The fire at Clayborn Temple was arson, and, in an unexpected twist, it also was the third blaze at a property connected to the director of the nonprofit overseeing renovation at the historic Downtown structure. Anasa Troutman, director of Historic Clayborn Temple, spoke about the fires last week. “In light of the two additional fires involving properties connected to me, for a total of three fires in 16 days, we continue to be concerned for the safety of our team and for our beloved city,” she said. In addition to the fire at the Downtown church, one occurred at Troutman’s home and another at a property adjacent to her family’s land in East Tennessee. Meanwhile, the Memphis Fire Department released a photo of the person of interest in the Clayborn Temple arson, and all three fires remain under investigation.

Also last week, the U.S. Department of Justice said it was dropping the civil rights investigation into the Memphis Police Department and retracting its previous findings into MPD. Memphis Mayor Paul Young said the news reaffirms the city’s original approach: Following the December 2024 release of the scathing MPD report, the city said it would not engage in an agreement with DOJ and instead pursue its own path of police reform. However, Young also reaffirmed the city’s commitment to make sure “there is integrity in policing. The task force that has been assembled will continue to work, and we will continue to look for continuous improvement in our police department.”

The Daily Memphian’s “Ask the Memphian” feature continued with a question we’ve heard repeatedly over the years: Can Memphis bury its power lines? Turns out the answer is yes. But it would cost billions. There are other things Memphis Light, Gas and Water can do — and has done — to make power more reliable during inclement weather events. But as far as aesthetics go, the price tag may not be worth the payoff. In case you missed them, catch up here on all the “Ask the Memphian” stories, from pollen and barbecue nachos to drive-out tags and recycling. If you have a question for us to look into, email it to editors@dailymemphian.com.

— Metro editor Jane Donahoe

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.

The fire that destroyed the Clayborn Temple last month was set intentionally, the Memphis Fire Department said in an X post Wednesday afternoon.

DOJ dropping MPD investigation 'does not change anything,' mayor says By Samuel Hardiman

D.C. Scorecard: FBI director's 43 words about murders in Memphis By Bill Dries

City Council pushes to install public toilets Downtown By Samuel Hardiman

Midtown's Fantastic Fans is closing, but the Fan Doctor will make house calls By Nick Lingerfelt

Memphis mayor, council clash over 'poor budgeting' By Samuel Hardiman

Thousands applied for vouchers. What Memphis schools will accept them? By Laura Testino

Memphis employees could see raises, but city needs to find $39M By Samuel Hardiman

Will MSCS cut staff this year? Here's what the proposed budget says. By Laura Testino

Ask the Memphian: Can Memphis bury its power lines? By Jody Callahan

Shaping Frayser's future: Libertas breaks ground on middle school campus By Laura Testino

New East Memphis liquor store kicks off spirited fight By Jane Roberts

MUS launching $200M campus improvement plan By Dima Amro

Historic Clayborn Temple director's home caught fire weeks before church blaze By Bill Dries

.....