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Sidewalk-level journalism for Memphis.

We cover Memphis neighborhoods with nuance and center the experience of residents. We expose Memphians to stories of their neighbors across the city. We seek to rebalance the news by exploring challenges while focusing on the people and solutions moving Memphis forward.

Features

Feature Story This week, we wrap up the More For Memphis series and take a look at all of the focus areas that were addressed throughout the plan's creation.  Sustainability

Wrapping up the More For Memphis series as the plan is set in motion

Jeff HulettTuesday, December 24, 2024
This week, we wrap up the More For Memphis series and take a look at all of the focus areas that were addressed throughout the plan's creation. 
Feature Story This week, we take a look at Community Development, one of the six focus areas critical to the initiative's success. Community Development

Equitable Growth: Advocating for Community Development through More For Memphis

Ashlei WilliamsMonday, December 16, 2024
This week, we take a look at Community Development, one of the six focus areas critical to the initiative's success.
Feature Story This week, we dive into the Justice & Safety anchor of the More For Memphis plan and explore what it takes to build a stronger, safer, and more equitable Memphis.  Sustainability

Safer & More Equitable: Exploring Justice & Safety aspects of the More For Memphis plan

Ashlei WilliamsTuesday, December 10, 2024
This week, we dive into the Justice & Safety anchor of the More For Memphis plan and explore what it takes to build a stronger, safer, and more equitable Memphis. 
Development News "This property holds great historical, cultural, and archeological significance, as well as long-term forest research plots, and exceptional hardwood forestland," says State Forester Heather Slayton. Sustainability

Conservation efforts at Tennessee's newest state forest to help protect Memphis drinking water

High Ground TeamTuesday, December 31, 2024
"This property holds great historical, cultural, and archeological significance, as well as long-term forest research plots, and exceptional hardwood forestland," says State Forester Heather Slayton.
Development News Founded in 1998, the Memphis-based Security Tapestry is a Managed Security Services Provider that offers cybersecurity services to businesses. Eonomic Development

How this Memphis cybersecurity firm found new business partnerships in Nigeria

High Ground TeamTuesday, December 31, 2024
A Memphis-based cybersecurity firm has gone international, finding success in not just West Tennessee but now West Africa.
Development News X Kids and Education

UofM researchers win grant to bring more ESL teachers to MSCS schools

High Ground TeamTuesday, December 24, 2024
“The emphasis of this grant is on increasing bilingualism, as research shows that being bilingual improves cognitive processing, makes the brain more resilient to damage and the effects of aging, and contributes to increasing the GDP of the country,“ says Thrush.
Development News “King Day is a time to honor Dr. King’s profound legacy and his dream of the Beloved Community,” says Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum. Community Development

National Civil Rights Museum plans King Day celebrations around big 60th anniversary year

High Ground TeamTuesday, December 24, 2024
“King Day is a time to honor Dr. King’s profound legacy and his dream of the Beloved Community,” says Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum.
Feature Story MIFA Congregate sites Healthy Communities

MIFA's Meals on Wheels program provides congregate meals at community centers

Jeff HulettMonday, December 23, 2024
Congregate meals at community centers highlight partnerships, social benefits to eating together, and food provided at the neighborhood level. MIFA says it's an aspect of Meals on Wheels that many still don’t know about. 
Feature Story END THE WAIT MIFA Healthy Communities

Meals on Wheels America aims to 'End the Wait'

Jeff HulettWednesday, December 11, 2024
“Supporting senior food programs is important for local communities and presents an opportunity for advocacy with public officials,” says Executive Director of Aging Commission of the Mid-South Kim Daugherty.
Feature Story MIFA PARTNERSHIP Healthy Communities

Unified front keeps partnership between MIFA and Aging Commission of the Mid-South sustainable

Sarah SpohnMonday, December 9, 2024
For MIFA and the Aging Commission of the Mid-South their constant communication, transparency, and shared passion for service has shown how they can have a collective impact on their community
Feature Story MIFA staff deliveries Healthy Communities

MIFA’s Meals on Wheels Program relies on staff to deliver meals, smiles

Jeff HulettThursday, December 5, 2024
Committed staff drivers who are responsible for the bulk of meal deliveries to MIFA clients in and around Memphis. Sometimes they are the only face the person receiving a meal sees all day.
Development News “It was truly inspiring to see so many Memphians lend their talents and time over a weekend to help solve pressing civic challenges," says Jessica Lotz, Executive Director at Innovate Memphis. Technology and Innovation

Hackers show how technology and innovation can solve civic challenges in Memphis

High Ground TeamWednesday, November 27, 2024
“It was truly inspiring to see so many Memphians lend their talents and time over a weekend to help solve pressing civic challenges," says Jessica Lotz, Executive Director at Innovate Memphis.
Development News "Tennessee continues to be a place where we can grow our economy and protect our natural resources at the same time," says Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers. Sustainability

UM research center wins prestigious award for 5-year study of Memphis aquifer

High Ground TeamWednesday, November 27, 2024
"Tennessee continues to be a place where we can grow our economy and protect our natural resources at the same time," says Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers.
Development News File photo: Ziggy Mack / High Ground News Kids and Education

Latest federal accountability reports show improvements at these MSCS schools

High Ground TeamWednesday, November 27, 2024
"This recognition proves that the hard work of our teachers, staff, students, and families is paying off,” says Board Member Tamarques Porter.
Feature Story Tonya Bradley-Parker, Vice President of Meals on Wheels Healthy Communities

Collaboration expands MIFA's reach, boosts health for vulnerable populations

Julie RiddleWednesday, November 13, 2024
Partnerships with Regional One Health, UnitedHealthcare, and a local federally qualified health center enable MIFA to increase the reach of its longstanding Meals-on-Wheels program. The collaborations tap MIFA’s expertise while freeing its partners to pursue their own strengths in caring for the people they serve.
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Have a connection to any of our 14 On the Ground neighborhoods? 
You can help shape our coverage.
Email [email protected] with story ideas, feedback, or questions. 

What are our focus neighborhoods? 
Binghampton, The Edge, Frayser, The Heights, Hickory Hill, Klondike & Smokey City, Madison Heights, North Memphis, Orange Mound, South City, Soulsville, Uptown & The Pinch, The University District, and Whitehaven.

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What is Solutions Journalism?

Many of High Ground's in-depth stories take an approach known as solutions journalism.

Solutions journalism:
  • explores challenges but focuses on responses—the solutions
  • asks for evidence—proof of need, success, & progress
  • asks complex questions—whys & hows
  • includes the voices of those most affected by challenges and solutions
We asks how challenges and responses affect Memphis' diverse communities and focus on neighborhoods and voices often excluded from these critical conversations. 
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