The day’s positivity rate is 5.5%.

A Memphis police officer, who was moonlighting as a Lyft driver, has been charged with raping and kidnapping a passenger. Travis Pride, an officer for three years with MPD, has been relieved of duty while police investigate. 

Torchy’s will be turning the lights on in East Memphis soon, Walgreens selected Memphis to change how it does business, and the Grizzlies are one step closer to the playoffs. 

Seeking children at high risk for severe COVID disease. 

More than 100 people came out to Memphis Jewish Community Center Wednesday evening to rally for peace.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen voted for the bipartisan panel while U.S. Rep. David Kustoff voted against the investigation. The measure passed the House with 35 Republicans voting with the Democratic majority, none of them from Tennessee.

A path is emerging to a low-key budget passage by the County Commission next month. But commissioners are considering a big capital ask by SCS.

Former MPD officer indicted on murder charges after he allegedly killed a man while on duty. 

SCSO said a body was found Wednesday, May 19, in woods off of Interstate 40. 

For the third day in a row, the Shelby County Health Department reported fewer than 100 new coronavirus cases.

Tons of food news today, but we’ve also got a set price increasing and it’s sold-out season for events. 

The resolution condemns the bill on Lee’s desk that bans public schools from teaching the racial theory. Council members, Black and white, said their experience on a diverse elected body has shown the importance of discussing race in classrooms.

Tennessee jails people at a higher rate than average, but hasn’t seen results in reducing crime or recidivism. Republicans have responded with reforms they argue will lead states to save money and keep people out of jail who don’t need to be there.

The loan comes as construction costs are rising nationwide. The loan is covered by private donations pledged over several years as well as raising $2.5 million more from donors. The University of Memphis has pledged to cover any shortfall in raising the additional private funds.

The council approved on first reading an ordinance that forbids dumping belongings in an eviction on public rights of way and approved on the second of three readings the creation of a Crosstown Historic District Overlay governed by the Memphis Landmarks Commission.

The city would buy the 16.9 acre Coke bottling plant at Southern and Hollywood under a tentative letter of intent council members were briefed on Tuesday, May 18. 

Michael Dunavant, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, has a new job with the state Comptroller’s Office.

Officials from Tennessee and Arkansas said they are working “around the clock” to repair the Hernando DeSoto Bridge, but it could take “several months easily.” 

The site will remain open, but with new hours beginning Thursday.

On Tuesday, May 18, the Shelby County Health Department reported 62 cases and no new coronavirus-related deaths.

For the second day in a row, the Shelby County Health Department reported fewer that 100 new coronavirus cases.

The Redbirds and the Grizzlies are both increasing the capacity of their crowds, Orange Mound is setting the Tone and the Edge District is ready for some “flour power.”

One of two measures examined on the County Commission Scorecard didn’t get any yes votes but advanced because of commission rules. The other is part of the Byhalia Connection Pipeline controversy. Each proposal is a political work in progress so far.

City releases bodycam footage, requires MPD to refer all excessive force cases to district attorney.

Amy Weirich’s new unit targeting police brutality is off to a fast start, charging two officers so far, yet faces challenges ahead.