A top Memphis police official is leaving the department after news came last week that he lives in Georgia. Assistant Chief Shawn Jones is leaving MPD in a move that Memphis Mayor Paul Young said was about “broader direction” for the department. The Daily Memphian first reported July 2 that MPD Assistant Chief Shawn Jones lives in Georgia and voted twice in the state this year.

New Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins continues to make changes in the district. She announced last week that Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary School in North Memphis, which was facing closure as a charter school under operator Memphis Scholars, will remain open as an expanded K-8 school. Feagins will mark her first 100 days in office this week with an event Wednesday night at Hilton Memphis.

And starting today, The Daily Memphian begins a series of stories to mark the Friday, July 12, start of early voting ahead of Election Day on Aug. 1. Reporter Bill Dries summarized the ballot, as well as pointed out the races that are already won. Looking ahead, he will cover the only race every Shelby County voter will see on their ballot — the one for General Sessions Court Clerk. We’ll also will report on the ballot’s other races, including five for the MSCS board as well as those for state and federal representatives.

— Metro editor Jane Donahoe

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The announcement comes after reports that MPD Assistant Chief Shawn Jones lives in Georgia and has voted twice in the state this year.

Assistant MPD Chief lives in Georgia By Samuel Hardiman

Despite possible shift of laid-off employees, MSCS' teacher shortage continues By King Jemison, Laura Testino

Who on the August ballot has already won? By Bill Dries

Story of Winston the golden retriever highlights Animal Services' issues By Jody Callahan

North Memphis school set for closure will stay open under MSCS By Laura Testino

Opponents of Downtown art museum will try again to stop construction By Bill Dries

New law allows squatters to be evicted in 72 hours By Julia Baker

Who the heck is Prince Mongo? And he ran for Memphis mayor?! By Jody Callahan

Landfill seeks expansion in Frayser, bringing it closer to school By Laura Testino

Memphis hip-hop museum planners sample thoughts on genre, locations By Bill Dries

Southwest Tennessee Community College sells Frayser campus By Laura Testino

City Council attorney subpoenaed in Gershun Freeman civil case By Aarron Fleming

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