On today’s episode: Why geography, soil and water systems mean a tragedy like what happened in Texas is unlikely to happen in Memphis, even though flooding is an issue. 

Marie Feagins’ attorney argued the public termination meetings were just a “rubber stamp.” The school board’s attorney argued Feagins lacked evidence of direct knowledge of violations and instead relied on secondhand information.

Plus, the Memphis City Council also sent the first installment of capital funding to start the redevelopment of the old Southwest Twin drive-in.

It was on May 15, 1984, in Memphis, that an incident happened that made Ozzy Osbourne famous for something other than his music.

On Tuesday afternoon, a company representative, speaking on background, held a call with local reporters and took questions about the project.

Ezekiel Kelly’s trial is now set for Feb. 9, 2026. 

Who controls Beale Street? On The AM/DM podcast, Mary Cashiola talks to The Daily Memphian’s Bill Dries about how that question could be answered, once and for all. 

Head Start gets fresh start without MSCS, Ford Jr. has a trial date and Sincere Parker plans to fight charges.

The slow-moving Grizzlies’ negotiations come as the public sector continues to invest in FedExForum and officials work to keep Downtown safer and cleaner. 

Members of King’s family, and others, have long questioned whether James Earl Ray acted alone, or if he was even involved.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office found more than 40 rifle and pistol shell casings but is still trying to find out what led to the mass shooting. 

Porter-Leath, a local early childhood education organization, appears to be taking over local management of a $30 million, federally funded preschool program known as Head Start. 

The Memphis City Council could also approve some specific standards for MATA to report how it’s spending city money.

The trial is expected to last around two weeks. 

Parker’s next court appearance is set for 9 a.m. on July 29 at Shelby County General Sessions Criminal Court Division 10.

In this morning’s episode of the AM/DM podcast, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips discuss the biggest news events of the coming week. 

A Memphis Tiger is arrested, a “dirty” Mormon drink trend is here and we explain what happened to Union Avenue’s arrows and Xs. 

Commissioners will discuss putting all nine Memphis-Shelby County Schools board seats on the ballot. Some say this amounts to a voter recall of the board.

Union Avenue once reversed lane directions twice a day in a bold attempt to reduce traffic congestion. It may have worked for a while, but it became a confusing jumble that contributed to numerous accidents. 

Memphis Mayor Paul Young has reshuffled his cabinet in recent months and on July 10, hosted an overnight executive retreat at Bass Pro Shops, which he called “an opportunity to really recalibrate the team.”

Also happening this week: Ford Jr. is supposed to get a trial date, and Tennessee tax-free weekend is coming.

Corey Adams was a freshman who signed with Ole Miss after helping lead his high school football team to a Louisiana state championship last season.

Also in our political roundup: Mick Wright says he won’t seek office in 2026. And a top administrator to Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert promises to run for office next year.

Even though the Memphis Police Department’s numbers point to a decrease in crime, some in the city are skeptical.

Roderick Richmond is one third of the way through his interim superintendent contract, which expires in July 2026. MSCS board members haven’t discussed how long his role will last.