For John Konchar’s most devoted fan, Friday’s game mattered
Eight Grizzlies rested against the Kings; all the better for one 18-year-old with a very specific Twitter page.
Box score: Grizzlies 107, Kings 106
May 14, 2021: The Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum, 107-106.
Mask mandate lifted for fully vaccinated in Shelby County
New rule goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 15.
Arkansas confirms bridge may have been damaged since 2019
Drone footage shows the Hernando DeSoto Bridge may have been damaged since 2019.
State concludes health department needs more training, better chain of command
A Tennessee Department of Health report on Shelby County vaccine distribution problems recommends more training and establishing a clear chain of command but concluded no one needs to get revaccinated.
Barbecue fest live stream: Shoulder and whole hog winners
Jennifer Biggs provides live coverage of the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Teams of Barbecue: Hog Wild-Competition Team
Ernie Mellor leads Hog Wild-Competition Team, which he started in in 1994 after competing with another team before that.
Rendezvous ribs delivered to stalled barges before river traffic resumed
Before they left, barges stuck on either side of the Hernando DeSoto Bridge received a delivery of Rendezvous ribs to see them on their way.
Mississippi River reopens to boat and barge traffic
The Mississippi River reopened to boat and barge traffic this morning, the United States Coast Guard said Friday, May 14.
3 new projects emerge, totaling $62M in investments, 200-plus jobs
Walgreens plans a new distribution center in Memphis with 200 jobs. Ampro plans a $30 million expansion in Frayser. And an old shopping center with a huge presence in the Heights neighborhood may be renovated.
FedEx, Wright Medical seek waiver for tax-incentive obligations
Companies receiving tax incentives from the EDGE Board are supposed to meet their commitments for the number of employees coming to the workplace. But because so many employees worked from home during the pandemic last year, some companies are seeking a waiver.
New program offers array of help to Downtown retailers
The Downtown Retailer Rx program will offer expert guidance and $1,000 to $5,000 grants to help Downtown’s businesses rebound from the pandemic.
Coach: 901 FC will bring its hard hats to the pitch this year
First-year head coach likes team’s work ethic in advance of Saturday’s season opener in Birmingham.
Herrington: Season MVPs Valanciunas, Brooks bring throwback style to ‘next gen’ Grizz
The big man and the tenacious defender have proven undeniable worth and effectiveness this season.
Academy prospect with local ties and two loanees join 901 FC
Tycho Collins, the team’s first academy signing, has had trials in England, the Netherlands and China.
About Town: Film lot, new Y could create economic spark in Whitehaven
A proposed 85-acre film lot and new YMCA are two ongoing projects in Whitehaven – though each are on significantly different timelines.
Central Station, The Commonwealth earn historic honors
The adaptive reuse and preservation of two historic, Downtown buildings have received recognition by the Tennessee Historical Commission.
Coronavirus: More than 150 new cases reported
The Shelby County Health Department reported 159 new coronavirus cases and two new deaths.
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
$15 Deal: Alex’s Greek burger has Cavender’s, grease and a legacy
If you’re lucky enough to stumble into Alex’s Tavern, you gotta get the burger.
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?