First area Starbucks votes to unionize as part of nationwide trend
Since 2021, hundreds of Starbucks workers nationwide have announced plans to seek union status, a partnership with Starbucks Workers United.
Calkins: 20 years ago, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis — and the world — came to Memphis
Twenty years ago, Mike Tyson fought Lennox Lewis at The Pyramid. It was a defining moment for sports in Memphis. And it was a hell of a lot of fun.
Council closes budget season with $2.70 tax rate, boost to some pay raises
The council also narrowed a plan to increase the pay of city employees to one that adds 1% to the pay of about 2,000 unrepresented employees.
Final vote delayed on ballot question to allow partisan primaries
The city charter change still has plenty of time to make the November ballot. The council has already approved another ballot question on extending term limits for the August ballot.
Resolution to deny Trump security fizzles at City Hall
A city council resolution calling for Memphis Police to not get involved in any escort of the former President if he comes through the city later this month didn’t make it to Tuesday’s council agenda.
Germantown staffer’s Ole Miss home run record broken
Before Germantown’s city administrator began his career in government, he played baseball and had a record-setting career at Ole Miss.
Phillip Goodrum a huge spark in 901 FC’s winning streak
The former Atlanta United 2 player, who got revenge over the weekend, has stepped in with a “poacher’s instinct” to score.
‘Is your hair like mine?’ Boy from White House photo to attend U of M
Jacob Philadelphia, captured in a photo touching the hair of then-President Barack Obama, is attending the University of Memphis this fall.
Tigers Basketball Insider: Why this season will be huge for Johnathan Lawson
For both this year and the future of the program, Lawson’s progress with his development will be a major storyline to watch.
Carrefour redevelopment passes Germantown’s Planning Commission
Carrefour at Kirby Woods is a mixed-use project with retail, hotel, office and residential spaces.
Le Bon Appetit returns to Crosstown Concourse this weekend
After a series of virtual events in 2020, Le Bon Appetit brings local chefs and out-of-town chefs back, in-person, for a walk-around tasting.
Juvenile Justice Board discusses rising gun violence, issues call to action
More than two years after their last in-person meeting, members of the Juvenile Justice Board gathered to “reintroduce” the board to community members.
Bartlett’s $162 million Union Depot project moves forward
The Bartlett Planning Commission has unanimously approved the master plan for Union Depot, the suburb’s first mixed-use project.
Bartlett alderman eyes crackdown on out-of-town real estate investors
With an influx of investment companies buying homes in Bartlett, the mayoral candidate wants to consider regulations to maintain control of the rental properties.
A prom for people who ‘didn’t get to go … as their full selves’
“Different LGBTQ+ people came of age or came out at different times in their lives,” said Molly Quinn, executive director of OUTMemphis. “We want to celebrate that at Queer Prom.”
Public to get first look at new power proposals Thursday
The Thursday meeting will be the first look at some of the price quotes and other proposals to replace TVA as MLGW’s supplier of electric power. But there will probably still be some secrecy about who made what bid.
Popular food truck opens its first Beale St. restaurant
Craft beer and hot wings make beautiful music — and up to 240 different flavor combinations — together on Beale Street.
County approves money to mail license plates, tags
The clerk’s office has been late in mailing the plates and stickers for most of this year, with complaints increasing. County Commission approves budget specifics in marathon sessionRelated story:
Dallas tech startup partners with City of Memphis for vo-tech apprenticeship
The apprenticeship is a paid, eight-week accelerated program that will enable students to move into careers as electricians upon completion of the program.
Olympic equestrian traces career back to local horse show
Melanie Smith Taylor’s riding career took her to the 1984 Olympic games, but her first event was the Germantown Charity Horse Show.
Rubbish to rubber: Trail project recycles 24,000+ illegally dumped tires
A Tennessee State Parks employee used the materials to create a walking and biking trail at T.O. Fuller State Park.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools names new communications chief
The district has undergone a flurry of new hires and staff restructuring in recent months with one in four MSCS schools — totaling 40 — scheduled to get a new principal for the 2022-2023 school year.
Gov. Lee appoints new economic development commissioner
Stuart McWhorter, a health care and tech venture capitalist, worked on Gov. Bill Lee’s 2018 campaign and served as his first finance commissioner.
Memphis eyes commercial clean-energy program
The program could provide low-cost loans to businesses wanting clean energy upgrades.
Metro
Play by play: What was said during MSCS’ superintendent evaluation committee
During the first part of the meeting, Superintendent Marie Feagins responded passionately to all three claims levied against her by the school board.
Education Public shows support for Feagins during school board meeting
Business
Cooper-Young development approved for property-tax incentive
The Cooper will be on 5.8 acres at Cooper Street and Central Avenue with 250 multifamily apartments, 27 rental townhomes, a 125-room hotel, surface parking and a 325-space parking garage.
Premium Health Care Moody’s, S&P downgrade Methodist Le Bonheur bond ratings
Sports
Herrington: Five thoughts on the Grizzlies’ third straight Rockets loss
The Grizzlies will get a fourth and final (until the playoffs?) shot at the Houston Rockets in a couple of weeks. Chris Herrington has written five quick thoughts about the Houston-Memphis matchup.
High School Sports Collierville quarterback Grant Troutman to be a Memphis Tiger
Food
Five Memphis dining trends that could define 2025
“One thing we’ve all learned since the pandemic is that change is the only constant,” restaurateur Deni Reilly said.
Suburbs
Germantown wants more analysis of tax incentives for The Standard
Germantown is in the early stages of a potential tax incentive for the redevelopment of Carrefour at Kirby Woods. While no final decisions were made, some aldermen have concerns with the TIF.
Arts & Culture
Memphis Movies This Week: ‘Nickel Boys,’ ‘Hard Truths,’ ‘Sing Sing’
Clear your calendars, Memphis cinephiles. Three of 2024’s very best films are in local theaters this week, and there’s no telling how long they’ll stick around.
Opinion
Conaway: Let’s pick the cabinet
“Aside from the obvious point that we could all suggest better than we’re going to get, the larger point is that we’re all going to need each other as things shake out in Washington.”
Podcasts
Sound Bites: More inside details about No Comment and Fawn
Plus, bar owners Mary Oglesby and Paul Gilliam talk about the state of the service industry in Memphis.
Games
Jigsaw: A colt following
This week’s jigsaw features a photo from the Budweiser Clydesdales’ visit to Arlington, where 500 to 600 people braved the cold weather for a chance to see the world-famous horses.