Wagner Place, Memphis, TN 38103: Carlisle Corp.’s expanded plans for One Beale received unanimous approval from the Center City Revenue Finance Corp. on Tuesday, May 29.

20. City Council to Deal With Employee Contract Impasses - Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Memphis City Council members move closer to setting a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 with a set of impasse recommendations involving 13 groups of city employees.

The full council votes Tuesday, May 22, on recommendations from eight separate impasse committees – each has three council members appointed to resolve contract negotiation impasses between unions and the city administration.

21. Events - Saturday, May 19, 2018

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest continues through Saturday, May 19, in Tom Lee Park Downtown. Among the highlights are the Kingsford Tour of Champions, which gives the public a chance to taste and judge barbecue from competing teams; the Cooker Caravan, a free guided tour of some of the best competition teams; live music; and more. Visit memphisinmay.org for tickets and a schedule.

22. Events - Friday, May 18, 2018

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest continues through Saturday, May 19, in Tom Lee Park Downtown. Among the highlights are the Kingsford Tour of Champions, which gives the public a chance to taste and judge barbecue from competing teams; the Cooker Caravan, a free guided tour of some of the best competition teams; live music; and more. Visit memphisinmay.org for tickets and a daily schedule.

23. Events - Thursday, May 17, 2018

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest continues through Saturday, May 19, in Tom Lee Park Downtown. Among the highlights are the annual Ms. Piggie Idol Contest; the Kingsford Tour of Champions, which gives the public a chance to taste and judge barbecue from competing teams; the Cooker Caravan, a free guided tour of some of the best competition teams; live music; and more. Visit memphisinmay.org for tickets and a daily schedule.

24. Memphis Army Depot, CA Building Get New Owners - Monday, April 30, 2018

2028 Memphis Depot Pkwy.
Memphis, TN 38114

Sale Amount: $50 million

25. Last Word: The City's Windfall, Chandler Parsons' Knees and Keith Sykes on Flying - Wednesday, April 25, 2018

When you think of economic engines that drive the Memphis economy there are a lot of corporate names past and present that come to mind. One further down the list is the Memphis Defense Depot in southeast Memphis more than 20 years after the Army closed up shop. Along the stretch of Airways near Memphis International Airport are the blue collar neighborhoods built by the hub for Army supplies that located here in the early 1940s on 4.2 million square feet of land.

26. Events - Friday, April 20, 2018

Circuit Playhouse will present the regional premiere of “Stupid F#!&ing Bird” Friday, April 20, through May 13 at 51 S. Cooper St. Visit playhouseonthesquare.org for times and tickets.

27. Fred’s Delays Earnings, Annual Report Due to Specialty Pharmacy Unit Sale - Thursday, April 19, 2018

A couple of hours before Memphis-based discount retailer Fred’s Inc. was due to begin its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2017 earnings presentation for analysts, the company pulled the plug.

Scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, Fred’s has postponed not only the earnings presentation but the release of its annual report. Both have been delayed about two weeks due to a decision Fred’s board of directors made in the fourth quarter to sell the company’s specialty pharmacy business.

28. The Week Ahead: April 16-20 - Monday, April 16, 2018

Good morning, Memphis! It’s time for Africa in April, which in the minds of many Memphians, is the seasonal kick-off for festivals. The annual Southern Hot Wing Festival comes this weekend on Tiger Lane, so get ready for good times to replace that winter weather. Check out what else you need to know about in The Week Ahead...

29. Events - Monday, April 16, 2018

The Mississippi River Commission will host a public meeting aboard the Motor Vessel Mississippi as part of its annual high-water inspection trip Tuesday, April 17, at 9 a.m. at Beale Street Landing, 251 Riverside Drive. Interested parties are invited to present views on matters affecting the water resources infrastructure needs in the region, including flood control, environmental issues, recreation and more.

30. Doubleheader - Saturday, April 14, 2018

These days, Craig Unger calls himself the “corporate guy.” After all, he is now president of both the Memphis Redbirds and the United Soccer League (USL) team that will share AutoZone Park with the St. Louis Cardinals’ Triple-A club beginning in 2019.

31. Digest - Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Memphis Grizzlies Suffer 15th Consecutive Loss

The Grizzlies lost their 15th straight game, 119-110 at Chicago, on Wednesday, March 7.

