Justin J. Pearson appointed to House seat in 7-0 vote
The commission voted to return Pearson to the District 86 state House seat at a special meeting Wednesday, April 12.Related story:
Adviser says more locations, temporary workers can end County Clerk’s problems
The new special adviser to Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert says she has some “concrete ideas” about how to end lines outside the office locations.
Blame it on the Grizz: Lizzo concert date moves up two days due to NBA playoffs
Because of the NBA playoff scheduling, R&B star Lizzo’s date with Memphis will get a new one. Related story:
Calkins: The Grizzlies have an unprecedented opportunity before them. They just have to beat LeBron.
Dillon Brooks said he “wouldn’t mind” playing LeBron James in a seven-game series. Well, duh. The Grizzlies have a chance to bounce James from the playoffs and redefine themselves in the process. Who wouldn’t mind doing that?Related story:
Paul Young still has the most money in 2023 Memphis mayor’s race
Mayoral contender Paul Young has the largest campaign war chest across the last six months of campaigning. He also raised the most money in campaign finance reports covering the first three months of 2023.
Geoffrey Cantin-Arku is on track to be the next big-time LB for the Tigers
The Tigers have had back-to-back All-AAC linebackers in the past two years, and Geoffrey Cantin-Arku is prepared to assume the role as one of the anchors of the defense.
Collierville butcher shop gets the chop
Collierville’s locally owned butcher shop on Poplar Avenue announced it will close at the end of the month.
How much did Sylvamo’s top executives earn in 2022?
Sylvamo’s recently disclosed the compensation earned by certain executives in 2022, including its CEO Jean-Michel Ribiéras, who earned almost $7 million through a combination of salary, stock and other incentives.
Southaven mayor sees 400% sewer-rate increase without federal, state funding
Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite testifies that the cost associated with a North Mississippi area taking over wastewater treatment could mean a significant increase for residents.
Martin: Can the quality of Memphis transfers match the quantity?
After losing 80% of his scoring from this past season, Penny Hardaway has been a busy man in the transfer portal. The Tigers have added four new players from there, and more are on the way.
MSCS budget will include teacher pay bumps, investments in safety
MSCS interim superintendent Toni Williams and district CFO Tito Langston presented the proposed $1.9 billion budget to the Shelby County Commission Wednesday, April 12. MSCS talks safety, security measures in light of recent school shootingRelated story:
Table Talk: Crawfish festivals and a cookie mystery
It’s crawfish festival season in Memphis. Plus, if you remember a cookie called a Justine, we need your help.
Now that Ya Ya is leaving, what’s next for the Memphis Zoo?
The Memphis Zoo may put Asiatic bears in the day rooms that once housed the famous pandas that captivated crowds for 20 years.
Tigers Football Insider: New assistant coach salaries
New assistant coaches Larry Smith, Jeff Myers and Chris White will make a combined $640,000 this season.
Hernando Planning Commission approves zoning variance for medical cannabis dispensary
The Hernando Planning Commission has endorsed a variance to its regulations regarding a medical cannabis dispensary, allowing it in a strip center where a hemp supply store has operated.
The ‘timeless’ Nike Foamposites have helped Hardaway sustain his success
The four-time NBA All-Star turned the sneaker from simple athletic wear into a pop-culture fashion statement. Tigers Basketball Insider: Memphis can’t afford to wait on UConn’s Adama SanogoRelated story:
FedEx at 50: Memphis International’s airfield never closes — that’s by design
In February, when rain and freezing temperatures layered trees and buildings in ice, more than 70 daytime airfield employees spent three nights at the airport — working and sleeping in shifts to keep the runways open.
City council approves ‘Driver Equality Act,’ concluding police reform votes
The council vote was chaotic as activists pushing for the passage of the measure complained about the council banning those who spoke at previous council sessions for using profanity.
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
Cam Spencer plays like nobody wants him — because nobody did
As a junior in high school, Cam Spencer created a recruiting profile for himself. His self-belief may be his biggest strength.
Memphis Tigers Football Charles Huff’s coaching staff at Memphis starting to take shape
Memphis Grizzlies Jaren Jackson Jr. named Western Conference Player of the Week
Update Memphis Tigers Football Memphis Tigers football portal tracker
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies provide update on Brandon Clarke
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.