Fast forward to 2020, where we are in the midst of a global pandemic and U.S. presidential election that could change the trajectory for future generations.

Tommy Pacello died Monday, Nov. 16. Not long ago, he talked about his diagnosis, his city, his family and his gratitude. He wanted this column as a gift for his daughters. That’s the kind of wonderful dad he was. 

“Phasing out the heroes, myths and legends as they pertain to America’s unique story is damaging to our shared cultural identity, our mosaic of greatness.”

“As a white woman in the remaining months of her thirties, I may not be the demographic that typically fits the bill to talk about allyship but ...Black and Brown Americans are tired, and frankly it’s not their responsibility to make white people better humans.” 

To determine root causes for juvenile criminal behavior and map out more positive life plans, Shelby County needs a facility independent from Juvenile Court to provide immediate and evidence-based intervention for every youth who comes in contact with law enforcement. 

The vision for the new era of the radio station is to truly, purely and honestly represent Memphis and its surrounding area. 

After a month of adversity, this could have been the ultimate example of resilience.

“When I overhear political conversations with which I disagree, I catch myself with unkind thoughts. I wonder how people can think like that... Then I realize my own thoughts reflect the reality I am condemning.”

For months before he died, the Greek Orthodox priest’s front yard became a gathering place for well-wishers from all parts of town and walks of life.

With the construction of new buildings, touting of townhomes and the layout of streets, The Lake District is taking shape after a few delays.

Our state is among those suing to eliminate the Affordable Care Act, lockstep with a President and a party that has no real plan to replace it, that offers no hope to those without it.

Implicit bias is a thing, and it’s reflected in virtually every aspect of our society. Without meaningful discussions of the issue, in public and private workplaces, we can never fully address the scourge of systemic racism.

Craft beer naming is an art, or at least an, um, craft, and one that the growing number of Memphis breweries take with proper seriousness. In honor of the Virtual Memphis Beer Festival, we take a spin through local brewery websites to ponder beer names present and past. 

“Leo was a man that accomplished more than most lawyers, yet he was always humble, always willing to help others in need. That he was gracious enough to take time from his busy days to help guide this lawyer on his path when he was young and lost will never be forgotten.”

A year ago, Cameron Pryor was on a winning team. On Monday, he was killed trying to carjack an SUV. His shooting may have been ruled justified, but the path that took him to that Kroger was a civic tragedy.

The United States Postal Service will deliver the mail in spite of rain, sleet, snow, gloom of night and political pressure. Believe it.

Until Diana Farr and Barbara Watts were killed in a crash on Interstate 40, it was unclear how big their family really was.

No one should be surprised that Lamar Alexander flip-flopped on Supreme Court nominations. He has morphed over the last 40-plus years into a shameless political partisan, and is content to end his political career that way.

The need has become even more dire given the pandemics facing our society. Black people, especially, are under mental siege and more Black psychologists and psychiatrists are needed to support them.

The pandemic has forced innovation. Schools should be sharing best practices, whether in-person or all-remote. We should be learning from one another’s failings, and successes, and accelerate progress.

The University of Memphis said the tradition of having a live tiger at games “has come to an end.” It seems like the right decision, but it’s still a sad moment for Memphians. 

Related Story: University of Memphis mascot TOM III dies

Whitney Plantation in Louisiana is unique among those open to the public: it is the only one anywhere dedicated to the history of slaves and telling the story from their point of view.

Like the population they represent, current members of the Shelby County Commission are turning out to be the most disparate and eclectic group to be elected to a local legislative body in years – perhaps ever.

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If I’m reading the news correctly, playing high school football in Memphis amid a pandemic hasn’t just disrupted football, which was probably to be expected, but has disrupted school. In Collierville, a football-related outbreak didn’t just halt play. It switched the whole school to virtual learning for two weeks.