The 901: Memphis area man found guilty in Jan. 6 Capitol riot

Good Friday morning, Memphis, where we're hitting the weekend still facing now-familiar 100-degree temperatures with no rain sight until the middle of next week. 

But, first, a Memphis area man was found guilty in the Jan. 6 capitol riot.

Matthew Bledsoe, a Memphis business owner who texted his wife days after the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol that all elected officials were "going to be executed," was found guilty Thursday of one felony and four misdemeanors related to the riot, Dima Amro and Micaela Watts report.

After a Washington D.C.-based jury found Olive Branch resident Bledsoe guilty, his sentencing was set for Oct. 21.

Bledsoe, 38, was convicted of obstruction of an official proceeding, entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct in a restricted building and in a Capitol building, and demonstrating in a Capitol building.

'A sense of urgency' for Ford

Despite the summer heat and the supply chain and workforce troubles gripping the nation, physical work continues at the future home of Ford Motor Company's electric vehicle plant near Memphis.

Megasite Authority of West Tennessee CEO Clay Bright told the Frayser Exchange Club Thursday that work on waste treatment plants was ongoing and ground would be broken on a more than 100,000 square foot Tennessee College of Applied Technology training site at the campus later this summer, our Corinne Kennedy reports.

The megasite authority also finalized a capital grant agreement with Ford last month, a major behind-the-scenes step, Bright said. Plans remain on track to have plants producing electric trucks and electric vehicle batteries — a partnership with South Korean firm SK Innovation — starting in 2025.

Property sold near old Firestone plant

Property around the old Firestone plant in North Memphis could soon see a new life.

The Economic Development and Growth Engine of Memphis and Shelby County plan to acquire property near the site from Shelby County for future redevelopment, according to public documents, Corinne Kennedy reports.

According to a resolution, the county acquired the four parcels from two trustee tax sales "for outstanding taxes, penalties and interest in the amount of $160,624."

Restaurants we wish were still open

Restaurants come and go, but there are some we wish had never closed.

For many, restaurants are more than just a place to eat. They are places where memories are made — evenings full of laughter, romance, friendship, good times and even a few sad occasions.

Here are 10 Memphis restaurants that closed in the past few years. From upscale Southern to burgers to hot wings, each was a unique and special dining spot. All were Memphis favorites that we wish were still open, our Jennifer Chandler reports in this story for subscribers. 

Northpoint quarterback ready to shine

Jack Patterson stood in the backfield in a pistol formation during a hot July morning at Northpoint Christian School  in Southaven, Wynston Wilcox reports.

As Patterson sent his running back in motion, he got the snap. His running back ran a wheel route to the left and Patterson threw a near perfect pass, which would have most likely ended in a touchdown.

It was a flex of his arm strength, something Northpoint coach Tyler Gold and the rest of the Division II-A West region became familiar with a year ago.

Memphis Athletics AD: Team to stay the course

Memphis starts preseason practice in less than two weeks, but the chatter around conference realignment has almost overshadowed the buzz before a new season.

The Tigers remain in a wait-and-see position as college football deals with the fallout from USC and UCLA jumping from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten. The latest news this week came from multiple reports saying that the Pac-12 and Big 12 won’t explore a partnership, Evans Barnes reports.

Memphis athletics director Laird Veatch said Thursday the program has made progress to stay in the minds of conference decision-makers. It might not soothe anxious fans, but it's staying the course as things remain fluid.

Shelby County Pro-Am drawing players, attention

One week, all four Lawson brothers – Dedric, K.J., Chandler and Jonathan – played on the same team for the first time. Former Memphis Tigers star Jeremiah Martin hit a fadeaway 3-pointer that had grown men running up and down the sideline in disbelief. New Memphis transfer Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu threw down alley-oop dunks and leapt for blocks that looked like volleyball spikes in front of a city crowd for the first time, Damichael Cole reports. Christina Tannouse has photos of the Shelby Pro Am.

The next week, former NBA player and Memphis native Lester Hudson teamed up with the Lawson brothers and started dropping in 30-foot 3-pointers.

Tigers coach Penny Hardaway has been there to watch his son, Jayden Hardaway. Adonis Thomas played in a game last week.

This is what it's like at the Shelby County Pro-Am, which is bringing the city's best basketball players back together and keeping a tradition alive.

Mark Russell is executive editor of The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at mark.russell@commercialappeal.com or 901/288-4509. You can also follow him on Twitter:@MarkRussell44

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Matthew Bledsoe found guilty in Jan. 6 capitol riot insurrection case