Claim OwnershipBehind the Headlines Podcast
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Each week host Eric Barnes discusses major stories in the Memphis area with business executives, community leaders and politicians, as well as local journalists. WKNO's Behind the Headlines Podcast is powered by the Daily Memphian.
314 Episodes
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Phyllis Aluko said there's been a shift in people's attitudes toward crime, punishment and due process, but public defenders play a key role in upholding constitutional standards.
State Sen. Raumesh Akbari and County Commission Chair Shante Avant discussed the Memphis Safe Task Force's immigration role as well as legislation that would allow a state takeover of Memphis schools.
Reporters discuss top local stories of 2025, including the link between the Memphis-Shelby County Schools ouster of Marie Feagins, and the arrival of the National Guard.
Activists responding to immigration police calls on behalf of those detained said on "Behind The Headlines" the lines look blurred at times as a police stop is followed by a federal presence.
The leader of Shelby County's Community Services Division talks about the safety net of programs and the balancing act that comes with uncertain money.
The announcement of a multi-billion dollar plan for a cloud computing hub on the site of another blockbuster development that never panned out is among the topics discussed on Behind The Headlines in a reporters roundtable.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris says the number of jail deaths calls for dramatic change that could include the county or the state taking over the county jail currently run by Sheriff Floyd Bonner.
After nearly a year leading Memphis' school system, Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond wants to keep going. Richmond discussed progress toward his goals for the district, his approach to school closures, and more.
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson talked about his tenure in the Tennessee House of Representatives and his views on the Memphis Safe Task Force on "Behind The Headlines."
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump but agreed with Trump's assessment of the set of elections this past week that saw Democratic victory.
Millington City Manager Frankie Dakin and Millington Chamber of Commerce director Chris Thomas talked about the suburb's growth and unique development history.
Executive Director of Stand for Children Tennessee, Cardell Orrin, and Executive Director of Just City, Josh Spickler join host Eric Barnes and Daily Memphian reporter Bill Dries to discuss the impact of the federal intervention in Memphis, including transparency concerns and the long-term effects on public trust and community safety.
Mayor Paul Young is aware his strategy — and the Task Force itself — are controversial.
Shelby County Lee Harris' veto of a resolution to move school board elections and the National Guard coming to town were hot topics on "Behind the Headlines."
The city's Infrastructure and Development chief talked about affordable housing issues and the "appraisal gap" that challenges the drive to build more "starter homes" on WKNO's "Behind The Headlines."
Eric Barnes hosts a journalist roundtable with The Memphis Flyer's Kailynn Johnson, and The Daily Memphian reporters Laura Testino and Samuel Hardiman. The discussion covers the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, looming school closures, the debate over a new county jail and a remembrance of longtime Memphis journalist Les Smith.
To the dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Memphis, its mission begins — but doesn't end — with data. Dr. Ashish Joshi joins Eric Barnes and Bill Dries to discuss the broader use of hard scientific data.
Reporters' roundtable looks at the problems plaguing Memphis Area Transit Authority, and the new trial for former Memphis Police officers convicted in Tyré Nichols' death.
Eric Barnes hosts a journalist roundtable with The Memphis Flyer's Kailynn Johnson, and The Daily Memphian's Samuel Hardiman and Jane Donahoe. Guests discuss some of Memphis's biggest stories — from the future of the jail and MATA leadership to crime trends, xAI development, TennCare cuts, and the city's negotiations with the Grizzlies.
Executive Director of First Eight Memphis, Kandace Thomas, and President of Porter-Leath, Sean Lee, discuss pre-K access, the $32 million Head Start funding, and the challenges of quality early learning, with The Daily Memphian's Eric Barnes and Laura Testino.
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