1602: Two state lawmakers plan to push for MSCS takeover
Release Date: 07/15/2025
1608: Early Childhood Education
Behind the Headlines Podcast
Executive Director of First Eight Memphis, Kandace Thomas, and President of Porter-Leath, Sean Lee, discuss pre-K access, the $32 million Head Start funding, and the challenges of quality early learning, with The Daily Memphian's Eric Barnes and Laura Testino.
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1607: How to keep interest in Downtown Memphis ahead of big projects
Behind the Headlines Podcast
The head of the Downtown Memphis Commission talks about what’s beyond Downtown’s waiting period for several new and renovated institutions to come online.
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1606: TVA likely to be backup power for xAI
Behind the Headlines Podcast
It does not appear that Memphis Light, Gas and Water will give Elon Musk’s xAI a meaningful amount of electricity for the company’s second Memphis data center. MLGW CEO Doug McGowen said that MLGW will not be providing more than a small amount of power to xAI and that the Tennessee Valley Authority may not provide a lot either. Ursula Madden, the utility’s vice president of communications, also discussed the utility’s efforts to raise money for utility assistance.
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1605: Affordable housing in Memphis
Behind the Headlines Podcast
President & CEO of The Works, Inc., Roshun Austin, Executive Director of United Housing, Amy Schaftlein, and Memphis Housing & Community Development Director, Ashley Cash, join host Eric Barnes and Bill Dries to discuss the challenges and solutions around affordable housing in Memphis.
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1604: Memphis-Shelby County School Board of Education
Behind the Headlines Podcast
Natalie McKinney and Michelle McKissack join The Daily Memphian's Eric Barnes and Laura Testino to discuss lawmakers' push for a takeover of the school district, the former superintendent Marie Feagins' lawsuit to get her job back, and more.
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1603: Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church Development
Behind the Headlines Podcast
President and CEO of Crosstown Concourse, Todd Richardson, Associate VP of Meharry’s Office of Memphis Programs, Dr. Stephanie Sweet, and Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, J. Lawrence Turner join host Eric Barnes and Daily Memphian reporter Bill Dries. Guests discuss transforming church-owned land into a mixed-use space, as well as the Cleveland Street Corridor.
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1602: Two state lawmakers plan to push for MSCS takeover
Behind the Headlines Podcast
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.
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1552: Candidates ‘have the responsibility for turnout’
Behind the Headlines Podcast
Shelby County Election Commission Chairman Mark Luttrell says candidates running for office have much to do with how many voters turn out in elections. And voter turnout in Memphis and Shelby County has been lower for years. Luttrell and Shelby County Election Commission Administrator of Elections Linda Phillips are this week's guests on Behind the Headlines.
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1551: Immigration in Memphis
Behind the Headlines Podcast
Casey Bryant, Executive Director of Advocates for Immigrant Rights, and Michael Phillips, Executive Director of Su Casa Family Ministries discuss how immigration law and enforcement are playing out locally, from daily ICE activity to concerns over due process.
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1550: County mayor's property tax proposal becomes tax hike
Behind the Headlines Podcast
The county property tax rate proposed by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris is four cents higher than the state’s certified rate, but he said it’s not a tax hike. Harris and Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon join Eric Barnes and Bill Dries on this week's episode.
info_outlineRep. 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.