After floods hammered St. Louis and eastern Kentucky this summer, the Ag & Water Desk wanted to know: Is rainfall increasing in the Mississippi River basin?

Our climate that is growing hotter and wetter — and more prone to dumping massive rains and flash flooding on communities whose creeks, streams and drainage systems are not equipped to handle such volatile waters.

Despite the U.S. Constitution’s sixth amendment guaranteeing a right to a speedy trial, Shelby County’s legal system can leave defendants in limbo for years. And it comes at a cost of millions and millions of dollars. 

“It’s such a moving experience seeing this sea of men in their pink jerseys heading out. They all have their own personal reason of why they’re doing this ride.”

The Daily Memphian’s “Make Me a Memphian” newsletter is designed to help new and prospective Mid-Southerners learn about the history, government, sports, food and neighborhoods of their new home. 

During the first week of October, the river hit historic lows in Memphis, where it hovered just a few feet higher than the lowest recorded river level. 

An investigation by The Daily Memphian analyzed nearly 40 abductions and kidnappings since July 1.

The groundbreaking Friday, Oct. 7, for the renovation of the 84-year-old school building ends a 40-year debate about whether the Orange Mound landmark should be renovated or demolished.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland reacted Friday to a call from City Council Chairman Martavius Jones to conduct a national search for the next president and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division.

The incident occurred in the 700 block of Sylvan Road, where a family dog attacked and killed a 5-month-old boy and a 2-year-old girl. The mother was also attacked and sent to Regional One Health in critical condition. 

Cleotha Henderson has a history of indecent exposure, the Terminix deal is almost done and Germantown High students want to save their school.

Makeda’s began with a love story, a family recipe, nurses at The Med and a sick little girl. But it almost permanently closed after the killing of rapper Young Dolph there.

A review of the 16 Memphis mayoral elections under the mayor-council form of city government before and after the city runoff provision was abolished.

Next year’s mayoral race will have historical implications, and there’s been quite a bit of maneuvering to get city charter amendments on the Nov. 8 ballot this year.

Related story:

What the past 16 Memphis mayoral elections tell us about the next one

GHS students and staff members voiced concerns about the potential closing of the school and the rest of the 3Gs as the suburb and Memphis-Shelby County Schools face a decision deadline.

The group discussed “best practices” including implementing blended sentencing, restorative justice programs and rehabilitative programs. 

Related story:

TBI investigating death at 201 Poplar

The cause of death remains unknown until results from the autopsy report come back.

The appointment of Doug McGowen to head the utility and the appointment of Chandell Ryan to succeed McGowen as city chief operating officers are not on next week’s committee agenda for the council to consider.

The Daily Memphian obtained Henderson’s prison records from the Tennessee Department of Corrections; the documents reveal 53 infractions.

The Shelby County Commission is expected to select a replacement on Oct. 17.

One of the leaders of the Memphis police union argues that at a time when the national competition for police officers is fierce, Memphis has laid the groundwork for long-term sustained success in hiring police and fighting crime.

Cooper-Young’s rainbow crosswalk will be finished this weekend, making it the state’s first complete commemorative rainbow crosswalk for the LGBTQ community.

Doug McGowen is tapped to be the new MLGW CEO, Bobby O’Jay is named to the Hall of Fame and Collierville’s new town leader is a first. 

Three Memphis girls are playing for Team USA in the 2022 Street Child World Cup.

Ron Gant, Tennessee state representative from District 94, was injured in a vehicular accident Wednesday night.