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Why aren't there more starter homes in Memphis?

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 04:00:11 -0500

“Right now we’re at a point where the cost of constructing housing is so high,” the City of Memphis’ chief of infrastructure and development said.

Reporters explore National Guard questions, remember Les Smith

Ltestino@dailymemphian.com (Laura Testino) — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 04:00:15 -0500

WKNO’s “Behind the Headlines” remembered Smith, who died Sept. 17, for his early contributions to the show. The reporter’s roundtable edition also discussed the pending National Guard deployment to Memphis.

How U of M scientists navigate conspiracy theories and the polarized world of public health

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 12:19:54 -0500

To the dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Memphis, its mission begins — but doesn’t end — with data.

MATA roils in turmoil. What's the next step?

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 8 Sep 2025 06:11:12 -0500

Reporters’ roundtable looks at the problems plaguing Memphis Area Transit Authority, and the new trial for former Memphis Police officers convicted in Tyré Nichols’ death.

Can Shelby County secure a new jail?

jdonahoe@dailymemphian.com (Jane Donahoe) — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 04:00:05 -0500

Understaffing, overcrowding, extended intake times, drug use, broken jail locks and elevators and medical problems up to and including multiple inmate deaths are just some entries on the current facility’s long list of troubles.

Universal pre-K in Memphis navigates Head Start shakeup

Ltestino@dailymemphian.com (Laura Testino) — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:35:17 -0500

As Porter-Leath works to enroll thousands more prekindergarten students, early-childhood education organization First 8 Memphis is continuing efforts toward free, quality classrooms for kids.

How to keep interest in Downtown Memphis ahead of big projects

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 06:20:21 -0500

The head of the Downtown Memphis Commission talks on “Behind The Headlines” about what’s beyond Downtown’s waiting period for several new and renovated institutions to come online.

TVA likely to be backup power for xAI

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Fri, 8 Aug 2025 06:53:51 -0500

MLGW will not be providing more than a small amount of power to xAI and the Tennessee Valley Authority may not provide a lot either, according to CEO Doug McGowen.

Taller homes and 3-D houses among affordable housing strategies

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 4 Aug 2025 20:30:23 -0500

Two developers of affordable housing and the head of the city’s Housing and Community Development Division talked on “Behind The Headlines” about the latest wrinkles in building more affordable housing to meet a citywide shortage.

School board members say lawsuit possible if terms shortened

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members Natalie McKinney and Michelle McKissack talked on “Behind The Headlines” about a coming Shelby County Board of Commissioners vote that could shorten the terms of five elected board members.

The Blvd's $300 million plan just piece of neighborhood's bigger pie

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 04:00:09 -0500

The pastor of The Blvd talked about the project on “Behind The Headlines,” with the CEO of Crosstown Concourse and the Meharry Medical College official who’s leading the Nashville college’s reach into Memphis.

Two state lawmakers plan to push for MSCS takeover

Ltestino@dailymemphian.com (Laura Testino) — Wed, 6 Aug 2025 12:30:48 -0500

Rep. Mark White and Sen. Brent Taylor, both Republicans, propose the next steps for their bills that would give the state more power over Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

Memphis Zoo's evolving role in conservation comes at a cost

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 31 May 2025 04:00:03 -0500

Memphis Zoo CEO Matt Thompson talks on “Behind The Headlines” about rising costs and lower attendance figures as well as how the zoo’s focus on elephants in an upcoming exhibit.

Will city stay committed to police reforms after DOJ changes position?

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 24 May 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Following the U.S. Department of Justice’s scathing report highlighting police abuses of power, Memphis Mayor Paul Young said the city would not enter into any federal consent decree with the DOJ.

Federal funding cuts accelerate uncertainty for Memphis nonprofits

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 17 May 2025 04:00:05 -0500

The leaders of two local safety-net nonprofits are watching Washington as closely these days as they watch a long list of clients and the bank balance of their organizations.

Memphians ‘shocked’ at verdicts for ex-cops charged in Tyre Nichols’ death

Ltestino@dailymemphian.com (Laura Testino) — Mon, 12 May 2025 06:20:18 -0500

“I think you could hear a pin drop in the courtroom when the judge read out the verdict: ‘not guilty, not guilty, not guilty,’ seven times, not guilty for each officer,” Memphis journalist Katherine Burgess said.

Mulroy said Brent Taylor's latest move is 'face-saving bit of window dressing'

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 3 May 2025 04:00:05 -0500

“There never was a case for removal or even investigation in the first place, and you don’t have to take my word for that,” Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy said on WKNO-TV’s “Behind The Headlines.”

Just City leader says criminal cases moving too slowly

afleming@dailymemphian.com (Aarron Fleming) — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 04:00:11 -0500

A recent report from the state comptroller’s office noted inefficiencies in the local criminal justice system. Fixing them could have implications for the Shelby County Jail.

Former DA wants to uncover 'bottlenecks' in Criminal Court system

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 04:00:12 -0500

Investigators behind a new criminal justice report talked about a way to change how cases move through the courts.

Church Health emphasizes local ties through Washington transition

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 04:00:10 -0500

Church Health CEO Jennie Robbins talked on “Behind The Headlines” about concerns that show up with the nonprofit’s patients amid national policy changes in Washington, D.C.