Institute for Public Service Reporting

The Institute for Public Service Reporting is a dedicated news organization located at the University of Memphis, focused on serving the community through responsible journalism. Our strong team of professionals engages in thorough investigative reporting and detailed explanatory journalism to support a lively democracy, encourage inclusivity, and enhance the lives of Greater Memphis residents, particularly those in underserved areas. Additionally, we offer practical training for university students, preparing them to be the future journalists of our community.

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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.
Are Memphis Police Over-Charging Motorists Caught With Marijuana?

3 weeks ago | psrmemphis.org | Marc Perrusquia |Micaela Watts

Memphis simmered in the July heat as a police cruiser pulled over a blue Nissan Altima motoring through the downtown business district. The car’s temporary tag had expired days earlier, an oversight police often resolve by issuing a citation.
Institute for Public Service Reporting - Memphis

3 weeks ago | psrmemphis.org | Micaela Watts

When Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation last year that dismantled a local Memphis ordinance aimed at limiting pretextual stops, he described these types of traffic stops as “tools” available to law enforcement. Yes, oversight is needed to ensure police act within lawful parameters, Lee said. But police shouldn’t lose tools available to them at the cost of public safety, he said.
Institute for Public Service Reporting - Memphis

3 weeks ago | psrmemphis.org | Marc Perrusquia

It goes by various names: Pretextual policing. Investigative stops. Proactive policing. Zero tolerance. Aggressive policing. No matter what one calls it, it’s highly controversial. Studies show it’s also ineffective, racist and dangerous.
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.
Mayor Young Meets With Justice Dept. to Discuss Police Reform

2 months ago | psrmemphis.org | Micaela Watts

Mayor Paul Young has opened discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice as he seeks guidance for reforming the Memphis Police Department. In an exclusive interview with the Institute for Public Service Reporting, Young said he met earlier this month with DOJ representatives to discuss findings that MPD often engages in excessive force, discrimination, unconstitutional traffic stops and other illegal acts.
Judge Weakens Protections Against Police Spying, Critics Charge

Jan 20, 2025 | psrmemphis.org | Micaela Watts

Critics fear a judge’s decision last week will weaken a long-standing federal order that bans the Memphis Police Department from spying on citizens. The ruling Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Jon McCalla modifies an order known as the Kendrick Consent Decree by replacing a private attorney who monitors police activities with two lawyers employed by the city of Memphis and assigned to the Memphis Police Department.
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.
Memphis Poverty Is Complicated By Low-Paying Jobs

Nov 18, 2024 | psrmemphis.org | Elena Delavega

Memphis has one of the highest poverty rates among large cities in the U.S. Some years, Memphis is the large city with the highest poverty rate; other years, we are in second place. Why are there so many poor people in Memphis? A popular answer is that they do not work. But that popular answer is flawed. This does not stop Memphis leaders from speaking endlessly about the need to bring jobs to the city. The Greater Memphis Chamber (GMACC) talks about bringing jobs to Memphis.