The AM/DM podcast: A Ford era ends
Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new STEM lab at Whitehaven High School Apr. 3, 2024. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)
The AM/DM is The Daily Memphian’s weekday podcast. Listen in every morning around 6:30 a.m. to get the news you need for the day, as well as a critical — but quick — interview on a larger story.
Last year, Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. was charged with seven counts of federal bribery and tax evasion charges. This week, he pleaded guilty to five of them.
The charges stem from Ford’s time on the County Commission — although he’s also been a member of the Memphis City Council in the past — and are related to a kickback scheme where local nonprofits would be awarded grants; some of the money would then be used with Ford’s personal computer business.
The plea deal comes with a large string attached for someone from a local political dynasty: Ford is not allowed to run for elected office again.
Today, veteran reporter Bill Dries joins us to talk about it, including Dries’ surprise that Ford pleaded guilty after long professing his innocence.
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AM/DMMary Cashiola
Mary Cashiola has been a Memphis journalist for nearly two decades, beginning her career covering city government and local neighborhoods at the Memphis Flyer before being hired by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton’s administration.
Before joining The Daily Memphian, she was the managing editor of the Memphis Business Journal, which was named one of the top 10 Best Designed Newspapers in the world by the Society of News Design while she was there.
She also has a background in advertising, with a focus on higher education and the hospitality industry.
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