This past week, The Daily Memphian began a series of stories on the pressing local issue of juvenile crime. It’s complex and uncomfortable, with outsize effects on the city, its citizens and its very future. Our team of reporters is examining the challenges these coming-of-age criminals present to our local law enforcement officers and our city at large — and you’ll find many of those stories below though there are still more to come. 

Other stories of note this week: Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland delivered a letter to Shelby County officials questioning low bail and weak sentences and asking for bail-setting forms and judgments to be posted online. The mayor told constituents in his weekly email that the city is “not just sitting back and not working to find solutions to our crime challenge.” 

The University of Memphis unveiled its new five-year strategic plan. The plan, called Ascend, features a mission and vision for the university along with seven goals and eight foundational principles. It addresses the enrollment decline, safety and security, the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff and a focus on capital improvements.

The latest opinion from the Shelby County Election Commission regarding residency requirements for Memphis mayor may be an issue for at least three declared candidates. And we reported on the sweet deal Memphis in May has compared to other festivals around the country. The local festival pays far less to stage an event in a park owned by taxpayers.

— The Daily Memphian staff

We hope you enjoy catching up on the latest news stories from our community. If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, we appreciate your support. If not, please consider signing up for unlimited access to all of our local news coverage.

The Daily Memphian has been working to dive deeper into the pressing issue of juvenile crime. It’s complex and uncomfortable, with outsize effects on the city, its citizens and its very future.

No 'more pressing' issue in Memphis community than juvenile crime By Julia Baker

‘The kids that did this to us’: Juveniles driving car crimes higher By Julia Baker

'Trying to survive:' Chronic absenteeism, more than truancy, concerning to local educators By Aarron Fleming

Here’s how Tennessee lawmakers plan to target juvenile crime this session By Ian Round

'Not in the best condition': Tennessee looks to replace youth detention center By Ian Round

Strickland's letter to judges questions 'revolving door,' asks for transparency By Julia Baker

U of M unveils new strategic plan By Aarron Fleming

Residency requirement in Memphis mayor's race could affect three candidates By Samuel Hardiman

Memphis in May gets a good deal, compared to other festivals By Samuel Hardiman

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