One Memphis-area school says numbers are down because standards are up: “If that means we experience a bit of pain for a few years with a decline in freshman enrollment, then so be it.”

Also happening this week: Shelby County and Collierville leaders discuss pay raises, MATA’s board talks job and bus cuts and locals celebrate Memphis on 901 Day.

The commission meeting also marks the last for Miska Clay Bibbs as chairwoman of the body. Michael Whaley becomes chairman next month.

The agency is poised for major layoffs and route cuts, yet it’s still working toward plans for a more efficient transit system. 

Bar and restaurant shootings happen every day around the country, not just in Memphis, according to one expert. But there are steps that can be taken to prevent them. 

Democrats rallied in Memphis and three other cities across the state Saturday, Aug. 24, to kick off a get-out-the-vote effort for Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and other down ballot races in the Nov. 5 elections.

The sold-out event is the group’s largest fundraiser and will provide $25,000 in scholarships this year.

The incoming and outgoing chairs of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners talked on “Behind The Headlines” about new Cordova and Frayser schools funding and rebuilding Regional One Health’s campus.

If a federal bankruptcy judge approves, Diamond Sports Group will continue to carry games for 13 NBA teams and nine NHL teams, including the Grizzlies.

The Memphis Library Foundation wrapped up a series of brainstorming sessions Friday, Aug. 23, at the Central Library meeting rooms that are the center of the discussion about an expansion of the library.

Emmitt Martin III was facing a maximum of life in prison, but prosecutors are recommending he serve 40 years. U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris does not have to follow that recommendation.

Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Carol Chumney set the date during a Friday, Aug. 23, status conference.

Kyl Alton Hall was indicted Tuesday, Aug. 20, on three felony charges. 

Memphis Democrat Justin J. Pearson, along with Gloria Johnson of Knoxville and Justin Jones of Nashville, had been scheduled to take the national stage just before the balloon drop during the Democratic National Convention.

One ex-cop in Nichols’ case takes a deal, Midtown’s crown jewel has a new queen and birria tacos are coming to Grizz games.

Sgt. Bryan Andrews took charge of the DeSoto County sheriff’s sex-offender registry in 2021, shifting the department’s reactive posture when investigating noncompliant offenders to one more proactive.

Three men are seeking the remaining two years of Keri Blair’s term. A former educator, a current educator and a manager at a railroad company are vying for the seat.

The planned $112.5 million private development High 5 could transform Liberty Park, formerly known as the Mid-South Fairgrounds, and bail the City of Memphis out of an underwater wager.

University of Memphis president Bill Hardgrave said there were many who believed the renovation wasn’t going to happen.

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Founding executive director Tina Sullivan announced in June she was leaving the leadership role she has held since 2012.

The thief was caught on camera swiping packages from Tigers basketball coach Penny Hardaway’s home Aug. 8. 

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Penny’s packages pilfered

The change of plea comes after a federal judge ruled Tyre Nichols’ young son must be represented by someone besides his grandmother’s attorneys in the civil rights lawsuit against the City of Memphis. 

Escaped DeSoto inmate was arrested 500-plus miles away, a restaurateur couple has been keeping a secret and we’ve got the perfect spot for your next Instagram profile pic.

“This was a winnable race. This was a ridiculously winnable race,” Lisa Arnold told Shelby County Republicans of her loss.

For about 25 years, Agricenter International has offered visitors the chance to say cheese in a 3-acre field teeming with sunflowers.