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East Tennessee just got a Trump bridge — the new I-40 span over the French Broad River in Dandridge now proudly bears his name, unveiled with a star-studded ceremony featuring Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump’s sister and sister-in-law. Though Trump couldn’t attend, he sent hats from the White House. The bridge, currently under construction by Tennessee DOT, is set to finish by September...

A damning state audit reveals $119 million in fraud, waste, and mismanagement in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, sparking debate over whether the solution lies in state takeover or local collaboration. While Republican lawmakers push for stronger oversight, Memphis Democrat Rep. Jesse Chism warns against losing local control, arguing the audit confirms long-standing challenges that demand support—n...

Temperatures soared to 92 degrees inside the main jail as its cooling system failed, forcing emergency measures — including a third chiller, portable ACs, and Gatorade handouts. Five kitchen workers and 14 inmates suffered heat-related illness, one requiring hospitalization. Diesel leaks from generators and a non-functioning fire alarm added to the chaos, prompting extra fire watch staff. Jail sta...

Tennessee’s comptroller just dropped a bombshell: Memphis-Shelby County Schools face $119 million in questioned spending—potentially sparking legal action and sparking outrage among parents who demand accountability for funds that could’ve gone toward teacher pay, school repairs, or student learning. With the new school year starting, critics say the district’s mismanagement undermines student suc...

Mother Arrested for Drug-Exposed Kids | Memphis News

Senator Marsha Blackburn’s campaign ad featuring smashed fortune cookies sparked national buzz—not just for its anti-China messaging, but because it unknowingly spotlighted a cultural misstep: fortune cookies aren’t Chinese at all. Originating in Japan as tsujiura senbei, they arrived in the U.S. via Japanese immigrants and became a staple in Chinese-American restaurants during WWII, thanks to int...

Chelsea Chandler is stepping away from Fox13 after a whirlwind year, taking a personal pause to focus on family and self-care. Since joining Fox13 in 2022 as a meteorologist and becoming a full-time anchor in April 2025, she’s built a strong presence — and even walked into the same station where her mom once worked, making it a full-circle moment. She’s grateful for the trust Memphis placed in her...

Memphis is buzzing with big developments and big drama: the Land Use Control Board weighs housing plans across key neighborhoods, while a deadly DEA incident rocks East Memphis. Schools face scrutiny after a forensic audit reveals shocking waste tied to one custodial contract, and Regional One Health prepares to lay off over 100 workers. Legal battles heat up as federal prosecutors appeal a senten...

Two suspects, William Woods and Courtney Jefferson, have been arrested in a harrowing kidnapping, assault, and robbery near the airport — where a victim was taken from a hotel, forced to pawn his laptop, and then violently held hostage across multiple locations, including Woods’ home, before being rescued by his mother. Woods admits to being present to collect money but denies assaulting the victi...

Restaurants are going wild with quirky, hard-to-pronounce names like Ouri Matcha and Lao Sze Chuan—and people are loving (and struggling with) the chaos. Social media’s buzzing as folks share their pronunciation fails, sparking debate: is it clever branding or just awkward? Some spots are even embracing the confusion as a marketing gimmick, turning mispronunciations into conversation starters. It’...

New TCAP data reveals stark educational disparities across Tennessee, with wealthier, urban districts dominating in Algebra I and II—some hitting 70%+ proficiency while others struggle at just 2%. Rural and economically strained areas lag behind, and while science scores are pending due to new standards, larger districts like Memphis, Nashville, and Knox County remain relatively stable. The number...

Summer break might feel like a welcome escape for kids, but educators in Jackson and beyond are sounding the alarm—students are slipping backward in reading and math, a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.” Teachers report significant skill loss, forcing them to spend weeks reteaching basics at the start of the year. The fix? Just 20-30 minutes of weekly practice—flashcards, games, or reading to...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ board elections are heating up with a new partisan twist—no GOP candidates made it to the May primaries, but two independents will face off in August. The district narrowly avoided a state takeover after a federal judge blocked a state-appointed oversight board, thanks to a recent law targeting underperforming districts. Legal wrangling also reshaped the board, with...

Memphis braces for a major cooldown this weekend after a scorching Friday — highs near 95°F with a heat index hitting 106°F — but relief is on the way. Starting Saturday, temps dip into the upper 80s to lower 90s with overnight lows in the 70s. The trade-off? Scattered thunderstorms likely Friday night through Sunday, with a lingering chance of showers even on Monday. Pack an umbrella — cooler wea...

A Memphis town hall meant to foster dialogue on public safety turned chaotic when protesters arrived blindfolded — a silent statement from Indivisible Memphis — only to be drowned out by shouting crowds. Officials and community members were present, but the meeting unraveled into disruption, highlighting how passion overpowers process when civic conversations go off-script. Listen in comfort: Get...

A community protest erupted at a routine public safety meeting in Orange Mound, as residents—many blindfolded—demanded accountability after the fatal shooting of Tyrin Johnson by National Guard members. Frustrated by being ignored, attendees clashed with State Senator London Lamar, who tried to steer the conversation toward school and swim safety. Tensions flared, police were called, and the meeti...

A community protest erupted at a routine public safety meeting in Orange Mound, as residents—many blindfolded—demanded accountability after the fatal shooting of Tyrin Johnson by National Guard members. Frustrated by being ignored, attendees clashed with State Senator London Lamar, who tried to steer the conversation toward school and swim safety. Tensions flared, police were called, and the meeti...

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Faces Federal Charges | Memphis News

Bees are buzzing back with a vengeance this spring, swarming homes, churches, and even trash cans—yes, trash cans—in a wild resurgence that’s got homeowners and roofers scrambling. After a five-year break, bees are reclaiming garbage bins, building massive hives in attics beside live wires, and even invading Sunday School classrooms. Experts say sealing gaps larger than five-sixteenths of an inch...

Post Office Robbery Ends in Arrest | Memphis News

Meet Magnus, the robot that’s shaking up our future—one dance move at a time. Built by Magnus Labs and debuted at Bartlett High, this compact, high-energy bot rocked out to “Eye of the Tiger,” proving robots aren’t just for factories anymore. With just 2-3 hours of battery life, Magnus signals a shift toward everyday integration—think home helpers, personal assistants, and maybe even companions. I...

French Fort in Memphis is under siege by porch pirates—seniors are losing packages right off their doorsteps, with thieves striking as early as 1 AM or just hours after delivery. One resident caught footage of the suspects rifling through mailboxes, sparking community alarm and police involvement. Beyond stolen goods, residents feel violated and unsafe, fearing physical harm. Memphis PD is on the...

A Tennessee law firm is suing the state over its COVID-era mortgage aid program, claiming it unfairly excluded White homeowners by defining “socially disadvantaged” recipients to include race and ethnicity — a move the lawsuit argues was discriminatory. Despite Black homeowners receiving nearly half the funds while White homeowners received the same share, the state’s Black population is far small...

Tragedy in East Memphis Barron Ave | Memphis News

Memphis is eyeing a major downtown revival as Ohio-based Memphis K&U steps in to transform the long-vacant Doubletree Downtown hotel into a luxury boutique destination, promising 75 new jobs and a $55 million investment—set to reopen by 2028 if city tax incentives are approved by July 14. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: adve...