The AM/DM

The AM/DM is a quick morning podcast full of Memphis news brought to you by The Daily Memphian. In addition to daily news about government, education, public safety, food and sports, Mary Cashiola sits down with The Daily Memphian's journalists to get the scoop behind the stories.

Double Eagle 01/21/2026

Double Eagle In 1933, just as Franklin D. Roosevelt was about to assume the presidency for the first time, the U.S. economy was in a shambles. There were fears of an economic collapse and that panicked citizens would pull all their gold from banks — the same gold that, at the time, underpinned our monetary system. So Roosevelt took the U.S. off the gold standard and mandated that all gold in private hands be returned to the federal government in exchange for cash. But just before Roosevelt’s proclamation, the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia had crafted almost 500,000 1933 Double Eagle $20 gold coins. That is where today’s story starts. Reporter Jody Callahan tells us about … and how it ended up leaving in the hands of the federal government. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39764315

Ford heads to court, Germantown wants feedback 01/20/2026

Ford heads to court, Germantown wants feedback As we begin this somewhat short week, , and the Germantown Industrial Development Board will hear from residents about how they feel about what could be the city’s first-ever TIF district. The tax increment financing proposal is for The Standard, a development located at the site of the former Carrefour at Kirby Woods. In today’s episode, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips take a stroll down Carrefour’s memory lane and, as always, we’ll remind people what the heck a TIF is anyway. Plus: Big changes are coming to Beale Street /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39764240

A weekend to give back, and dance 01/16/2026

A weekend to give back, and dance 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: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39754000

All about orangutans, including the newest at the Memphis Zoo 01/15/2026

All about orangutans, including the newest at the Memphis Zoo 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: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39737530

xAI's power pays 01/14/2026

xAI's power pays 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: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39720805

The Tennessee legislature is in session 01/13/2026

The Tennessee legislature is in session 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: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39703430

Political decorum, Grizz across the pond and Kamala 01/12/2026

Political decorum, Grizz across the pond and Kamala 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 Phillips discuss Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39683960

Tribute artists, blacksmithing and more weekend fun 01/09/2026

Tribute artists, blacksmithing and more weekend fun 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: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39669015

A short drive to deliciousness 01/08/2026

A short drive to deliciousness 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: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39653690

All about the sharp decline in Memphis' murder rate 01/07/2026

All about the sharp decline in Memphis' murder rate 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: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39637940

Inside the Memphis Safe Task Force's daily reports 01/06/2026

Inside the Memphis Safe Task Force's daily reports 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 reports could show us. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39618660

U of M researchers discover 'extinct' weevil 01/05/2026

U of M researchers discover 'extinct' weevil 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: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39608620

Veganuary makes the case for plant-based eating 01/02/2026

Veganuary makes the case for plant-based eating It’s the new year and a time when people often look to make changes in their lives, whether that means getting healthier, spending more time with friends or family or finding a new job or career. That’s the thinking behind Dry January. But it’s also the thinking behind a similar effort, Veganuary, a 31-day challenge to have people cut animal products out of their diets. Today, The Daily Memphian’s newsletter editor, Bianca Phillips, joins us to talk about her own personal journey to living a plant-based lifestyle, the local restaurants she likes and steps others can take to try eating vegan. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39587835

Ask Me Anything edition 12/31/2025

Ask Me Anything edition Just call this The AM/DM AMA. To wrap up 2025 and answer some of our readers’ most burning questions from the year, we decided to do an “Ask Me Anything” style segment. Today, digital director Holly Whitfield brings questions derived from social media channels, and we talk about media bias, and the would-be liquor store on White Station Road. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39571370

What Memphians think about the task force 12/30/2025

What Memphians think about the task force In the three months since the Memphis Safe Task Force began in Memphis, the operation has impacted almost everything in some way, whether it’s crime rates, court dockets, school transportation or even restaurants and nightlife. We know how many of Memphis’ elected officials feel about the task force, Today, we’re joined by metro editor Jane Donahoe to talk about what our reporters recently learned. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39559845

2026 begins 12/29/2025

2026 begins The year begins officially on Thursday, and we’ve got a list of things for you to do on Wednesday, New Year’s Eve, . Mary Cashiola and Bianca Phillips set up the week for you. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39550615

