POLITICS: The Flyer’s Jackson Baker has a deep examination of Harold Ford Jr’s likelihood of running for governor and John Branston reports on Mayor Herenton’s Rotary Club speech. Baker also profiles and interviews satirist Paul Shanklin.

All three previously nominated State constitutional officers — Tre Hargett, David Lillard and Justin Wilson — were elected, along party lines. The Commercial Appeal files a report.

County Commissioner George Flinn will be offering free instructional videos on how to use the internet to make money selling and marketing their own goods.

Survey Says: The Commercial Appeal is reporting that things are looking up financially? We’re 18 in foreclosures nationally and yet Forbes magazine rates us the 19th strongest housing market. The American Lung Association rates TN failing for various tobacco controls. Foreclosure filings are up 81% in 2008; more reporting from the Commercial Appeal. Bankruptcy filings are going up as well; and so is the pace. Meanwhile, wholesale prices fell 1.9% in December.

Express Oil Change: Local owner sells two more sites, bringing local total sold to five.

Speaker Kent Williams’ Oath: You can see the oath he swore and his signature here. It gets worse! Listen to his comment before he voted for Rep. Lois DeBerry, asked if he could vote for any Republican.

As of close of business Wednesday, Williams is still a Republican. The TNGOP Executive Committee met and released no word on any action to be taken.

Uncertainty and anger from House Republicans.

Shelby County Schools: Plans are aborning to move the main administrative offices to a new location.

Martin Luther King Day: Some of the events planned.

BUSINESS: Delta Air Lines expects 2000 employees to take early retirement as it tries to cut capacity. BNSF will soon offer express service from Tacoma, Washington to Memphis. Colgan (subsidiary of Pinnacle Air) is adding 15 planes to its fleet; more from the CA. Northwest Air Corp. mechanics approve a seniority agreement with Delta Air Lines.

Fox13’s Job Shop: Aerotek needs experienced workers. People in Business from the CA.

Business profiles of Midtown Acupuncture and Natural Apothecary from the Daily News and Reza Oriental Rugs from the CA.

Cadence Financial: Bank has accepted $44 million in Federal bailout monies.

TENNESSEE: The Board of Dentistry bans teeth whitening kiosks at malls and limit procedure to licensees only.

Cordova: A new ice arena will open in 2009!

Mayor Herenton: The Daily News’ Bill Dries on the mayor’s speech and travails.

TN Department of Agriculture: They are warning owners, developers and businesses to think carefully before farming land for carbon tax credits.

DeSoto County:The state’s Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Southaven’s annexation; but it’s not for certain.

The Inaugural: Simon Kirk hopes to perform for Obama. She’s been “around politics my whole life.”

MISSISSIPPI: School systems are trying to deal with likely budget cuts. New bill would cap for four years all freshman tuition rates. The Senate approves the Voter ID bill. Public Service Commissioner Geraldine Patton proposes a taxpayer’s bill of rights.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi: They will honor B. B. King at their ninth annual Crystal Ball Gala & Live Auction, Saturday.

Collierville: The road-widening project at Houston Levee is on track but over budget. Budget problems will be severe for the city for at least 18 months due to tax revenue declines.

TN Department of Safety: Because of problems at a Memphis testing center, thousands of truckers across the nation may have to have their vehicles retested.

Bartlett: New zoning regulations will allow small parcel holders to subdivide residential properties.

The New Black Panther Party: The Tri-State Defender interviews its President, Dr. Malik Zulu Shabazz.

Mid-South Peace and Justice Center: The Flyer has a brief interview with Cindy Sheehan, the featured speaker at their fund-raiser and 27th anniversary event Thursday night.

Downtown: Is it really turning around?

The Chockley Blogs: The red ring of death kills Family Rock Band nights; the thrill of a loose tooth.

The Flyer: Did Mayor Herenton hint this week at laving office?

Commercial Appeal: Approval for punitive higher taxes — against cigarettes in Mississippi. Also, Saddle Creek IV in Germantown will be a tax revenue bonus and encourage verticality.

vibinc: Thoughts on Israel, Cuba, rogue states and ‘best interests’.

Carbuncle Trumpet: Grilled, bacon wrapped, cheese filled japapenos. Wow.

theology & geometry: Her apartment — it has its faults, but she loves it.

Mediaverse: Memphis: This city always makes American Idol interesting; thoughts on Jackson Baker’s interview with Paul Shanklin.

A View From the Middle: Terrible family news.

Commontaries: An intriguing theory on the Lemoyne-Owen College robbery.

Secret Agent Mom: Language confusion.

Brain Release Valve: Counting the dead in Gaza and remembering the Great Boston Molasses Tragedy.

Ask Myron: Musicians have a responsibility to their audience and their country.

Buck’s Blog: Dad likes his new t-shirt. Can you outsource your retail job? And, “You flush now.”

Fore Left! Praise for the crew of US Airways 1549.

LeftWing Cracker: Thoughts on today’s TN House shenanigans around the Emeritus Speaker bill.

Craig Fitzhugh: The State Representative from Ripley argues against using Federal stimulus monies for one-time budget balancing.