A weekend to give back, and dance
The AM/DM
January hits hard this weekend, but , especially if you’re ready to be put to work. In today’s episode, newsletter editor Bianca Phillips and editorial director Mary Cashiola talk about it all. Plus:
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All about orangutans, including the newest at the Memphis Zoo
The AM/DM
In December, — only the second orangutan born there in a decade. The World Wildlife Foundation estimates that there are fewer than 120,000 orangutans left in the wild and about 1,000 total in zoos worldwide. That’s down from an estimated 230,000 orangutans who were living a century ago. So, having a new baby orangutan at the Memphis Zoo is good news — and it’s unbelievably adorable. Today, reporter Jody Callahan joins us to talk about everything orangutan. Plus:
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xAI's power pays
The AM/DM
For much of its first year in existence, xAI used Tesla Megapacks and portable natural gas turbines — in addition to some power from Memphis Light, Gas and Water — to power Colossus, its first area data center. But the artificial intelligence company’s local power usage ramped up in April of 2025, after the company appeared to fully connect to a newly constructed MLGW substation. Today, we talk about , as well as what they are using it for, and how it fits into the national conversation. Plus:
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The Tennessee legislature is in session
The AM/DM
The 114th Tennessee General Assembly convenes in Nashville today with an aggressive, but perhaps quick, agenda. Today, Noah McLane, our reporter in Nashville, is here to set up for us. Plus:
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Political decorum, Grizz across the pond and Kamala
The AM/DM
It’s a big week in politics and governance, as the 114th General Assembly starts its latest legislative session in Nashville. But, closer to home, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners will chat about a resolution to set new standards to censure members of the body who break the rules of decorum. Former presidential candidate Kamala Harris will talk about her new book, “107 Days,” at a ticketed event at the Orpheum Theatre. And then the Memphis Grizzlies are on the road ... to Europe. In today’s episode, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca...
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Tribute artists, blacksmithing and more weekend fun
The AM/DM
This weekend is full of Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips talk about “The Magic of Motown,” “it girls” of art, films about running, films with puppets, blacksmithing classes, line dancing and transcendent dancing. Plus:
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A short drive to deliciousness
The AM/DM
Ellen Chamberlain recently put together a piece on restaurants that may be a little bit off your beaten path but should not be missed. She joins us today to tell us all about them. Plus:
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All about the sharp decline in Memphis' murder rate
The AM/DM
In May, during a Fox News interview, Kash Patel, the director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, said Memphis was “the homicide capital of America per capita.” He also mentioned that he didn’t know that until he was confirmed in his position. But that news may have been less surprising to Memphians, where the murder rate has long been cause for concern. In 2025, however, . Today, reporter Sam Hardiman joins us to talk about the city’s murder rate, when it started falling, potentially why and if the Memphis Safe Task Force has played a demonstrable role. Plus: ...
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Inside the Memphis Safe Task Force's daily reports
The AM/DM
In the time the Memphis Safe Task Force has been on the ground in the Bluff City, it’s been challenging for local journalists to get accurate data on its operations, such as who has been arrested and where members of federal law enforcement are working within the city. Recently, however, The Daily Memphian was able to obtain , with reporters Aarron Fleming and Sam Hardiman analyzing each day’s information. One thing of particular note was that most of the Task Force’s immigration arrests stem from traffic stops. Today, we talk about that and what else the daily situation...
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U of M researchers discover 'extinct' weevil
The AM/DM
For decades, scientists believed a small beetle with a comically large snout had quietly vanished from the forests of the eastern United States — wiped out by the same disease that nearly erased the American chestnut tree itself. The greater chestnut weevil hadn’t been definitively seen since the 1990s. Many assumed it was extinct. But two scientists at the University of Memphis weren’t so sure. Today, — and what its rediscovery might mean in an era of rapid biodiversity loss. Plus:
info_outlineIn December, a new baby orangutan was born at the Memphis Zoo — only the second orangutan born there in a decade.
The World Wildlife Foundation estimates that there are fewer than 120,000 orangutans left in the wild and about 1,000 total in zoos worldwide. That’s down from an estimated 230,000 orangutans who were living a century ago. So, having a new baby orangutan at the Memphis Zoo is good news — and it’s unbelievably adorable.
Today, reporter Jody Callahan joins us to talk about everything orangutan.
Plus: