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
Tennessee schools could remove students with disabilities from classroom before assessment under proposed rule change
Tennessee may soon make it easier for schools to temporarily remove some students with disabilities from their classrooms.
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Alleged trespasser mad over crime; BBQ matriarch dies
City of Memphis City names new director for Memphis Animal Services
Metro Meet The Daily Memphian’s summer 2025 interns
Business
Varsity Spirit pro cheerleaders to get P-A-I-D!
Memphis-based Varsity Spirit is launching a professional cheerleading league in January, giving athletes 18 years old and older the opportunity to get paid to compete after college.
Health Care UTHSC chancellor named to leadership of global health care group
Premium Bartlett Substantial industrial tracts available in Bartlett
Health Care Le Bonheur names new Heart Institute codirector
Sports
Tigers Talk: Realistic expectations for Memphis basketball in 2025-26
Parth Upadhyaya and John Martin weigh in on expectations for Memphis heading into the 2025-26 season.
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies Insider: Why the Grizzlies could trade back in NBA Draft
Premium Chris Herrington Herrington: When free agency arrives, spotlight’s on Grizzly Santi Aldama
High School Sports Daily Memphian postseason lacrosse awards: ECS coach, Saints march off with top honors
Food
$15 Deal: By the Brewery’s Cuban grain bowl is creamy, crunchy, chewy
“On a more recent sunny day, I stopped by this fresh oasis in search of something to kick off the summer and ordered one of my favorites: the Cuban grain bowl.”
Suburbs
After years of promises, DeSoto County to unveil Agri-Education Center
DeSoto County will open the doors to a $19 million facility this week that blends agriculture, education and community heritage on a 200-acre spread.
Arts & Culture
The To-Do List: HoochieCon, Project Pat, Brewfest and summer solstice fun
This week, Juneteenth events continue, the rained-out Mid-South Pride parade has a new date and Lukah releases a new album — with lasers.
Opinion
Calkins: Ja Morant stuck up for Memphis. Now, how about you?
Ja Morant took on ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and his misperceptions of Memphis. But Smith isn’t the only one talking trash.
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Overton Square coffee shop and bakery opens
A new bakery and coffee shop has opened in Overton Square, serving up cookies, pies, breads, lattes and more. Jacques Louise owner Savannah Kenney joins Holly Whitfield on the Sound Bites podcast.