Commercial Appeal: The daily has decided to offer website readers a searchable database of concealed carry permit holders in TN. It is listed in the “Public Safety” section of their “Data Center” page. The search results initially returned street addresses for permit holders; that was changed later. The Nashville Tennessean did this two years ago, with riotous results, before they pulled it. Is the Commercial Appeal aware of this? A Knoxville blogger, using public records, turns the tables on the CA’s editors and management. A Knoxville News-Sentinel reporter reacts. And a commenter at Say Uncle notes that the database appears to be 30,000 permit holder names short, including at least one State legislator.

Memphis Bioworks Foundation: They are adding 6000 square feet of space and new programs for biotech startups.

First Tennessee Bank: The Commercial Appeal looks at their new brand slogan.

TN GOP Boots Speaker Williams: The TN GOP has taken out an ad in the Elizabethton newspaper (William’s district) announcing their action. (PDF document)

MISSISSIPPI: State Medicaid officials react angrily to comments by Memphis officials asking the them to pay more for services to Mississippians by The Med.

FedEx: The vice president of customer service operations, Sheila Harrell, was named national customer service executive of the year.

Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary: They are training hundreds of volunteers to saturate a dozen Memphis neighborhoods for community outreach.

The Big Switch: Confused by the switch to digital broadcast television and now the delay in switching? This story points you to some answers. Also, hundreds of stations may not delay, but make the switch on time: February 17.

BUSINESS: Plato’s Closet is expanding. Overall, airlines improved their on-time rates last year. Nike may cut 1400 jobs. Wal-Mart is cutting 700 - 1400 jobs at its Arkansas headquarters; more from the Daily News. And the CA says it will be only 700 - 800. More on the FedEx Freight 900 jobs being cut. Dollar General stores see same-store sales increase in 4Q.

Commercial and multifamily mortgage loan originations tumbled 80% in 4Q 2008. SunTrust Bank will be paying the Federal government $60 million in dividends, since they are now shareholders.

Wholesale inventories drop by the largest amount in 17 years.

People in Business for Wednesday, from the Daily News and the Commercial Appeal.

Mid-South Pain Clinic: They are getting ready to build a second location in Germantown.

Memphis City Council: Council attorney Allen Wade’s answer to the Council’s question of whether to take investigatory action against Mayor Herenton.

Memphis Fire Department: They have new technology, the Heartsmart MRX, carried in ambulances and fire trucks, that is expected to save lots of lives.

Christian Brothers University: New president, Dr John Smarrelli Jr was introduced on Tuesday. One of his challenges is an endowment that shrank by a quarter in the economic recession.

Shelby County: Mayor AC Wharton gave his State of the County speech, asking that bail be denied in certain serious crimes and for tougher gun laws. Further information on the speech from WMC. More from the Commercial Appeal.

Bartlett: A truckload of flowers for Debbie’s Flowers is wilting under a strict interpretation of a city zoning law.

POLITICS: More on Governor Bredesen’s State of the State speech. He also proposes a solar power research station; more from the Daily News. He also continues to deny interest in an Obama administration job, though others insist he’s being vetted. One reason he delayed mentioning the budget in his speech is that TN is up for $4.3 billion in Federal stimulus funds.

Rep. Steve Cohen speaks about the stimulus package and The Med. A proposal to allow grocery store wine sales has already been introduced into the State Senate; more from WMC, the Daily News.

Both TN Senators vote against the stimulus bill. WMC talks to House Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh about his reduced station.

University of Tennessee Health Science Center: Cheryl Scheid is the new interim dean, replacing another interim dean, and the program is being restructured.

DeSoto County: Overall, the county had a higher overall violent crime rate than last year — with the exception of Olive Branch. The county is now cracking down on illegally registered automobiles; more from WMC. Police in Hernando are looking for mail thieves; more from WMC and the CA. Speaking of Hernando, 145 local soldiers are due to be deployed to Iraq later this year; a parade is planned in their honor. Goodwill Industries comes to Horn Lake.

City School Funding: Director of Fiscal Services’ Nancy Richielaid out some dire scenarios if the City Council is allowed to cut school funds and the Daily News looks at the possibilities.

Junior Achievement: They are hosting a ‘Small Biz Bike Day’ (actually four days) bike ride benefit.

Tough Times: From WREG, some tips and advice on stretching a dollar. This Valentine’s Day, it may be chocolates and not diamonds.

Good Morning Memphis: Now, the vet comes to your pet. Planning your retirement when you are self-employed.

Post Office: The price of stamps will rise to 44 cents in May.

Collierville: Grants are helping to replace dented Neighborhood Watch signs. President of the now-closed Collierville Youth Athletic Association was surprised by the shutdown.

Millington: About 85 people showed up to contribute ideas to the redevelopment of Old Town; this story shares some of those ideas.

Rhodes College: They have been a named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction.

Schelby County Schools: Parents seem mostly pleased with the new school rezoning plan for the northeast part of the county, but Federal approval is still required.

Rustmeister’s Alehouse: The daily paper’s decision to publish the names of concealed carry permit holders is stirring up some anger and prompting some pointed reactions. But he also has time for some thoughts on the Titans.

The Chockley Blogs: When established child bedtime habits go off the rails.

Mediaverse: Memphis: Is the City’s proposed lawsuit against subprime mortgage lenders a good idea based on faulty and dangerous premises?

vibinc: He’s angry at legislators holding up the stimulus package over .7% of total spending.

The Shelf Life: The book for the next live book chat has been chosen: Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips.

The Gates of Memphis: A simple, powerful demonstration of what some trees can do for a street.

theology & geometry: Glad to be home and then to relax down by the river.

Elaine Zimmermann: Buying troubled bank assets and then dumping them into a public-private government bank is an idea fraught with concerns.

Moments in Time: As the baby’s birth approaches, she finally finds inspiration for decorating its room.

Radio Sweethearts: Should the stimulus package include schools? When your puppy recognises a voice on the radio. Print media ain’t dead yet!

Smart City Memphis: Why those who expect big changes with the Obama administration are doomed to disappointment.

Squeaky Wheel Seeks Grease: Not at all happy with the Commercial Appeal’s political invastion of privacy. Also, computer repair help is wanted.

AlphaPatriot: He’s back, with a gloomy prediction for the stimulus package.

Sassy Molassy: A spacious new house can be invigorating.

Commercial Appeal: Criticising the Shelby County Commission for weakening new ethics standards. Then praising the Mississippi Legislature for toughening academic standards for kids involved in extracurricular athletics.