By Kathy Brower/MicroMemphis

Spotted at the corner of Southern and Highland March 5 were eight 20-somethings congregating by the railroad tracks.  When approached, their first question was “Can you buy us pizza?”  People who ride trains from city to city are known as "Free Riders".  They are often seen around Memphis due to the city's busy train traffic.

Captain Kevin Langellier, special programs coordinator of Police Services, who is in charge of the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Initiative of the University Neighborhood Partnership, says fences, landscaping and locks are the three most common issues he sees when aligning homes with CPTED practices to make them more safe.

Below are photos from Second Presbyterian Church's weekly collegiate Bible Study called "901". The atmosphere is full of energetic students happy to see each other and worship together. For more information on "901" see previous article written by Caray Oldham.

When you think of a barbershop, you think of a place where you can get a good haircut and socialize amongst people. 

Professional Cuts is all that and then some.  Located at 3844 Park Ave.in the University District, the barbershop has a family friendly feel to it, and most of the customers have been getting their haircut there since it first opened ten years ago. 

Larry Lockridge, owner of Larry’s Cakes and Plates, has been getting his haircut at Professional Cuts for eight years and loves the family environment that the shop brings. 

red awning that drapes below the smiling face of a clown and the shop’s logo in big, red letters.

Tammy Duncan is conflicted.

Every other day, it seems, the Normal Station resident who lives near the intersection of Highland and Southern hears about a robbery, burglary or an instance of assault. Though it comes up less frequently, the word ‘murder’ is too much a part of her regular vocabulary.

Duncan can’t just up and move, either. This is where she grew up. The University District – Normal Station – is all she’s ever known. There are sentimental strings keeping her here.

Therein lies the dilemma: Crime is, on some level, a part of the fabric in this city, in concentrated neighborhoods and the metro at large. But, as ostensibly dangerous as it is, it’s still home – and it’s hard for lifelong residents, like Duncan, to leave.

Robin Henderson, 22, works at Einstein Brothers at The University of Memphis every day and has a second job at FedEx Forum. She was born with an unusual circumstance where doctors called her condition a mystery. Her right hand is smaller than her  left but that doesn’t keep her from living a normal life. 

“My confidence comes from within,” Henderson said.

She believes in never giving up and conquering the impossible.

What I do on a day-to-day basis is work and spending time with my family.  I am very aware that my hand is different from others but I keep the ball moving because no one is going to have sympathy for no one,” Henderson said. 

An accident involving a Honda Accord and motorcycle blocked traffic from Houston Street to Echles Street on Southern Avenue for about two hours Monday night. The motorcyclist was taken to the Med with a broken ankle and possible broken ribs. A failure to yield at stop sign ticket was issued by University of Memphis Police Services. 

Driving is so last season. The new trend is to peddle.

Bikes have become very popular around the U District.

“Many University of Memphis students purchase or rent bikes here,” said Cort Percer, manager of Peddler Bike Shop at 575 S Highland St. The store has been in the U District for 40 years.

Peddler Bike Shop has bikes ranging from $400 dollars and up. It also offers rentals that are priced at $35 for a half a day, $50 for a full day and $100 for the weekend.

By Kathy Brower/MicroMemphis Reporter

When the sun goes down and the 39-degree weather sets in, most people are getting into their most comfortable clothes and staying inside for the night - except for these runners. Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the track next to the Elma Roane Field house at the University of Memphis, around 40 runners meet with coaches to improve their speed and endurance.  The runners range from novice to advanced. The event is promoted by Breakaway Running and has been going on for more than 30 years. Most importantly, it’s free and everyone is welcome. Here is a look at some of the runners.