India COVID-19 variant detected in Shelby County
One variant linked to India’s recent COVID-19 surge was detected in Shelby County this week, said David Sweat, Shelby County Health Department deputy director.
Violent crime still rising, first-quarter stats show
Property crimes dropped during the first three months of 2021, according to data from the Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission and the Public Safety Institute.
Shelby holds out on ending mask mandate as other metros fall in line
Sullivan, Knox, Hamilton and Madison counties lift mask mandates; Davidson is waiting.
Herrington: The Grizzlies are in a playoff race; it’s time they embraced it
The team is facing at least three lineup disruptions, and there are just 11 regular-season games left to piece together the puzzle.
Bill to let college athletes make money passes Legislature
A bill allowing student athletes in Tennessee to make money from their brand has passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly with little opposition, and it is now headed to Gov. Bill Lee.
Existing pipeline makes Byhalia Connection unneeded, environmental groups say
Environmental groups are asking the state to reconsider a permit for the proposed Byhalia Connection oil pipeline because they say an existing pipeline could serve the same purpose. Plains All American mounting fight against revised city ordinanceRelated Story:
Economy recovering, but it won’t look the same, experts say
The pandemic will need to end before businesses shift gears to full recovery mode, according to Douglas Scarboro, regional executive with the Memphis Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, who said, “July 1 seems like a key revaluation point.”
Plains All American mounting fight against revised city ordinance
Plains All American Pipeline is launching a full-on offensive against the proposed legislation with the help of organizations that support the oil and gas industry. Existing pipeline makes Byhalia Connection unneeded, environmental groups sayRelated story:
Memphis Americans are back as new league’s first franchise
The National Indoor Soccer League will have men’s and women’s divisions, with the season to start in December.
City Council to gather in person for first time in more than a year
Members to meet Downtown for budget retreat.
Calkins: It’s time for the Grizzlies and Taylor Jenkins to stop screwing around
After Wednesday’s humiliating loss to Portland, the Grizzlies have 11 games to stake their claim to the playoffs. It’s time to stop screwing around with the rotation — and play the guys who will win.
Is it time to just accept the playoff aspirations?
Wednesday was another “learning opportunity” for this Grizzlies, but the playoffs are around the corner.
Bartlett High names new girls soccer head coach, assistant
Former Germantown player Traci Sipniewski taking the reins after a successful spell in Massachusetts.
The To-Do List: Indie Memphis debuts ‘Debuts’
What could have been a college classroom project became, with Indie Memphis, three film screenings open to the public.
Coronavirus: 175 new cases reported
The 175 cases come from 2,947 tests, giving the day a positivity rate of 5.9%.
International Paper reports strong quarterly results in spite of COVID, bad weather
Bad weather and COVID-19 notwithstanding, Memphis-based International Paper outperformed analysts’ expectations in the first quarter of this year. Strong demand for e-commerce has helped boost financial numbers for the producer of industrial packaging.
Grizz Insider: C.J. McCollum’s jab not exactly unfair
The Portland Trail Blazers earned the right to say whatever they want after the butt-kicking they gave the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night.
Eighth grader Warren Nolen already has colleges’ attention
With help from his equally precocious youth coach, the 13-year-old football standout has offers from Georgia, Michigan and Tennessee.
Decker chosen as high school vice principal at Lakeland Prep
Jeana Decker, who’s leaving her administrative role with Millington Municipal Schools, has nearly 35 years of experience in education.
Opinion: Support radio that ‘just sounds like Memphis’
At WYXR, a cast of musicians with global name recognition see the station as a vehicle to express a fascination with not only Memphis’ music, but Memphis’ people.
Metro
National Guard could be in Memphis well into 2026 after court ruling
The matter is set for oral arguments on March, 5, 2026.
City of Memphis City of Memphis, Memphis Fire Fighters Association winding down litigation
Metro The AM/DM podcast: The future of Liberty Park
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Feagins has a big day, and the Grizzlies get a big win
Education Memphis Theological Seminary could close in 2026
Business
Memphis airport being renamed after Fred Smith
It’s official: Memphis International Airport will be Frederick W. Smith International Airport.
Premium Health Care Memphis Zoo elephant predicts who will win the 2025 AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Premium Real Estate New approval gives old properties a ‘second chance to create value for Shelby County’
Business Former Evolve CEO to take plea deal on child pornography charges
Ford Megasite Ford shifts gears: Will produce gas-powered trucks, instead of EVs at BlueOval City
Sports
Memphis vs. NC State: What to know for the Gasparilla Bowl
The Tigers look to snap a three-game losing streak as they try to beat a power conference school for the third consecutive postseason.
High School Sports Undefeated Central boys basketball team winning with guarded optimism
Memphis Grizzlies Jackson, defense bring Grizzlies unlikely win at Minnesota
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis’ upset bid comes up short in overtime loss to No. 13 Vanderbilt
Memphis Tigers Football Charles Huff has a 5-year, $10 million deal as Memphis football coach
Food
$15 deal: Shepherd’s pie at the Brass Door
The dish’s seasonings are simple — salt, pepper, Worcestershire and bay leaf.
Premium Dining Guides What to order: Park + Cherry’s mushroom and butternut squash risotto
Suburbs
Coming in hot: Collierville opens new fire station
Collierville opened its sixth fire station Tuesday. The station is the biggest in the suburb and features the county’s first Safe Haven Baby Box.
Premium Collierville Collierville gathers feedback, gets to work on 25-year plan
Arts & Culture
From Memphis to Milwaukee to Christmas Day: Craig Brewer’s journey to his biggest moviemaking stage yet
“With a Christmas Day release in theaters coast-to-coast, with two big stars and a repertoire of well-loved music, ‘Song Sung Blue’ is a pretty good advertisement for the musicians and studios of Memphis.”
The To-Do List Carol like its 1837, explore a winter wonderland and have a beer with Santa
Opinion
The Daily Memphian wouldn’t be possible without Memphis
“For all the challenges we have as a city ... there is a core commitment among people, businesses and organizations in this city not only to work on those challenges, but to highlight all the things that are good, hopeful, interesting and entertaining about our city.”
Premium Geoff Calkins Calkins: Crosstown CEO Todd Richardson was dying — until Adrian Garcia showed up.
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: The future of Liberty Park
Liberty Park was supposed to be an economic catalyst for Memphis. It still could be, but so far, the tax growth it needs hasn’t come to fruition.
Education The AM/DM podcast: MSCS opens security facility, active shooter simulator
Games
Sudoku: Dec. 17
Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus.