Millington: Sparco.com chosen for national launch of secure remote access service with government-grade encryption. City hopes to turn Federal economic stimulus funds into redevelopment of airport and Veterans Parkway. With ‘Babe’ Howard gone, family and city want to turn USA Stadium from private venture into public park.

Christmas: Alternative holiday gifting ideas. Lots of really low prices and low expectations, and an early start, as retailers prepare for November 28th — Black Friday.

Mid-South Fairgrounds: While the City and County dither and wrangle, the Salvation Army is moving ahead with their plans for their piece of the property.

Memphis Police Department: Aggressive new recruiting extends to … the city schools? Amber Alert rules changed. More from WMC.

The debate over police residency continues; more from WREG. There is also talk of extending the residency waiver. One day after appearing at the City Council meeting where he spoke on the residency rule, man’s home was burglarised!

University of Memphis: One of the residence halls doesn’t have sufficient heating. Questions about President Shirley Raines’ salary in an age of shrinking budgets. Fears of crime around campus and the neighborhood.

Criminal Justice Center: A look at the chaplains at the jail and the powerful effect they can have turning lives around. Via the Tri-State Defender.

POLITICS: Jackson Baker takes the TN Democratic Senate Caucus communications director Mark Brown to task, and Brown tugs back. Baker provides a report from the Wharton fundraiser; Bill Dries from the Daily News also reports. Mayor Herenton still mum on FBI investigation.

War of the emails between City Councilwoman Wanda Halbert and Police Director Larry Godwin. More from blogger Thaddeus Matthews and more still.

Governor Phil Bredesen separates himself from outgoing House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh’s cloudy future. Also, another report on the possibility of wine sales in grocery stores with the new General Assembly.

Former State Senator John Ford’s infamous Rolex is State property now.

Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare: To lay off 99 employees. More from Eyewitness News, WMC, WREG, Daily News.

Shelby County: Eyewitness News looks into use of County gasoline pumps by County officials.

First Horizon Financial: Names William C. Losch III as new chief financial officer.

BUSINESS: Perkins Restaurants reports small revenue decline. Online ad sales increased by 11% in 3Q of 2008!

All of Memphis’ publicly-traded companies traded lower with latest round of stock drops; half hit 52-week lows.

Federal judge grants an injunction for Smith & Nephew against maker of a similar product.

Raleigh Plaza demolished, as that area’s retail keeps spiralling down.

Delta Air Lines: The airline will be adding non-stop service to Texas this Spring.

City of Memphis: Tamara Mitchell-Ford, wife of John Ford, speaks out about Ford’s girlfriend getting a City job.

TENNESSEE: State unemployment drops from September, but it’s still well above one year ago. Related story on Senator Alexander and the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008.

Federal grant monies to help West Tennessee with jobs. State’s adoption program receives national award.

National Civil Rights Museum: A gift to the museum from … Cracker Barrel restaurants.

Freecycle: A report on the recycling email list.

Nucor: An analyst for Goldman Sachs says the company is well-positioned to make acquisitions.

City University School of Liberal Arts: Poetry project turns into a book of student poems.

Lakeland: New land use regulations planned to be ready by Spring.

MISSISSIPPI: Casino revenues are up from September, but down over a year ago.

Tennessee Higher Education Commission: Dealing with cutbacks to budgets of universities and colleges by capping enrollments, among other ideas.

Foreclosure: A story on victims of one of the firms being sued by the State in foreclosure investigation. Similar story from the Daily News. Sunridge Townhouses enters into foreclosure. And a personal story about foreclosure, from the CA.

Memphis International Airport: Will host international conference and exhibition in 2011.

MLG&W: City Council approves relaunching of utility payment assistance program.

Agricenter: The 2009 auto show is this weekend!

Mick Wright: His problem with the Election Commission, and doing the math on Social Ecurity.

Vegan Crunk: Victim of a burglary.

The Mississippi River in West TN: A call for submissions to “Documentary Expression and the American South .”

Brain Release Valve: Zachary explains why zombies aren’t cool and the distinctions between magic and science.

Long Tall Animals: Travel to new cities is all about the food.

Jen-sized: A ‘hubcap’ post.

Commercial Appeal: Arguing that the foreclosure crisis means we need ‘predatory lender’ laws.

Commontaries: Thoughts on Wanda Halbert and racism.

Gilmore Girl Goes Memphis: A near-miss with tragedy prompts some reflection and questions.

Running With Dice: The reason for the light blogging? Good news! Much more here.

Too Lazy to Fail: What the manager should have said.

Joe Citizens: Tom starts the ‘Know Your City’ series: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.

Secret Agent Mom: A short update on Miss M and Mr. Baby.