Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | John Klyce

'A place to belong’: Memphis Youth Symphony leader reflects on changes, looks forward

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:06:39 -0500

Jenny Davis played in the orchestra as a teenager. As executive director, she’s adding ensembles, outreach and opportunities for students across the city.

Man killed Downtown in July never would've pulled a gun on National Guard, family says

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:00:02 -0500

Relatives said Tyrin Johnson, who was shot and killed by the National Guard, had traveled from Nashville to Memphis for the July 4 weekend to help shoot a music video.

Move to Memphis achieves two lifetime goals: A dream job and citizenship

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:02 -0500

Rene Lassauzet has been ALSAC’s senior vice president of brand creative for about a year-and-a-half. During that time, he’s immersed himself in the world of St. Jude, fulfilled his longtime dream of becoming an American citizen and settled into a community he has no plans to leave.

‘Kindness, warmth, and grace’: Friends, family remember war vet and ‘Wonders’ series leader Jon Thompson

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:04 -0500

Jon Thompson, the distinguished war veteran and business executive who oversaw the historical “Wonders” series in the 1990s and early 2000s, has died. He was 87.

The path was slow and frustrating. But a new American citizen says it was worth it.

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Sun, 11 Oct 2026 09:20:21 -0500

Now Carmen Hunter works at Latino Memphis, helping others overcome the challenges she once faced. “I always think, ‘What could have been if we’d stayed in Mexico?’ I don’t think I would have lived as well as I have here.”

When it comes to Joel Hobson, 'you can’t find a better example of a family man and a man of faith'

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Wed, 7 Oct 2026 19:06:01 -0500

Memphis real estate giant Joel Hobson III died on Oct. 6, at the age of 72, after a battle with liver cancer. Friends and colleagues remembered him as an advocate for the city and pillar of the community.

Memphis Hershey plant is making Ice Breakers and breaking the ice

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 5 Oct 2026 12:23:31 -0500

Hershey has made candy in Memphis for 30 years, but many people still don’t know the company has a plant here. Plant manager Reggie Dozier wants to change that.

He was killed by the Memphis Safe Task Force after a suicide call. Four months later, family and friends are still wrestling with his death.

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 04:00:13 -0500

Jonah Neal was shot and killed by a member of the Memphis Safe Task Force, who arrived after Neal’s mother called 911 saying her son was threatening to commit suicide with a handgun. For those who were close to Neal, none of it makes sense.

'Bowling saved my life’: Memphis woman gives young bowlers free gear

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 04:00:03 -0500

Latasha Peeples, raised in a motel by a grandmother who gave what she could, started a donation drive in 2022 that now gives equipment to up to 100 kids a year. This year’s drive is Oct. 3.

Which animals roam the city alongside us? The Memphis Zoo is finding out.

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:06 -0500

With some help, the Memphis Zoo has installed motion-sensing trail cameras in green spaces throughout Shelby County to learn which species live there. So far, researchers have logged 20 animals. And they’re just getting started.

Idlewild Elementary parents wanted their kids to have a safe way to bike to school. So they created a 'bike bus.'

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 04:00:03 -0500

Last spring, an Idlewild student was hit by a car as he biked to school. He wasn’t injured, but parents were angry and concerned. So they came up with an answer.

Forgotten Figures: Marion Griffin, Tennessee's first female lawyer and legislator

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 7 Sep 2026 04:00:12 -0500

The Tennessee Supreme Court refused to admit Marion Griffin to the bar twice, simply because she was a woman. But she didn’t let that stop her.

Jeff Fioranelli was struggling to finish his 7-mile run. Then hundreds of St. Mary's students cheered him on.

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 12:55:53 -0500

Jeff Fioranelli has run the same route every day for 30 years. One Wednesday, nearly 400 St. Mary’s students began clapping for him. On 901 Day, he showed up to thank them for their support.

At U of M, marine biologists are studying oysters and algae to keep humans well

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 04:00:15 -0500

Marine biologist Rachel Diner and her team at the University of Memphis are examining the microbiomes of an animal with a dramatically different body than our own: the oyster.

U of M opens 'incredible' dorm, the $57M Victory Park

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 04:00:13 -0500

University of Memphis’ new residential development includes apartments, recreational spaces and even a quick-service market.

Watchdog, activist Joe Kent dies after battle with cancer

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:17:21 -0500

Local watchdog and activist Joe B. Kent, who regularly harshly criticized local politicians, officials, and organizations at public meetings, died at age 63.

This U of M senior says God saved him from destruction. Now, he’s stepping out in faith with gospel-themed shoes

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 15:37:48 -0500

“Jesus saved me from suicide,” Joshua Oldham said. “He did so much for me. And because I love and appreciate him, the least I can do is start a business for his purposes.”

Prince Mongo dies after fall at his East Memphis home

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:36:53 -0500

Prince Mongo, the local eccentric who sported goggles and a silver wig and ran for mayor repeatedly, has died.

Ask the Memphian: When and why did Memphis install trolley lines?

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:16:43 -0500

In this week’s Ask the Memphian, we take a look at the costly, controversial, but ultimately successful effort to bring a trolley system to Memphis.

Surgical oncologist Dr. Martin Fleming takes after his father. And his son takes after him.

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Sun, 9 Aug 2026 04:00:04 -0500

As a surgical oncologist at UT Health Sciences, Dr. Martin Fleming has followed the path of his father and served as a role model for his son — in addition to training hundreds of doctors.