The Memphis in May barbecue contest rival has a name
Forward Momentum announced details Thursday, Jan. 11, of its barbecue contest this May in Tom Lee Park.
Student deaths spur Memphis Schools to launch crime initiatives
MSCS Interim Superintendent Toni Williams points to efforts the district is taking to quell the violence that has taken the lives of 22 students in the 16 months she’s served.
Taylor Jenkins: Vince Williams Jr. is player Grizzlies see as part of future
Vince Williams Jr. said he is appreciative of the support he has received since signing a new deal with the Grizzlies.
At Clayborn Temple, the Grizzlies get a lesson about Martin Luther King Jr.
The Grizzlies went inside Clayborn Temple on Thursday, getting an immersive glimpse into Martin Luther King Jr.’s message and then put it into action with their service.
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You Already Owe the Taxes. Now You Have a Choice.
For the first time, taxpayers can redirect up to $1,700 ($3400 married couples filing jointly) of federal taxes to fund scholarships at the school of their choice.
Here’s where you can volunteer for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
A number of Memphis organizations will provide community service opportunities in honor of the birthday of the late Martin Luther King Jr.
Minerva Johnican Building honors ‘trailblazer’ in earlier era of change
The former county commissioner, city council member and Criminal Court clerk who died in 2013 was remembered Thursday, Jan. 11, as the marker bearing her name was unveiled outside the 99-year-old building.
DeSoto County DA forms partnership to battle human trafficking
In 2023, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department said they encountered about 55 human trafficking victims. The north Mississippi county often leads the state in human trafficking arrests.
Collierville outlines steps to replace Keri Blair on school board
Those interested in filling the position must be a citizen of Tennessee, a resident and qualified voter of Collierville and have a GED or high school diploma.
GXO Logistics plans to lay off 211 workers
Efforts to help retain or find new work will be led by Greater Memphis Local Workforce Development.
Millington solar farm a go despite moratorium
Residents were able to get a county moratorium this past fall on projects such as the Millington-area solar farm that is expected to generate energy for a Facebook data center.
U of M announces seven Hall of Fame inductees
The induction ceremony for the new University of Memphis Hall of Fame members will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Billy J. Murphy Complex. DeAndre Williams signs with Philippine pro team, records double-double in debutRelated story:
$10 Deal: Los Picosos’ pollo al carbon is a smoky good deal
The word is out about the magical chicken Los Picosos is selling.
The To-Do List: Monster club, Inscho art and a trip to Flavortown
This week, Arrow Creative celebrates all things Memphis, Keri Lee hosts a sound bath in the Sound Room and DJ Alpha Whiskey DJs her own birthday party.
Standouts from ECS and Westwood voted player of the week
Nick Owens and Reneiya Brigance were honored for their efforts.
Calkins: Veatch on the stadium, the realignment — and the Smiths’ gift
Laird Veatch, the University of Memphis athletic director, is finally getting his hands on a football stadium and $120 million. Now all he has to do is raise another $50 million and figure out how to rebuild his new stadium on the fly.
Grizzlies Insider: With surgery done, Morant can ‘look for the rainbow’
Ja Morant had successful surgery on Thursday. Now it’s time for the Grizzlies point guard to look for the rainbow amid the storm. Related story:
Kingsbury girls find unexpected success with an unexpected coach
Quintin Jones took over a week before the first game of the year. And now the Falcons are on the verge of a program milestone.
Buckley: Tigers make things difficult. Why is anyone’s guess.
Memphis survives another nail-biter, this time going to overtime with UTSA. More of these, and it could be a long, bumpy ride.
The Department of Justice releases a guide for specialized police units
The guide was written as part of a review from the U.S. DOJ Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, which was requested by the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department.
Report: Federal requirements could still apply if state rejects funding
“There are more questions than definitive answers about what rejecting federal K-12 dollars could mean for Tennessee’s obligations because no state has ever done so,” the report states.
Sanford: ‘We have met the autocrat. And he is the speaker of the TN House’
“We have met the persistent. And they are Tennessee voters.”
Business leaders push for state help with Memphis crime
The worried message from a slew of executives to the state’s Republican leadership follows months of public statements from some who signed the letter that the city’s future hangs in the balance.
