Memphis has been in the grip of a brutal winter storm, which has tested the city’s and its surrounding municipalities’ systems and leaders. City officials are weighing whether to buy more snowplows after days of icy, impassable streets. Warmer temperatures are finally starting to melt ice and clear roads, offering relief and allowing city operations to catch up. But not before students missed at least seven days of school.

Following DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s comments about Memphis last week, reporter Aarron Fleming digs into why immigration crackdowns aren’t as visible in Memphis as they are in Minnesota. And columnist Chris Herrington argues that Noem misrepresented both Memphis and Minneapolis in her claims last week.

At the state level, Tennessee Senate Democrats are kicking off an “Affordability Tour” to highlight rising costs for families, while Memphis-area legislators in Nashville are focusing on crime, education funding, economic development and infrastructure. Our Nashville reporter Noah McLane took a look at Tennessee Highway Patrol’s “sober DUI” arrests, with scrutiny on how some drivers are being charged despite limited signs of impairment. 

In other local news: 

• Members of FedEx founder Fred Smith’s family have expressed interest in buying the Memphis Grizzlies. 
• The historic Annesdale Mansion was damaged by fire. 
• Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. has pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion.
• And a state board’s approval of a liquor license for The Station in East Memphis appears to clear the way for the venue to open.

— Digital producer, Alys Drake

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As the thermometer dips to single digits, the winter storm that’s relished by sledders and the Memphis Zoo polar bears threatens lives of unhoused Memphians. 

Related stories:

Trump grants state request for emergency declaration

Winter storm’s effects benign so far, but freezing rain still on its way

Update: Airport is open but call before you go

Should Memphis buy more plows? City says it's looking into it. By Samuel Hardiman

Trash talk: Memphis waste stuck in the deep freeze By Bill Dries, Samuel Hardiman

Winter-storm damage in Shelby County estimated at almost $5M By Bill Dries

‘Efficient melting’ coming for Memphis on Groundhog Day By Laura Testino

Memphis-area and Mississippi schools closures, more winter weather updates By The Daily Memphian Staff

Memphis mayor responds to Noem: 'There has been no collaboration with ICE on immigration' By Bill Dries

As some Tennesseans struggle with rising costs, Senate Dems embark on Affordability Tour By Noah McLane

What Memphis legislators are focusing on in Nashville By Noah McLane

Herrington: Noem invoked Memphis to defend Minneapolis killing. She’s wrong about both cities. By Chris Herrington

Why immigration crackdown isn't as visible in Memphis as it is in Minnesota By Aarron Fleming

Historic Annesdale Mansion damaged in blaze, but owner says he will rebuild By Jody Callahan

In Tennessee, thousands have been charged with DUIs, but tested negative for drugs and alcohol By Noah McLane

FedEx founder's family offered to buy Grizzlies By Samuel Hardiman

How Jerri Green plans to breathe life back into one of the nation's oldest public defender offices By Aarron Fleming

Edmund Ford Jr. pleads guilty to tax evasion By Aarron Fleming

The Station gets its liquor license, seemingly clearing the way for the store to fully open By Jody Callahan

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