“I’m from Rolling Fork, Mississippi, in what I like to call the Deep Delta. It is the place that made me. It is the place that gave me the confidence to do all the things I’ve dreamed of and accomplished.”

“The residents of the neighborhoods surrounding Sterilization Services of Tennessee already face more than their fair share of adverse health, social and environmental conditions compared to many other parts of Shelby County.”

“I think maybe every time I’ve left a piece of my heart somewhere, I have been cataloging signposts — signposts that point to a place where all good things will not come to an end.”

“To unite Memphians around solving Memphis’ problems for Memphis’ future, we need nonpartisanship. We need to keep nonpartisanship in City Hall and bring it back to our county government.”

“Cops know that putting a loaded gun on the hip of a teenager, or in the hands of a high school cheerleader, a ‘watch this’ bubba, or a something-to-prove street kid is guaranteed lethal.”

For a team many expected to slide, the month of March has belonged to Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s led the team at 23 points per game on 53% shooting, as the Grizzlies have reclaimed their spot at second in the conference. 

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Buddy Chapman, 83, is calling it all quits. He will step down as the leader and face of CrimeStoppers effective April 1.

“My advocacy work has a purpose. I have a purpose. And as long as I’m able to advocate, I will continue to fight for others with melanoma.”

“In addition to being a teacher, all three of my own children attend public schools. Like everyone, I want to keep them safe. I want to keep my students safe. Putting more guns into schools is not the answer.”

“In the past couple years, the Jail has seen troublesome population increases and has left key positions vacant ... the family of Gershun Freeman has called for a DOJ investigation into his homicide.”

“As my school librarian taught me, not all books are right for every reader, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t right for the library.”

“Those two elderly people have lived long in this place — this Memphis we’re in now. They’ve seen a whole lot of water flow under that bridge downtown.”

“Few of us, and certainly not this writer, can truly know the gift of immense talent and the impact of fame and mountains of money at age 23.”

This is perhaps the biggest young star in the NBA, subject to a league gun investigation twice in five weeks. It’s a red alarm issue far beyond Memphis. 

“While we might not agree on where to get the best pizza in town or which is the best Memphis in May band, we may find we totally see eye-to-eye on the ideal spot to catch a stunning sunset.”

A former MPD officer talks about his experiences on the police department’s Auto-Theft Task Force and the juveniles he encountered — repeatedly — during his time on the force. 

Tennessee has officially and legislatively become a judgmental, vindictive, homophobic, misogynistic, intolerant, small-minded, history-denying, science-denying, racially insensitive if not racist, and holier-than-thou state simmering in its own toxic stew.

“Those of us in Memphis fortunate enough to have known Ron Terry, and even those who didn’t, have one thing in common: We are better off because Ron Terry called Memphis home.”

Memphis needs a feel-good story, a redemption story, of overcoming stumbles, our pain and our negative national image. We need Ja Morant to bring his moves back to the Grindhouse soon and break ankles — not hearts.

“The mayor’s report not only had different conclusions than those that were reported, but they elaborated on specific factors in which MLGW’s actions when it issued an RFP were inadequate and unprofessional.”

“We create the ability to live with our fears by knowing that the goodness of life follows us on the journey.”

“The new garage is ultimately redundant and serves only to improve the mobility of people who can afford to drive.”

“For a hundred Lents, words have been offered — mixed, seasoned, and served — from the pulpit of Calvary Episcopal Church just as ingredients have been from its kitchen below.”

The Memphis Grizzlies have 21 games left in this NBA regular season, and the Western Conference playoff race is so tight that intrigue could linger to the final day.

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“There is nothing basic about racialized poverty and violence in Memphis. And there is nothing basic about the approach required to fix it.”