Memphis, baby, you’re a firework! Today is Friday, July 1, which means it’s Fourth of July weekend. If you plan ahead, you can catch fireworks displays every day this weekend through the Monday holiday, and you’ll find a handy-dandy guide to those celebrations here.

Today, Germantown’s new fire chief, Eric Grizzard, and Collierville’s new fire chief, John Selberg (who happens to be Germantown’s former fire chief), will take the helms at their respective departments. Collierville’s new ambulance service launches today as well. 

Looking for something to do this weekend that isn’t firework-related? Soul artist Cameron Bethany will play a free show at the Overton Park Shell, and you’ll find plenty more fun in this week’s To-Do List. 

THE NEED TO KNOW

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) goes up for a dunk during a May 3, 2022, playoff game against the Golden State Warriors in Memphis. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)

Ja, Jones and JJJ: Let’s start with the good news. The Memphis Grizzlies and star point guard Ja Morant have agreed to a five-year, $193 million max extension, the largest contract in franchise history. But that was expected. The big question on everyone’s mind last night was over what would happen to free-agent Tyus Jones. Well, he’ll be back in a Grizzlies uniform this coming season after agreeing to a two-year, $30 million deal in Memphis. But free-agent Kyle Anderson is heading to the Minnesota Timberwolves for two years after landing an $18 million deal there. Now for the bad news: The Grizzlies announced on Thursday that star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has undergone surgery for a stress fracture in his foot and will be out of the game for four to six months, meaning he’ll likely miss the start of the season. Get well soon, JJJ (I’ve had four stress fractures, and they are no fun)! Want to know what’s next for the Grizz? Our own Chris Herrington has some thoughts.

Kroger will provide “travel benefits up to $4,000 to facilitate access to quality care for several categories of medical treatments and a full range of reproductive health care services, including abortion and fertility treatments,” the company said in a statement. (The Daily Memphian file)

Abortion travel coverage: Following last Friday’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which will make abortion illegal in a number of states with trigger laws (including Tennessee), a number of companies have pledged to cover their employees' travel, relocation and other expenses to access abortion services in states where it will remain legal. We have a rundown of local employers offering such benefits, including Medtronic, Kroger, Nike and Dick’s Sporting Goods. 

MLGW recommends that customers set their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher to minimize expenses. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian file)

Temperatures (and utility bills) rising: Expect higher Memphis Light, Gas and Water bills soon. The utility said an increase in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s fuel rate and heavier summer electricity consumption could raise bills between July and September by about $30 and $60 per month. 

Muscle cars pass by the lights on Beale Street while cruising B.B. King Boulevard in Downtown Memphis. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian file)

No need for speed: Traffic-related arrests are on the rise in Shelby County, due to an increased focus by the Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol on reducing traffic fatalities. Drag racing arrests are way up — 53 as of May 31, surpassing the 35 arrests made in all of 2020 and 24 made in all of 2019. A word to all you speed racers out there: MPD has stepped up speed traps, and they may be in unmarked cars during enforcement details.

MEET MEMPHIS

Leigh Mansberg, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, will open the organization’s 16,000-square-foot headquarters in the former Save A Lot grocery at 516 Tillman St. in January. (Lucy Garrett/Special to The Daily Memphian)

Leigh Mansburg, who spent the better part of her career working in education, is now three years into her role as president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. And she’s unleashed her own entrepreneurial bent to reshape the way the organization works. In January, JA will move into a new 16,000-square-foot home in the former Save A Lot at 516 Tillman St. “I really believe Junior Achievement has the capacity to be a partner with the city, with the schools, with government, with everybody we serve, to build a better, more just world for our children,” Mansburg said.

THE NICE TO KNOW

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris has announced the formation of the Shelby County Council on Gun Safety. (Daily Memphian file)

New gun council: Gun violence is on the rise in Shelby County, and county Mayor Lee Harris has announced a new County Council on Gun Safety in an effort to reduce gun deaths. The council will address gun regulations that have been rolled back by the Tennessee General Assembly, such as the law that allows citizens to keep firearms in their vehicles (which has resulted in more gun thefts from vehicles in Memphis). Want to be on the new council? Applications are open through July 15.

Country club to Countrywood: A TIF for Cordova’s Legacy at Countrywood project was approved by the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County on Thursday. The mixed-use development, which spans 175 acres, will feature a hotel and 1,000 residential units on the Colonial Country Club’s former north golf course. The $23 million TIF will be used to help fund two infrastructure projects, including an estimated $9.3 million septic tank system.

At Pho So 8, the banh mi features charred pork piled on excellent bread, with a generous handful of fresh herbs and slightly sweet and tangy pickled vegetables. (Jennifer Biggs/The Daily Memphian)

World’s greatest sandwich: The Daily Memphian’s Jennifer Biggs says the banh mi is the world’s best sandwich, and she’s sticking to it. For this week’s $10 Deal, Biggs found a small banh mi at Hickory Hill’s Pho So 8 for only $6.99 (but the large will cost you $12.99). Unlike some banh mis, which are a mash-up of Vietnamese and French flavors, the one at Pho So 8 is made without pate. Biggs also suggested you go slightly over budget and spring for the authentic com trang (steamed rice plate).

Bartlett Police Department officer Adam Sandlin talks with Susan Edwards at the department’s “Coffee with a Cop” event at Panera Bread on Thursday, June 30. (Ziggy Mack/Special to The Daily Memphian)

Coffee with a cop: Every quarter, Bartlett Police Department officers meet up with residents over coffee so they can hear their concerns and get to know one another. This past Thursday’s get-together was held at Panera Bread. “We like to do these things because it’s important to get out in the community to let them know who’s policing them,” said Chief Jeff Cox.

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

Last night was a busy one for the Grizzlies, and they were keeping us all updated on Twitter throughout the evening. Even JJJ, who has to be bummed about his injury, called it a “special day.” 

Have a great July 4th weekend! The Early Word will be off Monday for the holiday, and I’ll see you on Tuesday. 

Do you love The Early Word? Support the future of local journalism with a donation. And please share our subscription page with a friend.

.....