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Articles by Joel Haley
How Auburn football commit Khamoni Williams' fast start has Southwind rolling
Southwind continued its hot start to the season behind Auburn football commit Khamoni Williams' three-touchdown game as the Jaguars crushed Ridgeway, 63-0, during Week 2 of the TSSAA football season on Aug. 28.
How Auburn football commit Khamoni Williams' fast start has Southwind rolling
Joel Haley Memphis Commercial Appeal Updated Aug. 28, 2026, 10:52 p.m. CT Southwind High School defeated Ridgeway 63-0, improving their season record to 2-0. Auburn commit Khamoni Williams scored three touchdowns during the game. Junior Logan Hughes contributed two kick return touchdowns for the Jaguars.
Memphis football commit Malik Dean takes on leadership role now at Whitehaven
Joel Haley Memphis Commercial Appeal Aug. 27, 2026, 5:02 a.m. CT Malik Dean, a three-star cornerback, has committed to the University of Memphis football program. After three seasons at Germantown, Dean has transferred to Whitehaven High School for his senior year. Dean is now focused on becoming a leader for Whitehaven's defense under returning coach Stan Collins. The hard part is over.
Memphis football commit Malik Dean takes on leadership role now at Whitehaven
The hard part is over. With recruitment pressure behind him, after committing to Charles Huff and the Memphis football, Whitehaven cornerback transfer Malik Dean is now focused on stepping into a leadership role at one of Memphis' premier public high school football programs.
Predicting Memphis area's top 8 TSSAA football games for Week 2 of 2026 season
Joel Haley Memphis Commercial Appeal Updated Aug. 26, 2026, 7:15 a.m. CT Week 2 of the Memphis-area high school football season features several key matchups. The Game of the Week pits Southwind against Ridgeway, with Southwind coming off a strong Week 1 performance. Several teams, including Houston and Bartlett, are looking to build on dominant Week 1 rushing performances.
How Raderius Robertson's 4 TD performance powered Houston football past Germantown
GERMANTOWN — Houston followed up their first round playoff win against Germantown last year with a 40-6 blowout over the Red Devils in the first game of the 2026 TSSAA football season at home on Aug. 21. The Mustangs started sloppy, with a fumble on their first drive, deep into opposition territory setting up Germantown's first offensive drive.
How Malcom Jack stepped into QB role once held by a Southwind football legend
The Southwind Jaguars have been treated to some special quarterback play over the last three years from former star Kelvin Perkins.
Germantown vs Houston tops Week 1's best TSSAA football games in Memphis area
The 2026 TSSAA football season has arrived. The Memphis area enters the fall with a different look than it had a year ago. The offseason brought a wave of movement across the city, from a historic amount of transfers, including six of the top 10 Memphis-area quarterbacks changing schools, to major coaching changes like former Ridgeway head coach Duron Sutton taking over at Germantown following Gene Robinson’s departure.
Three fans' suggestions on what FedEx St. Jude Championship can do to keep it elite
Since the announcement that the FedEx St. Jude Championship will lose its premier status on the PGA Tour after 2027 , there has been plenty of chatter throughout the golf world about what can be done to convince the tour to reconsider the decision. But while TPC Southwind continues to provide a stage for some of the best golfers in the world, fans have had to deal with another challenge of their own: the Memphis heat .
Cancer survivor, 15, gets Purple Eagle plane honor at FedEx St. Jude Championship
This story was updated to correct factual errors The night before surgery, Southaven's Luis Carlos admitted he feared the worst. He was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in 2022 at age 11. It's is a fast-growing, cancerous brain tumor that starts in the cerebellum, the lower back part of the brain that controls balance and coordination. “I'm afraid to die,” Luis said then. For Luis' mom, Maria Curiel, those were no words a child should have to say.
Cancer survivor, 15, gets Purple Eagle plane honor at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Aug. 12, 2026, 3:59 p.m. CT A Memphis teen named Luis Carlos was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in 2023. Luis was honored at the FedEx St. Jude Championship's Purple Eagle program, which names a plane after a patient. After successful surgery and treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Luis is now in remission. Luis is now returning to activities like soccer, baseball, and golf. The night before surgery, Memphis' Luis Carlos admitted he feared the worst.
