Memphis Police Association sues city, deepening rift
The lawsuit ─ a counterclaim filed after the city filed its lawsuit to vacate an arbitrator’s ruling ─ stems from the ongoing dispute over second lieutenants.
Elizabeth Lemmonds has a brain tumor and no health insurance, a sadly American tale
Lemmonds has a brain tumor and no health care. Why is she telling her story? “Someone reading this is going to get hit ... by a diagnosis that is going to bankrupt them,” she said.
The Early Word: Morant, Miller ink a deal; Mapco rises from Hop-in’s ashes
General Assembly ends for the year, Kevin Ritz gets grilled and BluffCakes is closing (but you can still order giant cookies).
Mike Miller sees new client Ja Morant as top five in the NBA
Mike Miller believes Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will show the world he’s a top five NBA player, the former Grizz-turned-NBA agent said in the wake of Morant hiring Miller and his agency to represent him.Related story:
County Commissioner calls for resignation of General Sessions judge
Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright criticized General Session Judge Bill Anderson’s push for more defendants to be released on their own recognizance.
ECS names former bank CEO as new head of school
Hauss, a graduate of the University of Memphis, spent more than three decades in senior management in the banking industry and has been involved with ECS for more than 20 years, including serving as a member of the ECS Board of Trustees for 14 years.
Bailey: If Buc-ee’s is coming, I guess I’ll have to get in line
The first Buc-ee’s in West Tennessee could be headed to the Gallaway exit of Interstate 40, close enough to make a run for some brisket, jerky and sparkling restrooms.
Food Files: BluffCakes’ owner says closure is reinvention, not goodbye
Plus, Casarap is closing, and the Starbucks in Millington is remodeling.
Automotive supplier will bring 500 new jobs to West Tennessee
“Landing Ford Motor Co. created a ripple effect statewide as we continue to see Tier 1 suppliers like Avancez choosing to locate in Tennessee,” said the Tennessee Economic and Community Development commissioner.
Keep the power on or keep it green? The paradox of tree trimming
Foliage has historically caused about 40% of power outages in Memphis, but thick canopies shelter residents from the sun and harsh winds, meaning tree trimming is a balancing act for MLGW.
New Brookhaven restaurant approved, gas station on Poplar returning
The undisclosed restaurant will have more than 2,700 square feet of indoor space.
Ja Morant names Mike Miller as his new agent
Ja Morant reportedly hires former Memphis Grizzlies player and Tigers assistant coach Mike Miller as his new agent. Mike Miller sees new client Ja Morant as top five in the NBARelated story:
State legislative session ends, with changes to bail, biz taxes and barbecue
After more than three months of debates and votes, the 113th Tennessee General Assembly is going home this week. Their decisions include making Memphis barbecue the second state food.
Suburban schools push back on arming teachers
School leaders respond to a bill that could allow Tennessee teachers to carry guns on campus.
Discovery in Nichols’ civil suit could be confidential
Tyre Nichols’ family and estate are seeking $550 million in damages in a case that follows Nichols’ beating and later death in January 2023.
Blended sentencing bill heads to governor’s desk
Under the bill, juvenile court can keep the minor under its jurisdiction until the teen’s 19th birthday, after which the court is authorized to impose an additional sentence to be served on or before their 24th birthday if they violate conditions.
Memphis pottery brand joins Belltower Studio
After closing her ceramics store, the head of Paper & Clay reached out to Belltower, a cafe and pottery studio, to sell her equipment — a conversation that molded into a partnership.
MSCS leader announces 60-member transition team
“These seasoned educators, students, and community and business leaders will share their journeys and provide sharp recommendations for solutions,” Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins said.
Americana star Allison Russell opens for Hozier in Southaven
Since her last Memphis-area show 18 months ago, the multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter has won a Grammy Award, headlined an international tour and hosted a fundraising concert with Jason Isbell.
$10 Deal: Mi Tierra’s Bandeja Paisa is a dish for any meal
There are quite a few variations on the Bandeja Paisa, but at Mi Tierra, it’s a heavy plate.
Kevin Ritz grilled during US Senate Judiciary Committee hearing
Senators in Washington, D.C., recently grilled Memphis’ top federal prosecutor about his past as he awaits confirmation to a federal judgeship.
