Announcing the birth of our nation’s 51st state:

The State of West Tennessee.

For years, Memphis has competed at the highest level in college sports. That is in jeopardy now. The NCAA and the Power 5 have agreed that Power 5 schools can pay roughly $20 million a year in direct payments to college athletes. How is a school like Memphis supposed to compete?

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NCAA, Power 5 leagues sign off on plan that includes paying athletes

Whether Wanda Halbert is removed from office or not, this community has grown tired of her. Except for a handful of apologists, everyone is weary of the incompetence, excuses and double talk.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Personal finance apps like Brigit may be new, but established consumer protection principles apply. 

“To honor my father, let’s build a post-pandemic community full of duty, honor and country.”

“Recycling is rarely picked up on the date of collection and is often on the curb for four or five days.”

“Here are just three Memphis medical miracles, three that have touched my life, brought about by people who have touched the lives of literally millions. Nowhere do we recognize all of our medical professionals, but there could be a way — and a place — to do so.”

The YMCA needs lifeguards. The football-playing kids at PURE Academy need to learn how to swim. The two organizations hit on a creative way to solve both problems. And it’s already making quite a splash.

“I propose increasing MLGW’s board to seven voting members: five who live in Memphis and two who live outside Memphis.”

“When I consider my mother’s version of motherhood, ... I think she can count her wins by what she chose not to do.”

“Older Americans Month’s theme ‘Powered by Connection’ recognizes ‘the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.’”

Like us, Memphis barbecue doesn’t need fancy; it abhors pretense and imitation; it stands on its own; it’s one of a kind and we’re happy to share.

“We cannot just wait, though, until students reach our doors as adults. We have to reach them earlier and younger; we cannot, however, do it alone.”

Kevin Ritz’s confirmation before the full Senate is far from a slam dunk. His April 17 confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee was, to put it mildly, brutal, and Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, a Ritz supporter, said his chances are 50-50. 

Mack Weaver, the new president and CEO of Memphis in May, was asked about “the competition” in BBQ contests this year. “There’s another contest going on?” he deadpanned. Yes, Memphis, there certainly is.

“According to the latest statistics, Memphis’s population is 621,000, and 16.5% are uninsured, meaning 102,000 are affected.”

Hazel Moore could have styled hair, taken care of her children and decided that was enough. Instead, she looked around, noticed things in the community needed doing — and figured she might as well do them herself.

“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.”

“In a world either on fire or simmering, in a country dangerously divided, in a challenged city, perspective returns in an ambulance.”

“Chronic absenteeism has a devastating impact on a child’s achievement and long-term potential. However, we refuse to accept this as fate; instead, we view it as a call to action for our entire community.”

LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard dominated for more than a decade. This could be the first time since 2005 none of them are in the second round of playoffs.

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Grizzlies Insider: Combine changes should help Memphis evaluate draft talent

Two decades ago, Gabrielle Rose walked away from swimming in disappointment. Now, at 46, she’s the oldest swimmer on record to ever qualify for the U.S. Olympic trials.