The Memphis Library Foundation and Memphis Public Libraries have added something new to their annual summer literacy program: outdoor festivals at five branch libraries.

For example, there are grit cakes, filled with your choice of shrimp, salmon croquettes, chicken, pork or vegetables.

The center underwent an $8.4 million renovation that took almost two years since the old building was demolished in August 2020. 

The board approved updated design plans for the project in the Edge District. 

Penny’s Nitty Gritty Upscale Southern expected to be open in August.

With growing inflation putting financial pressure on the Douglass community, a group is hosting a mobile food pantry Saturday, June 4.

My Cup of Tea sales are growing 30% annually and the Orange Mound-based company now boasts customers in 48 states. 

Westwood artist Tony Hawkins, a product of the southwest Memphis neighborhood, will paint a mural in Westwood to convey the significance of his community. 

Upcoming renovations will include improving the entrance to the building from the adjacent garage.

Young Black love and joy are the themes of writer Kelis Rowe’s debut novel but Memphis readers will also recognize a lot of settings in the story, as well. 

A third-generation local business that has grown and changed with the times perhaps faces an uncertain future, despite a number of large investments in the neighborhood around it. 

Why is it so hard to say goodbye to our dogs? I asked Scott Morris, who is still saddened by the recent loss of Sidney, the best dog ever. He says the secret is love.

By moving Eclectic Eye to Cooper Street and opening Paradox at PeCo next door, the Weinberg family is showing their commitment to Midtown. 

A $150,000 pledge has moved the funding of a STEM center at Whitehaven High School closer to its $6.2 million goal.

It was “Mr. Bruce Day” at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School Friday. And if you don’t know what that means, let me tell you. Because we all could use it today. 

After a two-year renovation totaling $19 million, all 558 units of the complex are renovated and ready for occupancy.

In other City Council actions Tuesday, Juneteenth was added as a paid holiday for city employees and the Soulsville TIF District was up for a vote. 

Congressman Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) dedicated $3 million to funding the redevelopment of the Historic Melrose High building in Orange Mound as part of his appropriation request for fiscal year 2023. 

For 45 years, Art Gilliam has provided a voice for the Black community through radio station WLOK. The station’s offices are undergoing renovations at Talbot Avenue and South Second Street.

She and her investors have bought up 400 lots in the North Memphis neighborhood and are ready to build a community where Black people can build wealth in their homes. 

The Cooper-Young Garden Walk returned this past weekend for the seventh year. Visitors had a chance to drop into more than 100 gardens in the eclectic Midtown neighborhood. Some of the gardens included peeks at artist studios, chicken coops, beehives, composters and more. This year’s Garden Walk theme was hats.

“We only serve spicy,” said Flame MaLaTang manager William Weng of the new pop-up in the Viet Hoa Food Market at 40 N. Cleveland St.

Led by Kevin Woods and Billy Orgel, 100 North Main Development Partners share updated plans for condos in the historic building and outline the next steps in the property's renovation. 

In a ceremony Friday, the Community Redevelopment Agency presented residents with plaques that they placed at the foot of their chosen tree.

After a scaled-down version of the fest in October 2021, the event is back in full force with a Greek pastry corner; “Greek Boutique,” including Greek-themed apparel and cookbooks; live music; and plenty of Greek cuisine.