Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | Michael Waddell

Arlington pickleball, tennis expansion could open by next summer

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 06:40:31 -0500

The second and final phase of the the Arlington Tennis Center expansion is set to begin, adding more sourts and parking.

Biggs wins big in Arlington, other incumbents win unopposed

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 22:51:22 -0500

Incumbent Alderman Jeremy Biggs won his third term in Position 6 on the Arlington Board of Mayor and Aldermen in town’s only contested race Thursday, Aug. 6.

Suburban school districts' first kindergartners prepare for their senior year

awarren@dailymemphian.com (Abigail Warren) — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 07:18:53 -0500

When the suburban school districts started classes in 2014, it was a huge shift in local education. Now the districts are preparing to graduate students who began at their schools as kindergartners.

Arlington election preview: Five of the six races are unopposed

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 12:41:40 -0500

While there are six races on the Arlington municipal ballot this week, only one is contested with incumbent Jeremy Biggs facing the challenge of Don Hinkle for the Position 6 alderman’s seat.

Bartlett alderman revives idea of suburbs splitting from Shelby County

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 10:50:47 -0500

Bartlett Alderman David Reaves has resurrected the idea of a new county with the suburbs splitting from Shelby to create their own county or joining adjacent ones.

Memphis Escape Rooms expands to Bartlett

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 20:24:43 -0500

Memphis Escape Rooms is expanding its footprint, opening a location in Bartlett.

Development finally rolling along again at The Lake District this summer

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 09:49:24 -0500

The mixed-use project just south of the Interstate 40 and Canada Road interchange is a hive of activity as crews finish the first batch of townhomes at The Willows at the Lake.

Candidates emerge for Bartlett aldermen seats

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:54:51 -0500

So far, three new challengers have pulled petitions to run against incumbents on the Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Kiddie Academy in Arlington expected to get renovation, new building

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:44:50 -0500

Arlington and nearby Lakeland are considered childcare deserts, according to Arlington’s mayor.

New Ramble owners envision 'getaway' in middle of Bartlett

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:00:14 -0500

Bartlett’s highly anticipated The Ramble on Summer restaurant and outdoor entertainment venue is expected to open mid- to late next year.

Lakeland's Arcadia project was first approved in 2007. Now it's back.

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 19:52:14 -0500

Construction could soon start on a Lakeland residential project first approved nearly two decades ago.

Waddell: New MLGW voting reps give stronger voice to the suburbs

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:30:12 -0500

“This week the suburbs accomplished something 10 years in the making — getting two official votes on the Memphis Light, Gas & Water board.”

Bartlett appoints voting member to MLGW board

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 23:03:11 -0500

On Tuesday, Bartlett also approved a new assistant director of finance.

Pure fantasy: Anime Blues Con combines costumes and community

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 23:02:21 -0500

Costumed attendees, also known as cosplayers, pour into the Renasant Convention Center for the annual event that blends fun and friendship.

Merrymobiles once made magic on Memphis streets

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:48:00 -0500

Round, colorful Merrymobiles used to delight Mid-Southerners with frozen treats, and there’s still one you can see.

Job ready: Some Youth Villages students get hands-on with a forklift

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 8 Jul 2026 08:54:51 -0500

A group of residents at Youth Villages received training and certification in forklift operations — preparation for a potential career.

Ramble moves forward while Ragin' Cajun may be closed for good

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 15:12:13 -0500

Construction on The Ramble on Summer in Bartlett could begin by the fall. But the future is more uncertain for Ragin’ Cajun Seafood and Po Boys, a restaurant opened by one of the people once involved in The Ramble.

Fireworks business booming leading up to Fourth of July

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 04:00:06 -0500

There are only a couple of fireworks stands within Shelby County, but they are anticipating a booming business up until Fourth of July on Saturday.

Latest 'American Idol' winner coming to Bartlett

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:42:43 -0500

Hannah Harper, a Missouri native, won season 24 of “American Idol” earlier this year, in part due to her original song, “String Cheese.”

Plans for Darana-Memphis Motorsports Park stalled until next year

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:44:46 -0500

The International Hot Rod Association’s 2026 schedule had included stock car races and regional team finals, the 2026 IHRA World Finals and a Nitro event.