By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning and TGIF, Lookout readers.
For years, residents of majority Black South Memphis neighborhoods including Boxtown, Southaven and Westwood/Whitehaven have complained about environmental injustices.
A project proposed in 2019 by Texas-based Plains All-American Pipeline and Valero Energy Corporation would have run an oil pipeline through Boxtown, sparking fears of contamination of the Memphis Sand Aquifer and spurring former Vice President Al Gore to call the project “reckless, racist and a rip-off.”
In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency told South Memphis residents that chemicals released from Sterilization Services of Tennessee, located in the area since 1976, could have increased the risks for cancer.
Cassandra Stephenson reports today in our lead story about a new study showing air pollution levels in the community are at all times higher than the EPA recommends for public health, and children, older adults, outdoor workers and people with pre-existing health conditions are more at risk.
A little shameless self-promotion: Our 2025 podcast and series, The Debt: What Tennessee owes its only public historically Black university, is a finalist for the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards, which honors broadcast and digital journalism. The project was a partnership between Tennessee Lookout and WPLN Nashville Public Radio.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
A report using data collected by air monitors hosted by residents of South Memphis found that average levels of fine particulate matter, particles in the air that are linked to lung and heart issues, often exceeded standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Photo by Karen Pulfer Focht/Tennessee Lookout)
by Cassandra Stephenson
Residents of South Memphis neighborhoods are being regularly exposed to air pollution levels that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for public health, according to a community air monitoring project report released May 21.
NEWS AND NOTES
Trump order limiting voting by mail will stand for now, federal judge rules | Jonathan Shorman, States Newsroom
Lee Appoints Five Memphians to Schools Oversight Board | Memphis Flyer
State Rep. Vincent Dixie, a Nashville Democrat, kicked off his campaign for the Democratic nomination in Congressional District 7 on Thursday.
Endorsement watch: U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen endorsed Rep. London Lamar in the Congressional District 9 Democratic primary, but managed to irritate some Black constituents when he cited Lamar’s connections to Black Greek organizations, referring to the “Heavenly Seven.” The correct name for the group of nine Black fraternities and sororities established during Jim Crow is the “Divine Nine.”
Former U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp on Thursday endorsed Charlie Hatcher, who served as commissioner of agriculture from 2019 to 2025. Hatcher is running to unseat U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in the Republican primary for Congressional District 5.
FEATURED ON THE LOOKOUT
After the failed execution of Tennessee inmate Tony Carruthers, defense attorneys are calling out Frank Strada, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction, for other botched executions in his previous role with the Arizona Department of Corrections. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Sam Stockard
Nashville is planning to pour $60 million into Super Bowl LXIV while expecting a greater return on the investment than any event the city’s ever held, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. But some economists say the game doesn’t always provide the forecasted financial boost.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia speaks to people who held a prayer vigil and rally on his behalf outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Baltimore, Maryland, on Aug. 25, 2025. Lydia Walther Rodriguez with CASA interprets for him. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)
by Ariana Figueroa
A combination of state and federal rules are going to reshape Tennessee’s once-burgeoning hemp industry starting in July, making most popular hemp-derived cannabis products, like THCA, will be illegal to sell
ICYMI
Nashville promises massive return on Super Bowl spending | Sam Stockard
Three-judge panel upholds Tennessee redistricting | Anita Wadhwani
COMMENTARY
Freedom Summer 2.0: Tennessee and the redemption of democratic possibility | Rev. Earle Fisher
Restless in Seattle | Bruce Barry
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