MLK50

06/18/2026

From creating law to assisting with passport issues: Here are some tasks of a U.S. Congressperson and why who holds the role matters.

Tennessee Republicans enacted a new U.S. House map on May 7 that carved up Memphis’ majority-Black district. Photo by Kevin Wurm/MLK50/CatchLight Local/Report for America When Tennessee Republicans…

06/18/2026

The Department of Defense wants the lawsuit against xAI thrown out.

06/17/2026

Tony Carruthers’ family says he is struggling to walk, cannot use his right hand and is not communicating as he did before the botched lethal injection attempt on May 21. Since then, the state has refused to allow an outside doctor to conduct a medical exam on Carruthers, against attorneys’ requests and professional medical advice.

“(The prison medical staff) tried to kill (Carruthers), so he’s not trying to see them,” his family member said.

The Tennessee Department of Corrections tried to execute Carruthers, but medical staff could not find a suitable vein to complete the lethal injection procedure. Gov. Bill Lee canceled the ex*****on after medical staff spent more than an hour trying to insert IV lines in various places in Carruthers’ body — including his arms, feet, neck, chest and shoulder area.

During the ex*****on attempt, Carruthers complained of pain, and his blood began backing up into the lines, his attorney said.

On June 12, the ACLU confirmed Carruthers is still experiencing physical health issues.

Click here to read more 👇
https://mlk50.com/2026/06/17/botched-lethal-injection-causing-health-issues-for-tony-carruthers-his-family-and-attorneys-say/

06/16/2026

Justin Pearson challenged the last Tennessee Democrat in the House. Now he’s up against the threat of total GOP control.

State Rep. Justin J. Pearson challenged the last Tennessee Democrat in the House. Now he’s up against the threat of total GOP control.

06/16/2026

Come see MLK50 on Saturday at the Black Farmers Market!

Happy Happy Tuesday!!!

Today we reveal ALL of our vendors for the 5th Season.

From fresh produce, to beautiful florals, to flavorful foods, sweet treats, cool beverages, to wellness essentials we are beyond grateful to have them part of the fam!

Come out to Opening Day, June 20, 2026 | 10a-2p | 491 E. McLemore to meet them, build relationship with them, and let some of their offerings become new staples in your life and home.

🫛🤎🧡❤️

06/15/2026

The Trump administration has issued final rules on how states should ensure that millions of Medicaid enrollees prove they’re working or completing other activities, such as job training, volunteering, or being enrolled in an educational program.

A view of Regional One Health’s crosswalk over Jefferson Avenue. Photo by Brandon Dill for MLK50 This story was republished with permission from KFF Health News. Read the original story here. The T…

06/13/2026

We have results from the community air monitors near xAI 👩🏽‍🏫

06/12/2026

Come join MLK50 for Article Club! 🗞️👁️‍🗨️

We pick the article and you come ready to have a candid discussion with the person behind it.

We will dive into Katherine Burgess’ story on how ICE has violated one immigrant family's rights. Katherine will be in attendance, ready to discuss her work and answer your questions. Let's have an open conversation about what is happening in our city.

Click here to register for our free event. 👇
https://givebutter.com/mlkarticleclub

06/12/2026

Technology that tracks personal information, including one’s location, interests, and online behaviors, has become commonplace.

It’s as ubiquitous as the GPS in a car or a home security camera. But that data doesn’t just stay with us; law enforcement agencies are increasingly able to access it, too, and they’re using it to prosecute people.

A legal expert on digital surveillance answers questions from Bolts readers about how police track your personal data, and what public officials could be doing to restrict it.