A doctor’s hobby evolved into the world’s largest company of its kind, and Roger Cicala’s expertise in lens sharpness and quality has even drawn the attention of NASA.

‘I started because I was desperate for good conversation,’ Rob Sangster says of the informal salon that provided a forum for discussing topics of importance to Memphis.

The week’s best images include a visit to the Crosstown Concourse in Midtown, where Jennifer Biggs sampled a wood-fired pizza and some refreshing craft beers.

Second-generation Memphis musician Rodd Bland, the son of late soul/blues great Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, pays tribute to his father’s sound, on a new tribute album and a Beale Street concert. 

Larry Brown said his hearing aids gave him trouble at his first Memphis practice. But listen up, people. This is a basketball story to appreciate.

The Byhalia Connection Pipeline is over but a burgeoning environmental movement, with the city’s underground water aquifer at its center, remains. The road to that movement began with the rise of the city’s new activism several years ago, with some unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Related stories:

What's next for the Memphis water movement

TVA's connection to a more complex water movement

The Daily Memphian photographers (and a couple of reporters) caught some great pictures, including the Memphis Listening Lab, which houses 30,000 45 singles, 10,000 LPs, 20,000 CDs and upwards of 1,000 music-related books.

Our favorite photos this week include a Kroger employee who’s claiming a $1 million prize because she got a coronavirus vaccine; baristas at Memphis Zoo; new developments in Binghampton, and a tight spot at Torchy’s.

Opera Memphis’ Ned Canty talks to Eric Barnes about the organization’s efforts to bring opera out of the opera house, the struggle to support performers during COVID, and the opportunities Opera Memphis has going forward. 

The mosaic, expected to be ready later this summer, is located at the Binghampton Gateway Center.

After several days of suspense amid reports of a potential departure to Orlando, Hardaway says he’s staying as coach of the Tigers, and Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown will be added to his staff.

Work colleague Simon Wadsworth recalls George Cates’s extraordinary attention to detail that went far beyond the balance sheet.

Related stories: 

Civic leader George Cates killed in airplane crash

George Edward Cates: 1937-2021

When Mike Glenn retired from FedEx at the height of his career in 2016, the news release said it was to “transition his focus full time to his family.” This is the story behind that decision, one that is hard and beautiful all at once.

On June 8, 1999, Verlinda Johnson Henning’s husband, Darrell, died at the age of 45. Exactly 22 years later, Henning appeared as reigning champion on “Jeopardy!” It was just a coincidence, of course. But it helped her find balance on a very difficult day.

Related story:

Memphian is ‘Jeopardy!’ champion June 7, comes in second June 8

‘Here’s what I’ve loved about this,’ says Verlinda Henning of her ‘Jeopardy!’ win. ‘Memphis is a weird town. I mean, we are hard on each other, and we beat each other up, but if somebody comes for one of us, we’re after you.’ 

Related story:

Calkins: Death and ‘Jeopardy:’ A game show helps Memphian find joy in a hard day

Wearing an orange jacket in a nod to his history with the Tennessee Volunteers, the legendary quarterback follows his father’s footsteps receiving the AutoZone Liberty Bowl’s Distinguished Citizen Award.

A Memphis native, Charles McVean is credited with conceiving and leading the charge for funding Big River Crossing, the pedestrian bridge and trails across the Mississippi River.

Voluntarism, labor and fundraising transformed an ugly space at the heart of White Station High into a beautiful passageway and courtyard. Nearly 100 alumni, students, faculty, administrators and friends gathered Saturday, June 5, to celebrate.

Here are the two things the Memphis Grizzlies absolutely have to do this offseason if they want to contend for an NBA title. I believe they’ll do both.

The opening show features Grammy-winning singer PJ Morton on June 5. Ten more free concerts will follow on Thursdays through Aug. 12 at the newly renovated W.C. Handy Park on Beale Street. 

Robert Fogelman was devoted to numerous civic causes, particularly providing support to the University of Memphis.