The team has not won since defeating the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on Jan. 29.

32. Last Word: The Ballot, By the River and The 'Good Ship Ineptitude' - Friday, March 2, 2018

What blooms before spring and after the rains? It is the quest. The quest that must be declared over and over again – in the confidence of homes and the parlors of supporters – across kitchen tables and behind the soundproof doors of conference rooms -- the patios where supporters have gathered and the rented spaces where campaigns are located. Usually with food. Perhaps a corner table or possibly a catered buffet. Maybe just coffee.

33. Last Word: Rising River, Driving The Dream and Harwell Advances Medical Pot - Thursday, March 1, 2018

The Mississippi River at Memphis should reach flood stage at any moment. As Last Word was going up online Wednesday evening the National Weather Service at Memphis put the river level here at 33.52 feet. Flood stage at Memphis is 34 feet. The river is forecast to crest some time next week at 38 feet, four feet over flood stage. Keep in mind that in April 2011, the river at Memphis crested 10 feet higher, at 48 feet on the Memphis river gauge – which turned to be the one on the support beams of the bridge over Beale Street at Riverside Drive. That was the second highest river level at Memphis ever recorded.

34. Events - Saturday, February 24, 2018

Hattiloo Theatre will perform “Selma: A Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Friday, Feb. 23, through March 18 at Hattiloo, 37 S. Cooper St. The dramatic musical captures prominent moments such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Visit hattiloo.org for showtimes and tickets.

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

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

36. Events - Monday, February 12, 2018

The Orpheum Theatre presents “The Color Purple” Tuesday through Sunday, Feb. 13-18, at the theater, 203 S. Main St. The 2016 Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival brings new spirit to the Pulitzer Prize-winning story. Buy tickets at orpheum-memphis.com.

37. 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.

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

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

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

39. Events - Saturday, January 27, 2018

Novel will host Wintrell Pittman, author of the “Children of the World” book series, for a discussion and book signing Saturday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. at 387 Perkins Road Extended. The 12-book series uses crayon characters to teach children basic morals and values while enhancing reading and comprehension skills. Visit novelmemphis.com.

40. Last Word: Shutdown Over?, Glen Farms Plans and Billy Richmond - Wing Guru - Tuesday, January 23, 2018

The federal government shutdown for many of us outside the Beltway amounted to a message on a website saying the agency we were looking up was closed Monday. And Monday was the third and final day of the most recent shutdown. But the immigration policy known as DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – is the issue to be explored by Congress in the three weeks that the continuing resolution covers. It’s an issue that there has been plenty of local discussion about

41. Events - Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Talk Shoppe will meet Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Pinot’s Palette, 8225 Dexter Road, suite 103. Jeff Armour of Armour’s Home Inspections LLC will present “What You Need to Know About Home Inspections.” Cost is free. Visit talkshoppe.com.

42. Events - Tuesday, January 16, 2018

The Association for Women Attorneys will host its 38th annual banquet Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. at 409 S. Main St. The AWA will induct its 2018 board officers, honor A Step Ahead Foundation CEO Claudia Haltom for outstanding achievements in the legal profession, and award scholarships to University of Memphis law school students. Tickets are $60 for members, $70 for nonmembers and $30 for law students. Email mwarden@smmlawoffice.com or call 901-821-0044.

43. Events - Saturday, January 13, 2018

The National Civil Rights Museum will remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy Monday, Jan. 15, at its King Day Celebration, with the theme “Where Do We Go From Here?” Museum admission is $5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with optional $3 admission for visitors who bring a canned good donation for Mid-South Food Bank or free admission with a blood donation to Lifeblood. An entertainment stage, health pavilion and children’s activity tent (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will be set up outside. Visit civilrightsmuseum.org/king-day for details.

44. Orion, LEO Buy Slice of Wonder Bread - Thursday, January 11, 2018

The Center City Revenue Finance Corp. approved a trio of sales on Tuesday, Jan. 9, including two involving the $73 million Bakery Development in the Medical District and the Beale Street Hampton Inn.

