Memphis Daily Local Headlines: St. Jude tower plans, Clayborn rebuild, transit delays
Memphis, TN – February 23, 2026 – Big St. Jude tower plans, Clayborn Temple rebuild funding, and MATA reliability concerns lead today’s headlines.
Top local headlines
St. Jude’s next big build: Plans are moving forward for a new 17-story research tower on St. Jude’s campus in the Pinch District. The project carries an $810 million price tag and is expected to add major lab capacity, with completion targeted for 2029.
Clayborn Temple rebuild update: The owner of Historic Clayborn Temple says the site will be rebuilt as a replica structure after reviews found enough of the remaining building can be salvaged. Organizers say about $5 million had been raised by the end of 2025, and an additional $3.1 million in federal funding was recently announced for restoration work. The goal is to reopen portions of the space around 2028, with a longer runway for a full reopening.
Transit and city life
MATA reliability in the spotlight: Mayor Paul Young says Memphis Area Transit Authority is in a ‘rebuilding’ phase, with the near-term focus on stabilizing service rather than expanding it. Riders interviewed described long waits past scheduled arrival times, sometimes stretching to one to two hours, and said delays can ripple into work and family life.
Cold-weather help this weekend
Warming center hours announced: The Hospitality Hub says a warming center will open Saturday night at First Baptist Church near Poplar and East Parkway (10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday). Organizers say meals and blankets will be available while supplies last, and MATA transportation can be requested during operating hours.
Also on the radar
County politics: A forum for Democratic candidates running to replace term-limited Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris is scheduled for Monday evening at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, with multiple local officeholders and civic leaders expected on stage.
State of the City goals: In his annual address, Mayor Young highlighted public safety progress and reiterated big targets on housing and youth opportunity, including a goal of 10,000 new homes in the city’s core by 2030.
Sources
- https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/02/20/st-jude-investing-810m-new-17-story-research-tower-pinch-district/
- https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/02/20/clayborn-temple-be-rebuilt-replica-building-historical-preservation-says-owner/
- https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/02/22/mayor-young-says-mata-is-rebuilding-phase-concerns-mount-riders/
- https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/02/21/hospitality-hub-memphis-opens-warming-center-during-low-temperature-weekend/
- https://wearememphis.com/news/state-of-the-city-2026-memphis-invests-in-safety-housing-youth-jobs-and-cultural-growth/
- https://hoodline.com/2026/02/six-dems-square-off-in-shelby-county-mayor-showdown-in-memphis/
