Former death row inmate Pervis Payne may be eligible for parole in five years after a judge ruled on his sentencing. 

We’re deep into election prep, two state lawmakers are urging new Tennessee Historical Commission markers for the state’s lynching victims and pilot program embeds prosecutors into police precincts. 

Stax, National Civil Rights Museum and gear up to celebrate Black History Month.

After no elections in 2021, Shelby County voters go to the polls three times this year in a series of elections with almost 200 races total and many more candidates in those races. Here is an overview of what’s ahead for voters.

Two years ago, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office assigned three prosecutors to work directly at area police precincts, in hopes of streamlining the criminal justice system and to keep from charging people for crimes if there’s not enough evidence to establish probable cause.

Viking Cruises will begin traversing the Mississippi River in June, joining two other cruise lines docking in Memphis. The city plans a $62 million Waterfront District to meet the demand.

Almost 82 years after the last documented lynching in Tennessee, a Republican and a Democrat want to commemorate all 154 victims statewide with Community Remembrance Project.

There are now five potential contenders in the Democratic primary for Shelby County mayor with about three weeks to the filing deadline to get on the ballot. Here’s a rundown of the latest filings and a few other campaign notes.

Violent crime was up 2% in Memphis last year as homicides hit a record 346, an increase of 14 over the 2020, which had also set a record for slayings.

The Tennessee Valley Authority has to turn over material about the 20-year contract agreement it wants Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division and all the other local utilities in its system to sign.

The Health Department doesn’t plan to issue any more directives, your polling place might have changed and the Farmer finds a new ’Garten.

Andy Surber will take the post July 1, succeeding Thor Kvande, who held the head of school position for 10 years. Kvande announced last year he will leave in 2022 to pursue new career opportunities.

Gov. Bill Lee has announced the completion of his review of the Basic Education Program, the formula that decides how much money each school district gets from the state. 

The City Council Scorecard looks at how the votes lined up on the second rejection in three months for a convenience store with gas pumps at Broad Avenue and Tillman Street.

County election commission does its first extensive precinct realignment in two decades.

“We will continue to promote and protect the health of Shelby County citizens and residents,” Dr. Taylor said. 

The latest COVID-19 Task Force briefing begins at noon, Thursday, Jan. 27.

Do you love Memphis news? More importantly, do you love talking about Memphis news? 

Mayor Jim Strickland is promising higher pay for police officers, what spurs Ja Morant on and we’re clocking speeders ourselves. 

Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton discusses the controversial redrawing of House district lines on The Daily Memphian’s “On The Record” podcast.

Republican state senators question whether everything on the list is truly needed.

In addition to the pay raises, Strickland again called for changes in state laws, particularly around gun crimes, and doubled down on his earlier declaration that the local criminal justice system is a “revolving door.”

The Health Department reported 852 new cases in a month that has seen reported daily increases of more than 3,000.

Alderwoman Mary Anne Gibson will seek a third term in Germantown.