Critics point out that these tragedies occurred outside of Memphis. They also complain that activists should focus on issues such as joblessness, educational deficits and crime. But in times of crisis, public protest is essential.

Physical distancing and wearing masks will not prevent the rising number of people who do not have health insurance.

In recent years, spending has begun to exceed revenue — a structural imbalance that is unsustainable over time without property tax increases.

To date, four independent studies – including one also financed by MLGW – have come to the same conclusion that if Memphis would leave TVA and join MISO, the city could save up to $450 million a year.

The ceremony was small, it was held outdoors, and everyone was wearing masks – masks that did nothing to dampen the beautiful and poignant sentiments occupying this space.

If we want Tennessee to be one of the fastest growing states for business and have the best patient outcomes in the country, reforming — or, better yet, completely scrapping — certificate of need laws is an excellent and essential first step.

We must not allow social distancing to lead to dangerous social isolation. The recovery community is aware of the challenges created by COVID-19, and making sure resources are available for those who need them.

If America wants to contain the coronavirus, it is necessary to avoid creating a revolving door of aggravating conditions, such as homelessness. Displacing renters amid the coronavirus outbreak could intensify the transmission of the disease.

On Memphis’ most visible 31 acres, the redesigned park “will be the stunning centerpiece of five miles of riverfront.”

Easy access to guns has brought on an epidemic that has injured or taken the lives of more citizens, including children, than the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mother wanted to reschedule her son’s appointment from May to July or August. 'Why did she want to do this? I knew the answer. Fear resonated in her voice – fear of getting out. She and her family had been isolated at home since March.'

When we get into buying big stuff, like $20 billion to $25 billion worth of electricity, there are laws and rules, conventions, traditions and common sense that apply. One of these is getting competitive bids from more than one capable bidder.

'Despite our financial soundness, everyone in Shelby County soon will be paying more in property taxes unless my colleagues on the County Commission embrace a serious reality check regarding the shortfall in the county’s general fund.'

Poets, artists and musicians historically have been able to speak the truth when the truth is hard to come by, and sometimes do more more to help people through the crises they face than so-called experts.

Finding a light when things are so dark is what scientists do, and this is how society will think (not just spend) our way out of this pandemic and all its consequences.

Smaller class sizes, class time spent teaching instead of dealing with behavioral problems, and a rigorous college-prep curriculum were important to me. But times change, and different students thrive in different environments.

Like the lottery for military service during the Vietnam War, what if there was a lottery of a certain number from other segments of society — with no exceptions allowed — who would serve on the meatpacking lines for a month?

Yes, covering your nose and mouth with a mask is annoying. Yes, it causes your glasses to fog. Yes, it makes communication more difficult. And yes, it stops the spread of disease.

The lack of a national plan to deal with the pandemic led to a disorganized and uncoordinated set of responses. Project Apollo and the Manhattan Project show what we can do when the response to a challenge is unified.

Rather than assuming all students are behind when schools reopen, we should begin the school year providing grade-level content and addressing lost-learning challenges as they are identified.

Around the world, nurses are demonstrating their compassion, bravery and courage as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Never before has their value been more clearly demonstrated.

The Stockwell and Abbott families started a Downtown lunch spot 40 years ago that inspired a son’s lifelong belief in city-building: ‘Nine-year-old me didn’t doubt Downtown could rally, because I had seen my own family do it.’

A German student learns to love America. She also learns that American students are baffled by Trump's election, and that some want to carry guns on campus.

Children may face immediate and long-term consequences of COVID-19 – from delays in seeking medical attention for current illnesses, to chronic toxic stress, to the threat of communicable diseases due to delayed vaccinations.

My family of five popped into our hairdresser’s backyard for a quarantine cut. We got good cuts over good conversation, muffled slightly by our masks.