Memphis, December 23, 2025
As Memphis concludes another year, the city has experienced major advancements in public safety, education, infrastructure, economic growth, and cultural events. Notably, federal intervention addressed crime rates, while initiatives launched in education aimed at supporting literacy among students. Infrastructure programs have been developed to promote affordable housing, and the local economy saw substantial job creation and investment. Sports teams had an eventful season, alongside the city’s rich cultural heritage being celebrated through various events.
Memphis, Tennessee: A Year in Review
Memphis, Tennessee – As 2025 draws to a close, Memphis has experienced significant developments across various sectors, from public safety and education to infrastructure and sports.
Public Safety and Federal Intervention
In September 2025, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis to address concerns over violent crime. This decision followed reports indicating that Memphis had one of the highest rates of violent crime among U.S. cities. However, local authorities, including Mayor Paul Young, expressed reservations about the effectiveness of this federal intervention, emphasizing that crime rates had been declining prior to the deployment. The Memphis Police Department reported a 25-year low in overall crime, with significant reductions in robbery, burglary, larceny, murder, aggravated assault, and sexual assault. Despite these improvements, the city faced challenges, including 146 homicides and over 4,300 cases of aggravated assault in 2025.
Educational Initiatives
Addressing literacy challenges, Memphis-Shelby County Schools launched a districtwide intervention program for students with dyslexia. Backed by a $540,000 contract with Reading Horizons, the initiative aims to support 5,000 students through targeted small-group tutoring and teacher training, focusing on phonics and decoding strategies to enhance literacy and improve performance on state assessments.
Infrastructure and Development
In October 2025, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with the Alliance for Housing Progress, Freddie Mac’s Develop the Developer Academy, and the City of Memphis, announced the launch of the Emerging Developer Academy. This program is designed to prepare local developers to deliver quality, affordable housing and drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region. Participants will receive hands-on training, mentorship, and technical assistance to move their housing projects from concept to completion.
Sports and Entertainment
In the realm of sports, the Memphis Tigers football team concluded their season with a 31–7 loss to NC State in the Gasparilla Bowl on December 19, 2025. The team finished the season with an 8–5 record.
Additionally, the Memphis Grizzlies are in discussions with the city to secure a long-term lease agreement, which includes plans for a $550 million renovation of the FedExForum. The current lease is set to expire in 2029, and both parties are working towards a mutually beneficial agreement to keep the team in Memphis beyond that date.
Community and Cultural Events
Memphis continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage through events like the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which took place from May 14 to May 17, 2025, at Liberty Park. This event attracted over 125 teams from more than 25 states and several foreign countries, competing for a share of a nearly $190,000 prize purse and the title of World Champion of BBQ.
Higher Education Expansion
In December 2025, Union University trustees approved the purchase of the Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary property on Appling Road in Cordova, Tennessee. The university plans to relocate its Memphis College of Urban and Theological Studies to this new location, which will be named Union University Memphis. This move aims to provide a more prominent and accessible location for students and faculty.
Economic Growth
Memphis has experienced notable economic growth, with $14.2 billion in capital investment recorded at the end of 2024. The city also saw the creation of more than 3,800 jobs and maintained a 4.3% unemployment rate, slightly above the national average. The Greater Memphis Chamber envisions the city as a high-tech manufacturing hub for artificial intelligence, leveraging its existing logistics infrastructure to attract related industries.
As Memphis continues to evolve, these developments reflect the city’s resilience and commitment to growth and improvement across various sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What federal intervention occurred in Memphis in 2025?
In September 2025, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis to address concerns over violent crime. This decision followed reports indicating that Memphis had one of the highest rates of violent crime among U.S. cities. However, local authorities, including Mayor Paul Young, expressed reservations about the effectiveness of this federal intervention, emphasizing that crime rates had been declining prior to the deployment. The Memphis Police Department reported a 25-year low in overall crime, with significant reductions in robbery, burglary, larceny, murder, aggravated assault, and sexual assault. Despite these improvements, the city faced challenges, including 146 homicides and over 4,300 cases of aggravated assault in 2025.
