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

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.

Improv theater helps at-risk young people learn a new script

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 15:30:23 -0500

Time on stage helps Memphis Allies’ SWITCH participants, including many former gang members, becoming more confident, sociable, empathetic and aware of their emotions.

Longest tenured zookeeper Morgan Powers retires after 55 years

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 17:07:48 -0500

On Friday, July 31, Morgan Powers retired after working at the Memphis Zoo for more than half a century. Here’s a look at his long and exciting career.

Inspired by Mark Twain, retired teacher travels the Mississippi River on a homemade raft

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:48:55 -0500

Charles Phillips takes a break at Mud Island Marina from the Huck Finn journey that’s been exciting, enlightening, and on occasion terrifying.

Ask the Memphian: Will the Memphis Art Museum land major touring exhibitions?

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:00:12 -0500

From a fresh start to a growing gallery to more national recognition and tourists, here’s why the Memphis Art Museum staffers are so excited about the tantalizing possibilities that will come with the new space.

The life and 'great legacy' of banking executive, philanthropist Jack Moore

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:21:43 -0500

“If you think about things that are important in life — your family, your faith, your community, leading, and investing back in the community — that’s what Jack Moore was all about.”

Memphis' forgotten figures: Nursing pioneer Lena Angevine Warner

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:20:52 -0500

This week, we take a look at the life of Lena Angevine Warner, who survived a case of yellow fever, served on Walter Reed’s team that identified its cause and revolutionized nursing in Tennessee.

Memphian who fought Muhammad Ali, served as Green Beret and became Secret Service agent dies

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:31:10 -0500

Henry Hooper II, who died July 12 at the age of 87, had an illustrious life and career.

'A deep love’: Inside the life and career of Trey Crump, Memphis Heritage's first executive director in four years

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:08 -0500

Trey Crump has had a passion for historic buildings. Now, he’s been chosen to lead the nonprofit dedicated to preserving them. Here’s how he got to Memphis Heritage — and what he plans to do.

Ask the Memphian: How does the Orpheum determine its Broadway season lineup?

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:08 -0500

Orpheum Theatre CEO Brett Batterson sees almost every new Broadway production in New York. The first question he asks himself: Should he bring it to Memphis?

How does the Memphis Zoo safely care for venomous snakes?

jklyce@dailymemphian.com (John Klyce) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:05 -0500

To celebrate World Snake Day, Chris Baker, associate curator of reptiles at the Memphis Zoo, discusses how he and his team safely care for venomous snakes and why he thinks they’re such remarkable animals.