Memphis’ Nae’Qwan Tomlin receives invite to NBA G League Elite Camp
The Harlem, New York, native averaged 14 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game through the 21 games he appeared in for Memphis this past season.
Four years after pandemic’s start, UTHSC shutters COVID testing lab
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, UTHSC’s lab provided testing for Memphians across the city, from the Memphis Grizzlies to the city’s homeless community, and analyzed tests from the drive-thru testing site at Tiger Lane.
Young crowd, veteran Memphis royalty mark opening night of Riverbeat fest
A Memphis festival got off to a very Memphis start with the Lucky 7 Brass Band. In the wings were Odesza, Carla Thomas, Eric Gales and more.Related story:
Regional One transformation could begin this summer
Reginald Coopwood says on “Behind The Headlines” the hospital’s shift to an academic center involves growing medical specialties that could fund itself. Coopwood also addressed calls for more funding from Arkansas and Mississippi.
Former Kroger security guard convicted of first-degree murder
Shelby County Criminal Court Division 8 Judge Chris Craft sentenced Livingston to life in prison after the verdict was read Friday, May 3. Jury begins deliberation in Kroger security guard’s murder trialRelated story:
Juvenile Court building made staff members sick, clerk says
Shelby County’s Juvenile Court clerk said Friday building conditions had been making employees sick prior to mold, asbestos and lead being discovered there last week.
Mud Island Amphitheater could get major renovation
The City of Memphis’ proposed capital-improvement budget includes issuing $17.6 million in debt over four years for the amphitheater’s renovation. A potential big-name operator could be interested, too.
Being a college freshman in pandemic was tough, then it got worse
LaNerra Gray lost her scholarships, then her mother, but nothing was going to keep her from earning a teaching degree.
Ja Morant case: Teen’s mother says attorneys ‘unethical’
Joshua Holloway’s attorneys withdrew from the case on Friday, citing a conflict with the Holloway family that cannot be reconciled. Holloway is suing Grizzlies star Ja Morant over a pickup basketball fight.
Tigers aren’t getting caught up in 2024 season hype
There has been lots of positive buzz surrounding the Memphis football team since the 2023 season ended, but the Tigers aren’t patting themselves on the back prematurely.
City to ink High 5 Entertainment to 30-year lease at Liberty Park
High 5 would build an entertainment facility that would include a full-service restaurant and bar with bowling, video games and laser tag.
Memphis’ David Jones invited to 2024 NBA Draft Combine
Jones averaged a team-high 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 38% from 3-point range this past season for the Tigers.
Lakeland approves mixed-use commercial project along U.S. 70
The Heathfield project received its latest approval during a Lakeland Board of Commissioners meeting this week as development along U.S. 70 steadily continues.
Food Files: Playa Bowls opening; Itta Bena and B.B. King’s renovated
Tennessee’s first-ever Playa Bowls opens in Memphis, Itta Bena and B.B. King’s Blues Club are renovated, and Central Station Memphis adds a Conductor’s Club.
Bailey: Maybe Memphis isn’t only reason for crime in DeSoto
Prosecutor Matthew Barton says a new judge under consideration in Hernando doesn’t hold the same hard line on crime as Barton. Meanwhile, the DeSoto County sheriff says there are more to the problems than those associated with Memphis.
MSCS’ $200 million funding request reflects soaring cost of new high schools
MSCS is asking the county for more than $200 million in funding for school buildings, both to address maintenance needs at existing schools and to support construction of two new high schools.
What Daily Memphians think*
“The fact of the matter is people who move to Fayette County have easy access to all Memphis and Shelby County retail and medical services. Their move to Fayette is driven by taxes and crime.” — Al Montgomery about Solid-waste fee goes up in city budget proposal, too
“What (an) unbelievably bad idea.” — Colin Butler about City to ink High 5 Entertainment to 30-year lease at Liberty Park
“Police should be trained and armed to handle any situation.” — Danny Livingston about Could MPD change how officers are armed? Davis says it’s possible.
*Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
Guest Column: The beauty of track and field
“Track is unique because it is both an individual and a team sport. It is a meritocracy in which the best time wins and the fastest athletes get to perform regardless of the opinions of parents or coaches. But the competition in track is not just between runners, but most importantly within each runner too.”
Sudoku: May 4
Ready for today’s sudokus?
LifeDoc’s journey providing health care in Memphis
Pedro Velasquez joined Eric Barnes to talk about LifeDoc’s mission, his family’s journey from Venezuela to Memphis, and the organization’s evolution nearly 20 years after its founding.
Sound Bites: Quizzing Daily Memphian staffers, part three
Here’s part three of asking Daily Memphian staffers their food hot takes, date night ideas, lunch plans and more. Digital desk manager Elle Perry, digital producer Nick Lingerfelt and reporter Sophia Surrett are in the hot seat.
Metro
Jury begins deliberation in Kroger security guard’s murder trial
Jurors and family members watched intently as the state and the defense presented closing arguments on day five of the trial for Gregory Livingston.
Premium City of Memphis Could MPD change how officers are armed? Davis says it’s possible.
Business
As plant opening nears, Ford Philanthropy hones in on West Tennessee communities
As Ford Motor Co. inches closer to the 2025 opening of its BlueOval City megasite, the company’s philanthropic arm is investing in the West Tennessee communities on which Ford will rely for its workforce.
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Sports
Memphis lands SMU transfer forward Tyreek Smith
Smith, a 6-foot-8 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native, averaged 8.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game this past season for the Mustangs.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis begins search for new AD, forms advisory committee
Food
$10 Deal: Belltower’s chicken sando
It might sound boring to spend too much time talking up a chicken sandwich, but Belltower’s is a sleeper hit.
Suburbs
Collierville Schools budget to invest ‘big and bold’ in staff
Collierville Schools’ proposed $137.2 million budget highlights its appreciation for the district’s teachers and includes holiday bonuses.
Arts & Culture
An ogre, a king, a blonde and a bunch more stars come to Memphis
“Shrek the Musical” and “Legally Blonde” are some of the shows coming to theater stages across Memphis. Plus, a Pulitzer Prize winning comedy-drama makes its regional premiere at Circuit Playhouse.
Opinion
Herrington: There’s upheaval in NBA playoffs. The Grizzlies watch and wait
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard dominated for more than a decade. This could be the first time since 2005 none of them are in the second round of playoffs. Grizzlies Insider: Combine changes should help Memphis evaluate draft talentRelated story:
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Quizzing Daily Memphian staffers, part one
Hot takes, date ideas and breakfast opinions are all on the menu for this week’s special edition of Sound Bites, featuring quick interviews with Daily Memphian staffers.