T.K. Tanner just turned 102. He’s got stories you won’t believe. And, yes, I asked him the secret to a long life. It’s not what you might think.

Hundreds of high school jazz bands audition from all over the world to be invited to the Essentially Ellington contest in May. Only 30 bands make it — and guess where one of them is from. 

“The decision to fire Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins was chaotic but predictable. It felt like the fix was always in.”

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The Grizzlies have hit the midpoint of the NBA season, so it is time for the mid-season check-in. Are the Grizzlies a contender? How are the stars and supporting cast? How’s the system?

The MSCS board chair says, “I believe that allowing Feagins to continue as superintendent will cause lasting damage to Memphis-Shelby County Schools.” 

“It would be rewarding to receive badges for things like getting a kid to sleep through the night or helping a child master multiplication facts.”

Anyone can be a victim of this crime, but teenagers are the most vulnerable. And the results can be deadly.

“But for those who believe in a god or who would rather replace the word ‘God’ with more personally useful thoughts or phrases, I think these questions still invite reflection.”

“Brent Taylor would use his elected office — voted on by about 20% of the county — to remove a county official elected by 100% of the county voters.”

“Let’s also acknowledge that one leader can’t solve every problem. This is a community issue that requires a community response.”

Geoff Calkins: Whatever you think of the job Feagins has done, it can’t possibly be as bad as the job the board has done in trying to fire her. Instead of persuading the community that Feagins has to go, they have rallied the community to her side. 

“Aside from the obvious point that we could all suggest better than we’re going to get, the larger point is that we’re all going to need each other as things shake out in Washington.”

Taylor Jenkins took the blame for the loss. It was nice of him to say. But the Grizzlies real problem may be their inability to handle the best in the West.

The consequences of dismissing Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Feagins may have unintended consequences that won’t serve the district’s 110,000 students, board member Amber Huett-Garcia says.

“Before the doubts about his NBA potential loudened, Rookie of the Year contender Zach Edey was in the gym three times a day preparing for his professional opportunity.”

No evidence of Grizzlies interest in Jimmy Butler doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no interest. But if you look closely at the parameters and complications of a potential Butler deal, it still feels pretty unlikely.

“Terrorism seeks to sow fear, to disrupt our lives, and to make us question our trust in one another. That fear tempts us to retreat, to isolate, to live smaller lives. But that can’t be what we do.”

Hey, Memphians. It’s time to resolve to have fun again in 2025. Go to a Tigers game. Go to a Grizzlies game. Get off your couch and do something.

A public school teacher on vouchers: “Let’s be honest, today we’re far more interested in satisfying our own personal interests and we expect the taxpayer to foot the bill. We are entitled.”

I will remember President Carter as a person of faith who cared deeply about matters of justice and equality.

From the DOJ’s report on the MPD to Elon Musk and the xAI supercomputer, here are Otis Sanford’s top five local stories for 2024.

“For those who love dogs, children or miracles, this story won’t seem far-fetched at all. As a matter of fact, it may strike some as downright splendid.”

“It is Memphians who have made possible the success of one of the largest online local-news sites in the country, one supported primarily by subscriptions and sponsorships.”

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Memphians supporting — and saving — local journalism

A new plan for the Arthur property in Germantown is starting to make its way through the suburb’s review process, but some long-standing issues remain.

“It’s a remarkable commentary on our community that virtually all that revenue has come from Memphians, all whom have risen to the occasion of saving and supporting local journalism.”