Grizzlies, led by Morant, win mud fight against Magic
The Memphis Grizzlies missed 26 of their 33 3-point attempts, committed 15 turnovers, surrendered a 23-4 run to start the third quarter, but dug down to dig the game out. Related content:
Box score: Grizzlies 105, Magic 104
This is the box score for the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida.
Former Memphis woman named Trump’s ‘pardon czar’
Former Memphian Alice Marie Johnson, who spent 21 years in prison for drug trafficking before being released in 2018, has been named the new presidential administration’s “pardon czar.”
Body found at site of Germantown house fire
Germantown police said the body of David L. Beck, 59, was found at the scene of the house fire at 8076 Cavershamwood Lane.
‘He is Briarcrest’: Coach honored for 42-year tenure, win No. 700
Now in his 42nd year at the school, Lee Smith celebrated after reaching 700 victory milestone earlier in the season.
Millington Area Chamber of Commerce names executive director
Former Shelby County official Chris Thomas will replace Terry Roland, who led the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce for seven years.
Legal funding for immigrant children safe for now
A hold order on federal funding for lawyers who represent youngsters who arrived in the United States without a parent was rescinded Friday. It would have affected local groups like Advocates of Immigrant Rights and Latino Memphis.
Penny Hardaway perplexed by Tigers’ NET ranking, NCAA Tournament forecast
He is less than thrilled with where many of the experts have the Tigers projected in the NCAA Tournament field.
Ethics complaint against fire chief Gina Sweat dismissed
The city ethics board members voted unanimously Friday, Feb. 21 to dismiss a complaint filed earlier this month against the Memphis fire chief.
Orion, Financial Federal deal is dead
Orion Federal Credit Union said in 2021 it would acquire a Memphis-based community bank, but Financial Federal CEO Kent Wunderlich said the acquisition was “mutually terminated.”
Legislation for state to take over MSCS still on table, lawmaker says
Tennessee Rep. Mark White, the House Education Committee chair, has been working on the legislation for at least the last month.
Tennessee’s shrinking Achievement School District set to make its move
The operator of the last charter schools in the Tennessee’s turnaround district asks to continue managing them under Memphis-Shelby County Schools before state takeover.
Grizzlies Insider: Rocky road ahead for Memphis
Also, an injury to San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanayama could increase Jaren Jackson Jr.’s chances to win Defensive Player of the Year for a second time.
Food Files: Brookhaven Circle space to become special event venue
Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman’s Enjoy A|M Restaurant Group is expanding again.
Ja Morant’s home burglarized in December 2024
Morant was targeted by Chilean thieves, who allegedly took $1 million in property from the Grizzlies star’s Eads home. FBI charges seven Chilean men with burglarizing star athletes, including one GrizzlyRelated story:
Panelists will share stories — and listen — at Women and Business Seminar
MLGW’s Ursula Madden, Junior Achievement’s Leigh Mansberg and former longtime Overton Park Executive Director Tina Sullivan will lead a conversation on women in business at The Daily Memphian’s Feb. 27 seminar at Memphis Botanic Garden.
Bailey: Name changes also occur in the suburbs
Name-changing has become a debate in recent weeks, but happened a few times in the Memphis suburbs way back when.
Conaway: They should wear ‘This Shirt Kills Kids’
“Numbers are cold, numbers don’t bleed. Numbers don’t silently cry in a waiting room or crumble to the floor when the news arrives. Numbers don’t comfort or explain or justify when a child dies.”
Grizzlies podcast: Memphis responds to trade rumor
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss the All-Star break, Desmond Bane’s jersey retirement and Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman’s statement on Ja Morant trade rumors.
Medical District Park’s reinvention includes new permanent sculpture
Once at the center of a controversy over a statue honoring a Confederate Civil War general, the recently renamed Medical District Park is reinventing itself with a new public art installation that honors the community’s caregivers.
5 by 5 crossword: Feb. 21
Here’s a quick crossword you may want to savor.
Sudoku: Feb. 21
Ready for today’s sudokus?
Metro
MPD officers at fault for half of officer-involved crashes so far in 2025
Officer-involved crashes are common because of how much driving the job requires, according to a police best-practices expert.
Premium City of Memphis Here’s what xAI could use 552 acres for
Premium Education Former Superintendent Feagins seeks MSCS board members’ phone records
City of Memphis City moves to dismiss Nichols lawsuit — again
Premium City of Memphis Why Elon Musk chose Memphis for xAI facility
Business
Cabinet Shop Lofts becoming The Stallion, with help from Downtown grant
The Center City Development Corp. also approved funds for a transition home for people exiting the Hospitality Hub’s program.
Business Legal aid for immigrant children halted without notice
Premium Real Estate Well-known philanthropist spearheads ‘Front Porch’ for Walnut Grove
Premium Real Estate Inked: Broad Avenue Gateway first phase breaks ground, second phase in planning
Health Care Memphis-based medevac adds life-saving treatment on the fly
Sports
NCAA tweaks Memphis basketball results, adding Quad 1 win
The NCAA made a change to a result on the Tigers’ schedule on Thursday, which gives coach Penny Hardaway’s team another Quadrant 1 win.
Update Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies set to sign forward Lamar Stevens
Premium Spirit of Memphis ‘Love and respect’ built Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane’s TCU legacy
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies GM says team won’t trade Ja
Sports Tennessee’s ‘Big Orange Caravan’ headed to Memphis
Food
New Korean BBQ festival to be held in April
In addition to competing, barbecue teams will have the opportunity to sell select menu items to attendees.
Premium Table Talk Table Talk: Get an inside look at Memphis Made’s beer
Suburbs
Arlington pumps brakes on driver’s testing facility
With the applicant absent from the meeting, the Arlington Planning Commission rejected a new state Department of Safety project on U.S. 70.
Premium Germantown Brian Curry is ready to report the weather — from his backyard
Arts & Culture
Recordings from Memphis greats Eddie Floyd, Big Star enter Grammy Hall of Fame
The Recording Academy also recently announced that Cordova High School choral director Adrian L. Maclin was selected to receive the organization’s 2025 Music Educator of the Year award.
Visual Arts Memphis Movies This Week: Stephen King is back
Opinion
Calkins: Nearly 60 years after he was killed, a hero finds a new home
Donald J. Reilly was the most decorated Marine in Vietnam when he was killed in 1965. After nearly six decades, he is finally getting the send-off he deserves — at Arlington National Cemetery.
Podcasts
Tigers Podcast: Wichita State loss aftermath, NCAA Tournament seeding
Tigers basketball beat writer Parth Upadhyaya and college-sports columnist John Martin break down how consequential the Tigers’ overtime loss to Wichita State will end up being.
Games
Word Flower: Feb. 20
Word Flower is a fun and challenging game people of all ages can play.