New mayoral poll shows Bonner, Herenton, Turner in lead, Young gaining
The poll showed Van Turner and Floyd Bonner tied with about 15.9% of the vote. Willie Herenton trailed them at 13.9%, and Paul Young had 12%.
Ja Morant statement: ‘I’m committed to continuing to work on myself’
Ja Morant’s statement comes hours after NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he was “shocked” to see the social media video that circulated online over the weekend. Herrington: Four thoughts on the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant problemRelated content:
‘I was shocked:’ NBA commissioner addresses video of Ja Morant
In an interview with ESPN, NBA commissioner Adam Silver spoke about the latest suspension Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant could be facing.
Myron Lowery stunned by council move to take clerk’s office off October ballot
A year ago, council members spoke privately with their attorney about an issue in the city charter. The resulting step to change the clerk’s office only surfaced the day before Tuesday’s council session. City Council isn’t taking a stand on residency in mayoral raceRelated story:
Judge rejects Brian Kelsey’s request to withdraw guilty plea
Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey’s criminal campaign fraud case will not proceed to trial after a Middle Tennessee judge Tuesday rejected his request to withdraw his two guilty pleas.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools board chair to meet about activists’ ban
The chair of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board will meet with community leaders May 22 to discuss the recent ban that was placed on several local activists after a special board meeting Tuesday, May 9.
Barbecue Contest still cooking at Tom Lee Park
Despite the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest’s smaller scale, Tom Lee Park was active Tuesday afternoon with contestants building booths and hauling in grills and smokers.Related story:
Stolen truck with Calvary’s organ parts found, but many pipes still missing
The 26-foot Penske truck, loaded with 2,000 pipes from Calvary Episcopal Church’s organ, was stolen over the weekend. Calvary lost 2,000 organ pipes in rental truck theft over weekendRelated story:
MPD to interact with the community through town halls, podcasts
The initiatives are part of an effort to address the issue of crime in Memphis and discuss solutions to move the city forward, according to a press release.
Memphis needs development at Liberty Park, but Cooper-Young worried about competition
The City of Memphis needs new development within the Liberty Park Tourism Development Zone to begin paying the debt on projects such as The Memphis Sports and Events Center. The problem: The city hasn’t collected a dime of the financing yet.
City Council may set aside $150,000 for indigent, elderly in Environmental Court
Shelby County Environmental Court wants to create a fund that would help indigent and elderly people remediate blight on their property. Dumpster tire: Blight group’s ideas roll at Memphis City CouncilRelated Story:
Southaven OKs designs for Landers Center hotel, Agri-Education Center
The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved designs for the projects, including a new Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel, which will be part of the Landers Center expansion.
Collierville Schools poised to purchase former University of Memphis building
The University of Memphis Collierville Center is owned by the suburb. The town is looking to sell the building to the suburban district for its central offices.
Home field advantage: Houston High opens $4M softball complex
Houston High school’s softball team now has a base to call their own.
‘Grounded’ program inspires teen mindfulness, peace work
A Memphis documentary, “Me and the Light,” inspired the school curriculum Grounded that has touched hundreds.
Students’ flying skills take off in school vs. school drone competition
Memphis-Shelby County Schools students gathered Tuesday morning in the Middle College High School gym to show off their drone piloting skills and race the hovercrafts for some friendly competition.
Memphis City Council members strategize gun control measures
Council attorney Allan Wade says the council can put gun control measures on the ballot. He expects they’ll be “inundated” with challenges. He wouldn’t rule out a court fight over whether they could override state law.
Crosstown Concourse’s newest deli is a bit mad but ‘in a good way’
A new deli-meets-grocery-store concept slated to replace Curb Market in Crosstown Concourse plans to mix classic sandwiches with more innovative options.
Martin: Penny Hardaway still has a roster to fill. But with whom?
A few names that Memphis has either already reached out to or that make sense for the Tigers. Tigers Basketball Insider: How much time does Memphis have to answer key roster questions?Related story:
Metro
This Week in Memphis: Christmas is here! And you can run for county office
Plus, all schools across Shelby County are out for winter break.
Education Memphis leaders lay out reasons for second school closure proposal in Frayser neighborhood
Premium Education U of M fires head of foundation, leading board to resign
Premium Metro Get your petitions: The 2026 election year is about to begin
Premium Spirit of Memphis Secrets of a 2nd-generation Santa
Business
Movers & Shakers
The Memphis Library Foundation announces new board members.
Premium Real Estate New approval gives old properties a ‘second chance to create value for Shelby County’
Business Alcohol Commission postpones decision on The Station for three weeks
Transportation & Logistics FedEx reports strong 2nd quarter
Transportation & Logistics Memphis airport being renamed after Fred Smith
Sports
What to watch as Memphis looks to snap 3-game losing streak against Alabama State
Memphis, on a three-game losing streak, takes on an Alabama State team that has lost its last five games.
Premium Memphis Tigers Football When it comes to coaching, Charles Huff learned what he needed to know in college — and from his father
Memphis Tigers Football Memphis quarterback AJ Hill to enter transfer portal
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: When it’s late, the Tigers aren’t great. Seriously, what gives?
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Why are Tigers struggling? Penny Hardaway says it comes down to a lack of ‘discipline, sacrifice and buy-in’
Food
Recipe Exchange: P.O. Press’ butter cake
Chef Jimmy Gentry said what makes this dessert special is it has three different textures in each bite: the crispy caramelized sugar, the moist and tender cake, and the gooey cream cheese filling inside.
Premium Real Estate Food Files: Belltower Coffee Arlington closes, Flip Side pauses service
Suburbs
Trinity Church gets donated property in Collierville
Trinity Church, which has met in a gymnasium at Schilling Farms, will move its congregation westward to a home of its own.
Premium Education State’s grades of suburban schools range from A to D
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
Echols: Love languages, grace and gift cards
“Being filled to the measure of the fullness of God is better than any gift card out there. It exceeds what our carefully curated lists can bring. And it beats the biggest surprise that could ever be wrapped in a box.”
Guest Columnists Opinion: The good side of going viral
Podcasts
Services helping poor county residents are putting ‘Band-Aids on bullet wounds’
The leader of Shelby County’s Community Services Division talks about the safety net of programs and the balancing act that comes with uncertain money.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Christmas music and holiday spirit
Games
Daily WordRow: Dec. 21
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.