The Early Word: ‘Liza’s run’ is on, Firestone site eyes criminal future
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Mornin’ Memphis. It’s Monday, Aug. 25, and the fall semester starts at the University of Memphis, Southwest Tennessee Community College and LeMoyne-Owen College.
The how’s and where’s of a new county jail: The topic of a new Shelby County Jail includes a “lease-to-own” plan for the former Firestone site in North Memphis.
Running for Liza: The return of “Finish Liza’s Run” was uncertain until recently, but a new band of organizers will stage the community event again, this Friday.
Phones away: There’s a new state law about cellphone use in schools, but there are still some differences in implementation among various suburban school systems.
Closing time: The University of Memphis confirmed that it is shuttering its Office of Multicultural Affairs, one move — among others — meant to fall in line with a state directive to “dismantle” diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
Too early for lunch?: Ellen Chamberlain scopes out a new Memphis food truck, which features pierogies, grilled kielbasa and other Polish staples.
Taking the stage: Opera Memphis is about to open its 2025-2026 season, staring with their annual 30 Days of Opera.
Meet the new curator: Adeze Wilford is the first permanent Blackmon Perry Curator of African American Art & Art of the African Diaspora at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
Who let the tigers out?: What’s the backstory on all those fiberglass tigers prowling around town? Ask the Memphian.
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Chris Herrington
Chris Herrington has covered the Memphis Grizzlies, in one way or another, since the franchise’s second season in Memphis, while also writing about music, movies, food and civic life. As far as he knows, he’s the only member of the Professional Basketball Writers Association who is also a member of a film critics group and has also voted in national music critic polls for Rolling Stone and the Village Voice (RIP). He and his wife have two kids and, for reasons that sometimes elude him, three dogs.
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