Collierville Schools board member resigns after shoplifting charges
Keri Blair has resigned just 13 months after being elected, the district announced early Wednesday morning.
Shelby County Health Department warns of winter COVID-19 surge
The county’s health department is urging residents to be prepared to test themselves, isolate if necessary, seek treatment when needed and to consider wearing a high-quality mask in high-risk settings.
Sudoku: Jan. 11
Ready for a bit of a challenge? This sudoku is rated medium.
Word Search: Shoulder injury a heartbreaker
It hasn’t been all bad since Morant went out, but it’d be better with him. As we pass the time to his return onto the court, we’ve put together a word search to help you heal.
TSWA All-State Division 1 Classes 1-3 team
An elite group of Memphis-area Class 1A, 2A and 3A football players earned all-state recognition.
Metro
This Week in Memphis: Downtown Dining and drinking at the Hu. Hotel
Also happening this week: Some schools are closed for Veterans Day, and the new Sultana Disaster Museum opens.
Education Did the Tennessee midterms complicate Marsha Blackburn’s voucher expansion plans?
Premium Health Care More than 40,000 in Shelby County qualify for lung cancer screening
Food Mid-South Food Bank scrambles to fill the gap as SNAP rules tighten
Premium Spirit of Memphis After nearly 5 years, Jelly finally has a home — and a new name
Business
More than 40,000 in Shelby County qualify for lung cancer screening
Local doctors say it’s important to see if you qualify to get screened.
Premium Business Midtown Autowerks moving a few blocks to Liberty Park area
Premium Business Musk confirms two additional sites near Macrohard data center
Health Care St. Jude calls on volunteers for marathon weekend
Premium Real Estate Crosstown Concourse CEO stepping down, moving into a new role
Sports
Buckley: Respect won’t come easily for these Tigers. Two wins are a good start.
“After following up a season-opening upset win over preseason No. 18 Iowa State with Saturday’s home-opening win over VCU, however, the days of laying low are about done for the Memphis Tigers.”
Memphis Tigers Basketball Jayden Reid’s free throws lift Tigers to win over VCU
Premium Geoff Calkins Calkins: Penny Hardaway gets a thrilling win — and more evidence that this team might be the one he needs.
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies sign rookie Saunders
Sports Morris, defense lead No. 16 Tennessee past No. 8 Kentucky, 34-6
Food
Mid-South Food Bank scrambles to fill the gap as SNAP rules tighten
Under new federal rules, states with SNAP payment error rates over 6% will be liable for the costs of those mistakes. As Tennessee grows more cautious, families feel the pinch.
Food Memphis 901 Hot Wing Festival heats up for a good cause
Suburbs
Why hasn’t Mississippi’s US Senate race been called?
Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race remains undecided as Democrat Scott Colom’s lead continues to grow. Outstanding affidavit and absentee ballots in DeSoto County and across the state are a key reason why.
Premium Collierville Food Files: Congregation Coffee opening new location
Arts & Culture
The old Temple Israel building has been demolished. But not the congregation’s rich history.
Temple Israel’s former home at Poplar and Montgomery, which opened in 1916, is being torn down. Here’s a look at the building’s history and the plans to preserve part of the facade.
Premium Performing Arts Arts Beat: ‘Narnia’ made him a Playhouse kid. Now he’s directing it.
Opinion
Echols: The naked headlines and the name of Jesus
“The hiccup is not the presence of sin in our local news – we all see that. Rather, it is the presence of cunningly subversive sin in my own life, and frankly, in yours.”
Premium Geoff Calkins Calkins: Penny Hardaway gets a thrilling win — and more evidence that this team might be the one he needs.
Podcasts
Shelby County political reality gets more complex with last election of 2026
The Nov. 3 election and its results were discussed on “Behind The Headlines” in a reporters’ roundtable that examined Shelby County’s role as the bluest county in a red state that may not be that simple.
The Sidebar: Eric Barnes on arts, culture & more From the London Hard Rock to Kudzu’s, Steve Edmundson saw it all
Games
Sudoku: Nov. 8
Are you ready for today’s puzzles?