XAI partnership looking at Southaven natural gas plant
Earlier this month, MLGW said xAI could need more power than the Tennessee Valley Authority, the region’s energy provider, can supply.
SmokeSlam’s back on the river, bigger and smokier
The second installment of SmokeSlam began Thursday as thousands poured into Downtown’s Tom Lee Park while the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest continued at Liberty Park in Midtown.
Appeals court sides with city in suit brought by Cleotha Abston victim
The state appeals court affirmed that the city is protected from suit over claims that Memphis police allegedly failed to properly investigate when Cleotha Abston raped a woman in 2021.
Youth Villages board chair urged DA to not prosecute staffers
After the death of Alegend Jones, the board chair for Youth Villages wrote to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, saying that “irreparable damage to the reputation of our staff and this incredible organization will be done.”
Police likely looking for more suspects in Memphis Allies shooting
Memphis police likely still looking for at least two more suspects in mass shooting that killed one and injured five at Memphis Allies meeting, based on information contained in an affidavit.
Herrington: How far-fetched is Giannis to Grizzlies?
Will Milwaukee trade Giannis? Do only the healthy teams advance in the NBA playoffs? Can we get a conference quota in the draft lottery? Do you remember Luigi Datome? And much more.
Better lighting, ‘car condos’ set to take off at Memphis airport parking lots
Upcoming construction will make parking a breeze at Memphis International Airport.
With new library, ‘Frayser’s got it going on’
The new Frayser branch library opened Thursday, May 15, to a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100 people at 2220 James Road, replacing the city’s smallest branch library farther north in Frayser.
Nike EYBL is in town. Here are some top players to watch.
Just less than a quarter mile from Tiger Lane, some of the best high school basketball players in the country will all be under one roof as part of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
Varsity Brands commits millions to St. Jude
Varsity Brands also fundraises during St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. Last year Varsity Spirit President Bill Seely became the event’s first official corporate champion.
St. George’s track star voted athlete of the week
At last week’s Division 2-A west regional meet, Kimbriel Winfield of St. George’s qualified for state in four events.
Grizzlies Insider: ‘Ohhh Yeah!’ Nike and Kool-Aid combine for new Ja 2 sneaker
The shoes will be available for purchase via the SNKRS app on Friday, May 16.
National Response Team investigating Clayborn fire
The Memphis Fire Department said it and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have been conducting “extensive off-site work, including detailed witness interviews and thorough video analysis.”
Memphis in May barbecue contest starts smoking
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest got underway Wednesday afternoon, and for many teams, it begins with the wood.
County Ethics Commission reactivation dies quick, quiet death
Commissioner Michael Whaley withdrew an ordinance that would have downsized the Ethics Commission in order to get the group to meet — something it hasn’t done in years.
As Medical District High seniors graduate, they’re already juniors in college
The students graduated high school on Wednesday, and on Thursday received college diplomas from Southwest Tennessee Community College.
$15 Deal: Alex’s Greek burger has Cavender’s, grease and a legacy
If you’re lucky enough to stumble into Alex’s Tavern, you gotta get the burger.
The To-Do List: SmokeSlam, Cosmic Carnival and Bill & Ted’s last adventure
This week, Ruby Bridges is here for her namesake reading festival and GWAR brings shock rock (and lots of fake blood) to Minglewood.
Redbirds recap: Memphis falls to Nashville, loses fifth straight
Memphis struggles to score again in loss to Nashville. But next week is all about the BBQ Nachos.
What to know before you go to Memphis in May’s barbecue contest
- The WCBCC runs May 14-17 in Liberty Park in Midtown Memphis. Read more and listen to MIM staffers talk about this year’s competition.
What to know before you go to the SmokeSlam barbecue contest
- SmokeSlam runs May 15-17 in Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis. Read more and listen to SmokeSlam’s VIP host Gina Neely discuss this year’s competition.
