It was a week of big moves and bigger questions in Memphis, starting with Regional One’s big swing: The Daily Memphian’s Samuel Hardiman reports that the hospital is committing to a $1 billion rebuild without yet knowing how to pay for it. Meanwhile, Bill Dries recounted the drama at City Hall after a tense, viral back‑and‑forth between Mayor Paul Young and local attorney Henry Reaves.

Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery rolled out his first five hires, setting the tone for his incoming administration. And Chris Herrington took a nostalgic turn, reflecting on the end of “Knowledge Bowl,” the long‑running academic competition that quietly shaped generations of Memphis students.

In the courts, three former daycare workers pleaded not guilty in the death of 6-year-old Winter Jones, a case that’s drawn citywide attention, and Gov. Bill Lee appointed two new judges to Shelby County’s freshly created criminal courts. The Shelby County Commission’s first meeting of the term brought approvals for a jail contract, clerk funding, and a judicial appointment.

SpaceXAI remains in the headlines: Mayor Young defended his approach with billionaire Elon Musk — “First of all, I don’t have to be coached on not trusting dudes,” Young said — while a proposed data‑center moratorium in Memphis likely won’t slow the company’s growth just across the border in Mississippi. 

Crime data offered a mixed picture — the Memphis Police Department says overall crime continues to decline, but leaders admit gun violence remains stubbornly high. 

Conditions at 201 Poplar came under scrutiny again as detainees filed suit alleging extreme heat, broken fire alarms, and raw sewage inside the jail. And MATA brought in a University of Memphis professor on a $125,000 contract to help untangle the agency’s long‑running “chicken‑and‑egg” ridership problem.

— Alys Drake, digital producer

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It is unclear how much the work currently underway at 495 Union Ave. is costing Shelby County taxpayers or where the money to pay contractors’ invoices is coming from.

Memphis tensions spill into viral Reaves-Young showdown By Bill Dries

Lowery picks first 5 positions in new administration By Bill Dries

Herrington: For 38 years, 'Knowledge Bowl' showcased a different kind of Memphis 'student-athlete.’ What now? By Chris Herrington

City Council members plan to ask Task Force to leave By Bill Dries

3 former daycare workers plead not guilty By Mary Evans

Gun crime continues to dog Memphis. Leaders look for answers. By Jody Callahan

2 judges named to fill newly created Shelby County criminal courts By Mary Evans

Jail contract, clerk funds, judge appointment approved at first commission meeting By Bill Dries

Mayor Paul Young defends approach to Space XAI in preview of reelection campaign By Bill Dries

A data-center moratorium in Memphis won't stop SpaceXAI from growing across the border By Samuel Hardiman

Safety concerns raised over ICE operations at local airport By Steve Bohnel

Crime decline continues, MPD monthly review shows By Mary Evans

Memphis schools lost more than 2,000 students this year, early data shows By Bri Hatch

Detainees sue Shelby County over extreme heat, broken fire alarms, raw sewage at 201 Poplar By Brandon LaGrone II

Memphis professor gets $125K contract to help with MATA's 'chicken-and-egg problem' By Steve Bohnel

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