Universal pre-K money in Shelby County tied up amid ongoing negotiations
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ goals as he leaves office at the end of August include negotiating new terms for funding universal prekindergarten services across the county.
Topic: Behind The Headlines
RSSThere are 332 article(s) tagged Behind The Headlines:
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January 2026
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Outgoing Public Defender: ‘We’re not into assembly line justice’
Phyllis Aluko said there’s been a shift in people’s attitudes toward crime, punishment and due process, but public defenders play a key role in upholding constitutional standards.
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Immigration enforcement doing more harm than good, Memphis lawmakers say
State Sen. Raumesh Akbari and County Commission Chair Shante Avant discussed the Memphis Safe Task Force’s immigration role on “Behind The Headlines” as well as legislation that would allow a state takeover of Memphis schools.
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Two of the biggest Memphis stories of 2025 have a surprising connection
On Behind The Headlines, reporters discuss top local stories of 2025, including the link between the Memphis-Shelby County Schools ouster of Marie Feagins, and the arrival of the National Guard.
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December 2025
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How clear is the line between immigration stops and MPD policy?
Activists responding to immigration police calls on behalf of those detained said on “Behind The Headlines” the lines look blurred at times as a police stop is followed by a federal presence.
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Services helping poor county residents are putting ‘Band-Aids on bullet wounds’
The leader of Shelby County’s Community Services Division talks about the safety net of programs and the balancing act that comes with uncertain money.
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‘Largest development in the history of Downtown Memphis’ faces hope and skepticism
A future cloud computing hub — at the site of a another development that never panned out — is among the topics on “Behind The Headlines” a reporters’ roundtable.
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‘I don’t think I have seen a mug shot that is not Latino or African American,’ county mayor says about Task Force arrests
On “Behind The Headlines,” Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said he has tried to meet with federal officials from the Memphis Safe Task Force to talk about his concerns ICE agents are racially “profiling” Memphians.
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Sheriff should not manage the jail, Harris says
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris says the number of jail deaths calls for dramatic change that could include the county or the state taking over the county jail currently run by Sheriff Floyd Bonner.
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Richmond wants to stay in charge at Memphis-Shelby County Schools
“I’d love to have the permanent superintendent role,” interim Memphis school Superintendent Roderick Richmond said during a recent interview on WKNO-TV Channel 10’s “Behind The Headlines.”
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November 2025
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State Rep. Pearson said he can work across the aisle without moderating his political views
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson talked about his tenure in the Tennessee House of Representatives and his views on the Memphis Safe Task Force on “Behind The Headlines.”
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Public holds GOP responsible for ongoing government shutdown, Cohen says
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump but agreed on “Behind The Headlines” with Trump’s assessment of the set of elections this past week that saw Democratic victory.
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Millington leaders talk Navy Road comeback, big-box growth
Millington City Manager Frankie Dakin and Millington Chamber of Commerce Director Chris Thomas discussed the suburb’s growth and unique development history on “Behind The Headlines.”
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October 2025
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The shrinking middle ground between ‘occupation’ and help with violent crime
On “Behind The Headlines,” two vocal critics of the Memphis Safe Task Force say there isn’t much — if any — middle ground as Mayor Paul Young tries to thread the political needle.
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How Mayor Young wants to work with the Memphis Safe Task Force — instead of contesting it
Mayor Paul Young is aware his strategy — and the Task Force itself — are controversial.
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Mayor Young says Sheraton hotel deal worth delays
Memphis Mayor Paul Young said on “Behind The Headlines” the city’s $22 million purchase of the 600-room hotel helps protect the city’s $200 million investment in the Renasant Convention Center.
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County commissioners split on whether to fight Harris’ veto
Shelby County Lee Harris’ veto of a resolution to move school board elections and the National Guard coming to town were hot topics on “Behind the Headlines.”
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September 2025
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Why aren’t there more starter homes in Memphis?
“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.
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Reporters explore National Guard questions, remember Les Smith
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.
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How U of M scientists navigate conspiracy theories and the polarized world of public health
To the dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Memphis, its mission begins — but doesn’t end — with data.
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MATA roils in turmoil. What’s the next step?
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.
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August 2025
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Universal pre-K in Memphis navigates Head Start shakeup
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.
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How to keep interest in Downtown Memphis ahead of big projects
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.
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Opinion: Tennessee legislators lob insults but lack ideas
“With a striking sense of amnesia, the lawmakers are eager to take over Memphis’ school board, apparently forgetting the state has already taken over many low-performing schools and been unable to do anything to help them.”
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Two state lawmakers plan to push for MSCS takeover
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.
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