What Daily Memphians think*
“You had me at rodent-covered merch.” — Carlos Bosch about The Early Word: Two judgeships get the ax, but at least Buc-ee's is coming
“It sounds like Mr. Sanford has finally come to the point that many in the community have been.... That the situation is out of control and the ineffectiveness of leaders to address is leaving us with a feeling of hopelessness...” — Don Bursi about Sanford: Orange Mound shooting struck a nerve. But we cannot concede defeat
“... Can Memphis enter the transfer portal and go to Arkansas or Mississippi?” — Kevin Combs about Tennessee Legislature to remove two local judgeships
* Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
Rhodes stages team Venture Challenge; top prize is $15,000
“The Venture Challenge epitomizes our dedication to nurturing the entrepreneurial talents of our students, and it’s an exciting platform for them to showcase their innovative ideas and business acumen,” said Rhodes College President Jennifer Collins.
Memphis postpones Jayden Quaintance visit, welcomes TJ Bamba
A source confirmed to The Daily Memphian Thursday afternoon that Memphis postponed the visit for the 6-foot-9 big man from North Carolina’s Word of God Christian Academy.
New FACS coach Shelvie Rose embraces high expectations
The state champion in 2023 at Overton is betting on himself at his destination job.
Tennessee 4th graders await test scores — and outcome of debate on policies that could hold back thousands
Carly Fair, who has children in Tennessee public schools, was a lobbyist at the state Capitol for families like hers who have a fourth-grade child at risk of being held back under a 2021 reading law.
Downtown Memphis Commission hires communications vice president
Milton Howery III is often referred to as “Milton Memphis” for his constant dedication to promoting the city.
Monogram Foods taps longtime Kellogg’s exec to oversee supply chain
Memphis-based Monogram Foods has $1.4 billion in revenue and employs more than 4,000 employees at 13 facilities in seven states.
Collierville baseball standout wins athlete-of-the-week vote
Brody Winemiller was recognized by Daily Memphian readers after delivering a key hit in a victory against the nation’s No. 19 team.
The To-Do List: Crystals, chalk art, crawfish and cafe au lait
This week, see Brittany Howard and Kingfish in Oxford, eat breakfast for dinner for a cause and get all the free stuff at Strangewaze Wednesdaze.
Metro
D.C. Scorecard: U.S. aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan votes reveal bipartisanship limits
The D.C. Scorecard finds some bipartisanship among the state’s House delegation to Washington. The city’s two Congressmen — one Democratic and the other Republican — voted for aid packages to Taiwan, Ukraine and Israel — although for different reasons. The state’s two Republican Senators voted against the aid.
State Government Tennessee to criminalize giving help to minors seeking abortions
Business
FTC bans noncompete clauses; objectors quickly file suit
Broadcast industry celebrates the victory but crosses fingers that ban will stick.
Business High Court appears to favor Starbucks in Memphis 7 case
Sports
As Blake Watson awaits NFL Draft call, Tigers running backs move forward
“Blake Watson is an NFL running back,” Memphis Tigers coach Ryan Silverfield said as the 2024 draft approaches. With Watson gone, South Carolina transfer Mario Anderson and others line up to replace him.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: Veatch accomplished much at Memphis. Who takes Tigers to next level?
Food
Secret Smash Society founders to open Hard Times Deli
The chefs affectionately known around Memphis as the “Patty Daddys” are opening a new restaurant where they can support their families and “not have to work for the man.”
Suburbs
Buc-ee’s coming to Fayette County, official says
“We are delighted that Buc-ee’s has chosen Fayette County as their West Tennessee site,” Senator Page Walley, R-Bolivar, said in statement released Wednesday.
Arts & Culture
MIM Barbecue Contest to feature Marcy Playground, Ingram Hill
The Memphis in May event at Liberty Park will also have celebrity pitmasters doing cooking demonstrations and 129 teams from 22 states and four foreign countries competing for barbecue honors.
Opinion
Sanford: Orange Mound shooting spree struck a nerve. But we cannot concede defeat.
We’ve had plenty of rallies, vigils and marches. We’ve created one anti-violence group after another. We’ve floated balloons as well as ideas. And still, the deaths keep coming.
Podcasts
Reporters address what elements might add up to property-tax hike
A reporters roundtable on “Behind The Headlines” talks about Mayor Paul Young’s property tax hike proposal, new figures showing a drop in crime and first moves by the new MSCS superintendent.