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
County Commission has little appetite for giving itself a raise
While only two commissioners voted to get a raise, the panel showed more warmth to a proposed minimum-wage increase for county employees.
Shelby County County Commission stands pat on grants, but moves ahead on ethics board changes
Education Rally condemns legislative proposal for state to take over Memphis-Shelby County Schools
City of Memphis Memphis City Council to dig more into fake MATA routes
Business
First Horizon makes largest donation to Baptist’s College of Osteopathic Medicine
First Horizon Foundation’s $1 million donation to Baptist Health Sciences University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first school of its kind in West Tennessee and the second in the state.
Premium Health Care Le Bonheur leader wants Heart Institute to be ‘center of excellence’
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Premium East Memphis After the pandemic, this psychiatrist wanted to take a holistic approach
Sports
Grizzlies remain winless in California this season with loss to Kings
The Grizzlies are now 0-7 in games played in California this season after a loss to the Kings. Can they gain momentum before the end of a long road trip? Grizzlies Insider: Bane sets his hate-watch schedule, Grizz NCAA tourney picksRelated content:
Memphis Grizzlies Box score: Kings 132, Grizzlies 122
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball ‘Next man up’: Depleted Tigers ready to fight heading into March Madness
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: Memphis feels it got what it deserved. Was there ever any doubt?
Food
What to Order: Bog & Barley’s beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips
The Beer-Battered Fish N’ Chips at Bog & Barley are the real deal.
Suburbs
‘Harder than it looks': Newcomers give curling a whirl at Mid-South Ice House
About 30 people showed up to the Mid-South Ice House Saturday to learn the ancient sport of curling, taught by members of the Mid-South Curling Club.
Arts & Culture
Shelby Farms leader on the nonprofit’s past and future
Jen Andrews joins Eric Barnes to discuss the controversies that once hung around Shelby Farms Parks and what’s going on inside it now.
Opinion
Calkins: The Tigers are No. 1 again! (But even better, they’re No. 5)
Maybe we shouldn’t have been surprised the Memphis Tigers are a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They’ve certainly earned the respect.
Podcasts
Shelby Farms leader on the nonprofit’s past and future
Jen Andrews joins Eric Barnes to discuss the controversies that once hung around Shelby Farms Parks and what’s going on inside it now.