Who will the new board members be? And is former superintendent Marie Feagins expected to get her job back? 

The state Legislature has passed a bill that would add two more judges to Shelby County for criminal cases. The bill now heads to Gov. Lee to sign.

A procedural vote Monday, April 27, killed a maneuver to fund a legal challenge by Memphis-Shelby County Schools to the state’s takeover of the school system. But there could be a second try.

With Election Day around the corner, it was a busy week in Shelby County. Mayoral contenders hit forums across the area to talk with voters one-on-one. Meanwhile, early voting turnout is higher than the pivotal 2018 County primaries.

Between 2018, when Congress essentially legalized THCa, and 2025, when the Tennessee legislature regulated it, the Volunteer State’s hemp industry was flying high.

Republicans and Democrats reacted with sadness to news of state Rep. G.A. Hardaway, who died in a Nashville hospital Friday morning. He was 71.

State Rep. G.A. Hardaway was known for being well-versed on issues, and being an advocate for Memphis.

Related content:

Leaders from both parties mourn G.A. Hardaway

Longtime state rep G.A. Hardaway dies

G.A. Hardaway, a longtime public servant and state representative, died Friday, April 24. 

Two Memphis lawmakers teamed up to ensure Memphis kids and pregnant women have access to blood lead level tests.

The Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives both voted down party lines Wednesday, April 22, to pass a takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk. 

The bill would let a Department of Child Services residential facility keep a child for up to an additional six months for assaulting a staff member.

The MSCS board’s resolution claims that Tennessee lawmakers’ takeover proposal “directly conflicts with established constitutional provisions and statutory requirements.” 

Voucher-friendly Tennessee Republicans are pushing a last-minute amendment that would drop all enrollment caps on the state’s original voucher program.

A new bill headed to Gov. Lee would keeps applicants for roles like superintendent and fire chief anonymous. Supporters call it protection. Critics say it’s concerning for government transparency.

The Tennessee General Assembly included a $50 million grant for Downtown Memphis Public Safety in the state budget passed this week.

Young is prepping to present his budget proposal, meanwhile he’s already talking about the bottom line. Also in this roundup: Marsha Blackburn on climate change and Democrats vow statewide organization.

The budget “reallocates” $30 million originally proposed for Memphis to combat crime through workforce development and deterrence.

Tennessee’s fiscal year 2027 includes $50 million for public safety in Memphis, $350 million for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and $3.5 million for the new Downtown art museum. 

“We don’t want anyone using those public dollars that we send down to educate the children to enter into litigation because they might not agree with the high accountability standards that we’re putting in place,” bill sponsor state Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, said.

Gov. Bill Lee and other Republicans are pointing to interest in the program, which will give more than $7,500 per child for private school tuition and certain educational costs.

A small group of state lawmakers is expected to meet Monday, in the waning days of the legislative session, to determine the details of a proposal to take over the Memphis school system.

Sen. Brent Taylor advanced a bill that would track transgender health care and protect conversion therapy for those questioning their gender identity.