The Mississippi Department of Education released its most recent accountability grades Tuesday, Sept. 17. These results mark the largest-ever share of Mississippi districts that are now rated A, B or C.

A choir belted out “Magnify the Lord with me,” a special guest sang “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die” and the Orchestra’s “big band” filled the air behind bars with marvelous music.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young met with around 150 people at his latest town hall at the McWherter Senior Center in East Memphis.

Martin testified that a lieutenant reviewed the footage with him to tell him to “turn your level of aggression off when it’s time to.”

While searching the suspect’s Neshoba North home, marijuana plants and items to manufacture and sell it were found.

DeSoto County is about 31% Black, but none of the 25 current officeholders elected from districts provided by the 2022 plan are Black.

Circuit Court Judge Felicia Corbin-Johnson plans to make a ruling in writing “in a week or so” on whether to dismiss or hear the ouster complaint filed last month against Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert.

Martin testified he was “seeing red” the day the 29-year-old was beaten. 

JJJ helped the Grizzlies rookies register to vote on Tuesday and shared the advice he gave to injured wing GG Jackson. 

Memphis police killed a carjacking suspect, the alleged Railgarten shooter is back in jail and 100 N. Main is selling for much less.

U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz was confirmed as the newest judge on the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court Friday, Sept. 13, with both of Tennessee’s U.S. senators voting against him.

Mike Cody represented Martin Luther King Jr. in court, helped found Memphis Area Legal Services and was one of the people behind Breakaway Running. 

Police say the carjacking suspect fired shots at officers during a foot pursuit. TBI is reviewing the shooting.

Alleged Railgarten shooter is back behind bars after a previous bail decision was reversed.

Wanda Halbert stays for now, another big power user is setting up near xAI and Chicago meets Philly on a food truck.

Three residents are vying for the open position on Collierville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The seat is held by Alderman John Worley who is not seeking reelection.

Finard Properties is renovating the former Spin Street site into six smaller spaces with an eye on attracting local businesses. That spot, which Finard executives refer to as “the angle,” has sat mostly empty since the music and memorabilia store closed in 2017.

Also happening this week: The Shelby County assessor’s office explains the upcoming reappraisal process. 

Tennessee’s abortion ban comes up in discussion of Memphis’ gun-control referendum; Sen. Blackburn uses old stats to talk crime, and remembering Jim Sasser, the former U.S. senator who was instrumental in bringing pandas to the zoo.

What started as an effort to combat food insecurity in Memphis has evolved into a community of people looking out for one another.

In an interview last week, Memphis Parks director Nick Walker said the city plans to start work on the new clubhouse in 2025.

California-based Merkle Standard is at least the second digital operation to locate in Memphis in recent months, following Elon Musk’s xAI. 

After the judge ruled, the jury was brought in for the first time in the day, and examination continued for Larnce Wright, the Memphis Police Department officer who trained those charged in Tyre Nichols’ death.

All sides are back in court Tuesday for a hearing on Halbert’s attorney’s motion to dismiss the case entirely.

Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty to impaired driving Friday, resolving the criminal case stemming from his June arrest in New York’s Hamptons.