Family alleges officers left Shelby County inmate to die
In a lawsuit, the family of Rockez McDaniel alleges that staff, nurses and others are responsible for his death after he was pepper-sprayed by officers at the Shelby County Jail in 2025.
With latest $50M gift, Smith family goes big
“... To receive a single $50-million-dollar commitment from a single family is just unheard of. Not just in Memphis, but anywhere.”
SpaceXAI offered major construction upgrades to Memphis schools. What happened?
Fairley High students and athletes have emerged as the early — and only — major beneficiaries of a list of construction projects Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company offered to the Memphis school system last July. Calkins: It’s time for SpaceXAI to live up to its promise to Memphis kidsRelated content:
Calkins: It’s time for SpaceXAI to live up to its promise to Memphis kids
A year ago, SpaceXAI committed to give Memphis-Shelby County Schools a gift a local pastor called “game-changing.” So far, MSCS has little to show for it. It’s time for that to change. SpaceXAI offered major construction upgrades to Memphis schools. What happened?Related content:
Germantown mayoral race may be contested
A former member of the Germantown Fire Department is interested in running for mayor of the suburb.
Tigers channeling their inner ‘Remember the Titans’
The Memphis Tigers football team is going to Victory Ranch to put phones down and bond as a team.
Grizzlies Mailbag: Grading the offseason, contemplating Nashville
The first of a three-part Mid-Summer Grizzlies Mailbag focuses on questions about the lingering offseason, with more discussion of salaries and draft picks.
High school football 2026: Central seeks to build on last season’s successes
On the heels of a nine-win campaign, a strong senior class has the Warriors poised to do something really special.
Commission approves $125M in loans for county
Shelby County commissioners also heard a call from Juvenile Court officials for a complete replacement of the court building and approved a manufactured-housing park in Frayser.
Orpheum adds 3 shows to 2026-27 Broadway season
The Orpheum is expanding its run of shows this season with a Tony Award winner, a global phenomenon and the musical version of a beloved film.
FedEx laying off more than 150
Facility closures are scheduled to take place Aug. 3.
Tuesday’s order of play for Memphis Classic
The Memphis Classic continues Tuesday with morning matches beginning at 10 a.m. and an evening session that begins at 5 p.m. at Leftwich Tennis Center.
Tate Reeves appoints DeSoto County judge to state Supreme Court
The Southaven judge will replace Justice Robert Chamberlin on the state’s highest court.
What Daily Memphians think*
“This park is truly a gem. And the location is right next to the lovely Frayser Library. Frayser is really on the rise.” — Andrew Murray about After years of flooding, Rodney Baber Park is back on solid ground
“We’re lucky to have him. A much-needed, positive change from the previous regime.” — Kevin Knott about Martin: Charles Huff talks a big game for Memphis football. It’s long overdue.
“The only way to enjoy the panhandle is on the most desolate beach you can find.” — Michael R. Working about Echols: At the beach, why do we let Phil Collins drown out the sound of the waves?
* Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
Sudoku: July 28
Ready for today’s sudokus?
Daily WordRow: July 28
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.
Daily Jigsaw: Cotton Row is hot
This jigsaw puzzle is a photo of the front door at 60 S. Front St. in Downtown Memphis and was provided by CWCA Marketing.
Metro
Calkins: Midtown has a beaver problem. It’s not as funny as it sounds.
There is a beaver on the loose in Midtown. It’s big, it’s brown — and it’s not going to be easy to move.
Premium Visual Arts Ask the Memphian: Will the Memphis Art Museum land major touring exhibitions?
Premium Downtown Inspired by Mark Twain, retired teacher travels the Mississippi River on a homemade raft
Premium Business Historic Daisy Theater begins renovations after 2025 fire
Premium Spirit of Memphis Social life in need of divine intervention? Some head to church.
Business
Grant & Co. moves ahead on 300-unit Levee apartments in Cordova
Grant & Co. pulled construction permits for The Levee, an estimated $40 million development with 300 units spread across 11 buildings.
Premium Real Estate How Satellite Music Hall was designed for flexibility from stage to street
Premium Real Estate Development finally rolling along again at The Lake District this summer
Premium Business Tower Garden is growing by helping teachers plant roots
Premium Health Care Robot helps with knee surgery at Saint Francis Hospital
Sports
Martin: Charles Huff talks a big game for Memphis football. It’s long overdue.
“American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti stood at the podium for American Media Day and introduced Charles Huff. Moments later, Huff told everyone within earshot that Memphis is simply too good to be there.”
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: New Tigers point guard has a gift. Memphis fans should like what they’re getting.
Premium High School Sports High school football 2026: Lausanne hoping extra plays lead to extra success
Premium Chris Herrington Herrington: Cedric Coward’s intriguing, uncertain future, and other Grizzlies summer notes
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Where are the 2026 Tigers projected to finish in the American Conference?
Food
Recipe Exchange: JEM Dining’s homemade yeast rolls with lemon compound butter
JEM Dining’s divine yeast rolls have since been replaced on the current menu, but you can still make them at home.
Premium Food News A Cooper-Young cocktail bar lost its liquor license. It’s trying to survive with a little help from friends.
Premium Food News For the local vegan-curious, a box
Suburbs
Horn Lake native to skateboard from Oxford to NYC in honor of late brother
Beginning next week, Horn Lake native Skyler King will trek from Oxford, Mississippi, to New York City on a skateboard to raise mental health and suicide prevention awareness.
Premium North Mississippi Fleming: Southaven no longer turning a ‘blind’ eye to blight. But have we gone too far?
2026 Elections Elections Candidates emerge for Bartlett aldermen seats
Arts & Culture
Ballet Memphis celebrates the past while looking to the future
Ballet Memphis holds an open house to showcase all it offers to the community. Besides dance for adults and kids, there’s Pilates and classes for Parkinson’s patients.
Premium Performing Arts Arts Beat: ‘Suffs’ musical brings suffrage fight — and Tennessee’s pivotal role — to Orpheum
Premium Performing Arts Don’t call wrestling fake: ‘Everything we do in there hurts’
Opinion
Opinion: Remembering Arthur Ashe
Arthur Ashe’s example is a reminder that rejecting racism, caring for the poor, agitating for peace, protecting the environment and embracing diversity transcend color or creed.
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Final summer league thoughts
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington break down the summer league performance of each rostered Grizzlies player.
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Nagoya House
This jigsaw puzzle is a photo of Nagoya House Hibachi & Ramen taken by Wesley Morgan Paraham.