State Attorney General appeals drag ban ruling
Jonathan Skrmetti’s appeal comes nearly a month after a federal judge in Memphis ruled in favor of an LGBTQ+ theater company, which argued the law restricted its performers’ free speech rights.
Desmond Bane signs largest deal in Grizzlies history
Bane signs a five-year max extension with Grizzlies, the largest contract in franchise history, surpassing Ja Morant’s five-year, $197 million extension signed last offseason.
Derrick Rose returns to Memphis as Grizzly
Rose, a 34-year-old former NBA MVP, led the University of Memphis to the 2008 NCAA title game.
Herrington: Derrick Rose’s improbably long career returns him, improbably, to Memphis
The Memphis Grizzlies made what may be the most curious and questionable signing from the opening night of NBA free agency.Related story:
Memphis school receives $10M for energy improvements
“No children in America should be sitting in a classroom, sweltering in the summer and cold in the winter,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. “Every child should have a safe and comfortable learning environment so they can soar.”
‘Just brothers’: Kendric Davis, Lester Quiñones team up with Golden State
Former Memphis Tigers Kendric Davis and Lester Quiñones will be with the Warriors for NBA summer league play.
Trustees approve tuition hike, capital funding for UTHSC
In-state undergraduate students at UTHSC, the largest educator of health care professionals in the state, can expect a 1.5% hike in tuition and mandatory fees and a 2% to 5% increase in housing, dining and parking fees.
Supreme Court favors artist’s right to discriminate
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled a Colorado graphic artist who wants to design wedding websites can refuse to work with same-sex couples. The decision is a defeat for gay rights.
Judges block state law banning teacher group from automatically deducting member dues
The Tennessee Education Association sued earlier this month over the two-pronged law, which also gradually raises the minimum teacher salary up to $50,000 for the 2026-27 school year.
Area cooling centers include Northaven, Bartlett
With an excessive heat warning currently in effect in Shelby County, cooling centers are available to help the public beat the heat.
State TCAP results released
Scores in English language arts and social studies exceeded pre-pandemic levels, while student proficiency in math has not.
Calkins: She fought off a second carjacking. Now this young Memphian wonders if it’s time to leave
Madeline Johnson was carjacked almost a year ago. This weekend, it nearly happened again. Now this 25-year-old Memphis transplant is thinking about moving away from a city she has come to love.
USFL president addresses future of the league
Daryl Johnston wants to put all eight of the USFL’s current teams in their home markets before thinking about expansion.
Youth draw out neighborhood beauty on Binghampton sidewalks
Children and teens cleaned up Memphis streets including Tillman Street, Carpenter Street and Mimosa Avenue. Then, they were handed chalk.
Mulroy discusses Germantown party-goers ‘brandishing guns’
Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy addressed the nuisance party in Germantown and other crime and courts issues with town residents on Thursday, June 29, during the second of his town hall series at Germantown City Hall.
Conaway: Health care is robbing us blind in broad daylight
“There’s a quote that comes to mind. Max von Sydow said, ‘If Jesus came back today, and saw what was going on in his name, he’d never stop throwing up.’”
The To-Do List: Slide into summer, boot-scoot at Black Lodge; plus, your fireworks guide
This week, the Hi-Tone hosts a freestyle rap battle, Alicia Keys is at FedExForum and yoga meets plant-based cheese at Crosstown Concourse.
Here’s how to celebrate Fourth of July in the Memphis area
Fireworks, parades and community events will be held across the Memphis area in celebration of Independence Day 2023.
Workers find ‘military grade munitions’ in Southaven home
Officers were called to a residence after construction workers found a “small amount of what appears to be old military ordnance.”
Metro
Fractured ties between Shelby County mayor, Commission could make budget season bumpy
The Shelby County government budget season opens Wednesday, May 14, in County Commission committee sessions. There is more than dollar figures and the county property tax rate at stake.
City of Memphis City wants court to sanction Tyre Nichols family’s attorneys
Education CBU studies partnership with Illinois university
Premium Education Madonna Learning Center wants to get into the groove with new expansion
Business
Inked: ‘Homegrown success story’ expands; Shelby Drive site sold to former owner
VSL Nail Spa adds another location. Plus, a fully leased strip center and a Lamar Avenue liquor store each were sold.
Premium State Government Minority contracting programs banned statewide
Premium Real Estate Former Bed Bath & Beyond: Think beer, wine, liquor — not Trader Joe’s
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Sports
Calkins: An event to honor the John Calipari era in Memphis? It’s just time.
“John Calipari is game to return to Memphis this fall to play an exhibition game to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital? That sounds like an fine idea. It’s just time.” Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in MemphisRelated content:
High School Sports Wednesday prep report: Late goal gives Houston region soccer title
Premium Sports AAC baseball tournament berth at stake for the Tigers at Wichita State
Grizzlies Podcast Grizzlies podcast: Lottery reaction, TJ Shorts and value rankings
Food
What to Order: Gumbo cheese fries at Blues City Cafe are a late-night legend
After Blues City Cafe’s gargantuan gumbo cheese fries hit the internet in 2013, they remained a secret menu item for about a year before they were officially added to the menu.
Suburbs
Arlington ponders property tax rate at work session
After a bit of figuring, Arlington is getting closer to setting its property tax rate. Now officials must decide whether ambulance service is covered by a fee or property taxes.
Arts & Culture
Memphis Movies This Week: ‘Secret Mall Apartment’ is a stirring surprise
Other movies making a comeback this week are “North by Northwest,” “The Wiz” and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”
Opinion
Opinion: An open letter on immigration to graduating seniors
“This time of your life should be so rich with hope, excitement, and possibility. I want you to understand, however, that not everyone in our country is allowed those rights.”
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Gina Neely talks food, family and SmokeSlam
Gina Neely is the guest on this week’s “Sound Bites.” In addition to riffing on what makes good barbecue and why Memphis is No. 1 on her list, Neely and Holly Whitfield discussed SmokeSlam.