In a ruling today, Chancery Court Judge Walter Evans blocked the city of Memphis and Shelby County from building a new arena for the NBA grizzlies. Evans' ruling will block the Grizzlies from coming to Memphis and makes all previous financial agreements with the team null and void.  The basis of the ruling is that the public funds would mainly benefit private interests.  Both Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley and Memphis mayor Willie Herenton said they will appeal the decision.

In a related story, Memphis city council has delayed approval of an authority to oversee arena construction.  Their concern is that too much power is being given to an appointed board.