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
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
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.
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
Premium Sports Showboats work overtime, but get second win of season
Food
Right on ‘cue: Barbecue winners take home trophies, cash
Grand prize winners, along with a slew of other awards, are 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?