Hidden within city budget documents and public records was a news nugget that piqued the interest of many Memphians, especially concert-goers with fond memories of river breezes and skyline backdrops. The City of Memphis has “aspirational” plans for a major renovation of Mud Island Amphitheater. Those aspirations have real dollars attached — $17.6 million in debt over fiscal 2026, 2027 and 2028 — that could be part of a larger project.

The day after Shelby County Juvenile Court invited elected officials and media members to tour its downtown facility on Adams Avenue, the building was closed indefinitely due to mold, asbestos and lead being discovered within it. Many, but not all, of the court’s functions are being carried out virtually, and it remains unclear how long the abatement process could take. Meantime, court leaders are looking for temporary space. 

Also Hamilton County District Attorney General Coty Wamp filed a petition to remove Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert from office; at least one local family applauds a new law the Tennessee General Assembly passed that increases the crime of drag racing; Memphis-Shelby County Schools is looking to bump its base pay for teachers to $50,000 annually; and, in light of the dangers posed to its officers by automatic weapon converters, or “switches,” MPD is considering changes to the types of weapons they carry.

— Metro editor Jane Donahoe

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The City of Memphis’ proposed capital-improvement budget includes issuing $17.6 million in debt over four years for the amphitheater’s renovation. A potential big-name operator could be interested, too.

Petition filed to remove Wanda Halbert from office By Samuel Hardiman

Former Kroger security guard convicted of first-degree murder By Julia Baker

Young, Mulroy push for stiffer penalties for gun switches By Aarron Fleming

MSCS to bump base teacher pay to $50K By Kambui Bomani

Juvenile court building to be closed 'indefinitely,' Sugarmon says By Aarron Fleming

Juvenile Court building made staff members sick, clerk says By Aarron Fleming

Here's what could move into former Commercial Appeal building By Aarron Fleming

City to ink High 5 Entertainment to 30-year lease at Liberty Park By Samuel Hardiman

201 Poplar fire injures inmates, highlights old facility and staff issues By Aarron Fleming

Dozens of MPD sergeants ask to join lawsuit against Memphis By Samuel Hardiman

Mother who lost son in Orange Mound Park calls out fear at town hall By Bill Dries

3 years after death, drag racing is poised to become felony By Jody Callahan

Memphis legislators have high hopes for weed legalization By Samuel Hardiman

Calkins: The 'mayor of Whitehaven' is closing her beauty shop, but she has a lesson for all of us By Geoff Calkins

Could MPD change what weapons officers carry? It's possible By Samuel Hardiman, Aarron Fleming

'One down, and more to go' as polluter closes in South Memphis By Keely Brewer

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