Shelby County has a Jail Problem.
This week, an update from our guest columnist, Laramie Wheeler, Communications & Advocacy Manager at Just City:
“Since 2018, 68 people have died in custody in the Shelby County jail, surpassing the infamous Rikers Island in the percentage of inmates who died in custody. These were pre-trial detainees, some of whom were at 201 Poplar for misdemeanor offenses or mental health crises. Many died as a result of pre-existing conditions that were likely exacerbated by the conditions of the jail or, as some families’ lawsuits allege, abuse and/or neglect by jail staff and the medical provider.”
Seeding Success Receives 2026 Future Forward Innovation Grant
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) today announced the 2026 recipients of the Future Forward Innovation Grant, a $725,000 investment in nine innovative partnerships that will create new education-to-work pathways leading to high-wage, in-demand jobs for students across Tennessee.
Could a Memphian Play in the World Cup?
We know that there is only a 2.8% chance that a child in Memphis who is born into the lowest economic quintile will reach the top economic quintile in their lifetime. But what are the odds that a child born into poverty in Memphis could play in the World Cup?
Do Memphians Trust the Government?
Late last year, nationwide public trust in government was near an all-time low at 17%. Of course, values differ by ideology, party, race, and other factors, but there has been an overall steep decline since the 1960s. A local internal poll conducted by TN Prospers earlier this year found that every locally elected legislative body is unpopular among voters.
Budget Season Wrapped
Memphis City Council and Shelby County Commission finalize budgets for Fiscal Year 2027. Additionally, MSCS TCAP scores show mixed results, and a federal judge has placed a temporary halt on the state’s oversight board.