SmokeSlam, Memphis in May BBQ festivals closing early
SmokeSlam at Tom Lee Park Downtown and the Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Liberty Park are both closing early Friday, May 16, due to the weather forecast.
Garden variety: Tour 270 local gardens in 35 neighborhoods
Hear the birdsong, dance under a tree. Experience Memphis Gardens founder hopes to inspire locals to love their own yards.
Southwest Twin Drive-In redevelopment breaks ground
The old drive-in movie site in Southwest Memphis will have a police precinct and a public library with plans for private development modeled on the 5-year-old Raleigh Springs Town Centre.
Decision on xAI’s air emissions permit will take time
Following a deluge of public comments, the Shelby County Health Department said a decision on xAI’s application for an air emissions permit will take approximately 60 days.
XAI partnership looking at Southaven natural gas plant
Earlier this month, MLGW said xAI could need more power than the Tennessee Valley Authority, the region’s energy provider, can supply.
Former MATA CEO: Travel was necessary for fleet upgrades
As MATA tried to meet a state mandate for an electric fleet, Gary Rosenfeld said it was more expedient and less costly to visit overseas manufacturers rather than ship equipment back and forth for testing.
LeMoyne-Owen names new men’s basketball coach
The former University of Memphis assistant coach and Mitchell High head coach takes over LeMoyne-Owen’s basketball program.
Arts Beat: Meagan Good to star in Jarnell Stokes film; La Chat doc premieres in France
A former Grizz player’s movie names its lead actor, La Chat doc premieres in France and Memphis must say goodbye to a nostalgic theater.
Bailey: New schools provide space and some relief
Two new schools in the eastern suburbs will provide more space for the student bodies, allow for expansion of curriculum and, in one case, provide temporary relief for parents concerned about students changing schools.
Food Files: Bahama Breeze closes, Second Line goes Hawaiian
A new coffee shop is opening in Midtown, and people may “Just Love” it.
SmokeSlam’s back on the river, bigger and smokier
The second installment of SmokeSlam began Thursday as thousands poured into Downtown’s Tom Lee Park while the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest continued at Liberty Park in Midtown.
Conaway: We are Warriors, every one
“It’s the city, man,” the band’s leader, Dr. Ollie Lindell, answered when asked where that joy comes from, “the soul.”
Herrington: How far-fetched is Giannis to Grizzlies?
Will Milwaukee trade Giannis? Do only the healthy teams advance in the NBA playoffs? Can we get a conference quota in the draft lottery? Do you remember Luigi Datome? And much more.
Collierville leaders question fluoridated water
Additional research about the impact of fluoride on other communities will be shared with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen before they make any determination.
Nike EYBL is in town. Here are some top players to watch.
Just less than a quarter mile from Tiger Lane, some of the best high school basketball players in the country will all be under one roof as part of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
What to know before you go to Memphis in May’s barbecue contest
- The WCBCC runs May 14-17 in Liberty Park in Midtown Memphis. Read more and listen to MIM staffers talk about this year’s competition.
What to know before you go to the SmokeSlam barbecue contest
- SmokeSlam runs May 15-17 in Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis. Read more and listen to SmokeSlam’s VIP host Gina Neely discuss this year’s competition.
Memphis in May officials reveal barbecue judging secrets
- In 2024, MIM judging chairs Michelle and Brandon O’Guin were guests on the Sound Bites podcast to talk about Memphis barbecue and the complicated judging system for Memphis in May.
With new library, ‘Frayser’s got it going on’
The new Frayser branch library opened Thursday, May 15, to a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100 people at 2220 James Road, replacing the city’s smallest branch library farther north in Frayser.
The To-Do List: SmokeSlam, Cosmic Carnival and Bill & Ted’s last adventure
This week, Ruby Bridges is here for her namesake reading festival and GWAR brings shock rock (and lots of fake blood) to Minglewood.
Liberty Park hotel, apartments could break ground this fall, city says
Work on a hotel and apartments at the former Mid-South Fairgrounds property may begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. The projected opening date is in early 2027.
What Daily Memphians think*
“Best jukeboxes anywhere” — Thomas Chu about $15 Deal: Alex's Greek burger has Cavender's, grease and a legacy
“This happens every four years in Shelby County after a state-required property reappraisal program. ...” — Jimmie Covington about Harris proposes lower property tax, $5 wheel tax hike
“This is a wonderful, uplifting resource for the Frayser community. Thank you, Memphis Memphis Public Libra5and the City City of Memphis. Libraries are transforming.” — Cathy Sanford about With new library, 'Frayser's got it going on'
* Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
St. George’s track star voted athlete of the week
At last week’s Division 2-A west regional meet, Kimbriel Winfield of St. George’s qualified for state in four events.
Sudoku: May 16
Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus.
5 by 5 crossword: May 16
Can you finish this puzzle and hear the sweet sound of victory?
Metro
Minority contracting programs banned statewide
Local minority contracting programs have been thrown into legal limbo after the Tennessee General Assembly effectively banned them statewide earlier this spring.
Shelby County Harris proposes lower property tax rate, $5 wheel tax hike
Shelby County County Ethics Commission reactivation dies quick, quiet death
Premium Education As Medical District High seniors graduate, they’re already juniors in college
Premium Public Safety Criminal case against Youth Villages staffers dropped, DA’s office says
Business
Former Bed Bath & Beyond: Think beer, wine, liquor — not Trader Joe’s
But Ethan Edwards, the owner of what is going in there, The Station, hopes you won’t hold it against his business.
Premium Transportation & Logistics FedEx renews ties with Amazon after six-year split
Premium Real Estate Inked: ‘Homegrown success story’ expands; Shelby Drive site sold to former owner
Business Elon Musk-founded xAI could purchase large order of transformers
Business South Korean manufacturer announces $50M expansion at former Mitsubishi plant
Sports
Calkins: An event to honor the John Calipari era in Memphis? It’s just time.
“John Calipari is game to return to Memphis this fall to play an exhibition game to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital? That sounds like an fine idea. It’s just time.” Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in MemphisRelated content:
Memphis Tigers Basketball Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in Memphis
Grizzlies Podcast Grizzlies podcast: Lottery reaction, TJ Shorts and value rankings
Memphis Tigers Basketball Tigers sign strong-shooting small college transfer forward Matthews
Memphis Tigers Football Memphis football brand stays in spotlight on Jon Gruden QB Class
Food
Memphis in May barbecue contest starts smoking
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest got underway Wednesday afternoon, and for many teams, it begins with the wood.
Premium Reviews What to Order: Gumbo cheese fries at Blues City Cafe are a late-night legend
Suburbs
Crosswind Elementary teachers get first look at school expansion
Crosswind Elementary teachers toured the school’s expansion Tuesday afternoon. The wing will be connected to the main building over the summer.
Premium Collierville Collierville rezones ‘Mount Trashmore’
Arts & Culture
Summer Drive-In closing
The site was listed for sale in March, but the president of Malco Theatres said it would only be sold “if it was the right thing to do.”
Premium Visual Arts Iconic blue dog paintings replaced
Opinion
Calkins: An event to honor the John Calipari era in Memphis? It’s just time.
“John Calipari is game to return to Memphis this fall to play an exhibition game to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital? That sounds like an fine idea. It’s just time.” Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in MemphisRelated content:
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Lottery reaction, TJ Shorts and value rankings
On this episode of The Daily Memphian’s Memphis Grizzlies podcast, Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss Herrington’s multipart column ranking the most valuable players on the Memphis roster.
Games
Word Search: Madonna Learning Center
Can you solve this week’s word search?