Desmond Nugent

1 week ago | localmemphis.com | Desmond Nugent

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An EF-3 tornado tore through Grand Junction in Hardeman County last week, leaving a path of destruction that stretched across homes, businesses and places of worship. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, there were no fatalities, but residents said the road to recovery is long, filled with hope, heart, and helping hands. Cleanup efforts continued on Friday amid widespread damage.

2 weeks ago | localmemphis.com | Desmond Nugent

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A tight-knit Parkway Village community is reeling after 5-year-old Kayden Nolen, an autistic child who was reported missing on Wednesday, was found dead Thursday morning in a body of water at Lakeview Apartments. Memphis police confirmed Nolen’s body was discovered following a city-wide search that began when his aunt reported him missing on Wednesday. According to authorities, Nolen's aunt claimed he went missing after she awoke from a nap in her apartment.

2 weeks ago | localmemphis.com | Desmond Nugent

MEMPHIS, Tenn — As the end of the school year approaches, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is hitting the road to promote his Education Freedom Scholarship Act, also known as the school voucher program, made a stop Wednesday at a private school in North Memphis that he said could serve as a model for others across the state. "Young men like this can tap into a scholarship or an education savings account and have access to a school like this, that they otherwise would not have access to," he said.

2 weeks ago | localmemphis.com | Desmond Nugent

MEMPHIS, Tenn — Floodwaters in Dyer County have surged to dangerously high levels, forcing residents in affected areas to evacuate. As of Monday night, the county is under a state of emergency as the heavy flooding continues to devastate communities. In the small town of Miston, homes are submerged. According to longtime Miston resident Conner Upchurch, the damage is worse nearby in Bogota, where entire streets have been overtaken by floodwaters. "This has been a mess," Upchurch said.

2 weeks ago | localmemphis.com | Desmond Nugent

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee state lawmakers edge closer to a decision that could lead to a state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). Last week, the bill aimed at addressing the district’s ongoing challenges moved to the finance subcommittee, marking a pivotal moment in the legislative process. Next steps and fast-tracking the process According to the state's House Minority Leader, Karen Camper, the bill has two versions that differ significantly.