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
Who’s running in the 2026 Memphis school board election?
Five incumbent Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members confirmed with Chalkbeat that they’re running for reelection.
Public Safety Another inmate dies at 201 Poplar
Elections Push cards, blue pens and big ambitions: 2026 Shelby County races get underway
Elections The AM/DM podcast: The 2026 election season starts ... now
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Churches, liquor stores and gas-powered pickup trucks
Business
Chicago agriculture processor closes part of Memphis facility, lays off 95
The partial closing is due to a new cottonseed oil joint venture between Chicago-based Archer Daniels Midland and Pine Bluff, Arkansas-based Planters Cotton Oil Mill Inc.
Ford Megasite Ford shifts gears: Will produce gas-powered trucks, instead of EVs at BlueOval City
Premium Real Estate Grant family tree branching out with development, homebuilding efforts
Premium Real Estate New approval gives old properties a ‘second chance to create value for Shelby County’
Premium Business Ask the Memphian: Why does Memphis require liquor stores to be 1,500 feet away from a church or school?
Sports
Memphis handles Alabama State to snap 3-game losing streak
Led by point guard Dug McDaniel’s 23 points, the Tigers picked up an 88-67 win over Alabama State on Monday night at FedExForum.Related content:
Memphis Tigers Basketball Box score: Memphis 88, Alabama State 67
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies lose to Thunder for 15th straight time
Memphis Grizzlies Box score: Thunder 119, Grizzlies 103
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Cam Spencer plays like nobody wants him — because nobody did
Food
Ask the Memphian: Why does Memphis require liquor stores to be 1,500 feet away from a church or school?
In this week’s “Ask the Memphian,” we explain how that distance came to be and compare it to other populous cities across Tennessee.
Premium Dining Guides What to order: Surf and turf at Porch & Parlor
Suburbs
With term limits looming, most suburban incumbents still all-in for 2026 races
Even though we haven’t quite reached 2026 yet, candidates for elections in the Northeast Shelby County suburbs already are making their intentions known with many of the incumbents running again.
Premium Collierville Trinity Church gets donated property in Collierville
Arts & Culture
Arts Beat: What Memphis arts and culture looked like in 2025
From arts shows, concerts, to theater productions and beyond, the Memphis art scene blossomed in 2025. Here’s a recap of some of our top arts and culture moments. And some staff favorites.
Premium Arts & Culture Herrington: My favorite films of 2025
Opinion
Opinion: Increasing voter turnout is laudable. Feagins’ mayoral candidacy is not.
“It’s one thing to wage a public fight against a divided MSCS board. It’s quite another to wage a costly political campaign against other, far more entrenched opponents.”
Premium Guest Columnists Echols: Love languages, grace and gift cards
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: The 2026 election season starts ... now
Because of term limits, Shelby County will see a new mayor, new sheriff and new county clerk — positions currently held by Lee Harris, Floyd Bonner Jr. and Wanda Halbert, respectively — elected in 2026.
Shelby County Services helping poor county residents are putting ‘Band-Aids on bullet wounds’
Games
Daily WordRow: Dec. 22
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.