Riverbeat beat last year’s numbers, Union Avenue’s blue dogs are mostly gone and we try to determine who invented barbecue nachos. 

The firm has done work on stadium renovations around the country, including the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indianapolis Pacers.

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.

The Central High jazz band did it. They defeated bands from across the country — and around the world — to win the Essentially Ellington contest in New York. And, yes, there were many tears.

Also happening this week: Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris brings his budget to County Commission, and a new Pilates studio opens.

“I am excited to grow creative collaborations around environmental humanities, especially care for water as our lifeblood,” Gretchen E. Henderson said.

The Central High jazz band continued to blaze through New York, advancing to the finals of the Essentially Ellington contest. Said Ollie Liddell, the band’s director: “We play with the spirt of the city, man.” 

The U.S. senator from New Jersey sat down for an exclusive interview with The Daily Memphian before delivering the commencement address to the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law graduating class.

“I think you could hear a pin drop in the courtroom when the judge read out the verdict: ‘not guilty, not guilty, not guilty,’ seven times, not guilty for each officer,” Memphis journalist Katherine Burgess said.

Eight-year-old Landon Binkley was hospitalized from November 2023 to February 2024. Former Tennessee Titans and current Memphis Showboats cornerback Eric Garror has been in his life ever since. 

Last year UTHSC identified a $15.5 million budget gap, and Raaj Kurapati, UTHSC executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer, said $12.5 million of it has been addressed.

A former CEO of the nation’s largest waste-management company who currently serves on the FedEx board of directors will take over control of the U.S. Postal Service.

Chamber claims xAI is “demobilizing turbines,” Tops Bar-B-Q is smoking again on Summer and we meet Jaylen Wells’ mom.

Memphis’ Medical Education and Research Institute is growing, but it needs additional storage space to accommodate that growth, including whole human body donations.

The family of Tyre Nichols and local activists gathered Thursday to protest Wednesday’s not guilty verdict against the three former Memphis police officers charged with killing him in 2023.

A century to the day that Tom Lee rescued 32 people from the Mississippi River, the Memphis hero was honored across the city. “To see a man that did so much so long ago still be recognized today — It’s awesome.”

More than 50 residents and supporters of Frayser came together Thursday in something of a pep rally for the community following two recent episodes of gun violence. And two specific items were mentioned that could provide some encouragement for residents.

Documents show artificial intelligence company xAI considered using dozens of natural-gas turbines to power the second data center. However, the Greater Memphis Chamber said the company is “is demobilizing turbines in Shelby County.”

Humes Middle could be an arts school, Oak Court could house a car dealership and Bar Limina wants to be the “space between.”

Half of the deals would keep current charter school tenants in their buildings. Another Memphis-Shelby County Schools building could be a warehouse, and Elvis Presley’s alma mater could go to New Ballet Ensemble and School. 

“Over the next 24 months, I don’t know if there will be a more critical time to set the city up for success or failure,” Memphis City Council Budget Chair Chase Carlisle said.

Following a not guilty verdict in the trial of three former police officers for the death of Tyre Nichols, Chief C.J. Davis said her departments is “committed to rebuilding trust and working together toward a stronger, safer Memphis for all.” 

Three former Memphis cops were found not guilty on all state charges related to the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols. This was the second time the three men had been on trial in the past year.

Related content:

Tyre Nichols trial: Former MPD officers found not guilty on all counts
‘Shocked,’ ‘gutted': Reaction to the Tyre Nichols verdict

“We should not have to keep witnessing this. We should not have to keep burying our sons, our brothers, our friends,” said state Sen. Raumesh Akbari. 

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent Nichols’ family in its lawsuit against the City of Memphis, called the jury’s decision a “devastating miscarriage of justice” in a statement released to media.