As Ja Morant’s stardom grows, so does Grizzlies’ marketing in China
A strong social media presence — and a Chinese actress/superfan named Yang Zhiying — fuel the Memphis NBA team’s surging popularity in the world’s biggest market.
Grizzlies poke back, beat Trail Blazers again
Dillon Brooks has a way with words and defense against the Trail Blazers, who are quickly becoming a Western Conference nemesis. Related story:
Calkins: On the sweet pleasure of beating the evil Trail Blazers
On the sixth anniversary of the game in which the Portland Trail Blazers broke Mike Conley’s face, the Grizzlies swept the evil Blazers (and reminded us how intense NBA basketball can be).
Box score: Grizzlies 120, Trail Blazers 113
April 25, 2021: Grizzlies 120, Trail Blazers 113 Grizzlies poke back, beat Trail Blazers again Calkins: On the sweet pleasure of beating the evil Trail BlazersRelated stories:
Political maneuvering begins for 2022
Cary Vaughn is the new chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party as Democrats outline a long-term data-driven strategy and the county’s only Republican elected official opens her re-election campaign.
Can an advocate reduce your COVID risk? UTHSC thinks so
University of Tennessee Health Science Center has trained health coaches to work in clinics in three cities that serve medically underserved people; and it’s taking notes on what happens.
First 0-energy, 0-carbon house is still cOzy inside
The Yoakums’ new house creates more electricity than it consumes. And it’s uber-chic, complete with a pneumatic elevator tube. Plus, the home stays snug in the winter and just as comfortable in the summer.
Coronavirus: 119 new cases, 3 additional deaths
The Shelby County Health Department reported 119 new coronavirus cases and three additional deaths Sunday, April 25.
Binghampton residents fight potential Scott Street closure
While the city and TDOT’s recommendation to close the Scott-Poplar intersection came in June 2018, many neighborhood residents and property owners did not find out until late 2020. It’s left many eager to fight the closure.
‘Tony the Transformer’ bids Terminix farewell
Tony DiLucente retired from Terminix last month after quietly providing leadership during one of the most eventful periods in the history of the company formerly known as ServiceMaster.
BancorpSouth, Cadence merger will add scale, recruiting power in Memphis
BancorpSouth shareholders will own roughly 55% and Cadence shareholders will own approximately 45% of the combined company.
How your solid waste fee ballooned to $30 a month
Here is the history behind the city’s solid waste fee and how it compares to what the city’s new private contractor for Area E is being paid and what the previous contractor was being paid. Related stories: City faces critical decision on one of its most basic services
City faces critical decision on one of its most basic services
Memphis has an emergency contract with Team Waste in Area E, probably until the end of 2021. In the interim, officials are considering whether to keep using a private waste company to manage the area or expand city services to cover it. Related stories:
A short history of Area E
The solid waste route system covering Cordova, Hickory Hill and East Memphis began as a first step toward privatizing all city solid waste collections during the tenure of a different mayor. Related stories: City faces critical decision on one of its most basic services
An April playlist, and the future of live music
Tickets for Levitt Shell’s first two fundraising concerts sold out within hours, indicating that audiences are chomping at the bit for live music and shared experiences.
Metro
On two Memphis farms, veterans are getting back to nature
“The farming aspect is really dope, but I ultimately like having that feeling of service,” said one veteran.
Metro New deputy governor, county commission turnover, and Washington votes
State Government National Guard becomes issue in Tennessee governor’s race
Premium Spirit of Memphis The ‘greatest era of all’ — symphony conductor Robert Moody, a decade in
Business
Hyde Park housing plan ‘an answered prayer’ for some residents
“New structures and new individuals and new ideas will have to bridge the gap between a dying community and a living community,” said Hyde Park resident Jairus Winfrey.
Premium Health Care Mission Cataract saves vision for those most in need
Premium Transportation & Logistics Runners will take off at airport’s first Runway 5K
Premium Real Estate Food Files: Joe is ramblin’ on Sam Cooper
Sports
Buckley: Torn ACL? No problem. Tigers’ ‘RoboCop’ shreds Arkansas.
Memphis running back Sutton Smith missed most of last season following knee surgery. Stronger now, he had a career day in the Tigers’ upset win over the Razorbacks.
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Calkins: How did Memphis beat Arkansas? With a miracle. And heart.
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Top plays that aided the Tigers’ comeback against Arkansas
Memphis Tigers Football Smith’s run, Bracy’s hit help Memphis edge Arkansas
Food
Sound Bites: Looking back at the smorgasbord so far
This season so far on Sound Bites, we’ve offered unsolicited advice, heard some hot takes, interviewed barbecue royalty and swapped stories with Memphis restauranteurs.
Suburbs
Two Bartlett barbers strike out on their own with new shop
Two barbers who formerly worked at the Stage Road Barber Shop have opened The Barber Shop, an old-fashioned clip business around the corner from their former employer.
Arts & Culture
The ‘greatest era of all’ — symphony conductor Robert Moody, a decade in
When Robert Moody joined the Memphis Symphony in 2016, the orchestra was in danger of collapsing due to financial challenges. But Moody believed the MSO could survive.
Opinion
Opinion: An open letter to Memphis and a farewell
“For my final column, I wanted to write a letter to Memphis, to the city I love and that has made so much of my story possible,” Narcisse said.
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: Football fun and a hot air balloon blast
On this morning’s episode of The AM/DM, we get into the Memphis Tigers’ last SEC football game (for a while, at least), where you can see hot air balloons take flight and why you might want to hit the Totally Rad Vintage Fest.
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Cooper-Young Festival crowds
Today’s jigsaw puzzle features a photo from the 37th annual Cooper-Young Festival taken by freelance photographer Brad Vest.