Last week marked a major development in the case of Gershun Freeman’s death when a grand jury indicted nine Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Two of them are charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault in Freeman’s death; the remaining seven are charged with aggravated assault resulting in the death of another.

Before announcing the indictments, Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., who also is a candidate for mayor, said the video release — in March — of Freeman’s fatal October encounter with jail deputies was illegal and that the timing of the indictment is political. Bonner also voiced his full support of the indicted deputies: “I want this community to know that I stand with these officers,” he said in announcing the indictments last week.

The Daily Memphian’s series marking the 50th anniversary of “Plan Z” busing to integrate public schools is rolling to a close. Last week’s chapter five looked at the effects of Plan Z on Memphis neighborhoods and the city as a whole through the eyes of those sitting in the integrated classrooms. Look for the final chapter, which will look at the verdict on and legacy of busing as well as its link to the public school merger and demerger that followed 40 years later, later this week.

Early voting continues this week, and if you want to cast a ballot before Election Day, Saturday is your last day to do it. Find links to all of The Daily Memphian’s coverage on our Elections page.

— Metro editor Jane Donahoe

We hope you enjoy catching up on the latest news stories from our community. If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, we appreciate your support. If not, please consider signing up for unlimited access to all of our local news coverage.

Danny Smith, 47, collapsed and died leading a bicycle ride last week. The Memphis cycling community was stunned. Smith wasn’t just an increasingly accomplished cyclist. He made the city a better — and more connected — place. 

Bonner claims Freeman video release was illegal and politically motivated By Bill Dries, Samuel Hardiman

Two indicted in Freeman death were targets of prior civil rights lawsuit By Ben Wheeler

Nine indicted in jail death of Gershun Freeman By Ben Wheeler, Aarron Fleming, Julia Baker

Timeline of the Gershun Freeman case By Ben Wheeler

2020 letter feeds Kiel-Spinosa clash in District 5 council race By Bill Dries

U of M law school rattled by student-made blackface caricature By Jane Roberts

Letter shows legislators pressured Strickland on stadium deal By Samuel Hardiman

Five indicted former officers won't be a part of Tyre Nichols civil suit By Samuel Hardiman, Aarron Fleming

Here's what $5 million and five years of research taught Memphis about the aquifer By Keely Brewer

Construction on Downtown Brooks can continue for now, but future uncertain By Aarron Fleming

Mayoral candidate Bonner says he’d 'bring a unique perspective' to managing the police By Bill Dries

Brian Kelsey appears in court to ask for bail pending appeal By Ian Round

Chapter Five: The effects of Plan Z busing roll across Memphis By Bill Dries

Receiving multiple MLGW bills? You don't have to pay immediately By Keely Brewer

Court records reveal details of dismissed SCORPION unit cases By Julia Baker

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