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
Hill: Nike EYBL shows what Memphis Sports and Events Center can do
Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League session is expected to bring more than 400 basketball coaches and scouts to the Memphis area and fill more than 8,000 hotel rooms across the city.
City of Memphis Both barbecue festivals are back on
Premium City of Memphis Appeals court sides with city in suit brought by Cleotha Abston victim
Premium Public Safety Police likely looking for more suspects in Memphis Allies shooting
Business
Home sales dropped, but housing officials expect hot summer market
The Memphis Area Association of Realtors’ latest housing report showed a decline in local home sales in April compared to the previous month and the same period last year.
Premium Food News Food Files: Bahama Breeze closes, Second Line goes Hawaiian
Premium Health Care Varsity Brands commits millions to St. Jude
Premium Transportation & Logistics Better lighting, ‘car condos’ set to take off at Memphis airport parking lots
Sports
Redbirds recap: Memphis loses to Nashville
The Memphis Redbirds fell short in game five of a six-game series against the Nashville Sounds.
Premium City of Memphis Hill: Nike EYBL shows what Memphis Sports and Events Center can do
High School Sports Friday prep report: ECS girls win first state lacrosse title
Sports Tigers fall in dramatic fashion, will not qualify for AAC Tournament
Food
Right on ‘cue: Barbecue winners take home trophies, cash
Grand prize winners, along with a slew of other awards, were announced of SmokeSlam at Tom Lee Park, and the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Liberty Park.
Suburbs
Crosswind Elementary teachers get first look at school expansion
Crosswind Elementary teachers toured the school’s expansion Tuesday afternoon. The wing will be connected to the main building over the summer.
Arts & Culture
Summer Drive-In closing
The site was listed for sale in March, but the president of Malco Theatres said it would only be sold “if it was the right thing to do.”
Opinion
Conaway: We are Warriors, every one
“It’s the city, man,” the band’s leader, Dr. Ollie Lindell, answered when asked where that joy comes from, “the soul.”
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Gina Neely talks food, family and SmokeSlam
Gina Neely is the guest on this week’s “Sound Bites.” In addition to riffing on what makes good barbecue and why Memphis is No. 1 on her list, Neely and Holly Whitfield discussed SmokeSlam.
Games
5 by 5 crossword: May 16
Can you finish this puzzle and hear the sweet sound of victory?