Memphis in May officials reveal barbecue judging secrets
- In 2024, MIM judging chairs Michelle and Brandon O’Guin were guests on the Sound Bites podcast to talk about Memphis barbecue and the complicated judging system for Memphis in May.
Crosswind Elementary teachers get first look at school expansion
Crosswind Elementary teachers toured the school’s expansion Tuesday afternoon. The wing will be connected to the main building over the summer.
Wednesday prep report: Late goal gives Houston region soccer title
Gracen Adams scored with four minutes remaining to give the Houston Mustangs a home sectional match Saturday.
What Daily Memphians think*
“Please deliver our Chewy food. Signed: Woofy” — Tim Faris about FedEx renews ties with Amazon after six-year split
“No objections at all to honoring the players of the John Calipari era. That’s long overdue. But I can’t promise you that I’ll cheer when Calipari is introduced. Maybe I’ll be able to muster a brief polite applause. Maybe not.” — Cornell Christion about Calkins: An event to honor the John Calipari era in Memphis? It’s just time.
“Just follow the tax rate the whole time. It is now 3.39. State law requires it be reduced by the amount of the appraisal. … that is the new starting point. NOT 3.39. All increases and decreases must be pegged to the new number, anything else is marketing.” — Shea Flinn about Harris proposes lower property tax rate, $5 wheel tax hike
* Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
AAC baseball tournament berth at stake for the Tigers at Wichita State
Win the series and the Tigers are headed to the American Athletic Conference tournament. If Memphis loses, it will be on the outside looking in for a second straight year.
Grizzlies podcast: Lottery reaction, TJ Shorts and value rankings
On this episode of The Daily Memphian’s Memphis Grizzlies podcast, Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss Herrington’s multipart column ranking the most valuable players on the Memphis roster.
Word Search: Madonna Learning Center
Can you solve this week’s word search?
Sudoku: May 15
Are you ready for today’s puzzles?
Word Flower: May 15
Word Flower is a fun and challenging game people of all ages can play.
Collierville leaders question fluoridated water
Additional research about the impact of fluoride on other communities will be shared with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen before they make any determination.
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.
Premium Public Safety Criminal case against Youth Villages staffers dropped, DA’s office says
Premium State Government Minority contracting programs banned statewide
Education CBU studies partnership with Illinois university
Public Safety ‘Let’s get this case moving:’ Judge pushes for Edmund Ford Jr. trial date
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 Real Estate Former Bed Bath & Beyond: Think beer, wine, liquor — not Trader Joe’s
Premium Visual Arts Iconic blue dog paintings replaced
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Premium Transportation & Logistics FedEx renews ties with Amazon after six-year split
Sports
Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in Memphis
The Memphis Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks are working on scheduling an exhibition basketball game at FedExForum that would benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Tigers sign strong-shooting small college transfer forward Matthews
Memphis Grizzlies TJ Shorts to Grizzlies? It’s too soon to be sure
Memphis Tigers Football Memphis football brand stays in spotlight on Jon Gruden QB Class
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Martin: Memphis native Curtis Givens III is visiting the University of Memphis. Is a commitment next?
Food
Ask the Memphian: Who created barbecue nachos? It’s a question that will rile some folks up
Who created barbecue nachos? Well, it depends on who you ask, and be careful if you do ask because both sides are feisty about the answer.
Premium Reviews What to Order: Gumbo cheese fries at Blues City Cafe are a late-night legend
Suburbs
Why is construction taking so long for Thornwood and former Carrefour?
Several developers in Germantown are facing delays due to different complexities in their developments, whether it’s the topography of the site or just the complexity of their desires for mixed-use projects.
Premium Bartlett Union Depot developer eyes vacant U.S. 70 tract
Arts & Culture
‘Secret Mall Apartment’ film is ‘highly recommended’
Other movies making a comeback this week are “North by Northwest,” “The Wiz” and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”
Spirit of Memphis Central High School jazz band returns triumphant from New York
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.