Whitehaven scrapes past Southwind in defensive struggle
Tigers coach Willie Kemp likes the way his team is coming together after getting the victory in a battle of state-ranked Class 4A teams.
New GOP chair says there will be a Republican contender for county mayor
Rachel Wall the new chair of the Shelby County Republican Party, says the GOP should have a name contender for county mayor soon.
Germantown residents vocally oppose tax incentive for The Standard
Germantown’s Industrial Development Board heard from a handful of residents who oppose a tax incentive for The Standard, the mixed-use development replacing Carrefour at Kirby Woods.
Is Richmond in or out? MSCS board decides next week.
Roderick Richmond’s evaluation results — including teachers' opinions on the interim leader — are in. He took over the district after former superintendent Marie Feagins was removed by the board in Jan. 2025.
Elon Musk wants to fund more improvements to MSCS school buildings
This time, the Musk Foundation has proposed funding upgrades at three elementary schools.
Guest Column: An open letter to Ja Morant ‘Memphis is with you, but be fully with us’
“Memphis is still with you. But now we’re asking you to be fully with us too. We don’t need a superhero. We just need Ja Morant. Present, accountable, and all in.”
With new pennies not being minted, state issues guidance for local governments
The Comptroller's office released new guidance on pennies following President Donald Trump’s directive to stop minting the coin.
Memphis Movies This Week: See Oscar hopefuls ‘The Secret Agent,’ ‘Sentimental Value’ while you can
The Oscar nominations will be announced Thursday and will be followed locally by a bundle of expected nominees making their debut on local screens, making a return or expanding their footprint.
Friendship, sex and marriage are on stage at Memphis theaters this month
Grab your besties and head to the theater for shows that will tickle your funny bone, move your body and possibly scratch that itch in Memphis theaters this month.
What to watch when Memphis faces Tulsa
The Golden Hurricane represent the highest-ranked KenPom opponent coach Penny Hardaway’s team has faced since it pushed Vanderbilt to overtime in a home loss Dec. 17.
Memphis firefighters ‘push in’ new trucks — a tradition that dates back to horse-drawn times
Memphis firefighters continued a long-held tradition Tuesday, Jan. 20, with new equipment arriving at two of the city’s firehouses.
Beale Street money could give second ‘first impression’ of Memphis
The funding comes as Memphis and Shelby County continue to negotiate with the Grizzlies for a new, long-term lease and the city tries to find a way to renovate AutoZone Park.
Crime is down. But do Memphians feel the difference?
Crime continued to fall across the board in Memphis in 2025 and residents say they feel safe right now. But they also want to see an approach more targeted at addressing the root causes of crime.
‘Largest investment in rural health in Tennessee’s history’ could transform medical care in Shelby County
Shelby County’s metro hospitals were forced to collaborate with rural hospitals as West Tennessee communities lost access to care. But a large federal grant could alleviate some of that pressure.
After new food pyramid, Memphis experts say change was overdue — but local challenges remain
As federal nutrition guidelines flip decades of advice, Memphis health experts say real change will depend less on a new graphic and more on whether families can afford and access the foods it promotes.
‘Playing offense, not defense’ with health: Physical therapy practice built for long-term health
Founded by Memphis natives Clay and Emily Jones, 901PT is redefining physical therapy by slowing down care, focusing on long-term health and helping patients stay active for life.
What Daily Memphians think*
“Millions of dollars were probably spent on researching, designing and promoting this. What a waste.” — Ham Smythe about After new food pyramid, Memphis experts say change was overdue — but local challenges remain
“You asked if Memphian feel the difference. The answer is yes. I can now drive on I240 without fear of being ran over by someone driving 110 mph.” — Jeremy Biggs about Crime is down. But do Memphians feel the difference?
“Do you think the Beale Street projected improvements will encourage the powers that be to complete the horrible driving conditions on Elvis Presley Blvd between Winchester and Raines Road. What an eyesore for Whitehaven!” — Verjeana Hunt about Beale Street money could give second ‘first impression’ of Memphis
* Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
Opinion: What makes a life worth living?