Cancer survivor, 15, gets Purple Eagle plane honor at FedEx St. Jude Championship
This story was updated to correct factual errors The night before surgery, Southaven's Luis Carlos admitted he feared the worst. He was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in 2022 at age 11. It's is a fast-growing, cancerous brain tumor that starts in the cerebellum, the lower back part of the brain that controls balance and coordination. "I'm afraid to die," Luis said then. For Luis' mom, Maria Curiel, those were no words a child should have to say.
Restaurants, coffee shops where FedEx St. Jude golfers might go in Memphis Original
Aug. 12, 2026, 8:53 a.m. CT It's FedEx St. Jude Championship time in Memphis, and that means there are 69 PGA Tour playoff golfers and their entourages occupying the city of Memphis at one time. These athletes bring their own routines and preferences with them, including where they choose to eat, grab a coffee or unwind away from the course. Here are three spots around Memphis where you might catch them this week, with the tournament running Aug. 13-16.
Memphis is still in its hottest stretch. Here's when it will cool down
July 31, 2026, 5:02 a.m. CT When is Memphis at its boiling point? Memphians feel the sweltering heat from the hot southern months all summer long, but there are historically a couple of weeks that could be labeled as "the hottest." With information provided by Phillip Baker with The National Weather Service, Memphis usually experiences its hottest period of time between July 1 and mid-August.
How Memphis program helped teens find new path after criminal charges
Two dozen Memphis-area teenagers who once faced serious criminal charges were recognized on July 29 for turning their lives around through a community-based intervention program focused on accountability, rehabilitation and support.
UT health science center expanding Health Hubs program across Tennessee
July 29, 2026, 2:30 p.m. CT What began as an effort to improve healthcare access in Memphis is now expanding across Tennessee, bringing preventive care and chronic disease support to more underserved communities. The United Health Foundation has committed $4 million to expand a Memphis-born health initiative designed to improve access to preventive care and chronic disease support in underserved communities across Tennessee.
These are the days Memphis students will be out of school this year
With the first day of class for Memphis-Shelby County Schools being Aug. 3, the 2026-27 school year is quickly approaching. For students enrolled in Memphis-Shelby County Schools , the largest school district in the state of Tennessee, they might already be looking ahead to see what days off they have coming up. In total, students can circle 33 days on their calendars and go ahead and make plans, as that's how many days they will have off. What Days Will Students Be Out?
These are the days Memphis students will be out of school this year
July 23, 2026, 5:00 a.m. CT With the first day of class for Memphis-Shelby County Schools being Aug. 3, the 2026-27 school year is quickly approaching. For students enrolled in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the largest school district in the state of Tennessee, they might already be looking ahead to see what days off they have coming up. In total, students can circle 33 days on their calendars and go ahead and make plans, as that's how many days they will have off. What Days Will Students Be Out?
Here's when school starts in Memphis, Shelby County and DeSoto County
With schools across the state gearing up for the start of the 2026-27 academic year , there are plenty of dates for parents and students to remember over the next nine to 10 months. For parents, it may be when is the first morning they have to brave waking up their children from their wonky summer sleep schedules.
Here's when school starts in Memphis, Shelby County and DeSoto County
July 21, 2026, 5:01 a.m. CT With schools across the state gearing up for the start of the 2026-27 academic year, there are plenty of dates for parents and students to remember over the next nine to 10 months. For parents, it may be when is the first morning they have to brave waking up their children from their wonky summer sleep schedules.
Now at Germantown, 2028 QB Kobe Butler-Simmons watches recruitment skyrocket
Kobe Butler-Simmons, a Class of 2028 quarterback who began practicing with the Germantown just a week ago, after his transfer from Memphis Business Academy, has quickly become one of the state's fastest-rising recruits.
What are Asian needle ants and are they in Memphis and Shelby County?
People already have enough to deal with when it comes to pesky insects that put their health at risk. From mosquitoes to wasps to bees, you would think that you knew everything to look out for when it comes to needing to swipe your hand to shoo a black speck away from your eye. Then comes the Asian needle ant, a somewhat new threat when it comes to these bugs that are around the size of our fingertips.
What are Asian needle ants and are they in Memphis and Shelby County?
