Our political roundup also looks at a push to pretty up Plough Boulevard; a possible contender for Shelby County mayor, and reactions to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.

Two weeks after Jarmond Johnson was shot and killed at Memphis Rox, the gym reopened with a joyful, mournful — and ultimately hopeful — ceremonial climb.

Also happening this week: Kids compete in one of the nation’s oldest junior golf tournaments, and seniors learn to line dance.

Disputes over who controls Beale Street revolve around the Historical Daisy. The old theater is home to the Beale Street Development Corp. and has witnessed more than a century of intrigue and politics on the street that gave birth to the blues.

Funding will go toward three nonprofits with programs to support children dealing with trauma, death and stress through stage performances, art classes and instruments. 

The nearly 200-year-old Davies Manor marks its 50th year as a museum. Officials don’t dodge the story of 22 enslaved people who lived there, but the tour also includes light-hearted moments. 

Rep. Mark White and Sen. Brent Taylor, both Republicans, propose the next steps for their bills that would give the state more power over Memphis-Shelby County Schools. 

Gov. Bill Lee has appointed the Tennessee State Epidemiologist as interim commissioner, effective immediately.

U of M may dismiss Ghanaian students, Grok chatbot talks about its own antisemitism and we get to know Coach Iisalo.

Have Shelby County districts improved third grade reading scores under the new retention law? How do Memphis students compare to students across Tennessee? Answer these questions and more.

Grok, a chatbot that can have conversations with people and generate computer code and images, is powered, in part, by advanced computer chips in two Memphis data centers.

In hires announced late Thursday, July 10, Memphis-Shelby County Schools interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond restored some former administrators to senior roles and delivered new faces from FedEx and elsewhere.

“These students face academic dismissal, visa complications and loss of housing and support, through no fault of their own ...” the university said in a statement. 

ALSAC’s new leader isn’t worried, a former Tigers star gets his flowers and we remember journalist Karanja A. Ajanaku.

The move will support the ongoing preservation of the historic cobblestone river landing.

One day in late May 1977, a young Black man took a seat at a desk for his first day as a reporter at The Commercial Appeal.

ALSAC has a new leader, and so do three city departments. Plus, girl dinner is having a moment at the Overton Park Shell.

When it comes to revitalizing the historic theater, settling a 10-year old legal dispute is a first step.

One of the three confirmed city directors is in charge of a completely new division to tackle garbage and trash collection. Plus, the City Council approved a bonus for retired city employees. 

The Tennessee Department of Education issued results from its state exams Tuesday, July 8. “Growth is not optional; it’s our mandate,” MSCS Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond said in a statement.

“They’re taking our aunts, our neighbors who have no criminal record. This (presidential) administration has criminalized being brown, being an immigrant.”

The potential successor to Steve Gaines will preach at Bellevue Sunday, July 13, before a church-wide vote on his appointment. 

The city on Monday released the proposed ordinance that would set aside 25% of xAI’s tax bill. 

The City of Memphis has asked the Tennessee Court of Appeals to reconsider its recent decision not to block the demotions of 100-plus Memphis Police Department second lieutenants. 

New parks director is named, an Olympic star will run in Memphis and the Grizzlies were so close in Summer League.