

Behind the Headlines Podcast
WKNO/The Daily Memphian
Each week host Eric Barnes discusses major stories in the Memphis area with business executives, community leaders and politicians, as well as local journalists. WKNO's Behind the Headlines Podcast is powered by the Daily Memphian.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 31, 2025 • 32min
1618: Millington leaders talk Navy Road comeback, big-box growth
 Millington City Manager Frankie Dakin and Millington Chamber of Commerce director Chris Thomas talked about the suburb's growth and unique development history. 

Oct 24, 2025 • 32min
1617: Federal intervention in Memphis
 Executive Director of Stand for Children Tennessee, Cardell Orrin, and Executive Director of Just City, Josh Spickler join host Eric Barnes and Daily Memphian reporter Bill Dries to discuss the impact of the federal intervention in Memphis, including transparency concerns and the long-term effects on public trust and community safety. 

Oct 20, 2025 • 32min
1616: How Mayor Young wants to work with the Memphis Safe Task Force — instead of contesting it
 Mayor Paul Young is aware his strategy — and the Task Force itself — are controversial. 

Oct 11, 2025 • 32min
1615: County commissioners split on whether to fight Harris' veto
 Shelby County Lee Harris' veto of a resolution to move school board elections and the National Guard coming to town were hot topics on "Behind the Headlines." 

Sep 26, 2025 • 32min
1613: Affordable housing push looking beyond subsidies to supply need
 The city's Infrastructure and Development chief talked about affordable housing issues and the "appraisal gap" that challenges the drive to build more "starter homes" on WKNO's "Behind The Headlines." 

Sep 19, 2025 • 27min
1612: Journalist Roundtable
 Eric Barnes hosts a journalist roundtable with The Memphis Flyer's Kailynn Johnson, and The Daily Memphian reporters Laura Testino and Samuel Hardiman. The discussion covers the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, looming school closures, the debate over a new county jail and a remembrance of longtime Memphis journalist Les Smith. 

Sep 17, 2025 • 32min
1611: How U of M scientists navigate conspiracy theories and the polarized world of public health
 To the dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Memphis, its mission begins — but doesn't end — with data. Dr. Ashish Joshi joins Eric Barnes and Bill Dries to discuss the broader use of hard scientific data. 

Sep 8, 2025 • 27min
1610: MATA roils in turmoil. What's the next step?
 Reporters' roundtable looks at the problems plaguing Memphis Area Transit Authority, and the new trial for former Memphis Police officers convicted in Tyré Nichols' death. 

Aug 29, 2025 • 27min
1609: Journalist Roundtable
 Eric Barnes hosts a journalist roundtable with The Memphis Flyer's Kailynn Johnson, and The Daily Memphian's Samuel Hardiman and Jane Donahoe. Guests discuss some of Memphis's biggest stories — from the future of the jail and MATA leadership to crime trends, xAI development, TennCare cuts, and the city's negotiations with the Grizzlies. 

Aug 22, 2025 • 32min
1608: Early Childhood Education
 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. 


