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
Memphis under flash flood warning until after 5 p.m.
Memphis ‘got lucky' Wednesday. But rocky weather will continue through the weekend. And motorists who encounter standing water are reminded to “turn around, don’t drown.”
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Michelin stars align, and 201 Poplar is a taxing problem
Update Metro Violent storms cut through the South and Midwest, spawning tornadoes and killing 6
Public Safety Man accused of killing ex-girlfriend in Shelby Farms indicted for first-degree murder
Business
Falling Into Place: Broad Avenue shop closing, but the future is sweet
“There’s nothing sad about any of this,” Falling Into Place owner Mary Claire White said. “I feel really, really good about what I’ve done for 10 years. I’m excited to focus on the next thing.”
Health Care Tennessee commissioner wants to ‘depoliticize’ public health policy
Premium Real Estate Local industrial market booms with early-year sales, setting promising stage
Premium Real Estate Inked: Data Center in the works, egg wholesaler headed to Memphis
Sports
AAC commissioner working on basketball strength of schedule
The American Athletic Conference has been talking with other leagues about potential nonconference scheduling agreements.
Sports Redbirds, Tigers postpone baseball games
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis makes case for hosting AAC basketball tournament
Memphis Grizzlies NBA reportedly examining gestures between Ja Morant, Buddy Hield
Food
Bittersweet bakers: 17 Berkshire closing, Jacques Louise opening in Midtown
As it closes, 17 Berkshire is “passing the torch” to gluten-free bakery, Jacques Louise.
Suburbs
Southaven expanding animal shelter
As the Southaven community has grown, the need for an expanded facility has become increasingly apparent to both city officials and local animal welfare advocates.
Arts & Culture
The To-Do List: Hot Foot Honeys, drag time travel and a bad tattoo contest
This week, Martin Luther King Jr. is honored, a fashion legend is celebrated and a mid-century home transforms into a vintage pop-up shop.
Opinion
Narcisse: Giving up more than just chocolate this Lent
Lent should unsettle our belief we’ve done anything to justify what we have and what others do not. And that, I believe, is a way of life worth living.
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Flyway Brewing’s head brewer talks beer, Memphis eats, more
Flyway Brewing Co. took over the former High Cotton Brewing and Edge Alley restaurant locations near Downtown. They reopened as a combined space in November.
Games
Word Search: April theater in Memphis
Can you solve this week’s word search?