“Standing near the end of a long life exposes us to how little we truly know about another person’s inner journey, even someone we loved, even someone who shaped us.”
Opinion: xAI’s Southaven data center isn’t about noise; it’s about America’s energy reality
“The debate unfolding in Southaven over xAI’s data center and its gas turbines reflects a familiar clash playing out across the country.”
Daily Jigsaw: Beer before noon
Today’s puzzle is of the beer section in the Germantown Kroger and was taken by Abigail Warren.
Sudoku: Jan. 20
Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus.
Metro
What a changing Head Start grant has to do with possible pre-K closures in Memphis
Instead of expanding pre-K access, classrooms may close if Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris doesn’t release local funding, prekindergarten organization First 8 says.
Premium Spirit of Memphis MPD’s first woman motorcycle cop retires — sort of
Premium Visual Arts Ask the Memphian: What twists of fate led to the founding of the Dixon Gallery & Gardens?
Premium Business With Musk’s Mississippi turbines, controversy meets innovation
Spirit of Memphis MLK Day of Service inspires cold hands, warm hearts
Business
Ford suppliers to pay $5M in property taxes to Stanton, Tenn., throughout 10 years
“Rebuilding Main Street and creating a vibrant downtown continues to be my main priority,” Stanton’s mayor said. “This funding gives Stanton the ability to move from planning to construction and to invest in the core of our town.”
Premium Business With Musk’s Mississippi turbines, controversy meets innovation
Premium Real Estate Pottery Barn packs up for Southaven, leaving Memphis behind
Health Care Work, working out and walking: Reasons the Mid-South needs to move
Premium Spirit of Memphis Calkins: Sally Jones Heinz — ‘the face of MIFA’ — to step down
Sports
One call away, former DeSoto Central standout represents Cardinals at caravan event
Blaze Jordan, a top prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, took part in the team’s Cards Caravan event in Germantown.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis shakes off slow start before blasting UTSA at home
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: Did Ja Morant’s London showcase move the trade market, or shift Grizzlies interest in moving him?
Premium Memphis Grizzlies After London win, Ja Morant says he wants to be in Memphis
Sports Former Arlington High standout helps Seahawks beat 49ers
Food
Creating a safe space: Why Da Sammich Spot owner took on ICE
When ICE showed up at his Orange Mound business after hours, Da Sammich Spot owner Rob Brown felt like he had to take action.
Sound Bites Sound Bites: Kelly English on Second Line’s big move, Swamp Bar plans
Suburbs
Lakeland might have found a new city manager — and it’s an internal candidate
The Lakeland Board of Commissioners terminated the contract of former City Manager Michael Walker on Nov. 3, citing an “erosion of trust” involving several personnel decisions.
North Mississippi Olive Branch awarded $2.3M for conservation project
Arts & Culture
‘Young Warriors’ is more than a movie made in Memphis; it’s the start of a film ecosystem in Memphis
As “Young Warriors” wraps filming across Memphis, a local production company is proving the city can be both the setting and the engine for films with national reach and deep local roots.
Premium Performing Arts Arts Beat: Hattiloo bringing play to South Africa
Opinion
Opinion: Beware of fake addiction treatment clinics
The FTC complaint says the defendants took in millions of dollars impersonating other clinics. It alleges that as a result of these deceptive tactics, many consumers were deterred from seeking admission at the clinics they were actually trying to contact.
Guest Columnists Echols: Team sports make space for light to gain victory over dark
Podcasts
Outgoing Public Defender: ‘We’re not into assembly line justice’
Phyllis Aluko said there’s been a shift in people’s attitudes toward crime, punishment and due process, but public defenders play a key role in upholding constitutional standards.
Sound Bites Sound Bites: Kelly English on Second Line’s big move, Swamp Bar plans
Games
Daily WordRow: Jan. 20
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.