The Early Word: MSCS won’t deny immigrants; hurricanes are coming

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Updated: May 28, 2025 6:25 AM CT | Published: May 28, 2025 6:22 AM CT Premium

How’s it going, Shelby County? It’s Wednesday, May 28, and you might have noticed the giant, faded blue-dog paintings that once looked down on Union Avenue in Midtown have been replaced. The new art at Union Centre was created by local artists, and there’s a meet-and-greet with them today.

There’s also a public meeting tonight to reflect on Clayborn Temple’s past and plan for what’s next following the fire that destroyed the Downtown historic site.

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board voted on Tuesday to follow the U.S. Supreme Court decision that guarantees a free, public education to kids no matter their immigration status. That could run counter to future Tennessee laws if Republican lawmakers get their way next year; a bill that would have denied that right based on immigration status stalled this year. But despite MSCS’ support, some immigrant advocates say the district should be doing more to help Spanish-speaking families enroll students, after former Superintendent Marie Feagins cut some roles that did just that.

The Atlantic hurricane season — the one most likely to impact the Mid-South — begins June 1. And the NOAA is predicting a 60% chance of above-normal activity, with three to five major hurricanes. So, what does that mean for us in Memphis? Likely, lots of rain and wind, according to our friends at MemphisWeather.net. And while that’s good to know, we’ll probably be more impacted by the summer temp forecast, and that’s looking a little rough for those of you who can’t take the heat. 

Plus, more affordable homes are on the way, Tigers track stars are heading to Florida and you could be Incredible Pizza’s landlord.

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Bianca Phillips

Bianca Phillips

Bianca Phillips is a Northeast Arkansas native and longtime Memphian who’s worked in local journalism and PR for more than 20 years. In her days as a reporter, she covered everything from local government and crime to LGBTQ issues and the arts. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South,” a cookbook of vegan Southern recipes.


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