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. 

The opening of hearings on the U.S. Supreme Court nominee included Democrats criticizing the timing of the nomination. Blackburn responded by calling the attacks on the process and Barrett as “paternalistic” and “disrespectful.”

Rhodes graduates from across the country are speaking out in support for their fellow alum and nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Shelby County’s reported coronavirus total is now 33,134 cases, including 31,081 recoveries, 1,516 active cases and 537 deaths.

This morning we’re seeing dense fog, house lust, a new day school for student athletes and how quickly things can change. Plus, South Main’s food hall is in trouble again. 

The pandemic, combined with low interest rates, may be fueling home sales. At least among those who have job security.

Local Salvation Army leaders brace for contributions to drop this year. But donors can still give dollars at kettle901.org or adopt an angel at angeltreememphis.org.

The Monday County Commission agenda also includes a return to a $5.8 million contract to buy a new voting system for Shelby County and a moratorium on delinquent tax sales on property in South Memphis.

The daily positivity rate Sunday was less than 3%.

Few House races statewide are expected to see turnover in the Nov. 3 election, but Shelby County has a handful of seats that could shift.