Spirit of Memphis
Ask the Memphian: Who created barbecue nachos? It’s a question that will rile some folks up
Who created barbecue nachos? Well, it depends on who you ask, and be careful if you do ask because both sides are feisty about the answer.
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 303 articles by Jody Callahan :
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May 2025
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North MemphisFrayser community gathers after 7 people shot, 2 fatally
More than 50 residents and supporters of Frayser came together Thursday in something of a pep rally for the community following two recent episodes of gun violence. And two specific items were mentioned that could provide some encouragement for residents.
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Neighborhoods Oakhaven Fest marches to the beat of its own drum
With drum lines, vendors, food trucks and a truck for playing video games, the Oakhaven Festival offered the community a chance to have a little fun Saturday.
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Food NewsMidtown TJ Mulligan’s to close with owner citing crime concerns
“The landlord and I talked about it, and it’s probably the best thing for the area to not have an establishment open after 10 p.m.,” owner Lee Adams said.
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Public Safety Memphis mayor, police chief encourage city to ‘heal together’
Following a not guilty verdict in the trial of three former police officers for the death of Tyre Nichols, Chief C.J. Davis said her departments is “committed to rebuilding trust and working together toward a stronger, safer Memphis for all.”
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MusicGrowlers going back to roots with local bands
Two concert bookers from Growlers join Minglewood Hall, precipitating changes at both venues.
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Food NewsElwood’s Shack on Park Avenue closes
Elwood’s Shack on Park Avenue has closed, leaving just the original location on Summer Avenue for those who love the eatery’s fish tacos or big sandwiches.
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City of MemphisAsk the Memphian: Why are there so many temporary tags in Memphis?
In the latest installment of “Ask the Memphian,” we try to answer why Memphis seems to be overrun with temporary tags on cars. But it’s not just a Memphis problem.
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Visual Arts Chalkfest brings out the child in everyone
Chalkfest drew hundreds to the Brooks Museum of Art in Overton Park, as Memphians took advantage of a sunny afternoon to have fun at outdoor events around town.
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Transportation & Logistics Delta plans new nonstop flight from Memphis to New York
The nonstop flight will be between the Memphis International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, Delta said in a release, and the first flight is scheduled to launch Sept. 8.
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Public Safety Testimony concludes on fourth day of Tyre Nichols trial
Thursday afternoon’s testimony in the trial of three former police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols included two witnesses: a forensic pathologist and one of the EMTs who treated Nichols on the scene.
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Public Safety Preston Hemphill testifies about night of Tyre Nichols’ beating
After a late start Thursday morning, May 1, the trial of three former Memphis police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols continued.
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Public Safety MSCS, police discuss safety, but few were there to hear
Officials with Memphis-Shelby County Schools and local law enforcement, who were most of the audience, held a community forum that focused on gun safety, mental health and marijuana use.
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April 2025
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Public Safety Police make arrest in fatal Tom Lee Park shooting
Police arrest 18-year-old in fatal shooting of another teenager in Tom Lee Park on April 13.
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Spirit of Memphis Burke’s storied 150-year history could fill a book
Founded in Downtown Memphis in the decade after the Civil War, Burke’s Book Store has survived through four locations, six sets of owners, and a rapidly changing retail landscape that has devoured many larger bookstores.
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Public Safety Mental evaluation ordered for man accused of weekend shooting rampage
In a case that has parallels to the Ezekiel Kelly shootings in 2022, a man who shot at five people, wounding three, during a 25-minute rampage Saturday afternoon has been ordered to undergo a mental evaluation.
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Education U of M, CBU students have visas reinstated, schools say
The initial Trump administration visa-revocation policy and its reversal have created confusion for international students and their attorneys.
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Public Safety Police arrest suspect in South Memphis shooting
The two victims, both students and football players at Booker T. Washington High School, have been identified.
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City of MemphisAsk the Memphian: Who is Prince Mongo? And he’s from where?
Robert Hodges, otherwise known as Prince Mongo from the planet Zambodia, has irked as many Memphians as he’s charmed throughout the years. But in an odd quirk of fate, he may well have changed Memphis history.
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Public Safety Gun violence claims 20 victims in just two weeks in Memphis
That brings the total of homicides in Memphis just this month to at least 29, according to Memphis Police Department records, through just 26 days.
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Education Boys & Girls Clubs to close nine Memphis high school sites
“Just because the club closed does not mean the need is gone,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis CEO Gwendolyn Woods said. “We absolutely need Boys and Girls Clubs after-school programs inside of the schools.”
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City of MemphisNew MAS board members hope their experience can help animal shelter
City officials have appointed four new members to the newly reconstituted Memphis Animal Services advisory board, with more likely to follow. Now comes the hard work: improving the shelter and saving more animals.
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MetroAsk the Memphian: Why hasn’t Liberty Stadium had a concert in years?
For roughly three decades, the only musicians who played what is now the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium were marching bands. But why?
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Metro Protesters angry about everything from Social Security to Gulf of America
Hundreds protested for or against numerous causes at Poplar Avenue and Highland Street on Saturday afternoon, carrying signs denouncing xAI, the Trump administration and one that said simply, “Where do I start?”
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MetroAsk the Memphian: What is that metal menagerie in Downtown Memphis?
Lions, a tiger and bears, oh my, play into this week’s Ask the Memphian. Because we’re not just horsing around.
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