Behind the Headlines Podcast

Memphis Mayor Paul Young talked on "Behind The Headlines" about the March 28 No Kings march that ended with Memphis Police pepper-spraying demonstrators.

The change in who runs the detention center on a daily basis began this past October — about the time the Memphis Safe Task Force began operations locally.

The new formula and its links to the city's quest to create 10,000 new and renovated units of housing by 2030 is among the topics discussed on a journalist roundtable on this week's episode of Behind The Headlines.

Chandell Ryan joins host Eric Barnes and The Daily Memphian's Bill Dries to discuss new safety and infrastructure investments, improvements along Beale Street, and efforts to attract businesses and conventions to Downtown Memphis.

The ongoing difference among those working in and with the Memphis Safe Task Force was among the topics discussed in a Behind The Headlines reporters roundtable.

Republican sponsors of the bill have said they'll push the Tennessee General Assembly to pass legislation that would kneecap the elected board by giving a new board of state appointees powers over MSCS.

Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy talked on "Behind The Headlines" about the Task Force and criticism Memphis Mayor Paul Young has taken.

Interim Shelby County Public Defender Jerri Green talked on "Behind The Headlines" about dropping crime rates, the overflowing jail and the differing numbers used by different parts of the criminal justice system.

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board is about to decide on the district's leadership, and candidates are campaigning for school board seats. But two sponsors of a state bill say little, if any, of that matters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After nearly a year leading Memphis' school system, Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond wants to keep going. Richmond discussed progress toward his goals for the district, his approach to school closures, and more.

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."

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump but agreed with Trump's assessment of the set of elections this past week that saw Democratic victory.

Millington City Manager Frankie Dakin and Millington Chamber of Commerce director Chris Thomas talked about the suburb's growth and unique development history.

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.

Mayor Paul Young is aware his strategy — and the Task Force itself — are controversial.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.