Fire damages historic theater on Beale
When it opened, the theater was a prominent stop on the “Chitlin’ Circuit.”
Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
There are 410 articles by Jody Callahan :
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June 2025
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Public Safety Harris signs ‘Mandela Rules’ to limit solitary confinement
Wednesday’s signing won’t actually cause any changes at the jail as the facility has been implementing this policy since 2023.
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City of MemphisBarking up the right tree: Local animal rescuers praise nominee for MAS head
City officials made a rare move to nominate a new director of Memphis Animal Services with a background in grassroots animal-rescue work.
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Public Safety Alleged Young stalker ‘not a bad man,’ family says
“I know the conditions of the release. But he just wants to talk to him and I’m gonna ask the mayor, is he too busy?” the man’s uncle said. “(He’s) the mayor of the city. If he’s got a citizen that wants to talk to him, talk to him.”
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MetroA midsummer day’s heat to blast Memphis this week
A brutal heat wave is hitting much of the U.S., including Memphis, as the National Weather Service issues heat advisories for the weekend with the heat index expected to top 105 degrees.
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Public Safety Ceremony remembers those killed by Memphis police
Families of people slain by Memphis police came together Saturday. They included those whose deaths were deemed unjust as well as others whose deaths were ruled justified.
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Metro It’s the hottest day of the year in Memphis
Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far, with the heat index expected to hit 107. A heat advisory remains in effect at least through Friday, but some relief may be on the way.
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Education Southwest program will help new pilots climb through ranks faster
A designation for Southwest Tennessee Community College from the Federal Aviation Administration will provide training in school instead of while accumulating hours in a cockpit.
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South Memphis The neighborhood that birthed Stax celebrates rich history
Hundreds gather to soak up the history (and heat) where former Mayor Willie Herenton, Booker T. Jones, and Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White got their start.
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MetroHow much is the penny worth?
The U.S. Mint won’t be making any more pennies, but — with at least 114 billion pennies still in circulation — will anyone even notice?
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State GovernmentDeepfakes, pet abandonment and laser pointers: New state laws take effect July 1
Several new state laws are taking effect on July 1, including measures regarding child abuse, animal abuse and using cellphones in schools.
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Public Safety Double shooting at Memphis Rox
One of the victims was an employee of the facility. Police have one person in custody.
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July 2025
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Food NewsFood Files: Second Tops Bar-B-Q reopens after fire
The Tops on Thomas Street reopens, Kinfolk doesn’t and more Cronuts are on the way.
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Public Safety Police say groups argued Downtown, then fired at officers early Friday
Suspects allegedly opened fire on cops in Downtown Memphis early Friday morning, Memphis Police Department officials said.
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Public Safety Suspect named in Downtown shooting that allegedly targeted police
Victor Peeler, 23, is sought on 12 charges of attempted first-degree murder as well as one charge of reckless endangerment in the shooting that occurred early July 4.
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Visual Arts Incognito presents an art mystery where buyers are encouraged to buy what they love, not what they know
At the Incognito Art Auction to benefit the Memphis Botanic Garden, buyers will be purchasing pieces that speak to them without knowing who actually created them until the sale is complete.
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MetroYouth program achieving results in effort to combat juvenile crime, study shows
University of Memphis study shows that SWITCH Youth program meant to decrease juvenile crime is having a positive effect.
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Midtown Central Gardens paradegoers celebrate holiday with mixed feelings
Midtown Fourth of July celebration attracts hundreds, but many who came said they had mixed feelings about the holiday this year.
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BusinessRedbirds stir up controversy with ‘Big Beautiful Buffet’ post
“Gross, gross.” “It’s OK to make a mistake.” “Yikes!” Memphians react to a Redbirds ad for a Fourth of July celebration.
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EducationNearly 200 Ghanaian students came to Memphis for an education. But a $3.6M bill could force them to leave.
“These students face academic dismissal, visa complications and loss of housing and support, through no fault of their own ...” the university said in a statement.
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BartlettAn old house filled with old stuff. A complicated past. And one thing that grosses kids out.
The nearly 200-year-old Davies Manor marks its 50th year as a museum. Officials don’t dodge the story of 22 enslaved people who lived there, but the tour also includes light-hearted moments.
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EducationNearly 200 students will be forced to leave U of M after Ghana fails to pay debt
“This is a complete case of abandonment of 185 students on scholarship,” said one student. “It’s a break of trust. It comes as a betrayal.”
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Music Steve Miller Band cancels tour, leaving a hole in Live at the Garden lineup
The group was the final act in this year’s Live at the Garden lineup.
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MetroCongress slashes money for Memphis NPR, PBS and WYXR
This comes after both houses of Congress narrowly approved a measure this week that will “claw back” about $9 billion from the budgets for public broadcasting and foreign aid.
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How Memphis' two Congressmen voted on the $9B federal funding takeback
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Education Socks that track heart rates? Just one idea from kids at the Code Crew Hackathon.
Middle schoolers and high school students got to explore computer science and coding during a three-day event at the University of Memphis.
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