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
The Early Word: Locals sue SpaceXAI over noise; wings take over taco spot
A Hickory Hill club has been shut down, Lee Harris gets a street sign and Millington needs ideas for an old building.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Fall festival season begins
Public Safety Task Force’s 1-year mark comes with questions
Premium Shelby County At street renaming, Lee Harris said he doesn’t know how much Regional One has cost
Premium Transportation & Logistics Memphis residents sue SpaceXAI over ‘roaring’ turbines at Southaven plant
Business
New stores and development signify a growing Millington
A new Academy Sports in Millington is part of a stream of businesses coming to the North Shelby County suburb.
Premium Transportation & Logistics Memphis residents sue SpaceXAI over ‘roaring’ turbines at Southaven plant
Premium Real Estate After nearly 200 years, First Pres seeks to sell historic Downtown property
Premium Business Shelby County tourist spending dipped in 2025
Business AutoZone sees ‘more normalized’ inflation ahead after quarter of cost pressures
Sports
Why Tigers assistant Tony Madlock left his head coaching job to come home
Tony Madlock spent the last five years as a head coach at two different programs, but he stepped away from Alabama State for his second stint as a Memphis Tigers assistant.
Premium Sports Rochester edges Memphis for International League Championship
Arlington Collierville volleyball secures district title
Player of the Week Kirby standout voted player of the week
High School Sports High school football statistical leaders through Week 5 games
Food
Food Files: American comfort food takes over former Maciel’s space
“Initially, it could be a turnkey business; however, we decided that we wanted to do a bigger restaurant idea,” the restaurant’s owner said.
$15 Deals $15 Deal: French Truck’s salmon toast — or bagel, as the case may be
Suburbs
Collierville volleyball secures district title
The Dragons earn the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for the first round of the postseason in two weeks with three-set victory over Arlington.
Premium Real Estate New stores and development signify a growing Millington
Arts & Culture
Gonerfest is here, and so are the unofficial afterparties
The Cooper‑Young record store’s annual festival returns to Wiseacre and the Overton Park Shell with a surge of late‑night shows.
Premium Geoff Calkins Calkins: It’s the Super Bowl, the World Cup and ‘American Idol’ all wrapped up in one. Plus, lots of ducks!
Opinion
Sanford: Political fighting in Memphis and across America is hurting local Democrats
“With Republicans refusing to address high gas prices, heavy-handed immigration policies and blatant corruption by President Trump, Democrats have been handed all the ammunition they need to put their GOP opponents on the defensive. But instead, some are fighting each other.”
Premium Geoff Calkins Calkins: It’s the Super Bowl, the World Cup and ‘American Idol’ all wrapped up in one. Plus, lots of ducks!
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: Fall festival season begins
This weekend brings us both Gonerfest and the Pink Palace Crafts Fair and, as different as those two events are, they both hold a special place in Memphis’ annual event calendar.
Public Safety Task Force’s 1-year mark comes with questions
Games
Daily Jigsaw: St. Jude Rides
Today’s puzzle features one of the more than 300 motorcyclists who took part in the 20th annual St. Jude rides event. Mark Weber took the photo.