Seeding inspiration: Memphians get the dirt on blooming gardens
During the 2024 Cooper-Young Garden Walk, attendees toured herb gardens and backyard oases throughout the historic Midtown neighborhood.
This Week in Memphis: Sentencing in Phil Trenary’s death; Stax doc on HBO
Also happening this week: Memphis turns 205, and the Shelby County Commission and Memphis City Council take budget breaks for regularly scheduled meetings.
Battle of the Barbecue draws to a close
After a week of two simultaneous barbecue-cooking competitions, the victor is clear: hungry barbecue lovers and fans across the city of Memphis.
Memphis in May names barbecue contest winners
“We’re on top of the world,” Brooke Lewis said to a crowd of hundreds a few moments before fireworks erupted over the stage in Liberty Park.
SmokeSlam announces first-ever winners
Organizers said the $250,000 in prize money is the biggest purse in barbecue contest history; the Grand Champion took home a $50,000 prize.
County Commission to get legal advice on cutting unfilled Sheriff’s Office positions
The County Commission has several Shelby County Sheriff’s Office items to vote on Monday, from emergency money for new jail door locks to calling for collaboration on what happens next at the juvenile detention center on Old Getwell Road.
Opinion: The hurdles facing a Mud Island Amphitheater renovation
“We at Memphis River Parks Partnership have taken a decidedly business approach to Mud Island’s future. We’ve been working ... to create a context for how our community can make the wisest decision for the future.”
Memphis music icon joining Beale Street Walk of Fame
Bobby Whitlock grew up in Millington and got his start at Stax Records. He was a member of Derek and the Dominoes, the classic English band that included Eric Clapton, and also recorded with George Harrison, Dr. John, the Rolling Stones and more
Meet Mary Wagner, newest face on Tennessee Supreme Court
Her appointment to the state’s highest court marks the apex of a 15-year legal career that she’s been working toward since childhood.
U of M saxophonist will solo with US Army Concert Band in June
Two days before the concert, Andrew Stine will audition for an opening in the concert band, a test of nerve before one of the biggest days of his life.
City Council Scorecard: the road to a 75-cent property-tax hike proposal
The City Council Scorecard looks at the April surprise that scuttled plans by Mayor Paul Young for a budget proposal with no property-tax hike.
Collierville plans $17M for fire department, library and more
The Collierville capital-improvements projects include big-ticket items from traffic signals and ambulances to theater enhancements.
Former Titans help host Germantown wellness event
Co-hosted by NFL Alumni Tennessee, Meharry Medical College and the Shelby County Health Department, the event featured information for attendees to improve their health and wellness.
Tigers end baseball season with Senior Day win
Although the win-loss record wasn’t enough to make the postseason, coach Matt Riser said seeds have been planted to grow a strong future for Memphis Tigers baseball. Memphis Tigers baseball plays longest game in program historyRelated story:
MUS downs McCallie for TSLA lacrosse title
Tucker Davis scores four times as the Memphis University School Owls win 15th Tennessee Scholastic Lacrosse Association championship in Williamson County.
Showboats fall at Michigan, drop seventh straight
Former Panther Josh Love almost led the Showboats (1-7) to a comeback victory against his former team, but it was not to be as Memphis lost its seventh straight.
‘Meat’ up with the Wienermobile at two Memphis-area stores
One of only six Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles in the world is coming to two Memphis-area Krogers Sunday, May 19, and Monday, May 20.
St. Jude hosts first kindergarten graduation in 5 years
In the hospital’s first ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic, 22 patients graduated from the Imagine Academy by Chili’s, which is the hospital’s school that is accredited as a special-purpose institution.
Purdue transfer, former Germantown standout commits to Memphis
DJ Allen is the sixth defensive player to commit to Memphis since spring practice ended.Related content:
Narcisse: ‘It’s 10 o’clock. Do you know where our children are?’
“Accounting for the lives, time and experiences of the young people in our community is not the sole responsibility of parents. We are each responsible.”
Echols: ‘Trees are remarkable storytellers’
“The trunk that reaches to the heavens is telling my family’s story in real time, and real time is passing much more quickly than anyone ever told me it would.”
Movers & Shakers
Shelby County Mayor’s Office, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Rhodes College’s Office of Academic Affairs and Hollywood Feed announce promotions and additions.
Sudoku: May 19
Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus.
Crossword: Smokin’ hot
This week’s crossword puzzle features hints from The Daily Memphian’s recent stories about the Memphis in May International Barbecue Cooking Contest and SmokeSlam.
Metro
Court coverage: After verdict, Hernandez Govan wants to hug his son and leave Memphis
The man accused of organizing the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph in 2021 has been found not guilty of being behind the star’s death. He spent nine months in jail.
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Mayor claps back at sheriff, and Govan is not guilty
City of Memphis MLGW eyes Smith & Nephew building for new control room
Premium City of Memphis Elephants, sharks and a $250M plan: Zoo renovation details take shape
Business
At 3, he was diagnosed with kidney disease. At 35, he’s telling his story over coffee.
In a Memphis coffeeshop, Artavius Veasey encourage people of color, who make up about 60% of the 100,000 individuals on the national transplant waiting list, to consider organ donation.
Business IP closing two mills, selling cellulose fibers business for $1.5B
Real Estate Tonica receives $30,000 to help open Downtown location
Transportation & Logistics $50.6M in federal grants awarded to Memphis International Airport
Sports
Thursday prep report: Briarcrest impresses in opening win over ECS
Briarcrest’s J.D. Donaldson scored three first-half touchdowns as the Saints rolled — mostly.
Sports No. 24 Memphis crushes Kennesaw State in women’s soccer
High School Sports Prep Football 2025: The players who could lead the Red Devils to the promised land
Premium Memphis Grizzlies There’s a new Ja 3 in stores. It’s selling fast.
Food
Table Talk: If you can’t stand the heat, try working in a restaurant kitchen
One restaurant owner has allowed her staff to come to work out of uniform, trading chef’s coats and pants for tees and shorts, just to keep them more comfortable.
Suburbs
Southaven’s KIRBY plays tribute to Mississippi in new album
The album is a “familial” record, KIRBY says, based on her “Mississippi Black American experience.”
Arts & Culture
Southaven’s KIRBY plays tribute to Mississippi in new album
The album is a “familial” record, KIRBY says, based on her “Mississippi Black American experience.”
Opinion
Opinion: Greater Memphis Chamber award signals new era for city
For too long, our city has been defined by others. This national recognition tells a different story — one of a city that’s leveraging its unique assets to compete on the global stage.
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: Sing along to KPop Demon Hunters or Darius Rucker
In this episode of The AM/DM, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips talk about what to do this weekend.