Josh Whitehead discusses the evolution of planning and development in Memphis on The Daily Memphian Politics podcast.

With an opportunity to open its own middle school, the University of Memphis is throwing convention to the wind, creating a fresh approach for preparing preteens for college and jobs, even before high school. 

A new study confirmed that low-performing teachers in grades 3 through 5 were more likely to be reassigned to non-tested early grades than their more effective colleagues.

The Memphis police officer who shot and critically injured Martavious Banks in September has resigned, while two other officers and a lieutenant have received suspensions ranging from five to 20 days.

Josh Whitehead of the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Planning and Development offers a primer on Planning and Zoning 101; county beat reporter Omer Yusuf reviews Mayor Lee Harris' State of the County address; and more.

Under new guidelines being developed, Shelby County Schools board members would be able to systematically slow growth of Memphis charter schools. 

State Rep. Kevin Vaughan, a Collierville Republican, hopes for $5 million to create 40 to 50 medical residencies in Tennessee's economically distressed areas.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis says despite differences over the capitol's Forrest bust, he has a better relationship so far with Republican Gov. Bill Lee than Lee's predecessor, Bill Haslam.

The Shelby County Commission is expected Monday to appoint a new member to the board of Shelby County Schools to serve until August 2020. 

Former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton takes a few jabs at current Mayor Jim Strickland, who says he loves the smell of freshly poured asphalt, as both hold campaign events on the same night. Meanwhile, developer Chase Carlisle says he will make a bid for a super district council seat as District 6 council contender Davin Clemons opens his campaign.

MLGW president and CEO J.T. Young says the utility will talk with some alternate electric providers as it weighs a long-range examination of ending or altering its 80-year relationship with TVA. 

State Rep. Kevin Vaughan, a Collierville Republican, and other GOP lawmakers say legislation would give patients more information about treatment and medical procedure costs to lower health-care expenses.

Memphis in May International Festival officials on Friday released the Downtown Memphis Commission's list of six alternative sites for the premier outdoor festival, including Beale Street and two on Mud Island, unbeknownst to the Downtown organization. 

Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Dan Michael delivered his State of Court address Friday morning. He vowed to continue his work to improve the court despite critics. 

• Chris Jenkins named Saint Francis Hospital- Bartlett COO
• Airport board OKs surveillance, parking system contracts
• Amazon to fund computer science courses in seven Memphis area high schools

Gov. Bill Lee is proposing a $40 million investment in school safety to protect teachers and students and avert violence, mainly through funding for school resource officers.

The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee passed legislation this week stripping the subpoena power of police oversight committees, sidestepping opposition from Memphis legislators.

The city is taking 29 blighted properties to Environmental Court, and in some cases the defendant is the address of the property as the city seeks to find the real owner. The new provision in the state law allows the move, which sets the stage for the appointment of a receiver by the court.

Memphis in May International Festival's chief executive will seek alterations to a plan to redevelop Tom Lee Park, sharing his concerns about how its largest events will fit into smaller space in the new park. 

African-American students want a bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest removed from State Capitol, spurring a debate on the legacy of the Confederate general whose statue also created controversy in Memphis. 

House Criminal Justice Subcommittee sends measure dealing with violence acts to summer study.

The plan for multiyear MLGW gas, electric and water rate hikes was rejected Tuesday by the Memphis City Council. It's the second year the council has gone instead for smaller one-year rate hikes – this time a 3 percent hike in water rates starting next month.

Shelby County Commissioners hope to receive the final report on equal protection from the DOJ monitor within the next month. 

The Shelby County Schools board position vacancy will be filled by the County Commission at its meeting Monday. 

The Memphis River Parks Partnership plan for a redevelopment of Tom Lee Park got a close look and lots of questions as well as a few suggestions from city council members this week.