The Early Word: MSCS board unites; Orpheum goes ‘Back to the Future’
Morning, Memphis. It’s Tuesday, March 18, and if you had too many green beers last night, pour yourself an extra cup of coffee. It’s going to be a busy one.
State lawmakers are expected to take up state Rep. Mark White’s proposal today for a state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. And MSCS board members on both sides of the Marie Feagins debate united in opposition.
Plus, the Memphis City Council will get an update today on all those bus routes that the Memphis Area Transit Authority’s been lying about.
“Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Those were the words of MSCS board member Michelle McKissack on Monday, during a rally in opposition to the state takeover. McKissack was one of three MSCS board members who voted to retain former Feagins, which is at the heart of the state proposal set to be discussed today by Tennessee lawmakers. But both Feagins supporters and detractors showed up at the rally to oppose the takeover proposal. If passed, it would strip the MSCS board of most of its power, and nine appointed board members would have authority over the elected board.
Next year, you can watch Marty McFly travel in time from Downtown Memphis. The “Back to the Future” musical is part of the Orpheum Theatre’s 2025-26 Broadway season lineup, which was announced Monday night in a special reveal party. (And yes, that does mean a DeLorean will be on stage.) Other shows include the new musical “& Juliet,” a far less tragic twist on Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” with music from Britney Spears, the NSYNC and the like. See the full line-up here.
Plus, the Memphis City Council will get an update today on all those bus routes that the Memphis Area Transit Authority’s been lying about.
Plus, the Shelby County Commission says no to grant pause, DeSoto officials say no to redistricting and California is not golden for the Grizzlies.
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Bianca Phillips
Bianca Phillips is a Northeast Arkansas native and longtime Memphian who’s worked in local journalism and PR for more than 20 years. In her days as a reporter, she covered everything from local government and crime to LGBTQ issues and the arts. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South,” a cookbook of vegan Southern recipes.
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