Behind the Headlines Podcast

A reporters roundtable on "Behind The Headlines" discusses this week's decision by the Trump Justice Department to withdraw its December 2024 report critical of the Memphis Police Department.

Leaders of MIFA and the Aging Commission of the Mid-South talk on Behind The Headlines about uncertainty about possible cuts to federal funding.

Kailynn Johnson of the Memphis Flyer and Katherine Burgess of MLK50 joined Laura Testino and Eric Barnes of The Daily Memphian to discuss updates about Memphis-Shelby County Schools' buildings, the 2026 Shelby County ballot, xAI and more.  

Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy joins host Eric Barnes and Daily Memphian reporter Aarron Fleming. Mulroy discusses several important topics, including local crime reduction, the fast-tracking of violent crime cases, bail reform, and the political criticism he faces, among other issues.

Just City's Executive Director Josh Spickler and Program and People Experience Manager Yonée Gibson join host Eric Barnes and Daily Memphian reporter Aarron Fleming to discuss issues affecting the local criminal justice system, including inconsistent data, chronic court case delays, overcrowded jails and more.

The head of the Crime Commission and the principal investigator behind a new report on the path of court cases through the criminal justice system talked on "Behind The Headlines" about a clearing house for the data to change the system.

Church Health CEO Jennie Robbins talked about concerns that show up with the nonprofit's patients amid national policy changes in Washington, D.C.

The Memphis education landscape is among the topics discussed on "Behind The Headlines."

Three Memphis restaurant professionals joined The Daily Memphian's Eric Barnes and Holly Whitfield to discuss the struggles, successes and realities of the local industry.

The legislation and local reaction to it were among the topics discussed by a reporters' roundtable on "Behind The Headlines."

Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis talks on "Behind The Headlines" about getting group violence intervention right by looking at Detroit's approach, the pressure that comes with last year's drop in crime and pretextual traffic stops.

The CEO of Regional One Health talks on "Behind The Headlines" about alternatives for the rebuild of the county-owned hospital should state funding not come through and why the decision was made to shift the project to a new site.

Worth Morgan and Willie Simon talked about the path forward politically on "Behind The Headlines." It's a path where there is some common ground as well as some profound differences - especially around a recent immigration raid on Summer Avenue.

The TacoNGanas incident and what it means for the immigration effort President Donald Trump promised during his 2024 campaign is among the topics discussed on "Behind The Headlines."

Shelby County Commissioners Mickell Lowery and Britney Thornton talked on "Behind The Headlines" about the political boundary between the commission and the MSCS board.

The "Behind The Headlines" reporters roundtable also reviewed the end of the Tennessee Legislature's special session and the change Regional One Health's new plans.

Mayor Lee Harris and Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon talk on "Behind The Headlines" about the compromise they have taken to Sheriff Floyd Bonner to run the juvenile detention center.

Three Shelby County commissioners who supported a no-confidence vote aimed at Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members talked on "Behind The Headlines" about the ongoing standoff between the school board and its superintendent. 

The incoming chairman of the Memphis City Council says on "Behind The Headlines" the discussion is just beginning on what to include in a Memphis gun control ordinance now that voters have approved a wide range of options in a set of Nov. 5 referendums. Ford Canale and outgoing chairman JB Smiley also talk about the city's response to a scathing DOJ report on the Memphis Police Department.

Violent crime and efforts to battle it were among the top stories of the year as discussed in a reporters' roundtable on "Behind The Headlines." The show also included discussion of the effort by some MSCS board members to fire school superintendent Marie Feagins and the ouster attempt by state leaders against District Attorney General Steve Mulroy.

State Sen. Brent Taylor says on "Behind The Headlines" he is ready to make the case for the ouster of Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy when the Tennessee Legislature returns to session in January.

Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy discussed the DOJ's investigation into MPD, attempts to remove him from office and conditions at the Shelby County Jail on WKNO's "Behind the Headlines."

Paul Young offered more detail in a Behind The Headlines interview on what's next for MPD after a scathing federal report into the department's policies and practices. 

The Justice Department report on the Memphis Police Department is the major topic on a reporters roundtable edition of "Behind The Headlines."

Memphis attorneys talk about the need for legal representation and the barriers to it on Behind The Headlines.