July 14, 2026, 5:04 a.m. CT People already have enough to deal with when it comes to pesky insects that put their health at risk. From mosquitoes to wasps to bees, you would think that you knew everything to look out for when it comes to needing to swipe your hand to shoo a black speck away from your eye. Then comes the Asian needle ant, a somewhat new threat when it comes to these bugs that are around the size of our fingertips.
Summer spots in Memphis? Check out the Peabody Duck March
Summer spots in Memphis? Check out the Peabody Duck March Maggie Doheny, Jack Armstrong and Joel Haley, Wochit Sat, July 11, 2026 at 5:05 PM UTC Summer spots in Memphis? Check out the Peabody Duck March The March of the Peabody Ducks is a historic sight that you can see all summer long at the Peabody Hotel.
These are five of the best public golf courses in the Memphis area
July 10, 2026, 7:56 a.m. CT The Memphis area has an impressive public golf course scene that other cities, such as my hometown of Nashville, aspire to have. From private country club feels, free play for kids, and an extensive amount of history shared between the five courses we highlight today, here are five of the top-rated public courses in the Memphis area, according to reviews on Google.
2 fatal shootings in Memphis draw scrutiny of federal crime task force
Law enforcement vehicles can be seen outside the Extended Stay America hotel in east Memphis on July 8, 2026. MEMPHIS - State authorities are investigating two fatal shootings in Memphis that occurred within days of each other, involving members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tennessee National Guard who are deployed in the city as part of a federal crime-fighting task force.
DEA officer shoots, kills person at East Memphis extended stay hotel
Joel Haley and Jack Armstrong, Memphis Commercial Appeal Updated Wed, July 8, 2026 at 5:47 PM UTC There was a heavy police presence at the Extended Stay America on Poplar Avenue the morning of July 8 after a fatal shooting involving a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency officer. A spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed a DEA agent shot and killed someone in the hotel but said they could not yet provide further information.
DEA officer shoots, kills person at East Memphis extended stay hotel
Updated July 8, 2026, 11:27 a.m. CT There was a heavy police presence at the Extended Stay America on Poplar Avenue the morning of July 8 after a fatal shooting involving a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency officer. A spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed a DEA agent shot and killed someone in the hotel but said they could not yet provide further information.
Memphis schools, health department to host student immunization events
July 7, 2026, 5:31 p.m. CT Memphis-Shelby County Schools, ShotRx and the Shelby County Health Department are coming together in partnership to host an immunization drive as a way to assist families in getting their kids required immunizations before the start of the 2026-27 school year. These events will take place at various locations around the city. ShotRx will host two events at the Gaisman Community Center, 4221 Macon Rd. on July 8 and 22.
From free to a luxury experience, try these swim spots around Memphis Original
July 7, 2026, 6:54 a.m. CT As the temperature continues to rise during the always hot month of July, it's time we take a look at some of the best spots to take a dive in Memphis July and August are historically the warmest months in Memphis, with average highs around 91 degrees. The highest recorded temperature in Memphis was on July 13, 1980, when the maximum temperature reached a whopping 108 degrees.
Summer spots in Memphis? Check out Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Summer spots in Memphis? Check out Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Maggie Doheny, Joel Haley and Jack Armstrong, Memphis Commercial Appeal Wed, July 1, 2026 at 10:21 PM UTC Summer spots in Memphis? Check out Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Memphis has many cool places to visit in the summer. Connect with nature by kayaking at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.
Funeral for 1-year-old shot by Mississippi police sees calls for transparency Original
June 27, 2026, 7:16 p.m. CT Kohen Wiley, a 1-year-old from Senatobia, was memorialized on June 27 following a fatal police-involved shooting two weeks prior that still has many looking for answers. Over 200 family members, friends, and supporters gathered in the small town of Pope, Mississippi, on June 27 to show their respects to Wylie at Hosana Family Worship Center following an incident in Senatobia, where he was shot by police officers responding to a shoplifting call.
Memphis Roller Derby builds family as 20th anniversary season continues
Remember the "Psych" episode when Juliet went undercover as a roller derby girl to investigate a string of robberies connected to a California roller derby team? That was a fun little episode to watch, wasn't it? Americans love their aggressive sports.
What to know about school voucher programs available for Memphis students
The average maximum tuition at a private school in Memphis and Shelby County is $16,000, according to a review of available tuition charges by The Commercial Appeal.