45. New Owners of Downtown Hotel Seeking PILOT Transfer, Bakery Development Project Progressing - Saturday, January 6, 2018

Richmond, Virginia-based Apple Hospitality REIT is seeking an assignment from the Center City Revenue Finance Corp. in order to complete the purchase of the Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis – Beale Street located at 175 Peabody Place in Downtown Memphis.

46. New Owners of Downtown Hotel Seeking PILOT Transfer, Bakery Development Project Progressing - Friday, January 5, 2018

Richmond, Virginia-based Apple Hospitality REIT is seeking an assignment from the Center City Revenue Finance Corp. in order to complete the purchase of the Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis – Beale Street located at 175 Peabody Place in Downtown Memphis.

47. City, County Governments on Different Paths - Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and the city council members are half way through their four-year terms of office with the new year.

48. Last Word: Liberty Bowl Sell-Out Prep, Beale's Year and Tubby Talks - Friday, December 29, 2017

The AutoZone Liberty Bowl is a sell out as of Thursday. And while your thoughts may turn to the sight of a full stadium at the Fairgrounds, at least some of you who are going are thinking about what traffic will be like in the area. Here is the parking and shuttle game plan at the outset and a day in advance. The Liberty Bowl Parade on Beale is at 3 p.m. Friday followed by a pep rally in the entertainment district and all are welcome.

49. Airbnb: Memphis Hosts Earned $7 Million in 2017 - Saturday, December 30, 2017

Airbnb reports its Memphis host community earned a combined $7 million in supplemental income while welcoming about 68,000 guest arrivals to the city in 2017.

That reflects 79 percent year-over-year growth in guest arrivals, according to the hospitality company, which says Memphis has about 670 active Airbnb hosts, 40 percent of whom share an extra, unused room in their home.

50. Beale’s Question Mark - Friday, December 29, 2017

For all of the change in the Memphis landscape announced in 2017 – including the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art’s decision to move to the riverfront and plans for several “gateway” developments around the city – Beale Street was in a holding pattern for most of the year.

51. Airbnb: Memphis Hosts Earned $7M in 2017 - Thursday, December 28, 2017

Airbnb reports its Memphis host community earned a combined $7 million in supplemental income while welcoming about 68,000 guest arrivals to the city in 2017.

That reflects 79 percent year-over-year growth in guest arrivals, according to the hospitality company, which says Memphis has about 670 active Airbnb hosts, 40 percent of whom share an extra, unused room in their home.

52. Events - Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Children’s Museum of Memphis will host New Year’s at Noon Friday, Dec. 29, at CMOM, 2525 Central Ave. Enjoy games and activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., highlighted by a balloon drop and goody toss at noon to say goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018. Everything is included with general admission. Visit cmom.com.

53. Events - Wednesday, December 27, 2017

The 59th annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl, pitting the University of Memphis vs. Iowa State, kicks off Saturday, Dec. 30, at 11:30 a.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, 335 S. Hollywood St. Visit libertybowl.org for details. Bowl Week events include:

54. The Week Ahead: Dec. 25-31, 2017 - Monday, December 25, 2017

Good morning, Memphis, and a very Merry Christmas! Gifts are unwrapped, holiday cheer is spread, and now we start looking forward to the Liberty Bowl – featuring our own University of Memphis Tigers – plus a whole slate of New Year’s Eve events happening around the city. Check out all our top picks for what to do in The Week Ahead...

55. Events - Monday, December 25, 2017

Memphis Grizzlies Youth Basketball holds its Grizzlies Holiday Basketball Camp Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 26-28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at FedExForum, 191 Beale St. Open to ages 7-16, the three-day camp features a rare opportunity to train inside the Grizzlies’ Built Ford Tough Practice Facility; instruction by Grizzlies Youth Basketball staff and GrizzFit certified coaches; participation in the Jr. NBA Skills Challenge; team apparel and basketball; and two tickets to a January Grizzlies game. Cost is $225. Register at eventbrite.com or call 901-205-1279.

56. Events - Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Memphis Botanic Garden’s Holiday Wonders at the Garden hosts “On My Last Nerve Night” Tuesday, Dec. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 750 Cherry Road. Take a break from over-staying holiday guests for a couple hours and visit Holiday Wonders’ three areas: Snowy Nights, Sculptures Bright and Trees Alight. Open nightly through Dec. 30 except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; advance tickets recommended. Visit memphisbotanicgarden.com.

