1603: Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church Development
Release Date: 07/18/2025
1630: Journalist Roundtable
Behind the Headlines Podcast
Eric Barnes hosts a journalist roundtable with The Memphis Flyer reporter Kailynn Johnson and Daily Memphian reporters Samuel Hardiman and Bill Dries. The panel discusses pre-K funding delays, a possible state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, immigration enforcement, xAI’s Memphis operations, and more.
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1629: Outgoing Public Defender Phyllis Aluko
Behind the Headlines Podcast
Phyllis Aluko said there’s been a shift in people’s attitudes toward crime, punishment and due process, but public defenders play a key role in upholding constitutional standards.
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1628: Immigration enforcement doing more harm than good, Memphis lawmakers say
Behind the Headlines Podcast
State Sen. Raumesh Akbari and County Commission Chair Shante Avant discussed the Memphis Safe Task Force’s immigration role as well as legislation that would allow a state takeover of Memphis schools.
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1627: Two of the biggest Memphis stories of 2025 have a surprising connection
Behind the Headlines Podcast
Reporters discuss top local stories of 2025, including the link between the Memphis-Shelby County Schools ouster of Marie Feagins, and the arrival of the National Guard.
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1626: How clear is the line between immigration stops and MPD policy?
Behind the Headlines Podcast
Activists responding to immigration police calls on behalf of those detained said on “Behind The Headlines” the lines look blurred at times as a police stop is followed by a federal presence.
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1625: Services helping poor county residents are putting 'Band-Aids on bullet wounds'
Behind the Headlines Podcast
The leader of Shelby County’s Community Services Division talks about the safety net of programs and the balancing act that comes with uncertain money.
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1624: Selling another big economic development project in the age of the 'Digital Delta'
Behind the Headlines Podcast
The announcement of a multi-billion dollar plan for a cloud computing hub on the site of another blockbuster development that never panned out is among the topics discussed on Behind The Headlines in a reporters roundtable.
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1623: Shelby County Sheriff should not manage the jail, Harris says
Behind the Headlines Podcast
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris says the number of jail deaths calls for dramatic change that could include the county or the state taking over the county jail currently run by Sheriff Floyd Bonner.
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1622: Richmond wants to stay in charge at Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Behind the Headlines Podcast
After nearly a year leading Memphis’ school system, wants to keep going. Richmond discussed progress toward his goals for the district, his approach to school closures, and more.
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1620: State Rep. Pearson said he can work across the aisle without moderating his political views
Behind the Headlines Podcast
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson talked about his tenure in the Tennessee House of Representatives and his views on the Memphis Safe Task Force on “Behind The Headlines.”
info_outlinePresident 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.