201 Poplar fire injures inmates, highlights old facility and staff issues
Four inmates at the Shelby County Jail were noncritically injured just before 10 p.m. Friday night after objects were set on fire and thrown in a housing unit.
Book bans inspire giveaway at National Civil Rights Museum reading festival
The celebration was held on the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board desegregation case ruling and featured an outdoor giveaway of children’s books for grades pre-K to sixth grade and up.
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.
Birmingham Stallions hand Memphis Showboats their fifth loss
Despite facing an early 6-point deficit, the Stallions won their sixth-straight game while pushing the Memphis losing streak to five with a 39-21 victory in front of an announced crowd of 5,609 fans.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
What Daily Memphians think*
“Nice to hear that our LOCAL music is promoted!” — Bill Carrier about Young crowd, veteran Memphis royalty mark opening night of Riverbeat fest
“We were so fortunate to have this tremendous resource in our community. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.” — Jason Hood about Four years after pandemic’s start, UTHSC shutters COVID testing lab
“It’s a great venue to see concerts, hopefully they can get it back in use.” — Michael Jones about Mud Island Amphitheater could get major renovation
* Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
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Metro
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.
City of Memphis City to ink High 5 Entertainment to 30-year lease at Liberty Park
Business
Movers & Shakers
The University of Memphis College of Education and Monogram Foods announce new positions.
Ford Megasite As plant opening nears, Ford Philanthropy hones in on West Tennessee communities
Sports
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.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis lands SMU transfer forward Tyreek Smith
Food
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.
Suburbs
White parents pushed for firing, Collierville girls basketball coach alleges
Pattie Gardner is out of a job as coach of the Collierville varsity girls basketball team and out of patience over what she calls “white privilege.”
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
Conaway: ‘Light it up,’ he told the driver
“In a world either on fire or simmering, in a country dangerously divided, in a challenged city, perspective returns in an ambulance.”
Podcasts
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.