Behind the Headlines Podcast

This week on WKNO’s Behind the Headlines, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland discusses the ways the city is working to meet the needs of Memphians during the COVID-19 pandemic with host Eric Barnes and the Daily Memphian’s Bill Dries.

Director of Memphis Housing and Community Development Paul Young joins host Eric Barnes and Bill Dries with the Daily Memphian to discuss the city’s efforts to help people living in public housing and experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week on Behind the Headlines, President and CEO of Memphis Tourism, Kevin Kane joins host Eric Barnes and Bill Dries with the Daily Memphian to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses and tourism.

Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris join host Eric Barnes and The Daily Memphian's Bill Dries to discuss COVID-19, including testing and medical resources available at this time for hospitals and patients. In addition, Harris talks about the social and economic impacts the novel coronavirus has had on Shelby County.

Dr. Jon McCullers, Pediatrician-in-Chief for Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, and Dr. Nicholas Hysmith, Medical Director of Infection Prevention for Le Bonheur Children's Hospital join host Eric Barnes and Bill Dries with the Daily Memphian to discuss local efforts against COVID-19 in the Memphis area and the shortage of testing kits.

Dr. Bobby White, founder and CEO of Frayser Community Schools, and Shelby County Commissioner Michael Whaley discuss charter schools in Memphis, the proposal for a new high school in Frayser and the effects of COVID-19 on the community.

Toby Sells with the Memphis Flyer, Karanja Ajanaku with the New Tri-State Defender and Laura Faith Kebede with Chalkbeat TN join host Eric Barnes and Bill Dries with the Daily Memphian to discuss the current legislative session, including proposed changes to gun laws, well drilling permits, reading instruction in TN, a change to the Achievement School District and more. They also discuss the budget shortfall for Shelby County and Memphis’ sales tax increase.

Memphis City Council members Rhonda Logan, Chase Carlisle and JB Smiley Jr. discuss their first impressions after four city council meetings and the residency referendum with host Eric Barnes and Bill Dries with the Daily Memphian.

General Weirich discusses why Shelby County has been facing an increase in highway shootings, as well as actions being taken to combat the issue with host Eric Barnes and Bill Dries with the Daily Memphian.

Tennessee House Minority Leader Karen Camper (D) and Tennessee House Representative Jesse Chism (D) discuss pending bills in this year's state legislative session with host Eric Barnes and Daily Memphian reporter Bill Dries.