The Memphis in May International Festival recorded a loss of nearly $1.8 million in fiscal 2020, the largest loss in its 44-year history.

In one of the legislature’s most high-profile races, Jerri Green is considered a serious challenger to Republican Rep. Mark White, chairman of the House Education Committee. They are polar opposites on the issue of vouchers.

According to Health Department data, 13 is the age of the youngest COVID-19 fatality; 100 is the oldest.

Study will center on gene mutation that causes defects in the formation, development of human embryos.

It’s Thursday, Oct. 15, and we’ve got the case of the missing commissioners and a tragic tale of misspent youth. Plus, local early voters passed the vibe check. 

An assessment tool that weighs factors such as previous criminal history, the severity of the new charge, educational background and age led authorities to release the 16-year-old multiple times.

Here are the basics of the absentee ballot process -- applying for a ballot and what to do when you get it. We also outline some important lessons about the process learned in the August elections.

Officials won’t identify where the employees work, while education association leadership says it’s too soon to discuss opening schools.

A member of Lee’s security detail tested positive Wednesday after saying he did not feel well. An online statement from the governor’s office says Lee has tested negative for the virus but is quarantining “out of an abundance of caution.” Lee said later he continues to serve from quarantine. The First Lady was to be tested later Wednesday.

That number, 203, is the highest since Sept. 23.

Voters lined up before the doors opened Wednesday at 26 early-voting sites across Shelby County and kept coming through the morning. Early voting continues through Oct. 29. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Related Story: Ballot Basics: Voting Absentee and Lessons from August

An investigation by The Daily Memphian leads District Attorney Amy Weirich to ask MPD to systematically refer findings of excessive force to her office for criminal review.

How a local startup is partnering with big businesses — and farmers — and what two former health care execs are saying. Also, a house boat is floating down the Mississippi River to raise money for rent payments. 

The chairs of the two local parties say interest is high in the election and they anticipate a higher turnout than four years ago, starting with early voting.

Related Stories:

• Election Commission clears backlog of absentee ballot requests
• Ballot Basics: Early Voting Oct. 14-29
• Suburban down-ballot races are competitive

Here is what you need to know about voting early in the presidential general election in Shelby County, from voting locations to how to know what races will be on your specific ballot.

The commission is now processing absentee applications as they come in. The deadline to request the mail-in ballots is Oct. 27.

The contract stirred the political embers of a recent budget season in county government as well as some spirited debate among commissioners about mask requirements.

“COVID-19 is still a very much present danger to the people of Shelby County and can be found in virtually all parts of Shelby County,” said Shelby County Health Department Deputy Director David Sweat.

In total, Shelby County’s reported coronavirus is now 33,481 cases, including 31,175 recoveries, 1,769 active cases and 537 deaths.

August 9 was the last time Shelby County reported new coronavirus cases in the 300-range; on that day it was 337.

St. Jude was the first hospital in West Tennessee to receive the distinction.

Rhodes’ alums are backing Amy Coney Barrett, we’ve got a new health directive, New Asia is newly reopened and the U of M is looking to end a 13-game losing streak. 

A $5.8 million contract for a new voting system in Shelby County failed Monday, Oct. 12, in a 6-5 vote by the Shelby County Commission.

The Shelby County Health Department issued a new health directive Monday, Oct. 12, that addresses evictions as well as the opening and closing of K-12 schools.

Shelby County commissioners voted down an ordinance that would have required the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to decertify deputies who use excessive force and to keep a record of officers who are fired or resign because of an excessive-force complaint.