Tennessee will be able to implement a contentious school voucher program while opponents continue challenging the initiative, a three-judge panel decided just days before the new school year begins. On Friday, attorneys representing Nashville, Shelby County — which encompasses Memphis — and families argued in court that Tennessee officials were acting in a “haphazard fashion” … Read more
The contentious race for the job of top prosecutor in Tennessee’s most populous county ends Thursday, when voters decide between the current Republican district attorney and a Democratic challenger in a contest that’s gained some national attention as the two clash on a new state sentencing law and prosecuting abortion providers. Voters will also cast … Read more
The Memphis Shelby County Crime Commssion is out with a new report from the University of Memphis Public Safety Institute. It shows that guns are the overwhelming weapon of choice in the Bluff City. The 8 page report reads that the percentage of violent crimes committed with a gun – nearly doubled in the past … Read more
A Democratic state lawmaker accused of assaulting his ex-boyfriend was arrested Sunday and is facing charges of misdemeanor assault and felony theft. According to an affidavit, Rep. Torrey Harris of Memphis allegedly assaulted his ex-boyfriend in Nashville on Thursday. The victim told police that the two began talking about their relationship when Harris dropped off … Read more
A 15-year-old boy was charged Tuesday with murder in the fatal shooting of a pastor and leader of the United Methodist Church during a carjacking in Memphis. The Rev. Autura Eason-Williams was shot Monday afternoon outside of her home, the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church said. She was found in her driveway … Read more
A Memphis judge on Monday ordered a mental evaluation for a man police said had planned a mass shooting of people leaving a rap concert in downtown Memphis. Elijah Hyman went before a Shelby County judge on 30 charges of attempted murder and 30 more counts of possessing a firearm in the commission of a … Read more
The new DeSoto County Justice Court is open at 3423 Industrial Drive in Hernando, right next to the jail. Starting this week, tickets, fines and other municipal filings will be handled at the new facility. The new facility was built to accomodate the increasing population of the county and an increase in the court’s case … Read more
Memphis Schools Superintendent Dr. Joris Ray has been placed on paid administrative leave, amid an investigation into alleged inappropriate relationships with three former MSCS employees. After the meeting, Ray said he was disappointed in the boiard’s actions, but that he respects the board’s oversight. Ray said the board would have his full cooperation during this … Read more
Nearly four years ago, Bill Lee startled political insiders when the first-time political candidate survived a bruising and crowded $45 million GOP primary for Tennessee governor. He cruised to win the top elected state seat a few months later. Now, the Republican businessman is enjoying a drastically different race for reelection, with much more breathing … Read more
The MSCS board has called a special meeting to diuscuss allegations against school superintendent Dr. Joris Ray. The public agenda says action could be taken. Last week, the board requested an outside review of the possible impropriety of Ray after calling an emergency meeting and consulting with legal counsel. Recent court documents from Ray’s divorce … Read more