Methodist and BlueCross reach agreement
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare announced Wednesday, June 14, that it has reached an agreement with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee regarding its employer-based and marketplace coverage.
Down one member, the MSCS super search continues. What’s next?
The Shelby County Commission is now also tasked with appointing a member to the board for the second time since October.Related story:
FedExForum replacing Grizzlies practice court, broadcast systems
But there was no discussion of ongoing negotiations between the Grizzlies and the city for planned FedExForum renovations and a new lease.
So long CK’s: Locals say goodbye to Midtown restaurant after demolition
Many Memphians took to social media to lament the demolished eatery and share fond memories.
Health Dept. begins free distribution of overdose-treatment kits
Known as the overdose harm-reduction program, the Health Department is now providing kits with two doses of naloxone and 10 fentanyl test strips at community events.
Memphis sports community — and beyond — mourns Dion Stutts
Social media tributes poured in for the two-sport standout and Arkansas football commitment who died Tuesday.Related story:
Wheel-tax hike is back on County Commission agenda
Shelby County commissioners are still considering a hike in the wheel tax or the property tax to complete their budget season.
Shelby County Clerk’s office will stay in Poplar Plaza
Janet Hooks, the county commission’s special adviser to Clerk Wanda Halbert, also says the commission should restore $1 million in funding to Halbert’s office that it cut earlier so she can fill positions with new employees instead of moving existing employees around.
DeSoto County Schools looking for land to build new Career Tech East
DeSoto County Schools is looking for a site to build a new career technology center as “hands-on” jobs become more in demand.
On The Ballot: Memphis 2023 elections rev up
Welcome back to The Daily Memphian’s On The Ballot newsletter, bringing you the latest election coverage. This edition brings voters up to speed on who’s running, who’s campaigning and what happened with the mayoral residency debacle.
Juvenile Court wants almost $5M for ‘rapid engagement’ strategy
The new county funding would be for 40 new counselors with the goal of preventing a “cross over” of children coming to the court for child welfare issues and then moving to delinquent behavior.
Grizzlies hire Patrick St. Andrews as assistant coach
St. Andrews helped conduct the Milwaukee Bucks’ offense during their championship season in 2021.
Zaxby’s nails down Bartlett location; Union Depot contracts approved
After pushback from the community on its originally proposed spot in Bartlett, Zaxby’s gets the green light for a site on Stage Road.
Olive Branch footprint to grow with two potential annexations
The largest of the two annexation requests was initiated last year for 450 acres and pits one large family group against another.
Tigers Football Insider: Can Memphis continue winning at home?
Memphis has a combined 13-12 record in 2022 and 2021 with 10 of those wins coming at home.
LeMoyne-Owen still faces enrollment troubles after president departs
The budget for the year starting July 1 has not been approved. Now, the board of trustees must also plan how it will replace the school’s president.
Inked: A new road for a $100M cultural center in Eads; developer plans to fill vacant lot
A new housing development project planning to fill a long-vacant lot in the Peabody-Vance neighborhood received a tax incentive from the Downtown Memphis Commission.
Move ends Thompson’s 20 years of service to the Town of Arlington
In addition to 12 years as alderman, Brian Thompson’s two decades of service to Arlington includes the Design Review Committee, the Planning Commission, the Chamber Board, and the Town’s Industrial Development Board and Finance Committee.
Metro
The Early Word: MSCS chair doubles down on Feagins; Grizz set new record
CBU stays on probation, something new is brewing on Main Street and two Midtown eateries are opening new drive-thru spots.
Metro Photo gallery: AutoZone Liberty Bowl Parade rolls down Beale
Business
Memphis wrap star, former St. Jude patient meet on reality show
After filming on “The Ultimate Gift Wrapping Challenge” wrapped in Pennsylvania, Vanessa West and Adrienne Myers met again — this time back home in Memphis over lunch at La Baguette.
Transportation & Logistics American Airlines briefly grounded flights on Christmas Eve
Sports
O Canada!: Grizzlies set franchise record for points vs. Raptors
The Memphis Grizzlies set a franchise record for single-game points on Thursday, fueled by 38 combined from rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells. Related content:
Sports Texas Tech coach ready for AutoZone Liberty Bowl eager to quiet Hog fans
Food
Generational blend: Son opens cafe inside father’s restaurant
Mustapha Mustapha, the owner of Sam’s Main Street Eatery, felt his space needed something more. His son wanted to run his own coffee shop. So, they brewed a plan.
Suburbs
Bartlett schools superintendent contract extended through 2028-29
David Stephens’ contract was extended recently, continuing his service at Bartlett City Schools for four more years. Stephens is the district’s only superintendent since its inception in 2014.
Arts & Culture
Thanks to her role in ‘Mufasa,’ Pilar is a star
Hollywood sound designer Watson Wu spent a week in Memphis in 2022 recording sounds at the zoo for “Mufasa: The Lion King.”
Opinion
Greenstein: L’chayim — to life!
“I have often marveled how ‘L’chayim’ and Jewish prayers in general were written when my ancestors were persecuted. ... They still contended that life has infinite meaning and light can and must pierce the darkness. ”
Podcasts
Tigers Podcast: Football season recap, basketball’s rough schedule
Memphis football writer Frank Bonner II, basketball writer Parth Upadhyaya and columnist John Martin discuss this year’s football season and the raised level of expectations for Memphis basketball as it prepares for its final two non-conference games.