Community stories in Memphis

Jo Ann Street dedicated her life to enhancing public green spaces in North Memphis, ensuring children had access to safe areas for recreation. Her efforts led to Gooch Park becoming a certified arboretum, showcasing diverse tree species.

The Narrows, a band formed by Rhodes College alumni, is influenced by their Memphis roots and dedicates their debut album to late drummer Chris Daniels. The remaining members reflect on the impact of their city and their late friend on their music.

As discussions about the future of Ardent Studios unfold, Elizabeth Montgomery Brown emphasizes the importance of remembering John Fry's contributions to Memphis music. Meanwhile, David Porter's memoir sheds light on the history of Stax Records and its transformation into Soulsville.

June Hurt has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Memphis Whistle, a local cocktail bar facing closure due to a lost liquor license. The campaign aims to help owner Jef Hicks keep the establishment open while he seeks to reinstate the license.

Morgan Powers, who has dedicated 55 years to the Memphis Zoo, is retiring. Known for his role in capturing escaped Rhesus monkeys from the popular Monkey Island exhibit, Powers has been a significant figure in the zoo's history.

A large tree fell onto a car in South Memphis on Friday afternoon, crushing the vehicle and blocking the roadway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but neighbors expressed concerns about the safety of other trees in the area.

A woman survived a dramatic crash into gas pumps at a Covington gas station, thanks to the quick actions of bystanders, including a new dad and a nurse. The incident occurred Thursday morning, highlighting the bravery of those who rushed to help.

Detainees at the Adams County Correctional Center in Natchez, Mississippi, report severe overcrowding as ICE arrests surge, leading to unsanitary conditions and discomfort. Complaints have been filed regarding the living conditions, which include three people sharing cells designed for two.

The Broadway show 'SUFFS' celebrates the legacy of Ida B. Wells and the fight for women's voting rights. This event highlights Wells' significant contributions to civil rights and her connection to Memphis.

A Frayser mother is seeking help after her 6-year-old son's bedroom ceiling collapsed while he was in bed. This incident is not the first of its kind, raising concerns about safety and accountability.

Casting for the dating show 'Ready to Love' has begun in Memphis, offering singles a chance to find romance on television. This opportunity allows local residents to explore love in a unique setting.

Two good Samaritans acted quickly to save a motorist from a fiery crash on Highway 51 in Covington. Their swift actions prevented a potentially tragic outcome.

In a poignant reflection, the daughter of Jim Money Vardaman contrasts her father's legacy as a forester and WWII hero with that of his grandfather, the racist former Mississippi governor. She advocates for a reevaluation of her father's contributions to forestry and birdwatching.

Memphis music lovers have a variety of exciting concerts to look forward to this August, including performances by an EGOT winner and a unique show featuring a flute and DJ. The Daily Memphian highlights five concerts that promise to deliver unforgettable experiences.

The used bookstore, Second Edition Books, located at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, is set to reopen on July 31 at 11 a.m. The store will only accept cash and will remain open until 5 p.m., while book sales at other library locations will continue to be paused.

A fire broke out at a downtown apartment complex on Friday morning, prompting an investigation. The cause of the fire and any potential injuries remain unknown.

This weekend in Memphis, families can enjoy a free movie night at Carriage Crossing in Collierville, along with various other events across the area. There's something for everyone to enjoy as the weekend kicks off.

The town of Collierville honors Trey Erwin, a teen who passed away 14 years ago, by proclaiming July 31 as Trey Erwin Day. This recognition coincides with what would have been his 30th birthday.

A fire broke out at a home in Frayser early Friday morning, causing significant damage. The cause of the fire and any potential injuries remain unknown.

The family of Nolan Wells has engaged audio engineers to analyze a distress call made from a boat on the day he went missing. This development comes amid ongoing investigations and public speculation regarding the 18-year-old's death.

Germantown residents face a significant increase in sanitation service costs, with rates rising by 60%-80% due to a new contract with Waste Pro. The change has led to a decrease in demand for backdoor service among residents.

MLK50: Justice Through Journalism received three Diamond Journalism awards, including the prestigious Charlotte Tillar Schexnayder Public Service Award for their investigation into juvenile detention conditions. Visual journalist Kevin Wurm also earned recognition for his environmental photography.

A federal judge has ruled that the controversial Act 372, which allows enforcement of obscenity laws on library books, can be enacted. This decision has sparked immediate criticism from local libraries, bookstores, and advocacy groups who claim the law is overly broad and vague.

Mississippi has experienced a 12% drop in SNAP participation, with 43,000 fewer residents receiving assistance since last summer's federal funding cuts. This decline occurs despite rising food insecurity across the U.S.

Tennessee's Department of Children's Services is under scrutiny as federal audits reveal over 9,000 foster children were placed in unsafe temporary settings. The state is facing proposed class action lawsuits alleging mistreatment of these vulnerable children.

A new six-letter word puzzle inspired by Wordle has been introduced for puzzle enthusiasts in Memphis. Players have six attempts to guess the correct word using color-coded feedback for their guesses.

A driver lost control on Highway 51 in Covington, crashing into a gas pump and igniting a fire. Good Samaritans intervened to pull the driver from the burning vehicle before emergency services arrived.

Timera Allen has stepped up to care for her six nieces and nephews after the passing of her sister, Kerrie Rayford, from cancer at age 34. The children, aged 2 to 19, are now in need of support following this tragic loss.

Families in Olive Branch gathered at City Park for a Public Safety Night Out, featuring fun activities and safety information. The event aims to engage the community in discussions about public safety.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has teamed up with local barbers to provide free and discounted hair services. This initiative, named 'Back-to-Greatness', aims to support families looking to save on haircuts as summer comes to a close.