Sugarmon was part of political vanguard, legal challenge to segregation
Russell Sugarmon, civil rights icon, political strategist and retired judge who fought racial injustice in his hometown of Memphis, dies at 89.
City Council gives final OK to South Cordova de-annexation
The Memphis City Council gave final approval to the de-annexation of South Cordova Tuesday.
AAF struggling financially only two weeks into first season
The Alliance of American Football was saved from financial problems by a $250 million investment from Tom Dundon, according to a report.
Court grants another extension for plans to save Aretha Franklin birthplace
Efforts to preserve the birthplace of soul legend Aretha Franklin got another court extension Tuesday, with Environmental Court Judge Patrick Dandridge giving parties until April 23 to shore up plans.
10 apply for vacant seat on the Memphis school board, but six live outside of seat’s district
Ten people are seeking appointment to an interim seat on the Shelby County Schools board. The District 2 seat opened with the departure of Teresa Jones to take an appointment as municipal court judge.
Daily Briefs
Metro
The Early Word: xAI is making power moves, and Second Line says ‘aloha’
MEM works on better parking, Collierville leaders worry about fluoride and Nike gives us a reason to say “Ohhh, Yeah!”
Premium Education As Medical District High seniors graduate, they’re already juniors in college
Shelby County Harris proposes lower property tax rate, $5 wheel tax hike
Shelby County County Ethics Commission reactivation dies quick, quiet death
Business
Former Bed Bath & Beyond: Think beer, wine, liquor — not Trader Joe’s
But Ethan Edwards, the owner of what is going in there, The Station, hopes you won’t hold it against his business.
Business Elon Musk-founded xAI could purchase large order of transformers
Business South Korean manufacturer announces $50M expansion at former Mitsubishi plant
Premium Transportation & Logistics FedEx renews ties with Amazon after six-year split
Sports
AAC baseball tournament berth at stake for the Tigers at Wichita State
Win the series and the Tigers are headed to the American Athletic Conference tournament. If Memphis loses, it will be on the outside looking in for a second straight year.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in Memphis
Memphis Tigers Football Memphis football brand stays in spotlight on Jon Gruden QB Class
Memphis Tigers Basketball Tigers sign strong-shooting small college transfer forward Matthews
Food
Memphis in May barbecue contest starts smoking
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest got underway Wednesday afternoon, and for many teams, it begins with the wood.
Suburbs
Crosswind Elementary teachers get first look at school expansion
Crosswind Elementary teachers toured the school’s expansion Tuesday afternoon. The wing will be connected to the main building over the summer.
Arts & Culture
Summer Drive-In closing
The site was listed for sale in March, but the president of Malco Theatres said it would only be sold “if it was the right thing to do.”
Opinion
Calkins: An event to honor the John Calipari era in Memphis? It’s just time.
“John Calipari is game to return to Memphis this fall to play an exhibition game to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital? That sounds like an fine idea. It’s just time.” Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in MemphisRelated content:
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Lottery reaction, TJ Shorts and value rankings
On this episode of The Daily Memphian’s Memphis Grizzlies podcast, Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss Herrington’s multipart column ranking the most valuable players on the Memphis roster.
Games
Word Flower: May 15
Word Flower is a fun and challenging game people of all ages can play.