Good morning, Memphis.

A Freedom Award ceremony (set for this fall in Downtown Memphis) will honor four civil rights pioneers.

The event will recognize their contributions to local progress.

The National Civil Rights Museum celebrated its 35th anniversary with the Freedom Awards Thursday night at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Memphis.

The event honored leaders in civil and human rights — featuring host Larenz Tate and a red carpet gala at the Halloran Center.

Jenna Burke from Sycamore Elementary in Collierville was named the 2026-27 Tennessee Teacher of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education+ she has led creative STEM classes since 2017 that help students build essential skills.

A teacher from Collierville was named Tennessee Teacher of the Year at a local ceremony that recognized outstanding education and leadership.

Memphis Shelby County Schools hosted its 9th annual Necessity Drive Thursday — collecting toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and soap to help students and families meet basic needs.

Donations may be dropped off at district headquarters on Glenn Rogers St. or given online.

The City of Memphis ended its 100-Demo campaign on Oct.

1 by demolishing 100 blighted, vacant homes. The initiative, launched in August, targeted neglected sites to boost neighborhood safety.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited the FedEx Memphis World Hub at the newly christened Fred Smith Airport on Wednesday, plus he met with FedEx leadership and FAA officials as he toured the cargo facility's control centers and airfield.

USDA warns SNAP users of a ring of thieves who are skimming benefits off tampered EBT card readers nationwide and urges recipients to lock their cards, change their PIN, and inspect devices before use (contact state agencies for guidance).

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy held a press conference on Thursday, Oct.

1 at Novelty King Wholesale to warn retailers selling synthetic kratom products that these items now violate state law. Mulroy said tens of thousands of packages were seized — enough to fill a semi-truck.

A new study shows GLP-1 prescriptions for childhood obesity are rising among children as young as 8, explained Dr. Aaron Walsh (Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital).

He said doctors may use the off-label medicine to manage severe cases while carefully monitoring nutrition.

On Oct. 1, the only IKEA store in Tennessee at 7900 IKEA Way in Cordova was sold to an unidentified Memphis retailer; future plans for the property (including any development details) remain undisclosed.

Memphis Madness — a 90-minute hoops game with live performances, seasonal activities and a player meet-and-greet — will open the 2026-27 season on Oct.

13 at the Memphis Zoo, with free admission and doors opening at 5 p.m.