“Elmore Nickelberry was a man who fought for dignity, respect, and so much more. And, I believe, he has so much to teach us still today.”

“Thursday was extreme. In one day, I found myself flying all over the spectrum of comparison.”

“As the Talmud teaches, ‘Because my parents planted trees for me, likewise I am planting trees for those who come after me.’ For the sake of our children, city and world, let’s keep planting.”

“Pursuing a diverse workforce should be a commitment to prioritizing the well-being and unity of each member within our workspaces and our communities. Our journey toward forging a construction landscape that reflects these efforts goes beyond erecting buildings.” 

“Our leaders should also consider what we are experiencing with increased crime rates as a deeper issue with how we recognize and support mental health and well-being.”

“And whoever — singular or plural — made the decision to bypass all elected bodies, kneecap the brand-new city mayor and invite Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee to come plant the state flag in City Hall does not speak for us.”

“I believe being relegated to interim chief undermines her authority inside the police department and raises doubts in the community about her leadership at a time when both are sorely needed to help us fight this city’s rampant crime problem.”

Journalist Jerome Wright, 74, died Monday evening. He covered Memphis for more than five decades. He knew the place better than anyone else. But he became a beloved figure in the city because he treated everyone with kindness and respect. 

“Communities of faith across this city remind us we are not alone and give us courage to hope together in the face of real problems and persistent hurts.”

“There are portals to God’s grace all over this city, both in nature and in civilization.”

Lee Todd writes, “This effort against crime in Memphis will take everyone’s efforts. Citizens and people of authority must stand united. Until that happens, it will be about as beneficial as pouring water into the wind.”

“Check washing” is a crime the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network says is surging despite the fact that the use of checks is declining.

The announcement of an electric battery manufacturer in Marshall County, coupled with the already announced BlueOval City may change the rural areas of Shelby and Fayette counties.

“Lee thinks his voucher program will become a national model. The lies told to get it, and the threats and pressure brought to bear, have already made it a national embarrassment.”

On a cold and miserable night — a night when fans were urged to stay home — the Tigers blew a 20-point lead to lose to South Florida. And then Penny Hardaway hinted at ominous chemistry issues within the team. 

Part 1 of a two-part Mid-Season Grizzlies Mailbag. This is the non-trade deadline portion of the Mailbag with lots of great questions that Chris Herrington answers.

With injuries crippling the season, and with an eye toward both the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline and the offseason to follow, let’s reset the Grizzlies roster. 

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Grizzlies Insider: Defensive ‘dog’ Vince Williams Jr. learns quickly

Are Vince Williams Jr., GG Jackson and Jacob Gilyard the new three to watch?

The guy who was skiing through Downtown Monday? We found him. Here’s his story and more scenes from the coldest MLK Day in Memphis since it became a federal holiday.

“I got in touch with Harry and told him my idea. Conduct an experiment. Submit my column ‘Pig Ultimate’ to ChatGPT and ask for three different 100-word reviews: one very positive, one negative and one balanced.”

“We have met the persistent. And they are Tennessee voters.”

The Grizzlies notched one of their best wins of the season without Morant on Sunday, before the team knew of his fate. Perhaps that will help them carry confidence into a “rest of the season” they now know will continue without him.

In taking down the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday and then the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Memphis won consecutive games for only the third time this season.

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: Turning the corner? Jackson doesn’t want to ‘jinx’ it