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Behind The Headlines

  • City of Memphis
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<strong>First 8 Memphis&rsquo; regular reports to the Memphis City Council and Shelby County Board of Commissioners frequently draw many questions about public funding and the number of prekindergarten seats that money funds.</strong> (Jim Weber/The Daily Memphian file)Behind The Headlines

Universal pre-K money in Shelby County tied up amid ongoing negotiations

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ goals as he leaves office at the end of August include negotiating new terms for funding universal prekindergarten services across the county.

By Bill Dries January 24, 2026
Behind The Headlines

Outgoing Public Defender: ‘We’re not into assembly line justice’

Phyllis Aluko said there’s been a shift in people’s attitudes toward crime, punishment and due process, but public defenders play a key role in upholding constitutional standards. 

By Bill Dries January 17, 2026
Behind The Headlines

Immigration enforcement doing more harm than good, Memphis lawmakers say

State Sen. Raumesh Akbari and County Commission Chair Shante Avant discussed the Memphis Safe Task Force’s immigration role on “Behind The Headlines” as well as legislation that would allow a state takeover of Memphis schools.

By Bill Dries January 10, 2026
Behind The Headlines

Two of the biggest Memphis stories of 2025 have a surprising connection

On Behind The Headlines, reporters discuss top local stories of 2025, including the link between the Memphis-Shelby County Schools ouster of Marie Feagins, and the arrival of the National Guard.

By Bill Dries January 03, 2026

  • Behind The Headlines

    How clear is the line between immigration stops and MPD policy?

    Activists responding to immigration police calls on behalf of those detained said on “Behind The Headlines” the lines look blurred at times as a police stop is followed by a federal presence.

    By Bill Dries December 27, 2025
  • Shelby County

    Services helping poor county residents are putting ‘Band-Aids on bullet wounds’

    The leader of Shelby County’s Community Services Division talks about the safety net of programs and the balancing act that comes with uncertain money.

    By Bill Dries December 24, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    ‘Largest development in the history of Downtown Memphis’ faces hope and skepticism

    A future cloud computing hub — at the site of a another development that never panned out — is among the topics on “Behind The Headlines” a reporters’ roundtable.

    By Bill Dries December 13, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    ‘I don’t think I have seen a mug shot that is not Latino or African American,’ county mayor says about Task Force arrests

    On “Behind The Headlines,” Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said he has tried to meet with federal officials from the Memphis Safe Task Force to talk about his concerns ICE agents are racially “profiling” Memphians.

    By Bill Dries December 06, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Richmond wants to stay in charge at Memphis-Shelby County Schools

    “I’d love to have the permanent superintendent role,” interim Memphis school Superintendent Roderick Richmond said during a recent interview on WKNO-TV Channel 10’s “Behind The Headlines.” 

    By Laura Testino December 01, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    State Rep. Pearson said he can work across the aisle without moderating his political views

    State Rep. Justin J. Pearson talked about his tenure in the Tennessee House of Representatives and his views on the Memphis Safe Task Force on “Behind The Headlines.”

    By Bill Dries November 15, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Public holds GOP responsible for ongoing government shutdown, Cohen says

    U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump but agreed on “Behind The Headlines” with Trump’s assessment of the set of elections this past week that saw Democratic victory. 

    By Bill Dries November 08, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Millington leaders talk Navy Road comeback, big-box growth

    Millington City Manager Frankie Dakin and Millington Chamber of Commerce Director Chris Thomas discussed the suburb’s growth and unique development history on “Behind The Headlines.”

    By Bill Dries November 01, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    The shrinking middle ground between ‘occupation’ and help with violent crime

    On “Behind The Headlines,” two vocal critics of the Memphis Safe Task Force say there isn’t much — if any — middle ground as Mayor Paul Young tries to thread the political needle.

    By Bill Dries October 25, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Mayor Young says Sheraton hotel deal worth delays

    Memphis Mayor Paul Young said on “Behind The Headlines” the city’s $22 million purchase of the 600-room hotel helps protect the city’s $200 million investment in the Renasant Convention Center.

    By Bill Dries October 18, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    County commissioners split on whether to fight Harris’ veto

    Shelby County Lee Harris’ veto of a resolution to move school board elections and the National Guard coming to town were hot topics on “Behind the Headlines.”

    By Bill Dries October 11, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Why aren’t there more starter homes in Memphis?

    “Right now we’re at a point where the cost of constructing housing is so high,” the City of Memphis’ chief of infrastructure and development said.

    By Bill Dries September 27, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Reporters explore National Guard questions, remember Les Smith

    WKNO’s “Behind the Headlines” remembered Smith, who died Sept. 17, for his early contributions to the show. The reporter’s roundtable edition also discussed the pending National Guard deployment to Memphis.

    By Laura Testino September 20, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    How U of M scientists navigate conspiracy theories and the polarized world of public health

    To the dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Memphis, its mission begins — but doesn’t end — with data.

    By Bill Dries September 13, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    MATA roils in turmoil. What’s the next step?

    Reporters’ roundtable looks at the problems plaguing Memphis Area Transit Authority, and the new trial for former Memphis Police officers convicted in Tyré Nichols’ death.

    By Bill Dries September 08, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Can Shelby County secure a new jail?

    Understaffing, overcrowding, extended intake times, drug use, broken jail locks and elevators and medical problems up to and including multiple inmate deaths are just some entries on the current facility’s long list of troubles.

    By Jane Donahoe August 30, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Universal pre-K in Memphis navigates Head Start shakeup

    As Porter-Leath works to enroll thousands more prekindergarten students, early-childhood education organization First 8 Memphis is continuing efforts toward free, quality classrooms for kids.

    By Laura Testino August 26, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    How to keep interest in Downtown Memphis ahead of big projects

    The head of the Downtown Memphis Commission talks on “Behind The Headlines” about what’s beyond Downtown’s waiting period for several new and renovated institutions to come online.

    By Bill Dries August 18, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    TVA likely to be backup power for xAI

    MLGW will not be providing more than a small amount of power to xAI and the Tennessee Valley Authority may not provide a lot either, according to CEO Doug McGowen.

    By Samuel Hardiman August 08, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Taller homes and 3-D houses among affordable housing strategies

    Two developers of affordable housing and the head of the city’s Housing and Community Development Division talked on “Behind The Headlines” about the latest wrinkles in building more affordable housing to meet a citywide shortage.

    By Bill Dries August 04, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    School board members say lawsuit possible if terms shortened

    Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members Natalie McKinney and Michelle McKissack talked on “Behind The Headlines” about a coming Shelby County Board of Commissioners vote that could shorten the terms of five elected board members.

    By Bill Dries July 26, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    The Blvd’s $300 million plan just piece of neighborhood’s bigger pie

    The pastor of The Blvd talked about the project on “Behind The Headlines,” with the CEO of Crosstown Concourse and the Meharry Medical College official who’s leading the Nashville college’s reach into Memphis.

    By Bill Dries July 19, 2025
  • Behind The Headlines

    Two state lawmakers plan to push for MSCS takeover

    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. 

    By Laura Testino August 06, 2025
  • Premium Behind The Headlines

    Candidates ‘have the responsibility for turnout’

    The Shelby County Election Commission chairman and the elections administrator talked about low voter turnout and election off year mechanics on “Behind The Headlines.”

    By Bill Dries July 05, 2025
  • Premium Behind The Headlines

    ICE has made presence felt in Memphis — out of national spotlight

    “Here in Memphis, anywhere from seven to 10 people every day at least are arrested by ICE in these quiet operations,” an attorney said.

    By Bill Dries June 28, 2025

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