Memphis News Today: Stories That Matter to Our City

The Hyde Family Foundation has awarded $1.5 million in grants to 15 Memphis-based organizations, supporting projects that strengthen education, arts and culture, neighborhoods and public spaces, and leadership and civic pride. Each initiative aims to advance three key outcomes: access and opportunity, citywide connectivity and vibrancy, and visionary leadership. “Our mission is to build a…

A new opportunity is opening doors for Memphians dreaming of homeownership. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati and United Housing, Inc. have announced an expansion of their Rise Up Program, designed to help first-time, first-generation homebuyers in Memphis and West Tennessee. Through this expansion, up to $2 million in funding is now available to…

A new chapter begins in South Memphis this week as the City of Memphis marks the completion of the South City Redevelopment Project — a transformative effort that’s been a decade in the making. What began with federal funding approved by former President Barack Obama in 2015 has now become a thriving community of more…

For the 15th year in a row, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital has been named one of the Best Children’s Hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–2026 — a recognition that underscores the hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class care to children and families across the region. The annual rankings from…

A major new chapter is beginning for the historic Humes High School building in North Memphis. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education has approved the sale of the long-closed campus to New Ballet Ensemble & School, marking a transformative step for the city’s arts and education landscape. The purchase, finalized for $257,000 in a…

Memphis is moving in a new way. Nine local arts organizations have come together under a new initiative called Dance Memphis, designed to strengthen and showcase the city’s vibrant dance community. Led by ARTSmemphis, the collaboration brings together Ballet Memphis, Collage Dance, New Ballet Ensemble & School, Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC), Cannon Center for…

What happens when you mix Memphis history, hip-hop culture, and a rolling sound system? You get the Memphis Rap Tour Bus — the city’s first-ever rap tour experience, co-founded by Soulsville Charter School alum Taylor Barksdale. In just two hours, the bus takes riders through the neighborhoods, studios, and landmarks that shaped Memphis’ global reputation…

A powerful new documentary from filmmaker Tom Shadyac (behind Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty and Ace Ventura) is heading to streaming — and its roots are right here in Memphis. “Memphis to the Mountain” is a three-part series directed by Zachary Barr that will debut September 5 on Hulu and Disney+, according to an exclusive from…