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.

A 20-year-old Memphis man was shot and killed by a SCSO SWAT officer during a standoff and chase in Cordova, Wednesday, Jan. 26. John Hunt died on the scene. 

A Bartlett commercial strip is part of a larger trend, a Cordova country club plans a more resort-style development and Whataburger is off the table in Collierville. 

Two North Memphis KIPP schools that were recommended to close will stay open, Memphis-Shelby County Schools decided in Tuesday’s board business meeting. 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools, as the board voted to be called Tuesday evening, decided on a slew of changes that will have hundreds of students start next school year somewhere different.

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Two KIPP schools narrowly avoid closure

Additional candidates have filed petitions for the upcoming May primaries. 

No appointment is needed.