Masks part of SCS COVID-19 guidelines for 2021-22 school year
Masks will be required when the coming SCS school year begins, but field trips, athletics and reopened playgrounds will come back again.
Army Corps gives permit for Tom Lee Park redesign to begin
The long awaited permit clears the way for the park’s redesign to begin moving dirt and creating new features in Tom Lee Park after a three-year planning process that has seen the plans change over time.
Council approves sale of old Union police precinct land
The precinct site sold for $3.5 million after being appraised at $6 million, setting up a council debate about whether to take the best offer now or wait for a better one. Council approves centerpiece of Downtown parking reconfigurationRelated stories:
Morant’s team: Former Tiger, House of Athlete help train Grizzlies star
Former Memphis Tigers player Trey Draper and prominent trainer Mo Wells are partnering to expand the NBA offshoot of a new training facility. Their most prominent basketball client: Ja Morant.
Herrington: Grizzlies’ big decisions start with Justise Winslow
Before the NBA’s free-agent negotiation period opens Aug. 2, the Grizzlies will need to make a decision on Winslow, on whom they hold a team option next season for $13 million.
After 9 years in minors, former Tiger gets first big-league hit
The Oakland Athletics infielder, who also was a standout at the University of Memphis, and Bartlett High School, singled to center in the sixth.
Saint Francis CEO stepping down
Sally Deitch took over leadership of the Memphis market in 2019 when former CEO Audrey Gregory left.
Kelly English announces new plans for Iris space
Chef and restaurateur Kelly English’s former Restaurant Iris, near Overton Square, will be reborn as Pantà.
MPD traffic enforcement campaign recruits partners
MPD’s Slow Down Memphis operation to combat speeding, drag racing and interstate shootings has revved up by partnering with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
COVID surge hospital, never used, closes for good
All expenses, including monthly rent, are eligible to be reimbursed by the federal government.
Downtown’s old MGM warehouse may become jazz venue
The owner of 502 S. Second seeks a $50,000 grant to help fund her $1.1 million plan to convert a vacant part of Downtown’s old MGM film warehouse into the Luxe Jazz Suite.
Prominent Cotton Row building plans makeover
Plans have been submitted for renovating the building anchoring the prominent southwest corner of Union and Front.
Calkins: Rooting for forfeits — and Vandy! — in this year’s SEC
Calkins: “The only thing SEC states do better than football is ignorance. Why you should be rooting for forfeits — and fully vaccinated Vanderbilt — this season.”
Metro
The Early Word: JJJ is traded away; Green wants snow plan for side streets
Local pre-K is OK for now, Musk is one step closer to AI in space and Arlington preps for its second liquor store.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: A Ford era ends
Education Gov. Bill Lee wants $155 million to fund 20,000 new vouchers
Elections New bill would bar some Tennesseans from running for Congress
Update State Government New state budget proposes $80M for Memphis
Business
Uncovering the Legacy at 87 Adams: Downtown Memphis church will memorialize thousands
From 1855 to 1862, about 3,800 slaves were sold in what is now Calvary Episcopal Church’s parking lot. The church is shedding a light on this history, and it received a major grant for its effort.
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Premium Spirit of Memphis Seeds for lawyer’s success planted when she was a child
Winter Weather Business From Cash Saver to Kroger, stores work to restock after winter storm
Premium Business International Paper splits into two public companies, reports $23.6B in 2025 sales
Sports
Herrington: Analyzing the JJJ deal — and what’s next for the Grizzlies
Chris Herrington wades into the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, explains what happened Tuesday and what it means and what it suggests.Related content:
Premium Geoff Calkins Calkins: Jaren Jackson had to be traded. Because it’s time for the Grizzlies to start again.
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies trade two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies 25: Mike Miller’s jump shot was one version of basketball beauty
Player of the Week Winter weather timeout: Catch up on Memphis’ fans choice and OrthoSouth players of the week
Food
With savory hand pies, Whisks of Doom whips up a different type of bakery
Founder Allie Trotter said Whisks of Doom was never meant to fit into traditional bakery culture, which she describes as too “cotton candy” for her taste.
Premium Spirit of Memphis Memphis caterer delivers all the way to Holly Springs — due to weather
Suburbs
Could Bartlett get rid of its property tax?
Bartlett Alderman David Reaves wants the suburb to look into eliminating property taxes, but others wonder how the suburb would make up the lost revenue.
Winter weather Arlington Suburbs pretreated roads, but still need help from Mother Nature
Arts & Culture
Pro cornhole comes to town, and the Dixon celebrates 50 years
In this week’s To-Do List, a new Pink Palace exhibit explores the science and culture of food. And Urban Earth hosts a workshop on air plants.
Premium Visual Arts Arts Beat: Satisfying our craving for crafting
Opinion
Opinion: Like Minneapolis, Memphis doesn’t have an ‘immigration problem’
“Introducing immigration enforcement into our neighborhoods does not make us safer; it fractures trust, drives fear underground and harms families who are already contributing quietly and faithfully to the life of this city.”
Premium Chris Herrington Herrington: Ty Jerome’s return, GG Jackson’s reemergence and Mike Conley nearing the end
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: A Ford era ends
Last year, Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. was charged with seven counts of federal bribery and tax evasion charges. This week, he pleaded guilty to five of them.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: The difference between Memphis and Minneapolis
Games
Sudoku: Feb. 3
Ready for today’s sudokus?