How are you today, Shelby County? It’s Thursday, July 25, and kids and teens will be learning how to use AI for good (and not world domination) at the 10th annual Hackathon at Southwest Tennessee Community College.

It’s also National Intern Day, so here’s a shoutout to our Daily Memphian summer interns King Jemison and Benjamin Naylor. You’ve no doubt seen their great work lately, including Jemison’s hard-hitting story this week on the tragic death at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Jemison was at the library to cover a tattoo fundraiser and had to quickly pivot on that breaking news. As for Naylor, he’s been capturing scenes around Memphis as our first-ever photo intern. Check out his images of the Memphis Grizzlies rookies at a Redbirds game.

THE NEED TO KNOW

There have been at least three shootings at Main Event in the past three years. (Courtesy David Schacher Photography LLC)

‘Black eye’ for the security industry: Bennie Cobb, owner of locally owned Eagle Eye Security, said the recent, fatal shooting of one security guard by another security guard gives the industry “a black eye” and highlights hiring difficulties. On Monday, Main Event security guard Richard Lewis allegedly shot and killed fellow guard James Redmon after the two argued about the entertainment venue’s use of metal detectors for patrons. And turns out those metal detectors may be there for a good reason: That shooting wasn’t the first (or even the second) at that Main Event location. 

An assessment conducted in April by a national animal rescue organization noted severe deficiencies in leadership at Memphis Animal Services. (The Daily Memphian file)

Problems at the animal shelter: A Best Friends Animal Society report, commissioned by Memphis Animal Services Director Ty Coleman earlier this year, found that Coleman’s management of the shelter was lacking. Coleman was placed on administrative leave in late June after a dog died from being left outside in a kennel on a hot summer day. City Interim COO Antonio Adams reported to the Memphis City Council this week that Coleman is facing “serious allegations.” The Best Friends report noted Coleman’s frequent absences from the facility, as well as severe deficiencies in leadership at MAS.

After a series of incidents, Southwest Airlines is under a heightened safety review by the Federal Aviation Administration. (Courtesy Southwest Airlines file)

Southwest scares: Southwest Airlines, the third-largest carrier at Memphis International Airport, is under a heightened safety review by the Federal Aviation Administration after a series of incidents. Among them was a flight earlier this month that descended to just 150 feet above the ocean in its approach to Tampa International Airport. (Yikes.) And that wasn’t the only recent close call with the ocean. The FAA is increasing its oversight of Southwest to make sure it’s following federal safety rules.

MEET MEMPHIS

Diana Townsend, left, and Jay DeMoir co-own DeMoir Books & Things. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)

Jeremee “Jay” DeMoir was teaching English and creative writing during the pandemic, when he told his students that he hoped to open a bookstore when he was “old and retired.” His students asked him why not now. So DeMoir did just that, opening DeMoir Books & Things in the Cloverleaf Shopping Center in East Memphis. His shop sold fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, comics and more. But he opted not to renew his lease in 2023 due to the rising costs of running a small business. Then he met fellow writer and former teacher Diana Townsend, who suggested DeMoir try again, only in a Downtown space with more foot traffic. The two friends opened a new store in May.

THE NICE TO KNOW

Denver Nuggets center Jay Huff, left, signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. Trey Jemison, middle, was released. (David Zalubowski/AP file)

Huff call: The Memphis Grizzlies signed free-agent center Jay Huff on Wednesday and let go of two-way contract center Trey Jemison. Huff joins point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and second-round draft pick Cam Spencer as the Grizzlies’ three “two-way” players, who will appear in a limited number of NBA games while also playing for the Memphis Hustle. Huff has previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets.

The Agricenter Farmers Market is open Mondays through Saturdays. (The Daily Memphian file)

It’s tomato season, y’all: And zucchini season and watermelon season and lady-pea season ... the list could go on and on. So, naturally, The Daily Memphian’s Jennifer Chandler says now is the best time to get yourself to a farmers market. Not sure where to go? In this week’s Table Talk, Chandler has a list of which markets are where on what days, and she offers a few suggestions for what to cook with your market haul. 

Santa Ana Mexican Bar & Grill’s menu, features steak, salmon, enchiladas, burritos, chicken wings, chicken and waffles and more. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)

Taco chance in Bartlett: A chance meeting between two men led to a new Mexican restaurant for Bartlett. U.S. Army veteran Rodrick Grice and construction business owner Alex Montoya met a few years ago, when Montoya was doing work on Grice’s house. The two decided to go into business together, and earlier this month, their Santa Ana Mexican Bar & Grill opened on Stage Road in the former Los Jimadores Mexican Grill & Cantina space. Santa Ana’s offerings include enchiladas, burritos and some non-traditional items, like chicken and waffles. And more is yet is to come. In other Bartlett news, more homes are coming to the New Brownsville Road corridor, but some have concerns about the houses’ smaller-than-average sizes.

Mike France worked out at the Collierville Fitness Center, formerly the DeSoto Athletic Club. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)

Chest day? Thought you said rest day: Rest days are over at the Collierville Fitness Center, the new name for the former DeSoto Athletic Club. DAC, which was privately owned, asked the Town of Collierville to take over the gym back in January in hopes the town could operate it more efficiently. Mayor Stan Joyner and others gathered to cut the ribbon on Wednesday. For now, Collierville is just focusing on operations, but future wellness classes and youth sports may be coming.

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

Photographer Jamie Harmon captured some stunning video of the demolition of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium’s west side. The section is being torn down as part of phase two of the renovations. 

That apparently also means we’re at least temporarily saying goodbye to the Pronto Pup stand and Coletta’s on the west side.

It’s also National Wine and Cheese Day, so I’ll toast to you this evening. Have a great one!

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