57. Out-of-Town Investors Buy Gibson Guitar Factory - Monday, December 11, 2017

145 Lt. George W. Lee Ave., Memphis, TN 38103: Investment firms in New York and Miami have purchased the Gibson Guitar Factory property in Downtown Memphis and an additional warehouse Gibson Brands Inc. owns in Nashville.

58. Food Fancy - Saturday, December 9, 2017

Say what you want about the kind of city Memphis is or isn’t for foodies who prefer originality to the chains and knockoffs that are so familiar a sight in suburbia. But let it be known that 2017 was another year of ascendancy for Memphis’ singular, distinctive food scene, with the constant arrival of new concepts and experiences that in turn also says something about the city that patronizes those establishments.

59. Last Word: Bredesen Runs, Germantown Moratorium, Monsanto Fights Dicamba Ban - Thursday, December 7, 2017

The big reveal at the Greater Memphis Chamber’s annual luncheon Wednesday, at least for me – Dale Watson lives in Memphis now. The Americana musician, producer and author was among the performers at the Peabody and he had a bit of trouble getting the group of 700 business and political leaders to sing along with the refrain of one of his most popular tunes – “I Lie When I Drink and I Drink A Lot" -- with at least a dozen video cameras panning the room. But he continued on without audience participation. Other entertainment highlights featured Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland as the voice of Amazon’s Alexa.

60. The Week Ahead: Dec. 4-10 - Monday, December 4, 2017

Good morning, Memphis! The holidays are in full swing, and several events this week aim to help you make a dent in your shopping list while also supporting local artisans and small businesses. Check out the details on those, plus our entertainment picks and more you need to know about in The Week Ahead...

61. Last Word: Lake District Recycling, The New First and The AAC 'Glass Ceiling' - Friday, December 1, 2017

The U.S. Senate vote on a tax reform plan is now set for 10 a.m. our time Friday morning following more debate in D.C. that began Thursday as the trigger provision to raise tax rates if economic growth from the proposed tax cuts doesn't materialize was ruled out of order by the Senate parliamentarian. This was the provision on which the support of U.S. Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee hinged. And Corker is leading a group of deficit hawks whose block of votes is considered crucial in what happens to a proposal that was being reshaped as midnight approached. Here's Politico with comments from Corker as of late Thursday

62. Events - Friday, December 1, 2017

Circuit Playhouse will present “The Santaland Diaries” Friday, Dec. 1, through Dec. 23 at 51 S. Cooper St. Visit playhouseonthesquare.org for times and tickets.

63. Beale Street Music Fest Tickets on Sale Friday - Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Though the 2018 Beale Street Music Festival lineup hasn’t been announced yet, fans of the annual event can start getting in festival mode on Black Friday.

64. Council to Take Final Vote on Confederate Monuments Alternatives - Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Memphis City Council members are scheduled to take a final vote Tuesday, Nov. 21, on an ordinance that sets out options for the removal of Nathan Bedford Forrest and Jefferson Davis statues in city parks, and will discuss amending a city ordinance to allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages on Main Street Downtown.

65. Banks Behind Lakeland Residential Developments - Monday, November 20, 2017

4501 Chambers Chapel Road, 
Lakeland, TN 38002 (et. al)

Application Date: Nov. 16, 2017

66. Events - Saturday, November 18, 2017

New Ballet Ensemble will perform “Nut ReMix” with special guest Charles “Lil Buck” Riley Friday through Sunday, Nov. 17-19, at the Cannon Center, 255 N. Main St. The show is a new take on Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” set on Beale Street, with music performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Big Band.  Visit newballet.org for times and tickets.

67. Events - Friday, November 17, 2017

New Ballet Ensemble will perform “Nut ReMix” with special guest Charles “Lil Buck” Riley Friday through Sunday, Nov. 17-19, at the Cannon Center, 255 N. Main St. The show is a new take on Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” set on Beale Street, with music performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. Visit newballet.org for times and tickets.

