Calkins: Ja Morant is back. But he’s ‘uncomfortable’ in his return.
Ja Morant may be back — but he’s not exactly himself. Given everything that has happened in his life lately, isn’t that a good thing?
Ja Morant discusses mental health ahead of return
The superstar guard stepped behind a microphone for the first time since rejoining the Memphis Grizzlies following a suspension for conduct detrimental to the league. Herrington: Morant is set to return, but the Grizzlies weren’t just waiting aroundRelated story:
Tigers look for quarterback Seth Henigan to take full control of the team
Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan is entering his third year as the starter and offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey wants to see his leadership jump to the next level.
Cummings K-8 Optional School ceiling repairs in the works
A tentative repair contract shows a projected final completion date of Aug. 15, a week after the new school year is set to start.
Memphis seeing more state troopers not just on highways but on ‘our city streets’
Local and state officials hope to continue to see more Tennessee Highway Patrol officers in Memphis and Shelby County, a number that could be helped by a potential $10,000 bonus each year for any trooper assigned to the area.
Party bus rules pass first checkpoint
Memphis City Council members advance an ordinance for party buses. Supporters of the ordinance cite a lack of regulations and public disturbance problems for Downtown patrons.
Memphis mayoral residency referendum clears first reading
A charter amendment that would require candidates for Memphis mayor and City Council to live in the city at least a year before election day could be headed to voters in 2024.
MLGW power provider bid process was flawed, consultants say
In the summer of 2022, the price of natural gas spiked. While the rest of the companies interested in MLGW’s power supply contract adjusted their prices, TVA was still using pricing prior to that time. Their bid came in lower, and everyone else’s came in higher — much higher.
Horn Lake will allow sale of medical marijuana
Horn Lake joins Olive Branch, Hernando and DeSoto County in its decision to opt in to the state program.
Scooter’s Coffee drive-thrus planned for Memphis area
A Midwestern coffee chain is looking at a new location in Arlington. The town’s Planning Commission considered the application at its meeting earlier this week.
Collierville ponders updates to nepotism policy
Collierville is updating its nepotism policy, allowing a wider range of applicants for open positions.
MPD averages 5.5 auto theft arrests per day
The MPD figures came during an update on specialized units during a Memphis City Council Committee meeting Tuesday, March 21.
City Council could seek $15M in MPD raises, possibly with tax increase
The Memphis City Council could consider boosting Memphis Police Department pay by $15 million and it could take a tax increase to do it.
MSCS State of the District 2023: Better teacher pay, a new facilities plan and an academics review
Interim Superintendent Toni Williams said a 10-year plan is in the works that would entail looking at building utilization, enrollment, school combinations, new buildings and wrap-around services for students.
Dillon Brooks suspended one game for 18th technical foul
The Grizzlies guard will miss his third game this season due to a suspension. He leads the NBA in technical fouls with 18.
Tigers Basketball Insider: Here’s who Memphis is targeting in transfer portal
Penny Hardaway and the Tigers will be aggressive in the transfer portal again.
Morant to return; Grizzlies held steady without him
A funny thing happened in Morant’s absence, or maybe didn’t happen: While Morant’s season was sidetracked, the team’s was not.
Buster’s owners opening butcher shop next door
“We’re excited. We feel like the market is underserved for independent butchers, and it’s great that we’ll have butchers who know to cook,” said one of the store’s owners.
Citywide LED streetlight replacement program begins
Memphis will spend $42 million to replace all 77,000 of its high-pressure sodium streetlights by the end of the year — a move that is equivalent to taking about 10,000 cars off the road.
Metro
Another inmate dies at 201 Poplar
As Task Force arrests swell population at Shelby County Jail, another inmate is found dead in his cell.
City of Memphis Memphis fire chief retiring
Metro JD Vance calls for reduction in legal immigration at Turning Point event
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Food pantries hit hard in SNAP crisis; Ja makes the Suns set
Business
Inked: Collierville gets a bigger place for A Great Massage
Collierville gets more space for a massage, and a new Germantown headquarters is getting organized.
Financial Services Former Evolve CEO to remain in custody on child porn charges
Premium Real Estate Local shop remodels to support more women, one bra at a time
Premium Real Estate The future is bright for Downtown and Midtown, developers say
Sports
Memphis at Rice: What to know for Tigers’ Halloween matchup
The Tigers have four games remaining in their quest toward a potential American Conference title, starting with a road game against Rice.
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies survive Suns comeback with clutch Ja Morant floater
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Feeding the Grizzlies: How a team tradition is supporting one local business
Memphis Tigers Basketball What to watch in Memphis’ exhibition game against Auburn
Food
$15 Deal: Little Italy’s sausage and pepperoni calzone
The cheese pull on Little Italy’s calzone is like something out of the movies.
Suburbs
Lindsey Whiteside granted bond, home incarceration for 2nd time
Lindsey Whiteside appeared in U.S. District Court in Oxford, Mississippi, on Tuesday for a decision on bond and incarceration as she awaits trial on federal charges involving sexual battery with a minor.
Arts & Culture
Brandy and Monica reunite, and fests honor Ireland, India and Japan
This week, Memphis rap pioneers take the stage, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art honors the dead and we’ve got your guide to Halloween fun.
Opinion
Herrington: Three games in, Cedric Coward is already trying our patience
Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward’s weekend breakout game echoes some lofty company. Plus, four other things Chris Herrington liked from the Grizzlies last week.
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: Local restaurants and the task force landscape
Restaurants — especially local restaurants — can find themselves in a precarious position when politics come into play, whether restaurateurs want them to or not.