Loews hotel project wins clear path to tourism zone financing
The Tennessee General Assembly has cleared up a couple of issues that created uncertainty for a proposed $220 million Loews hotel near the Memphis Convention Center.
Calkins: With Tulane vanquished, Memphis prepares for ‘biggest game of the year, by far’
Friday's game against UCF isn't just a big game. It is, according to Memphis coach Penny Hardaway, "the biggest game of the year, by far."
Tigers’ AAC Tournament future hinges on contributions from all its seniors
Jeremiah Martin led the Tigers with 21 points in their first-round win over Tulane. But seniors Mike Parks and Kyvon Davenport had strong games, as the seniors need to chip in if Memphis is to make it to the AAC tournament finals on Sunday.
Gov. Lee reveals details about his ‘parent choice’ proposal
The Republican governor plans to pay for the program’s first year by stockpiling $25 million annually in discretionary funds for the next three years — but he’s not specifying where the money would come after that.
Planning board approves tall townhouses in Midtown
The Land Use Control board approved a proposal to build more tall townhouses in Midtown. The chairman said the tired block at 2115 Jefferson needs new investment. Many neighbors opposed the long, three-story building, arguing it dwarfs adjacent bungalows.
Daily Briefs
Metro
City Council questions road-clearing policies as MLGW warns of ‘sticker shock’
The city’s policy of not clearing the smallest neighborhood streets was questioned by several council members.
Education Opinion: The failure to fund pre-K hurts children and families
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: State money goes Downtown, and Ford pleads guilty
Metro The AM/DM podcast: The difference between Memphis and Minneapolis
Education Gov. Bill Lee wants $155 million to fund 20,000 new vouchers
Business
Elon Musk joins his rocket and AI businesses into a single company
Elon Musk is joining his space exploration and artificial intelligence ventures into a single company before what’s expected to be a massive initial public offering for the business later this year.
Premium Business With savory hand pies, Whisks of Doom whips up a different type of bakery
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Premium Spirit of Memphis Seeds for lawyer’s success planted when she was a child
Winter Weather Business From Cash Saver to Kroger, stores work to restock after winter storm
Sports
Grizzlies trade two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah
The Grizzlies rebuild has officially begun. Jaren Jackson Jr. exits with three other players.
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies enjoy team-wide romp in last home game before trade deadline
Memphis Tigers Basketball Hardaway: ‘I will be the last person, ever, to damage this program’
High School Sports Rebounding, free throws lift St. George’s over Harding
Premium Chris Herrington Herrington: Ty Jerome’s return, GG Jackson’s reemergence and Mike Conley nearing the end
Food
Recipe Exchange: Boscos’ wood-oven shrimp
There’s a signature appetizer at Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Co. in Overton Square that was inspired by a trip to the Big Easy.
$15 Deals $15 Deal: Sunrise Memphis’ bi bim bowl
Suburbs
Arlington passes first readings of beer and liquor ordinances
The ordinance changes include allowing one more liquor store in the town.
Premium Bartlett Could Bartlett get rid of its property tax?
Arts & Culture
Arts Beat: Satisfying our craving for crafting
The Bluff City has a taste for zine-making parties, vision-board groups, flash-tattoo embroidery classes and beyond.
Arts & Culture Gloria Wade-Gayles, who wrote about living near border between Black and white in 1940s and ’50s Memphis, dies
Opinion
Opinion: The failure to fund pre-K hurts children and families
“We ask the Shelby County administration to find a path forward with First 8 Memphis so that our school system and all other operators are not expected to fill a sudden budgetary gap that we cannot afford.”
Premium Business Calkins: Robert Pera remains city’s best hope for keeping Grizzlies in Memphis
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: The difference between Memphis and Minneapolis
The scene in Memphis has been very different from the one in Minneapolis, and there are many theories about why that is.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Back to work? Again?
Games
Sudoku: Feb. 2
Are you ready for today’s puzzles?