68. Last Word: The Year of Tyreke Evans, Opioid Ruling and Installing a Jumper - Wednesday, November 15, 2017

The Tigers basketball home opener is a come from behind win Tuesday at the Forum over Little Rock 70-62. Still not enough to determine where this new team in so many ways is bound. But that won’t stop the early speculation … or the later speculation starting with the New Orleans game at the Forum in another week. The Grizz take their turn Wednesday with the Pacers kicking off a Grizz home stand followed by the Rockets Saturday for the third time in this young season, Trail Blazers Monday and Mavericks Wednesday. But let’s not get too far ahead here.

69. Last Word: No County Pay Raises, Landers' Red Ink and Diversity at First Tn - Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Grizz lose to the Bucks in Milwaukee Monday 110-103. They return to Beale Street Wednesday to play the Pacers. Beyond that, the football Tigers are home Saturday for the next to last game of their regular season that could clinch their athletic conference.

70. Last Word: Rape Kits Deposition, Pre-K Kickoff and Parkside Gets Company - Thursday, November 9, 2017

A retired Memphis Police Lieutenant was deposed Wednesday in East Memphis as part of the ongoing civil lawsuit in Circuit Court over the city’s 12,000 untested rape kits. Cody Wilkerson had been a detective in the police sex crimes unit and said Wednesday in the deposition that police brass, including Col. Marcus Worthy – his supervisor in sex crimes – oversaw cases in which rape kits were routinely shelved and forgotten about.

71. Last Word: Lawyering Up, No More Beale Street Cover and Pastner Probe - Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Committee day for the Shelby County Commission on Wednesday has now come to include a special meeting to vote on something. And that something amounts to doubling down on the move by commission chairwoman Heidi Shafer to lawyer up on the issue of opioid abuse and the role big pharma has played in the problem. The special meeting comes two days after Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell sued Shafer in Chancery Court claiming she violated the county charter by unilaterally making that decision last week.

72. Last Word: Fairgrounds Surprises, Aquarium Reprise and Six Open Commission Seats - Tuesday, November 7, 2017

There are lots of renderings and blueprints floating around this city of ours these days. Land opening up, locations changing, possibilities revealed, new uses for old places and old places giving way to new. So it’s not surprising to see some smaller changes that are nevertheless highly visible. Thus comes word with the new week that Spin City, the corner tenant at Poplar and Highland in Poplar Plaza, will close with the new year and Spaghetti Warehouse, on Huling Downtown, will close later this month in the week before Thanksgiving.

73. Last Word: The Run, 70 Million Gallons a Day and More Shipping Containers - Monday, November 6, 2017

This will be another busy week on the political front with more candidates declaring their intentions in advance of Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Republican contender for governor Randy Boyd ends his run across the state Tuesday morning on Mud Island – a variation on Lamar Alexander’s walk across the state in the 1978 Republican primary for Governor that remains a part of the state’s political folklore almost 40 years later.

74. Events - Saturday, November 4, 2017

Beale Street Caravan and Fourth Bluff kick off their Album Sessions lunchtime listening parties with Don Bryant and the Bo-Keys’ “Don’t Give Up on Love” Friday, Nov. 3, on the promenade behind the Cossitt Library. All listening sessions will start at 12:15 p.m. and are free and open to all ages. Silent disco headphones will be provided; headphones reservations are recommended. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunches. Visit thefourthbluff.com for a fall programming lineup.

75. Last Word: Fairgrounds Early Reveal, Campbell Clinic Expands and Medical Pot - Thursday, November 2, 2017

The season settles in for the Grizz and opponents adjust to the team’s post Grit n Grind strategy. So it was the Magic over the Grizz Wednesday at the Forum 101 – 99. As that was happening, the Houston Astros were winning the seventh and final game of the World Series, once known as the October classic that has once again ended on November 1. Compounding this heresy, did you think I wouldn’t notice that the Astros are no longer a National League team. TRADITION.

76. Events - Thursday, November 2, 2017

Mama Gaia will donate 25 percent of all sales made at both its locations Thursday, Nov. 2, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Crosstown Concourse location (1350 Concourse Ave., suite 137) is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; the Overton Square location (2144 Madison Ave.) is open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit mamagaia.net for details.