What educational initiatives were launched in Memphis in 2025?
Addressing literacy challenges, Memphis-Shelby County Schools launched a districtwide intervention program for students with dyslexia. Backed by a $540,000 contract with Reading Horizons, the initiative aims to support 5,000 students through targeted small-group tutoring and teacher training, focusing on phonics and decoding strategies to enhance literacy and improve performance on state assessments.
What infrastructure developments took place in Memphis in 2025?
In October 2025, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with the Alliance for Housing Progress, Freddie Mac’s Develop the Developer Academy, and the City of Memphis, announced the launch of the Emerging Developer Academy. This program is designed to prepare local developers to deliver quality, affordable housing and drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region. Participants will receive hands-on training, mentorship, and technical assistance to move their housing projects from concept to completion.
What were the outcomes of Memphis sports teams in 2025?
In the realm of sports, the Memphis Tigers football team concluded their season with a 31–7 loss to NC State in the Gasparilla Bowl on December 19, 2025. The team finished the season with an 8–5 record. Additionally, the Memphis Grizzlies are in discussions with the city to secure a long-term lease agreement, which includes plans for a $550 million renovation of the FedExForum. The current lease is set to expire in 2029, and both parties are working towards a mutually beneficial agreement to keep the team in Memphis beyond that date.
What cultural events took place in Memphis in 2025?
Memphis continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage through events like the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which took place from May 14 to May 17, 2025, at Liberty Park. This event attracted over 125 teams from more than 25 states and several foreign countries, competing for a share of a nearly $190,000 prize purse and the title of World Champion of BBQ.
What economic developments occurred in Memphis in 2025?
Memphis has experienced notable economic growth, with $14.2 billion in capital investment recorded at the end of 2024. The city also saw the creation of more than 3,800 jobs and maintained a 4.3% unemployment rate, slightly above the national average. The Greater Memphis Chamber envisions the city as a high-tech manufacturing hub for artificial intelligence, leveraging its existing logistics infrastructure to attract related industries.
Key Features of Memphis in 2025
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal Intervention | Deployment of National Guard troops to address violent crime concerns, despite declining crime rates prior to deployment. |
| Educational Initiatives | Launch of a districtwide intervention program for students with dyslexia, targeting 5,000 students with specialized support. |
| Infrastructure | Emerging Developer Academy launched to encourage local developers in affordable housing projects. |
| Sports Outcomes | Memphis Tigers finished 2025 with an 8-5 record, and the Grizzlies are negotiating a long-term lease. |
| Cultural Events | World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest attracted over 125 teams from across states and countries. |
| Economic Growth | $14.2 billion in capital investment and over 3,800 new jobs created in Memphis. |
Now Happening on X
- @CrweWorld (December 21, 2025, 9:45 PM) The Memphis Safe Task Force arrested an armed driver following an injury crash involving a U.S. Marshal. View on X
- @TnCoNews1 (December 16, 2025, 7:00 PM) Memphis Safe Task Force reports over 4,000 arrests, including gang members and homicide suspects, with many stemming from traffic stops. View on X
- @therealdougbell (December 22, 2025, 10:17 AM) Memphis Safe Task Force announces arrest after a crash that injured an ATF agent. View on X
- @CrweWorld (December 20, 2025, 11:42 AM) Traffic stops by Memphis Safe Task Force have led to the removal of guns, drugs, and dangerous offenders from the streets. View on X
- @TrumpIsBack7 (December 17, 2025, 12:02 AM) Over 4,000 arrests in Memphis by Safe Streets Task Force in recent months, including 128 missing children recovered. View on X
- @BabyD1111229 (December 17, 2025, 11:32 AM) A Memphis search warrant uncovered a man overdosing and a large quantity of drugs at a house next to a church. View on X
- @faircount (December 19, 2025, 4:17 PM) In Memphis, police task force has made over 1,700 arrests using minor infractions, sparking concerns about racial profiling. View on X
- @cbinflux (December 16, 2025, 7:57 PM) Memphis crime rates drop to the lowest level in at least three years, according to task force updates. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
