Behind the Headlines Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.