77. Gibson Plans to Sell Downtown Factory, Build a New One - Monday, October 30, 2017

145 Lt. George W. Lee Ave., Memphis, TN 38103: Nashville-based guitar maker Gibson Brands Inc. confirmed Friday, Oct. 20, it is putting its Downtown Memphis factory on the market and plans to build and lease a new facility nearby.

78. Last Word: Pinnacle's Drive-Through, Back to Work On Beale and Tea Time - Thursday, October 26, 2017

The Grizz lose 103-94 in Dallas Wednesday to the Mavericks. The Mavericks are here Thursday. And Thursday is also the day the two minority owners of the Grizz can begin a process to possibly buy the team from Robert Pera. ESPN outlines an unusual process that if it comes into play could take a while to sort out.

79. Events - Monday, October 23, 2017

Memphis Area Minority Contractors Association will host a Construction Estimating for Beginners class Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 23-25, at the city of Memphis Business Development Center, 555 Beale St. Attendees must know how to read blueprints and bring a calculator, notepad and architectural ruler. Cost is $10. RSVP to 901-526-9300 or at eventbrite.com.

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

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

81. Events - Saturday, October 21, 2017

The Big River Crossing Half Marathon and 5K, benefiting Peer Power Foundation, will be held Saturday, Oct. 21. The half-marathon will be the first to allow participants to cross the Arkansas-Tennessee state line via the Big River Crossing, while the 5K will run a course through Downtown Memphis. Both races with start at Tom Lee Park, with the 5K beginning at 8 a.m. and the half-marathon at 8:30 a.m. Visit runsignup.com/Race/TN/Memphis/BigRiverCrossing for details and registration.

82. Events - Friday, October 20, 2017

The Big River Crossing Half Marathon and 5K, benefiting Peer Power Foundation, will be held Saturday, Oct. 21. The half-marathon will be the first to allow participants to cross the Arkansas-Tennessee state line via the Big River Crossing, while the 5K will run a course through Downtown Memphis. Both races with start at Tom Lee Park, with the 5K beginning at 8 a.m. and the half-marathon at 8:30 a.m. Visit runsignup.com/Race/TN/Memphis/BigRiverCrossing for details and registration.

83. Events - Thursday, October 19, 2017

The Pinta and the Nina, replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships, will be docked in Memphis Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 19-22, at Beale Street Landing, 251 Riverside Drive. Together, the ships serve as a “sailing museum” dedicated to the caravel, a Portuguese ship used by early explorers. They will be open for self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Visit ninapinta.org for ticket information.

84. Events - Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Tennessee Shakespeare Company continues its Shakespeare Shout-Out Series with a “free, fun and fast” performance of “Romeo and Juliet” Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 2:15 p.m. near the University of Memphis Theatre Building, 3475 Central Ave. Shakespeare’s classic tale of young love and mortal violence unfolds during a 90-minute performance that’s fast, physical and daring. Cost is free; no tickets needed. Shout-Out Series shows continue through Nov. 10. Visit tnshakespeare.org for a schedule.

85. The Week Ahead: Oct. 16-22 - Monday, October 16, 2017

Hey, Memphis! Fall is definitely in the air now, as the slate of festivals and fun outdoor activities continue to roll on in the Bluff City. The Memphis Grizzlies open their 2017-2018 season at FedExForum against Tony Allen’s new team and don’t be surprised if you start seeing some ghosts and goblins by this weekend.

86. Last Word: Bonus For the Head Tiger, Brooks Downtown? and Harris Runs - Thursday, October 5, 2017

A $100,000 bonus from the University of Memphis board of trustees for U of M president David Rudd at Wednesday’s trustees meeting. The bonus is from private funds raised by the university foundation. The board also approved a paid parental leave policy – specifically the funding for that policy. And it reviewed scaled-back plans for the $30 million new rec center for students that will incorporate some of the existing rec center.

87. Last Word: The Amazon Offer, Mario Chalmers, The New Symphony Conductor - Wednesday, October 4, 2017

If you want to figure out the rhythm of Downtown there are a couple of time-honored indicators. One of my favorites is the church bells. The bell at Calvary Episcopal Church rang 60 times Tuesday for all of the lives lost in the Las Vegas massacre including that of the shooter. Old tones for new mourning as the seasons change in our city by the river.

