Memphis News Today: Stories That Matter to Our City

The Memphis Zoo’s beloved black bear, River, has captured hearts online after a recent video showed him turning a simple wheelbarrow into the ultimate lounging spot. In the clip, posted by the Memphis Zoo on August 5, the 20-year-old bear flips over a bright yellow wheelbarrow left in his habitat as enrichment. After a few…

On Labor Day morning, as cities across the country gather for parades and celebrations, Memphis will hit the pavement for a different kind of gathering—one grounded in unity, healing, and forward momentum. The Unite Memphis 5K and 1-Mile Walk/Run returns for its fourth year on Monday, September 1 at 9:01 a.m., and for the first…

Tucked behind an unassuming “FCS” sign in the heart of Harbor Town, Fat Charlie’s Speakeasy has quietly become one of Downtown Memphis’ best-kept secrets. Now, the secret’s out—this cozy cigar bar and cocktail lounge has been named one of USA TODAY’s 29 Bars of the Year for 2025. Founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife team Will…

The City of Memphis is moving forward with a $55 million renovation of AutoZone Park, signaling a strong commitment to keeping the Memphis Redbirds in the city long-term and potentially sparking new development around the stadium. In June, the city signed a contract with project management firm Vieste, marking the beginning of what is described…

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is laying the groundwork for the most ambitious building project in its history—a towering 16-story research facility that will shape the future of pediatric care and innovation in Memphis. A newly filed $43.8 million construction permit with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development marks the beginning…

Two of Memphis’ most iconic landmarks are earning national acclaim. In Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, Sun Studio and Graceland were named among the top attractions in the country—cementing Memphis’ status as a must-visit destination for music lovers and culture seekers alike. Sun Studio claimed the No. 3 spot on Tripadvisor’s…

When most people think of Memphis, they picture world-famous barbecue, soulful blues, and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. But Memphis is also a logistics powerhouse—home to the world’s busiest cargo airport, one of the top trucking corridors in the country, and major global companies like FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper. With a strong workforce…

The University of Memphis baseball program continues to shine on the national stage, with current stars and alumni making headlines across the country in 2025. Most recently, right-handed pitcher James Smith IV was selected by the New York Mets in the 14th round of the 2025 MLB Draft as the 433rd overall pick. Smith made…

Memphis is investing in the people and organizations shaping a more equitable future for our city. This week, the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced $6.5 million in grants to 35 organizations working at the frontlines of housing stability, homelessness prevention, and neighborhood revitalization. These grants come through the Strategic…