Memphis-Shelby County Schools continued to make headlines last week. The Daily Memphian obtained a document that shows board member Keith Williams is the subject of a Title IX harassment investigation and thus banned from visiting schools in his capacity as a union leader for the duration of the investigation. Then, rejecting a recommendation from the district, the MSCS board renewed a 10-year contract for a 14-student school that is part of a charter network headed by Tamika Carwell Richmond, the wife of newly appointed interim superintendent Roderick Richmond. Also, MSCS said it had established protocols for principals in response to a new federal directive allowing immigration-enforcement officials to make arrests at schools. 

Also last week, The Daily Memphian was first to report that the city’s auto-fee hike was not collected for seven months, leaving an estimated $7 million to $8 million hole in the fiscal year budget. The vehicle registration fee was supposed to double — from $30 to $60 — as of July 1, but the Shelby County Clerk’s office had not implemented as of January 28.

Two Shelby County Jail inmates died in as many days over the weekend. In Nashville, state legislators voted to approve expanding the state’s school voucher program. And in his annual State of the City address, Memphis Mayor Paul Young called on Memphians to “say yes” to promoting the city and working toward goals of economic growth.

— Metro editor, Jane Donahoe

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The Daily Memphian obtained a document that shows Williams is banned from visiting schools in his capacity as a union leader for the duration of the investigation.

City auto-fee hike not collected for seven months, leaves $7M pothole By Samuel Hardiman

MSCS advises staff about immigration directive By Laura Testino

MSCS board rejects recommendation, renews small charter school By Laura Testino

XAI has been slow to pay MLGW By Samuel Hardiman

Officials go two-by-two into Forum as Grizz ready renovations By Samuel Hardiman

County mayor in Nashville working on alternatives to MSCS takeover bill By Bill Dries

Second jail inmate died over the weekend, SCSO says By Aarron Fleming

Another death at 201 Poplar brings number to at least 55 since 2019 By Jody Callahan

Tennessee lawmakers pass Gov. Lee's school-voucher bill By Benjamin Smith

Despite vocal opposition, school-voucher bill sails through state House committees By Benjamin Smith

Young goes for 'Yes' in State of the City Address By Bill Dries

Lowery proposes commission have 'direct role' in MSCS spending By Bill Dries

Jail door replacement will take two years, cost $6M, sheriff's office says By Aarron Fleming

Newly minted state Rep. Gabby Salinas talks cancer, loss, overcoming obstacles By Benjamin Smith

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