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

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

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:48:33 -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.

Lakeland keeps tax rate steady, raises mayor and commissioner salaries

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:21:53 -0500

Lakeland elected officials will see a pay bump for the first time since 2003.

Lakeland eyes new fire station to improve emergency response

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:04:29 -0500

Developers are donating the land and paying for architectural and engineering plans for the fire station.

‘Just a friend helping a friend’: Ragin' Cajun reopens in Bartlett after closure

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:13:41 -0500

Monique Williams, owner of Biscuits & Jams, has stepped in as executive chef at a Cajun-style restaurant in Bartlett.

‘Cherry on top’: Arlington High opens $10M football facility

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:50:04 -0500

Arlington High’s new $10 million football facility should complete additions and expansions on the campus for the immediate future.

New Tennessee law changes how sales tax revenue is handed out — and it's affecting Memphis suburbs

awarren@dailymemphian.com (Abigail Warren) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:03:02 -0500

A new state law is using population estimates instead of census data. It benefits growing communities, but those that see a decrease in population have concerns.

Aviation technology school's plans soar near Millington airport

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:51:20 -0500

Tennessee College of Applied Technology i is building a new campus near the Millington-Memphis Airport - a $41 million investment -- that will help with training and maintenance.

Arlington commission approves site plans for new sports complex, 7 Brew Coffee

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:39:59 -0500

Construction could start on the Big League Multi-Sports Complex by the end of the year.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s drone delivery drop-off descending into Memphis-area market soon

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:02 -0500

Walmart is considering introducing drone delivery from one of its Memphis-area locations.

Free live music series returns to Bartlett

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:06 -0500

The tribute band Almost Elton John & The Rocketmen open Bartlett’s annual series Music By The Lake at Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, featuring songs from the piano entertainer.

Bartlett passes mayor's pay increase, property tax rate and budget

mwaddell@dailymemphian.com (Michael Waddell) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:21:45 -0500

Bartlett’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the suburb’s annual budget this week, maintaining the $1.66 property tax rate.