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
The Early Word: Secret NBA bar and new rooftop bar opening Downtown
Regional One needs donations, the Tigers wrap their preseason with a loss and Bartlett’s superintendent is saying goodbye.
Elections Brent Taylor acknowledges sending nude photos
Premium Elections Sanford: Taylor’s sexting scandal renders him unfit for Congress. But the voters will ultimately decide.
Premium Health Care Why Regional One needs funding help to build new hospital: ‘There are real people behind these numbers’
Premium Education Bartlett superintendent to retire
Business
FedEx Corp. beats analysts’ third quarter expectations
The earnings call gave investors and analysts one of their first formal looks at the company since it spun off FedEx Freight on June 1.
Premium Health Care Federal changes threaten revenue for Memphis hospitals, execs say
Premium Health Care Why Regional One needs funding help to build new hospital: ‘There are real people behind these numbers’
Premium Financial Services International Paper beat Wall Street expectations, but revenue remains flat
Premium Real Estate Germantown approves 41 homes in Winchester development
Sports
Memphis wraps up preseason with 93-81 loss at No. 12 Arkansas
The Tigers didn’t protect the ball as well as they did in their 17-point win against Mississippi State, and they didn’t shoot the 3 as well.
Premium Memphis Grizzlies It was once a ‘secret’ hangout for NBA stars. Soon, Lou’s Lounge will open to the public.
High School Sports Houston, Collierville advance to Class AAA girls soccer state final
Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant says he holds no grudge as he prepares to play Grizzlies
Memphis Tigers Football Is Tigers coach Charles Huff getting a job elsewhere?
Food
$15 Deal: Valle’s Rebel Combination
A great way to introduce yourself to this beloved neighborhood spot is to try the Rebel Combination. At just $13.50, this meal is a feast, offering a little taste of all of Valle’s Italian specialities.
Premium Table Talk Table Talk: Mekong brings more Asian flavors to Memphis
Suburbs
Houston, Collierville advance to Class AAA girls soccer state final
The Mustangs put it all together in an emphatic first half against defending state champion Bearden. Collierville edged Franklin in overtime thanks to a long-range effort from Gillian Arey.
Premium North Mississippi Mississippi state auditor investigating Walls amid data center concerns
Arts & Culture
Party like it’s the Middle Ages, and dive into Japanese and Indian culture
This week, Buddy Guy plays Graceland, Cameo hosts a techno vampire dance party and Morning After Club pops up after dark. Plus, we’ve got your Halloween party guide.
Premium Performing Arts Bartlett’s performing arts center keeps losing money. The city wants your ideas.
Opinion
Opinion: Innovation isn’t yet a feature of the system in Memphis
“We have a profound, time-sensitive need for a bold group of public servants who can imagine and operationalize experiments — making creative, rigorous, coordinated policy innovation a permanent modus operandi in Memphis.”
Premium Elections Sanford: Taylor’s sexting scandal renders him unfit for Congress. But the voters will ultimately decide.
Podcasts
Calkins Podcast: Hot start by Grizzlies, a sex therapist on breast cancer and SpaceXAI has jobs for you
The Grizzlies and Tigers both had surprising, big weeks. Geoff Calkins talks about it with John Martin. Calkins then talks with local sex therapist Jennifer Valli about her own breast cancer diagnosis. And author Charles Fishman shares his thoughts about SpaceXAI.
Sound Bites Sound Bites: Italian wine and cheese with Bari’s Rebecca Severs
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Bryant’s Breakfast
This jigsaw puzzle features a photo of the Summer Avenue Sampler at Bryant’s Breakfast that was taken by Mark Weber.