Democrats running for TN District 9 clash on term limits, Iran war
Four Democratic candidates for the newly redistricted Tennessee Congressional District 9 tried to differentiate themselves from one another during the first candidate forum of the primary election season.
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Memphis? Original
June 15, 2026, 2:19 p.m. CT Summer is here, and the heat may seem to call for high speeds and freedom of movement through the evening breeze. However, it is important not to forget that, with heightened citywide law enforcement still present around the Bluff City, you might be more likely to get pulled over than ever.
Spillit Memphis launching True Story film festival for Mid-South - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News
Joel Haley is a senior journalism major at the University of Memphis. Haley, who was born and raised in Nashville, is editor-in-chief of The Daily Helmsman. He’s also a big New York Rangers fan.
USC and FMU students discuss diabetes awareness
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. We all love Halloween candy and Thanksgiving food but we may not think about diabetes. In South Carolina, 1 out of 7 adults have diabetes. Here are a few quick facts: Diabetes is the 8th most common cause of death in South Carolina. 1 in 5 African American adults has diabetes, compared to 1 in 8 white adults. African Americans are twice as likely to die from diabetes compared to white adults. Overweight individuals are at a higher risk.
North Memphis school Perea Elementary wins TVA grant - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News
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Speakers at Free the 901 event call for mayor to 'do more'
Joel Haley is a senior journalism major at the University of Memphis. Haley, who was born and raised in Nashville, is editor-in-chief of The Daily Helmsman. He’s also a big New York Rangers fan.
University of Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen, Rhodes share homecoming - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News
Joel Haley is a senior journalism major at the University of Memphis. Haley, who was born and raised in Nashville, is editor-in-chief of The Daily Helmsman. He’s also a big New York Rangers fan.
Memphis musicians collaborate for Tamborine Bash at Overton Park Shell - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News
“You’re just not going to see all of these artists together in this way any other time.”
Memphis NAACP wants ‘investment, and not occupation'
Joel Haley is a senior journalism major at the University of Memphis. Haley, who was born and raised in Nashville, is editor-in-chief of The Daily Helmsman. He’s also a big New York Rangers fan.
Annual Mid-Autumn Festival honors Vietnamese culture - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News
Joel Haley is a senior journalism major at the University of Memphis. Haley, who was born and raised in Nashville, is editor-in-chief of The Daily Helmsman. He’s also a big New York Rangers fan.
Breast cancer awareness: Early detection saves lives
Colder weather, pumpkin spice and Halloween candy makes us think of fall, but do you know October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month? Talking about the possibility of cancer can be scary but there is a great chance for a cure. This article talks about breast cancer awareness, risk factors and testing which could save lives. 1 in 8 women could develop breast cancer over their lifetime. Men can get breast cancer, too, but this is less common.
Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis will reopen Sept. 8 - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News
The stretch between Beale Street and Georgia Avenue has been closed since mid-April.
Joel Haley - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News
The stretch between Beale Street and Georgia Avenue has been closed since mid-April.
Campus Student Leader Spotlight : Who is Christopher Bailey
Welcome to The Daily Helmsman’s first Leader Spotlight of the semester. This week, we are highlighting current SGA (Student Government Association) Vice President Christopher Bailey. Referred to as ‘Debo’ by his peers, Bailey is currently a junior business economics major who aspires to be a lawyer once he graduates college. He is also an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Memphis Adds 2nd Transfer in Illinois Big Dain Dainja
Penny Hardaway and the Tigers picked up their second commitment in two consecutive days with the addition Illinois big man Dain Dainja announcing his commitment Friday morning. Dainja, a 6’9 225-pound center, appeared in 38 games last season coming off the bench for majority of the season for the Fighting Illini, averaging 6.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg, but most know him for what he did in the 2022-23 season. He started in 21 games and averaged 9.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 1.2 blks.
Memphis Defeats UTSA 60-53, Keeps Top 5 Conference Seed Hopes Alive
The Memphis Women's Basketball team defeated the UTSA Roadrunners Wednesday night to come away with their 4th consecutive conference win, securing a three way tie between them, UTSA and SMU for 10th in the ever so tight AAC conference race. Memphis (12-15, 8-8) came into the fieldhouse off an impressive 54-44 road win over the Tulane Green Wave, just a game and a half back from 4th in the conference behind UAB and Charlotte.
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