We took a look back at the COVID-19 pandemic on the five-year anniversary of the first COVID case in Shelby County and asked local leaders to reflect on the weeks leading up to widespread shutdowns. Our next installment of “Ask the Memphian” looked at the history of the Mud Island monorail and discovered why the iconic structure failed. 

We continued to follow Edmund Ford Jr.’s indictment with a look back at the history of the politically powerful family. The City of Memphis revealed its results of a crime study in which the consultant says Memphians are “too hard on themselves.” In Nashville, the state legislature is dealing with several issues including limiting sales tax on groceries, outlawing gun switches, term limits for school boards and removal of homeless camps. 

Memphis Area Transit Authority revealed that a former employee used a company credit card for personal use while MATA lied about bus routes. Memphis Light, Gas and Water says MLGW will stay Downtown even if the headquarters move and they are looking to bring solar and battery storage to the grid.

— Alys Drake, Digital Producer

We hope you enjoy reading the latest news stories from our community. If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, we appreciate your support. If not, please subscribe for unlimited access to quality, locally produced journalism.

Baptist employee Marilyn Davis was the area’s first-known COVID-19 patient, collapsing at work on her way to the ER: “I was so sick, and I really thought I was going to die.”

In their words: Memphis-area leaders reflect on start of COVID-19 pandemic By Jody Callahan

Ask the Memphian: Why did Memphis build a monorail? By Jody Callahan

Reel vs. Real: Experts talk ‘Hollywood effect’ on crime scene investigations By Aarron Fleming

After 17 years in elected office, Edmund Ford Jr. is at a crossroads By Bill Dries

Ford family's Memphis history extends back to Reconstruction era By Bill Dries

Memphians 'too hard on themselves,' city crime consultant says By Samuel Hardiman

MPD consultant: 'It’s not about throwing a net and grabbing everybody' By Samuel Hardiman

Tennessee lawmakers consider cutting sales tax on groceries By Benjamin Smith

Gun switches could be outlawed if new bill becomes law By Bill Dries

Efforts to recall and term-limit MSCS board members advance By Laura Testino

State MSCS audit would look for irregularities that need 'legal action' By Laura Testino

Homeless camps could be cleared from state roads if bill becomes law By Benjamin Smith

Interim CEO: MATA lied about missing bus routes for nearly a year By Jody Callahan

MATA employee placed on leave after questionable credit card charges By Samuel Hardiman

If MLGW moves headquarters, utility will stay Downtown, CEO says By Samuel Hardiman

MLGW looks to bring solar, battery storage onto the grid By Samuel Hardiman

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