David Waters

Memphis

Distinguished Journalist in Residence and Assistant Director at Institute for Public Service Reporting

Featured in: Favicon

psrmemphis.org Favicon

mlk50.com

postnewsgroup.com Favicon

tntribune.com Favicon

memphisflyer.com

Articles

Institute for Public Service Reporting - Memphis

3 weeks ago | psrmemphis.org | David Waters |David Waters

Every now and then when she was younger, Martha Park would find herself in one of her father’s sermons. “I’m using you in my sermon today,” the Rev. Don Park would tell her before the service.
Institute for Public Service Reporting - Memphis

2 months ago | psrmemphis.org | David Waters |David Waters

I’ve watched every school board meeting since Dr. Marie Feagins was elected superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools a year ago. I’ve read the board’s resolution that terminated her contract last month, and the special counsel’s 209-page investigation of the board’s allegations against her. I’ve read Feagins’ written responses to the allegations in her two-page email to board chair Joyce Dorse-Coleman on Jan. 6, and her 14-page “official response” to the board Jan. 14.
Safety Net Advocates Bracing for Big Cuts in Medicaid, Food Stamps

Jan 17, 2025 | memphisflyer.com | David Waters

This story was originally published by the Institute for Public Service Reporting Memphis. When Ashlie Bell-Seibers hears about congressional plans to slash Medicaid spending, she thinks about children she knows in Tennessee. Children like Asher, 12, who sees 17 specialists and who is able to live and be cared for at home because she receives special coverage through TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program.
Safety net advocates bracing for big cuts in Medicaid, food stamps

Jan 15, 2025 | psrmemphis.org | David Waters

When Ashlie Bell-Seibers hears about congressional plans to slash Medicaid spending, she thinks about children she knows in Tennessee. Children like Asher, 12, who sees 17 specialists and who is able to live and be cared for at home because she receives special coverage through TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program. Then there’s Claire, age 10, who was born with a rare genetic condition that required life-saving open-heart surgery covered by TennCare.
New Memphis program aims to reform welfare one father at a time

Dec 9, 2024 | psrmemphis.org | David Waters

Eight young fathers take turns introducing themselves. They say their names, a bit about why they are here, and how many children they have. Some are here for the first time, others have been here before. All have chosen to be here on this fatherhood class on this rainy, dreary Wednesday morning in Frayser. “I don’t want to be like my dad. I want to be there for my kids,” says a 35-year-old man with seven children, including six daughters.
State shifting welfare focus, millions in funds to two Memphis nonprofits

Oct 27, 2024 | tntribune.com | David Waters

After he graduated from Frayser High School in 2002, Corey Barber decided to change the direction of his life. He enlisted in the Marines. “I figured I’m dodging bullets in Frayser, I might as well get paid to do it in a place where I can do some good,” Barber said. Many months later, Barber was dodging bullets in Iraq. One hit him in the back of his head. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. He still suffers from PTSD.
State shifting welfare focus, millions in funds to two Memphis nonprofits

Oct 23, 2024 | psrmemphis.org | David Waters

After he graduated from Frayser High School in 2002, Corey Barber decided to change the direction of his life. He enlisted in the Marines. “I figured I’m dodging bullets in Frayser, I might as well get paid to do it in a place where I can do some good,” Barber said. Many months later, Barber was dodging bullets in Iraq. One hit him in the back of his head. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. He still suffers from PTSD.
A Sister Story: How two siblings from Whitehaven both became authors

Oct 7, 2024 | psrmemphis.org | David Waters

Two sisters from Memphis, both published authors, recently visited their childhood sanctuary in Whitehaven. The home where they grew up was walking distance from the place where they grew wings: the Levi Public Library. “The last time we were here? Forever ago,” says Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams, the older sister, as she scans the cozy space where she once read spy thrillers and fantasy novels. The books transported her to distant times and places, and encouraged her to explore and question.
Federal Judge Orders TVA To Divulge Salaries Of 4 Regional Vice Presidents

Oct 5, 2024 | tntribune.com | David Waters

A federal judge has ordered the Tennessee Valley Authority to release salary and compensation information for the agency’s four regional vice presidents, who include Mark Yates of Memphis. The judge ruled in favor of Memphis journalist Marc Perrusquia, who sued TVA a year ago to release the information via the Freedom of Information Act. Perrusquia’s lawsuit claimed that TVA wrongfully withheld the records in violation of federal law. TVA is a federal agency.
New plan to protect Memphis aquifer would increase permit fees for private wells

Oct 1, 2024 | psrmemphis.org | David Waters

As a growing number of breaches in the Memphis Sand Aquifer threatens Shelby County’s drinking water, an obscure government board is recommending an increase in private well permit fees for the first time in nearly four decades. The county’s Groundwater Quality Control Board voted last week to increase fees for private wells and septic tanks — the first such increase since the board was created in 1988.