MLK50

08/01/2025

Through threats and incentives, the administration conscripted local jails, federal prisons and private companies to detain immigrants.

08/01/2025

Memphis’ SneakFest 2025 draws sneakerheads, streetwear brands, and collectors for a celebration of culture, creativity and kicks https://mlk50.co/46InEKB

Sneakerheads, creators and vendors from across the region filled the Agricenter Saturday for the 19th edition of SneakFest, Memphis’ premier sneaker and streetwear convention. With music bumping, rare kicks on full display and vibrant local brands lining the walls, the resale marketplace celebrate...

08/01/2025

Authorities are investigating why two women fell ill at the Revolution Against Aging and Death Festival. They both received peptide injections, an alternative therapy promoted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a way to fight aging and chronic disease.

07/31/2025

Idaho students with disabilities have worse outcomes than many of their peers in other states, according to federal data. Parents say it can take months to evaluate students, and in some cases schools have refused to provide needed services.

07/31/2025

Venezuelan men deported by the Trump administration say they endured months of physical and mental abuse inside a Salvadoran prison. Though happy to be home, they say the fact that they were released is proof of how senseless their detentions were.

07/31/2025

Supervision of detained youth will change from the Sheriff’s Office to the county division of corrections. It’s the culmination of a yearslong fight — and puts a strain on county resources.

The multiyear fight between the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Memphis-Shelby County’s Juvenile Court over operation of the Youth Justice and Education Center entered a new phase this week, aft…

07/30/2025

Tax breaks propped up a troubled Memphis apartment complex — and tenants paid the price

One of Kerrie Washington’s children runs down the hall (right) while at home in Grahamwood Place Apartments (left). Like some of her neighbors, Washington and her family have had issues with cracks…

07/28/2025

A dozen apartments monitored by the Health and Ed Board are in legal default

Bridgeport Manor (formerly Cambridge Court) has blighted buildings on its 636-unit property in Whitehaven. The apartment is currently in legal default under the tax break from the Health, Education…

07/27/2025

38109 residents asked how to spend money from xAI tax payments

The city is asking community members how it should spend the tax money Mayor Paul Young wants set aside for neighborhoods within a five-mile radius of xAI’s two local facilities. An ordinance to re…

07/27/2025

“The ones that were fortunate enough to leave have left.” A month after the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care, trans youth in Tennessee are thinking about leaving the state. https://mlk50.co/4mbwjJI

07/26/2025

Farewell to Karanja Ajanaku, a mentor, confidante and friend

Karanja Ajanaku worked as a journalist in Memphis for much of his life. Photo via Facebook. Photo illustration by Andrea Morales for MLK50 Journalist Karanja Ajanaku, a former editor of The New Tri…

07/25/2025

ACLU attorneys have been criticized for challenging Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. But their legal team doesn’t have any regrets. “We are proud to stand up for these kids, and for this community, and will do so no matter what,” said Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, the lead ACLU TN attorney on the case. https://mlk50.co/4mbwjJI