Yes, pickleball is coming to Beale Street. And to FedExForum after that. It’s brought to you by two Memphians who started Pickleball 901 on the theory that — as one of them put it — “pickleball’s a beast.”
Danny Smith, 47, collapsed and died leading a bicycle ride last week. The Memphis cycling community was stunned. Smith wasn’t just an increasingly accomplished cyclist. He made the city a better — and more connected — place.
“The city’s proposal to fund stadium renovations is now out there for all he world to see. How should Memphians think about that? They should hope that Robert Pera and the Grizzlies don’t hold a grudge.”
“Who starts up a newspaper these days? What a preposterous thing to do. But in just five years, The Daily Memphian has become one of the things that binds this city together. That’s worth pausing to celebrate.”
Wes Smith was murdered in an act of random cruelty. He’ll be buried in Memphis Saturday. The family’s response is to celebrate the remarkable life their son led — and to shower his friends and community with love.
University of Memphis athletic director Laird Vearch said this a “moment of truth” for the Tigers. But it’s more than that. It’s a moment of truth for a city that wants to keep its major-league status.
Nearly every good thing in Memphis has had to overcome fierce opposition. See Shelby Farms and the Grizz. So it’s no surprise that change didn’t come easy for the new Tom Lee Park. But the new place looks spectacular.
Richie Fletcher on his wife, Liza: “We would have late-night talks about Memphis. We could have been far away, without any worries in the world. I was always like, ‘We need to get out of here.’ But she didn’t want to leave.”
Should the city move forward with funding for the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium? Of course. But only as part of a larger agreement that keeps the Grizzlies in town. U of M president on realignment: ‘We are a well-kept secret and we should not be’Related story:
“In a perfect world, we would have a Memphis where we didn’t have to run scared. But I don’t think that day is here yet. And I don’t think we will get there if we quit.”
Jennifer Biggs wrote about food and people and angels and whiskey. When she died Wednesday of complications from cancer, Memphis lost one of its best friends.
Here’s what we learned about those who showed up Tuesday for the Memphis mayoral debate.
Sean Tuohy said he was stunned Monday when he read the allegations from Michael Oher. ‘Blind Side’ NFL lineman Michael Oher says he was tricked by Tuohy familyRelated story:
You know Clarence, the angel in “It’s a Wonderful Life?” Jack Sammons is nothing like him. But in this challenging time for Memphis, Sammons shares a story about Clarence. And Memphians should take it to heart.
Annie Ruth Taylor, 94, has 19 kids, 54 grandkids and 124 great-grandkids. OK, that’s just a rough count. But take a moment to meet the most interesting woman in Memphis — who lives in a most interesting house.
It could be that there isn’t enough for money both FedExForum and Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. And that is — at the very least — worrisome.
Murphy Culpepper has Down syndrome. He got a hole-in-one the other day. Here’s the story of how it happened — and why Murphy’s story needs to be shared.
When Lexie Johnston checked her “Ceaseless Prayer” app Tuesday, she laughed out loud. It suggested she pray for MLGW. Yes, MLGW. It’s been that kind of week in Memphis. Or that kind of week, again.
I never met Roy Herron. But I’m one of the thousands he touched. Herron — who died Sunday from injuries suffered in a Jet Ski accident earlier this month — left a legacy even more meaningful than his 26 years in public office. It’s a legacy of kindness, of showing up.
Madeline Johnson was carjacked almost a year ago. This weekend, it nearly happened again. Now this 25-year-old Memphis transplant is thinking about moving away from a city she has come to love.
“Jennifer Biggs missed The Daily Memphian lunch Friday — because she is in the hospital with Stage 4 colon cancer. But it was fitting that 70 people came together, over delicious food, to wish Biggs well. They are a part (a small part!) of the joyous community that Biggs has built with her enthusiasm, her commitment and her words.”
“I came to Memphis 27 years ago to cover sports, but, starting today, I’m going to be writing about something else. And I’m going to need your help.”
Friday may have seemed like the end of a long wait for Memphis fans. But the real suspense starts now. Herrington: Morant’s suspension, the way forward and offseason impact NBA suspends Grizzlies star Ja Morant for 25 gamesRelated stories:
Terri Bosby has presided over 50 ribbon-cuttings for the Greater Memphis Chamber this year, or more than two a week. At a difficult time in Memphis, Bosby is reminding us what determination and enthusiasm can do.
The Daily Memphian’s Geoff Calkins wins the prestigious Gary Lundy Sports Writer of the Year award; John Varlas, Drew Hill also take victories in the annual TSWA state writing contest.
Jack Sammons was as surprised as anyone by the merger of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He’s happy it could lead to the return of past champions like Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson. Beyond that, what does it mean for Memphis? FedEx Cup focuses on August as PGA Tour, LIV merger blindsides golf worldRelated story:
“To me, it didn’t sound like a farewell to social media. It sounded like someone in pain. ... Maybe the better question isn’t what the NBA will hand down, but how the league will help Morant go forward from here.”Related story:
How about Justin Timberlake? Leslie Jones? William, Prince of Wales? No connection to Memphis is too tenuous to be mayor. Who would you choose?
“Whenever Morant returns, and no matter what sort of discipline he serves, he should consider embracing a new role as a spokesperson against guns and gun violence.”