Democracy, folks! That’s what today — Thursday, Aug. 1 — is all about. It’s Election Day, so, if you haven’t voted early, get out and vote. We’ve got everything you need to know to cast your ballot, and we’ll be posting live updates from the polls all day. You can find that live blog here.

After you’ve performed your civic duty, you might be ready for a spot of tee. As in, tee time at the newly redesigned Links at Audubon Park golf course, which reopens today. 

THE NEED TO KNOW

Polling places across Shelby County are open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Benjamin Naylor/The Daily Memphian)

Your Election Day guide: Today is the day to cast your vote in county general elections, as well as municipal elections in Arlington and a hotly contested race for Germantown Municipal Court judge. There are also primary races for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the Tennessee Legislature. In Ballot Basics, The Daily Memphian’s Bill Dries has compiled everything you need to know to vote today, including how to find your polling place. He’s also got a look inside several candidates’ campaign events, which have involved a Kamala Harris selfie station and a bunch of support for a man who isn’t even running.

Josh Spickler of Just City counted out money to post bonds. The local criminal-justice reform nonprofit filed a federal lawsuit over a recently passed state law that changed Shelby County’s bail-setting procedures. (Jim Weber/The Daily Memphian file)

Just City sues: Criminal justice-reform nonprofit Just City filed a federal lawsuit over Tennessee’s new law that prohibits judicial commissioners from considering a defendant’s ability to pay. The suit claims the law, which was sponsored by state Sen. Brent Taylor and Rep. John Gillespie, is unconstitutional, and it alleged the law violates the county’s standing bail order that was implemented in February 2023. Just City also claims that, since the new law was passed, it’s not been able to help as many people with its bail fund.

“We’re talking about an opportunity to deliver some of the purest form of justice, and that’s prevention,” said State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, D-Memphis, of proposed real-time GPS monitoring to track repeat criminal offenders. (George Walker IV/AP file)

Somebody’s watching you: A proposed pilot program would require real-time GPS monitoring for repeat offenders with histories of reckless driving, gun thefts, carjackings and vehicle thefts. State Rep. G.A. Hardaway put forth the idea at a press conference at the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, saying it would provide an alternative to jail or bail release without real supervision. GPS monitors aren’t a full-proof way to prevent crime though: Miguel Andrade, who was convicted in the 2022 death of Rev. Autura Eason-Williams, wore an ankle monitor during the fatal carjacking. Hardaway said this program would be different though.

MEET MEMPHIS

Jermaine Johnson

No joke: Memphis-Shelby County Schools has hired a comedian as its new communications officer. Alabama media personality and comedian Jermaine Johnson — better known as FunnyMaine — made a name for himself with his funny re-enactments of University of Alabama football fans. He also helped get a Confederate statue in Birmingham removed during 2020’s racial reckoning. But in terms of a professional career, Johnson does have previous communications director experience.

THE NICE TO KNOW

Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph led the team to two memorable playoff series wins over the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers. (Brandon Dill/AP file)

Best of the sports best: It’s the moment all of you sports fans have been waiting for. Today, we’re revealing the top 5 Memphis athletes in our ongoing series on the top 25 players of the 21st century. Unless you’re a big ol’ sports-ball nerd (like our sports reporters who voted on this list), it’s likely you’ve never heard of some of the names in the best athletes stories of the past few days. But we guarantee you’ll know all of the Top 5, which are truly Memphis household names. (Spoiler: Four of the five have been or are currently Memphis Grizzlies). In other news, one of those sports nerds, our own Frank Bonner II, talked to Memphis Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan on day one of Tigers football training camp.

Joann Massey, the vice president of operations for the Economic Development Growth Engine, has been nominated to be the organization’s next president. (Sophia Surrett/The Daily Memphian)

On the EDGE: The Economic Development Growth Engine has been operating without a president for more than two years, following the 2021 resignation of Reid Dulberger. But that may be changing soon: Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris nominated Joann Massey, current EDGE vice president of operations, for the role. Massey’s nomination will require approval from the Memphis City Council and the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.

Kat Gordon (center) teaches a cooking class at her bakery, Muddy’s Bake Shop. (Courtesy Muddy’s Bake Shop)

Inside scoop: The Daily Memphian’s dining series is back — with a new host and a new name. Our food writer Jennifer Chandler is launching The Daily Memphian Restaurant Insider, a limited-seating event series where local foodies can mix and mingle with restaurant owners and sample tasty bites. But unlucky for you, the first event at Muddy’s Bake Shop is already sold out. But you can find details on the new series in Table Talk, where subscribers get early access to tickets. Speaking of Muddy’s, owner Kat Gordon sat down with Chandler on the latest episode of Sound Bites to discuss how Muddy’s came to be during the cupcake boom — and how it’s changed. And in more food news, we’ve got a look at DeSoto County’s first, self-serve wine bar (Self-serve? Say less; I’m there), which just opened in Silo Square.

One proposed version of a new Germantown flag has the city’s coordinates. (Submitted)

Raise a Germantown flag: In a story that could very well have happened in the fictional “Parks and Rec” town of Pawnee, Indiana, Germantown leaders are busy designing a potential city flag. But instead of Pawnee’s irreverent slogan of “First in Friendship, Fourth in Obesity,” Germantown plans to work in its “Excellence Every Day” motto. As for the design, leaders have lots of theme ideas: horses, medical institutions, homes, etc. But so far, leading draft depictions include an abstract Wolf River, rail tracks and shades of green. So, what do you think? Tell us in this reader poll.

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

LUUUUUUKE!! The Memphis Grizzlies’ best 3-point shooter will stick around for another season after the team finally signed Kennard to a one-year, $11 million contract. That was likely the final move of an offseason that also included the trade of Ziaire Williams for the Brooklyn Nets’ Mamadi Diakite. Our own Chris Herrington goes deep on those latest moves and what they mean for the upcoming season. Now, make us some threes, Luke. 

Don’t forget to vote! And have a great day.

.....