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🌱 Patch AM: How Memphis’ new 911 “Fourth Option” could change mental health crises

And check out Memphis - Sept 9 - Yacht Rock Revue on the Memphis Patch calendar

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Good morning Memphis! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Memphis' new 911 "Fourth Option" could change mental health crises
  • Still without power? Here's what MLGW and Memphis are doing next
  • Shelby County's economy is growing—but what's really happening with jobs and housing?

Also on today's calendar: Our First Annual Boots & Backroads and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 91 and low of 67 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 92, low: 71.
  • Sunday: Warm with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 96 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Memphis Police aim to transform how they handle mental health crises (actionnews5.com) — Memphis police are rolling out a new "Fourth Option" for 911 calls so some mental health emergencies go to a specialized C.A.R.E. Team instead of a traditional police-only response. The team pairs a paramedic, social worker, and trained officer to de‑escalate crises from the first phone call. Local advocates hope it prevents traumatic encounters and closes gaps in emergency services.
   

2. MLGW says most customers back online, federal money being requested (commercialappeal.com) — Most MLGW customers in Memphis now have power back after weekend storm outages, with only about 2,500 still offline and further reductions expected. The city, MLGW, and Shelby County plan to seek roughly $18 million in FEMA reimbursement for damage. Homeowners with meter or weatherhead damage must hire electricians before reconnection, and officials credit recent infrastructure upgrades for limiting outages.
   

3. State report shows increase in new businesses in Shelby Co, slower housing market (commercialappeal.com) — A new state report shows Shelby County business filings up 17.5%, signaling economic momentum even as local unemployment and corporate layoffs in Memphis remain concerns. Housing data from the Memphis Area Association of Realtors shows more inventory, longer days on market, and a median county home price well below the state median. Economists say recession risks are low but job growth and inflation remain key challenges.
   

4. Cost of raising a child in major US metros in 2026 (wpxi.com) — Raising a child in the Memphis metro is now the cheapest among 48 major U.S. areas, at an estimated $19,922 a year. Local families still face a $1,245 increase since 2025, but childcare, food, and housing costs here remain far lower than in cities like San Francisco or Boston.
   

5. Report: Memphis ranks Top 5 in US for violence prevention programs (actionnews5.com) — Memphis has just been ranked fifth in the nation for its readiness to tackle gun violence among high-crime cities, reflecting strong investment in prevention programs. A new Violence Prevention Index report credits funding for outreach, hospital-based interventions, and youth support. City leaders say the ranking shows Memphis' strategy is gaining traction, even as work continues.
   

📸 Around Memphis

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Memphis

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🗓 Events Nearby

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Immersion Program for Teachers and Coaches Through CBU
    The Lasallian Institute for the Formation of Teachers (LIFT) is a unique formation program designed to inspire and prepare young men to become... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Nico has been missing from Lexington and White Station area since August 22nd.
    He is an indoor/outdoor cat and was out sunning that morning before the storm. This is the longest he has ever been gone. He is missing the tip of… (Nextdoor Pleasant Acres)
  • Grateful to have full power back on!
    Mr. Purrfect is pleased. Please take care of each other especially those who are still out there waiting to have their's restored. (Nextdoor Highpoint Terrace)
  • Radians, Inc. posted a job opening for Forklift Equipment Operator - Monday - Friday (7:00 a.m. until 3:45 p.m.) in Memphis. Apply here.
  • US Foods posted a job opening for DoD SkillBridge: Transportation Manager in Memphis. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Memphis here.

Ok Memphis! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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