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

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

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland:

89. Week Ahead: Oct. 2-9 - Monday, October 2, 2017

Hey, Memphis! Prepare to rock out this week as the Mempho Music Festival hits Shelby Farms Park and Wilco plays The Orpheum. Plus, Beale Street memorializes one of its own, Memphis legal pros discuss the Confederate monuments issue, and much more in The Week Ahead…

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

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

91. Last Word: The No Compete, Liberty Bowl Blues and Assessing the ASD - Thursday, September 21, 2017

The calendar says fall but the weather says summer and in Arlington the flags and notices say election day. The polls at the two polling places in Arlington open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday in municipal elections – the only regularly scheduled election of 2017 in Shelby County, which in our politics is frequently regarded as an invitation for departures and vacancies in other office that cause the scheduling of special elections. We’ve already had those earlier this year for a spot on the Lakeland commission and a state House seat.

92. Last Word: The Brooks Question, Boyd's Answer and Tigers In the Polls - Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Art as a real estate consideration. One of the more unusual of many considerations as the Brooks search for a new site – a possible new site, I should add, becomes the city’s favorite topic. So from the CRE vantage point – here are two more possible sites to think about if you haven’t already – Cossitt Library and the Fairgrounds, as well as right where it has been for the last century.

93. Last Word: Doubling Down at City Hall, Karl Dean in Collierville & Your Credit Report - Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Memphis City Council chairman Berlin Boyd doubling down right at the start of a Monday morning meeting of the Beale Street Task Force on that conflict of interest issue involving his company’s contract with the Beale Street Merchants Association. Meanwhile, it is council day at City Hall Tuesday and lots to discuss on several fronts including the Bicentennial Gateway and Convention Center projects and the move of Golden India just off Overton Square.

94. Open Tryouts for G League Memphis Hustle Sept. 23-24 - Saturday, September 16, 2017

The Memphis Hustle, the NBA G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, will hold its inaugural open player tryouts for the upcoming 2017-18 season on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hyde Gym on the Memphis University School campus, 6191 Park Ave., and Sunday, Sept. 24, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at DeSoto Central High School, 2911 Central Parkway in Southaven.

95. 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.

96. Last Word: The Monument Letter, Soulsville Gateway and Gas Tax Hike Regrets - Thursday, September 14, 2017

The Redbirds take Game 1 of the Pacific Coast League Championship series Wednesday evening with a 6-4 win over El Paso at AutoZone Park. Game 2 is noon Thursday at B.B. King and Union.

97. Power of Art - Thursday, September 14, 2017

From the nationwide study “Arts and Economic Prosperity V” came overwhelming evidence that the arts make a financial impact. But of all the data accumulated in a yearlong collection effort launched by Americans for the Arts, one number leaped out at Elizabeth Rouse, who is president and CEO of ArtsMemphis: in 2015 in Shelby County, the arts supported 6,138 jobs (full-time equivalent).

98. Last Word: Southern Heritage Recap, Funky Week Ahead and the Amazon Contest - Monday, September 11, 2017

The 28th annual Southern Heritage Classic is in the books with a close game at the Liberty Bowl Saturday and the kind of attendance that if sustained through our civic football season – Southern Heritage, Tigers home schedule and AutoZone Liberty Bowl – promises continued growth and changes in our development. Whether there is that growth or not, 47,407 came, tailgated and saw Tennessee State beat Jackson State 17-15.

99. Open Tryouts for G League Memphis Hustle Sept. 23-24 - Monday, September 11, 2017

The Memphis Hustle, the NBA G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, will hold its inaugural open player tryouts for the upcoming 2017-18 season on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hyde Gym on the Memphis University School campus, 6191 Park Ave., and Sunday, Sept. 24, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at DeSoto Central High School, 2911 Central Parkway in Southaven.

100. Last Word: The Amazon Competition, Millington Shelters and Grizz Ownership Drama - Friday, September 8, 2017

With a social media post Thursday morning, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said the city is ready to compete in a very public competition for the $5-billion second North American headquarters Amazon.com announced earlier Thursday. Some context here. The $5 billion investment by Amazon in what it calls HQ2 compares to the $9 billion St. Jude is investing in its expansion including about $1 billion in capital costs and the rest research, technology and other development costs included in what is more than a physical expansion.