Memphis Zoo breaks ground on new exhibit
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Zoo is bringing a taste of marine life to the Bluff City with the addition of a new aquatic exhibit.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the zoo’s new Stingrays at Mangrove Cove attraction was held Friday alongside zoo staff, community partners and supporters.
The new attraction will include three unique habitats that feature stingrays, sharks and other aquatic species from around the world. The new exhibit is designed to give guests opportunities to connect with marine life through interactive experiences including touching stingrays and optional feeding opportunities, according to zoo officials. Read more here.
Cohen backing Lamar following redistricting
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An updated list for the newly-drawn congressional districts has been released, and one name not on that list is longtime Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen.
Cohen represented district nine for almost two decades, but now his district has been divided into three separate ones.
He announced on Friday that he is retiring from Congress after what he calls “gerrymandering.”
Tennessee inmate pleads for DNA testing as execution nears
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tony Carruthers, a Tennessee inmate, is scheduled to be executed on Thursday unless Tennessee Governor Bill Lee chooses to halt it.
Carruthers has spent more than 30 years on death row after being convicted in a 1994 Memphis kidnapping and murder case.
Carruthers and his alleged accomplice, James Montgomery, were convicted of kidnapping, torturing, and burying alive a mother, her son, and his friend back in 1996.
One of the victims was as young as 17-years-old. Read more here.
Tennessee officials divided on Iran strikes as tensions rise
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Reaction is growing at home to the strikes on Iran as Tennessee elected officials are weighing in with sharply different opinions on the operation.
As tensions escalate overseas involving Iran, some are praising the president’s actions, while others are expressing concern for what comes next. Read more here.
xAI permit sparks pollution fight
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Local environmental groups are set to address the upcoming public hearing for xAI’s air pollution permit.
This comes as the health department approved a permit for Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company to operate 15 methane-gas turbines to power its colossus supercomputer in southwest Memphis.
The controversy began when Musk installed 35 methane-gas turbines but only submitted permits to operate 15. Read more here.
Tennessee, Arkansas unveil new name for I-55 bridge: Kings’ Crossing
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Tennessee and Arkansas officials have unveiled the new name for the future I-55 bridge across the Mississippi River Friday, which will be called “Kings’ Crossing.”
The name honors three influential figures in Memphis history: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Elvis Presley, and B.B. King. The decision was made by the Tennessee General Assembly and the Arkansas Highway Commission to celebrate the legacies of these iconic individuals. Read more here.
When will the National Guard deploy to Memphis?
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — President Donald Trump announced that the National Guard will be deployed to Memphis, calling the city “deeply troubled” during an interview with Fox and Friends.
Now, the question is, what comes next, and when can we expect troops on the ground?
There have been mixed reactions coming in since the news broke last week. Shelby County and Memphis leaders pleaded Friday with the Trump administration for resources, not troops and “occupation,” to help fight crime in the Memphis area. Read more here.
MS Governor proclaims Hurricane Katrina Remembrance Day
GULFPORT, Miss. – Today marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating natural disasters in American history.
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made its second landfall over southeast Louisiana and Mississippi, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Mississippi, one of the hardest-hit areas, is commemorating the day with a proclamation by Governor Tate Reeves declaring it Hurricane Katrina Remembrance Day. Read more here.
Shelby Farms dog park named No. 1 in USA
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Shelby Farms Park’s Outback Off-Leash Dog Park, has officially been named the best dog park in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ poll.
The nomination was decided by a panel of experts and USA Today10Best editors before being voted on by the Park’s visitors and dog park fans.
The dog park is one of the most popular attractions in Shelby Farms Park and is a multi-use area that offers over 100 acres of open fields, ponds and unpaved trails, so pets can enjoy the park in an off-leash setting. Read more here.
Le Bonheur unveils new pediatric ambulances
MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is taking its emergency response to the next level.
The hospital is rolling out brand new state of the art ambulances, designed with children in mind, to ensure faster and safer care when it’s needed the most. The new ambulances were made possible with help of Congressman Steve Cohen who secured $1 million in federal funding for the project.
Congressman Cohen and Le Bonheur officials showcased the new intensive care ambulances in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. Read more here.
Frayser library marks grand opening of new location
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – After years of waiting, Thursday was the grand opening of the Memphis Public Libraries’ newest branch in Frayser.
In late April, the Frayser library located on Argonne Street closed its doors to move into its new location along 2220 James Road. The new branch is three times the size of the old one and those with the library say they’re excited to share new resources with the community. City officials attended the grand opening. Read more here.
Sarah Taber 