“Check washing” is a crime the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network says is surging despite the fact that the use of checks is declining.

Cyrena Wages is nothing if not honest. Honest about her music, her career and herself. It shows on her debut album, Vanity Project, and in the conversation Eric Barnes had with her on this week’s Sidebar.

Today’s sudoku is a hard one!

She wrote the 450-page novel late at night in her East Memphis home around her day job in admissions at the Southern College of Optometry.

Greg Gaston, Tim Buckley and Parth Upadhyaya discuss all that went wrong for Memphis in its loss to South Florida and what comes next on the latest episode of The Daily Memphian Tigers Podcast.

After nearly a week of winter weather, the Orpheum confirmed Jan. 18 that Timberlake’s Friday concert would continue as planned. Also Thursday, the artist posted a five-second clip from a rehearsal at the Orpheum.

Saturday’s Memphis women’s basketball game against Florida Atlantic will be played at FedExForum due to winter weather impact on campus and at Elma Roane Fieldhouse.

Water pressure has continued to drop Friday, Jan. 19, for some Memphis Light, Gas and Water customers. 

Related story:

MLGW issues boil-water advisory for all customers

“This program will accelerate and amplify this region’s work to create more pathways to prosperity for all, and especially for people who are looking for a second chance,” said Ted Townsend, Chamber president and CEO.

Jordan Allen and Amare’ Boothe are both averaging more than 30 points per game.

Macy’s plans to lay off both retail and corporate employees.

“We have to play with that edge, home or away, and that togetherness. I thought (against Minnesota) it was really good. In the fourth quarter we had a little bit of slippage, but overall, I’m really impressed,” Taylor Jenkins said. 

The City of Memphis is using all of its available resources to improve road conditions, but low temperatures are hindering those efforts.

Related stories:

Here’s the city’s priority roads for snow plowing and treatment

Olive Branch declares state of emergency

MLGW asks customers to conserve water

City urges people to stay off roads

The announcement of an electric battery manufacturer in Marshall County, coupled with the already announced BlueOval City may change the rural areas of Shelby and Fayette counties.

After a month of mostly near-misses and too-close-for-comfort wins, the Memphis Tigers finally got caught.

“Lee thinks his voucher program will become a national model. The lies told to get it, and the threats and pressure brought to bear, have already made it a national embarrassment.”

JJ’s Tropical expands, Biscuits & Jams opens Downtown and A Taste of Glenny extends its hours to include Sundays. 

Strickland vetoed a referendum ordinance that would ask voters whether the Memphis City Council could set its salary and the salary of mayor-appointed directors. The council believes the veto was done improperly.

Ready for a crossword? It should only take a minute. 

Today’s sudoku is rated medium, so it might be a little bit of a challenge.

Jaren Jackson Jr. had a game-high 36 points on 15-23 shooting, connecting on 3-6 from 3-point range and aggressively attacked Minnesota center Rudy Gobert, the once and likely future Defensive Player of the Year.

Related story:

Box score: Timberwolves 118, Grizzlies 103

On a cold and miserable night — a night when fans were urged to stay home — the Tigers blew a 20-point lead to lose to South Florida. And then Penny Hardaway hinted at ominous chemistry issues within the team. 

The No. 10 Tigers lose at home to USF and coach Penny Hardaway talks about chemistry problems within the team in his postgame remarks.

Related story:

Box score: South Florida 74, Memphis 73

The notice included the immediate Town of Walls along Old U.S.61 going west and along Highway 61 south of Goodman Road to Star Landing Road.

K.J. Tenner and Amani Lipscomb were recognized this week.