A weekend of creators, comics and cosplay
Vendors selling all kinds of collectibles also make up a huge part of the Memphis Comic Expo, with everything from vintage toys, posters, books and gaming cards to statues.
Michael Waddell
Freelance Reporter
Michael Waddell is a native Memphian with more than 20 years of professional writing and editorial experience, working most recently with The Daily News and High Ground News.
There are 1230 articles by Michael Waddell :
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September 2025
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Arts & Culture -
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LakelandLakeland planners approve site plan for independent living facility
Amenities in the gated community will include an 11,000-square-foot club, a 2,000-square-foot fitness center/spa, a 16,000-square-foot pool area, two pickleball courts and other services.
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Bartlett Bartlett officer injured in fatal shooting of drug suspect
Authorities were conducting a predawn drug investigation when the suspect was killed and an officer wounded. The officer is in non-critical condition.
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MusicBartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center plans eclectic 2025-26 season
With tribute bands, family-friendly productions and stars like T. Graham Brown, Booker T. Jones and Wendy Moten, the BPACC presents a diverse lineup for the coming season.
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MillingtonWith an incoming Target and Academy Sports, Millington has hit the retail ‘bullseye’
The two retailers are expected to be the spark as the Shelby County suburb strives to be the “retail hub for West Tennessee.”
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EducationAfter funding went to private school vouchers, Lakeland looks for ways to pay for special education
“Last year, they made it pretty clear to me they’re spending all the money on the private school vouchers. They said: ‘We don’t have any money left because we spent it all.’”
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Arts & CultureMemphis Comic Expo moving to Sports & Event Center
The Memphis Comic Expo is racing faster than a speeding bullet to a new venue this year, but there is more to the move than just changing locations.
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ArlingtonArlington to get pickleball courts
The demand for pickleball has reached Arlington with the town approving a plan for a dozen courts designed for the fast-growing sport.
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BartlettLuxury apartments approved for former Hy-Vee site in Bartlett
A Bartlett site previously considered for a Hy-Vee grocery store will soon hold more than 300 high-end “flats.”
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August 2025
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BartlettDeveloper halts plans for Union Depot addition in Bartlett
Only days after Bartlett officials rejected a TIF for an addition to Union Depot, developer Keith Grant has put the project’s expansion on hold.
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BusinessWas the Bartlett mystery grocer accidentally revealed?
The potential grocery store in Union Depot remains unnamed, but developer Keith Grant may have unintentionally provided a clue to the identity.
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LakelandCracker Barrel scraps logo change after backlash
Cracker Barrel in Lakeland wasn’t one of the locations that changed its logo and sign.
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BartlettMystery grocer a sticking point as board rejects tax plan for Union Depot
A desire for tax increment financing help on Union Depot hit a snag because the developer can’t tell city officials what grocery store is planned for the mixed-use development.
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ArlingtonSuburban schools dial up cellphone restrictions
A new state law forced school districts to implement new policies for students’ cellphones and other personal devices.
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BartlettMore homes are coming to Bartlett
The city’s director of planning and economic development cites the Union Depot mixed-use project as the largest contributor to both the single-family and apartment unit totals.
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Arlington Advent Arlington plans expansion on 100-year-old campus
Advent Arlington church is seeking town approval for a new building on Chester Street, replacing a 100-year-old sanctuary where the congregation gathers.
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BartlettSkate shop sticks the landing in Bartlett
A Bartlett businessman hopes that by opening a skating shop that it will draw more interest in people practicing the sport and more locations for skating.
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LakelandSundays! Sundays! Sundays! were for drag racing at Lakeland International speedway
Nitro-burning hot rods used to speed along two lanes of asphalt on the land where the partially completed The Lake District now sits.
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LakelandNew restaurants, yoga studio part of business flurry at Lakeland Town Square
Several other commercial tenants recently opened or are opening soon.
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BartlettHarrison achieves dream as new Altruria principal
Brennan Harrison has achieved one of her goals in education, becoming principal at Altruria Elementary in the Bartlett City Schools system.
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BartlettCoffee shop, Chipotle, Panda Express among new Bartlett restaurants in the works
Two Bartlett restaurants may have closed in the last month, but three others are preparing to open in the suburbs.
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BartlettBartlett chamber honors businesses doing important work
A fun island vibe was served as the backdrop in Bartlett on Friday, Aug. 8, as the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Barty awards gala.
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ElectionsWesley Wright announces run for county commission seat
After serving as Lakeland commissioner, Wesley Wright is preparing for a run as county commissioner representing District 3.
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ArlingtonA birthday party and road paving on the way for Arlington
As Arlington prepares to celebrate its birthday, the town is working on some paving projects to make its roads smoother.
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BartlettMemphis Mojo Cafe to ‘keep on trucking’ after Bartlett location closes
The restaurant closed its doors recently, but it’s taking its show on the road.
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