As Ja Morant’s stardom grows, so does Grizzlies’ marketing in China
A strong social media presence — and a Chinese actress/superfan named Yang Zhiying — fuel the Memphis NBA team’s surging popularity in the world’s biggest market.
Grizzlies poke back, beat Trail Blazers again
Dillon Brooks has a way with words and defense against the Trail Blazers, who are quickly becoming a Western Conference nemesis. Related story:
Calkins: On the sweet pleasure of beating the evil Trail Blazers
On the sixth anniversary of the game in which the Portland Trail Blazers broke Mike Conley’s face, the Grizzlies swept the evil Blazers (and reminded us how intense NBA basketball can be).
Box score: Grizzlies 120, Trail Blazers 113
April 25, 2021: Grizzlies 120, Trail Blazers 113 Grizzlies poke back, beat Trail Blazers again Calkins: On the sweet pleasure of beating the evil Trail BlazersRelated stories:
Political maneuvering begins for 2022
Cary Vaughn is the new chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party as Democrats outline a long-term data-driven strategy and the county’s only Republican elected official opens her re-election campaign.
Can an advocate reduce your COVID risk? UTHSC thinks so
University of Tennessee Health Science Center has trained health coaches to work in clinics in three cities that serve medically underserved people; and it’s taking notes on what happens.
First 0-energy, 0-carbon house is still cOzy inside
The Yoakums’ new house creates more electricity than it consumes. And it’s uber-chic, complete with a pneumatic elevator tube. Plus, the home stays snug in the winter and just as comfortable in the summer.
Coronavirus: 119 new cases, 3 additional deaths
The Shelby County Health Department reported 119 new coronavirus cases and three additional deaths Sunday, April 25.
Binghampton residents fight potential Scott Street closure
While the city and TDOT’s recommendation to close the Scott-Poplar intersection came in June 2018, many neighborhood residents and property owners did not find out until late 2020. It’s left many eager to fight the closure.
‘Tony the Transformer’ bids Terminix farewell
Tony DiLucente retired from Terminix last month after quietly providing leadership during one of the most eventful periods in the history of the company formerly known as ServiceMaster.
BancorpSouth, Cadence merger will add scale, recruiting power in Memphis
BancorpSouth shareholders will own roughly 55% and Cadence shareholders will own approximately 45% of the combined company.
How your solid waste fee ballooned to $30 a month
Here is the history behind the city’s solid waste fee and how it compares to what the city’s new private contractor for Area E is being paid and what the previous contractor was being paid. Related stories: City faces critical decision on one of its most basic services
City faces critical decision on one of its most basic services
Memphis has an emergency contract with Team Waste in Area E, probably until the end of 2021. In the interim, officials are considering whether to keep using a private waste company to manage the area or expand city services to cover it. Related stories:
A short history of Area E
The solid waste route system covering Cordova, Hickory Hill and East Memphis began as a first step toward privatizing all city solid waste collections during the tenure of a different mayor. Related stories: City faces critical decision on one of its most basic services
An April playlist, and the future of live music
Tickets for Levitt Shell’s first two fundraising concerts sold out within hours, indicating that audiences are chomping at the bit for live music and shared experiences.
Metro
This Week in Memphis: Budgets galore! Plus, Tom Lee flyway, city pools open
Also happening this week: A funeral service will be held for Judge Jon McCalla and Dr. Mary McCalla.
Metro Sunday forecast is all wet
Education Memphis charter students are bucking district math trends. Here’s what’s guiding their growth.
Premium Health Care UTHSC raises about $11M for new College of Medicine building
Spirit of Memphis ‘Whoever somebody wants to be, that’s fine with me’
Business
After 27 years, The Blue Monkey is closing its doors in Midtown
“It’s been difficult for quite some time, but it just got to the point where, you know, we just really didn’t have much of a choice,” said partner and general manager Mike Johnson as the restaurant closes its first of two locations.
Premium Business Former Memphis news anchor starts PR firm to help clients ‘command the moment’
Premium Health Care UTHSC raises about $11M for new College of Medicine building
Premium Real Estate Work starts on $70M Smokey City Market in North Memphis
Premium Real Estate Bailey: Ramble on Summer finally ramblin’ through Bartlett approval process
Sports
Buckley: Fun was name of the game at Memphis Hound Dogs’ home opener
“Man, it’s fun playing football,” added Sky Forest, a Lausanne football player who took over at quarterback for the Hound Dogs after starter Kevin Taylor was injured Saturday. “You can’t beat that.”
Premium Sports Redbirds recap: Memphis takes walk-off win against Louisville
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Martin: University of Memphis still has eyes on the big prize
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: The Grizzlies will try to trade Ja Morant. Where? For what? We can only speculate.
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Hill: Ja Morant may bounce back, but does he fit the Grizzlies’ new timeline?
Food
After 27 years, The Blue Monkey is closing its doors in Midtown
“It’s been difficult for quite some time, but it just got to the point where, you know, we just really didn’t have much of a choice,” said partner and general manager Mike Johnson as the restaurant closes its first of two locations.
Premium East Memphis No billboard, no problem. Lunch crowds find their way to Pesce’s Deli
Suburbs
Where we droppin’ boys? Navy levels up recruitment efforts with East Memphis esports facility
In forming its esports, or video game competition, team, the Navy held tryouts to find the best players in a variety of games — like “Marvel Rivals”, “Call of Duty”, “Valorant”, “Counter-Strike”, “Rocket League”, “League of Legends” and “Fortnite” — and then gave them a space to hone their skills for competition.
High School Sports Daily Memphian boys postseason track and field awards: Central’s Nesmith repeats
Arts & Culture
Arts Beat: How Memphis artists can get funding wishes granted
Grant opportunities are now open to local visual artists and nonprofit or government organizations that want to address community issues through art.
Performing Arts ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Falsettos’ musicals opening in Memphis
Opinion
Buckley: Fun was name of the game at Memphis Hound Dogs’ home opener
“Man, it’s fun playing football,” added Sky Forest, a Lausanne football player who took over at quarterback for the Hound Dogs after starter Kevin Taylor was injured Saturday. “You can’t beat that.”
Guest Columnists Opinion: ‘The joy doesn’t lessen the grief’
Podcasts
Democratic sheriff nominee takes wait-and-see approach on cooperation with federal immigration
Anthony Buckner talked about immigration and the Memphis Safe Task Force as well as a new jail in a wide-ranging interview on “Behind The Headlines”.
Midtown The AM/DM podcast: Pizza witches, Filipino fest and Pride
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Spring Fling soccer
Today’s puzzle is of Christian Brothers goalkeeper Ari Usdan at the Class AAA state boys soccer tournament at Spring Fling in Murfreesboro and was taken by Mark Humphrey.