The Early Word: MAS has new interim leader, and The Walk is still walking
Democracy is in the air on this Friday, July 12, because early voting for the August ballot starts today. If you’re not sure where to vote or how, we’ve got you covered with our Ballot Basics guide. And we’ve got even more election info below.
Tonight, 1990s alt-rockers the Goo Goo Dolls play Live at the Garden. And on Saturday, Memphis Made Brewing officially says goodbye to Midtown with a music- and comedy-filled farewell party. On Saturday evening, the Ed Murphey Classic brings three Olympians to Beale Street for the annual pole-vaulting competition. And the Memphis Grizzlies’ summer team kicks off Las Vegas Summer League with a contest against the Sacramento Kings.
Sunday is Bastille Day, and it’s also opening day for three new exhibitions at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens: a show of modern Southern artwork, an exhibition inspired by Wilson, Arkansas, and an interactive homage to paper. For more weekend fun, check out The To-Do List.
Mary Claire Borys has been appointed to lead Memphis Animal Services on an interim basis while the city investigates full-time director Ty Coleman. That investigation was sparked after a dog named Lulu died in late June after being left in an outside kennel on a very hot day. Borys was previously the strategic initiatives administrator for the city’s Division of Housing and Community Development, but she’s also an animal lover with three dogs and seven cats at home. Borys said her first focus will be improving MAS staffing levels.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard about The Walk, the mixed-use development planned for 29 acres between AutoZone Park and FedExForum (where the old Lit store used to be). The project received a 30-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) in August 2020, and then things went quiet. As of now, ground hasn’t been broken, and funding has not been secured. But the project has new owners, and they’re moving ahead with the $741 million project that includes apartments, retail, hotel rooms and office space.
Plus, Stereo Alley is official, and the old Muddy’s Grindhouse has been put to “Good” use.
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Bianca Phillips
Bianca Phillips is a Northeast Arkansas native and longtime Memphian who’s worked in local journalism and PR for more than 20 years. In her days as a reporter, she covered everything from local government and crime to LGBTQ issues and the arts. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South,” a cookbook of vegan Southern recipes.
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