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
County Commission keeps tabs as Halbert cooperating with county auditors
While Halbert is now cooperating, County Commission Chair Shante Avant said she may call a special meeting of the body if the cooperation stops.
Education Some Memphis schools won’t have custodians after board rejects contract again
Public Safety No timeline on appeal in Nichols federal case leaves 2 former officers in limbo
Business Former Evolve CEO to take plea deal on child pornography charges
City of Memphis Memphis crime drops again, hitting lowest level in at least three years
Business
Former Evolve CEO to take plea deal on child pornography charges
Former bank CEO Robert “Bob” Hartheimer will plead guilty to a series of child pornography charges.
Ford Megasite Ford shifts gears: Will produce gas-powered trucks, instead of EVs at BlueOval City
Premium Real Estate Grant family tree branching out with development, homebuilding efforts
Premium Business Couple with passion for baking serves thousands of customers out of home
Business The Station owner trying again for liquor license
Sports
Martin: Memphis got crushed at Louisville. What’s next for the program?
While it’s probably unwise to base anything off one particular game, the magnitude of the loss to Louisville should cause any Memphis fan to wonder what should be taken from it.
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: With Zach Edey on the shelf, the Grizzlies focus shifts to ‘Ja & Jaren’ again
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Anatomy of a hire: How the Memphis Tigers zeroed in on Charles Huff
Player of the Week Vote for the high school boys basketball player of the week, Week 3
Player of the Week Vote for the high school girls basketball player of the week, Week 3
Food
What to order: Park + Cherry’s mushroom and butternut squash risotto
Park + Cherry recently debuted a fall/winter menu, and it’s full of seasonal goodness to take the edge off winter’s chill.
Premium Business Couple with passion for baking serves thousands of customers out of home
Suburbs
Collierville gathers feedback, gets to work on 25-year plan
“This is not what I want,” Mayor Maureen Fraser said. “This is not what the Board of Mayor and Aldermen wants. This is what you, the community, wants.”
Metro The AM/DM podcast: What will Collierville look like in 2050?
Arts & Culture
‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Sinners’ win big with Southeastern film critics
Paul Thomas Anderson’s topical action-comedy romp “One Battle After Another” and Ryan Coogler’s Delta-set horror period piece “Sinners” dominated this year’s awards vote of the Southeastern Film Critics Association.
The To-Do List Champagne dreams: Where to party on New Year’s Eve
Opinion
Herrington: With Zach Edey on the shelf, the Grizzlies focus shifts to ‘Ja & Jaren’ again
The Grizzlies are starting all over again: Evaluating the ability of co-stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. to elevate this team while still waiting to get whole again.
Premium Guest Columnists Opinion: Chanukah is about the strength of faith and finding light even in the darkest of times
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: What will Collierville look like in 2050?
It’s the last full, holiday-free week of the year and time to get business done.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Wheel of Fortune, ‘Friday’ party and Phillips on a float
Games
Daily WordRow: Dec. 15
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.