What to do on the last weekend of the year 12/26/2025

What to do on the last weekend of the year If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, hopefully you like music or comedy. Or both. Today, Mary Cashiola and Bianca Phillips talk about Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39535305

Collierville looks to its future 12/24/2025

Collierville looks to its future Collierville is currently developing a blueprint for what its residents’ hope to see in the suburb over the next 25 years. The process will replace the old 2040 plan and take Collierville into 2050, but what that will look like — and what it will mean for the town — is still up in the air. Today, suburbs reporter Abigail Warren joins us to talk about Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39524495

BlueOval's pivot to gas-powered trucks 12/23/2025

BlueOval's pivot to gas-powered trucks In mid-December, Ford Motor Co. announced new plans to build affordable gas-powered pickup trucks at BlueOval City, instead of the electric trucks it had initially planned to build in West Tennessee. The change to gas-powered trucks also means West Tennessee isn’t tied to the nation’s shifting EV market. So, what do people living near BlueOval think? Today, business reporter Sophia Surrett joins us to talk about Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39510215

The 2026 election season starts ... now 12/22/2025

The 2026 election season starts ... now This week marks But today is also the day when candidates in the first of three 2026 elections in Shelby County can begin filling out qualifying petitions to run for office. And because of term limits, Shelby County will see a new mayor, new sheriff and new clerk — positions currently held by Lee Harris, Floyd Bonner Jr. and Wanda Halbert, respectively — elected in 2026. Shelby County is also guaranteed eight new County Commissioners in the year’s upcoming election. And then there are the school board races, which will have local partisan primaries for the first time ever. Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola and political reporter Bill Dries dive a little deeper into this first step of the elections. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39490405

Christmas music and holiday spirit 12/19/2025

Christmas music and holiday spirit We’re wrapping ourselves in holiday music and movies this week. Between Victorian caroling at The Peabody Memphis with Opera Memphis, and a supergroup of Memphis musicians performing the soundtrack from the 1965 animated classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Lafayette’s Music Room, you’re bound to at least hear the holiday spirit. And you can see ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at the Orpheum Theatre. Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola and digital producer Kelsey Bowen discuss some of the fun to be had. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39463180

The future of Liberty Park 12/18/2025

The future of Liberty Park The City of Memphis has spent $13.7 million over the past five years to bring a hotel, apartments and an entertainment venue to Liberty Park, as a way to spark economic development in the area. But years into the project, the hotels and the apartments haven’t been built, the tax growth hasn’t come to fruition and the city has had to use other money to pay its debt on the project, for three consecutive years. Today, Mary Cashiola, editorial director of The Daily Memphian, and enterprise reporter Samuel Hardiman look at what’s going on with the property and why it’s so important to the city. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39446635

The Station's next stop, back to the alcohol board 12/17/2025

The Station's next stop, back to the alcohol board Ethan Edwards’ vision for a high-end liquor store in East Memphis — one that goes far beyond shelves of wine and spirits — has been stalled for more than a year. The Station is currently open but court rulings, denied licenses and a bitter legal fight with nearby competitors have kept the business from selling liquor. The Station is headed back to the City of Memphis’ Alcohol Commission at 9 a.m. this morning, and Edwards’ hope is that he’ll be granted a license today. But as those who have been following this story know, it’s not yet a done deal. This morning, reporter Jody Callahan and editorial director Mary Cashiola discuss. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39431845

MSCS opens security facility and active shooter simulator 12/16/2025

MSCS opens security facility and active shooter simulator Last week, the Memphis-Shelby County Schools debuted its new “Real Time Safety Center” to the public. Located in a vacant elementary school, the new safety center will serve as a training hub for school resource officers and provide round-the-clock surveillance on the district’s more than 200 facilities. But the real goal is to prevent tragedy. Today, we’re talking to enterprise reporter Laura Testino about her first-hand look inside the facility and what the district hopes to accomplish. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39420690

What will Collierville look like in 2050? 12/15/2025

What will Collierville look like in 2050? It’s the last full, holiday-free week of the year and time to get business done. The Shelby County Board of Commissioners and the Memphis City Council will have their last meetings of the year. Editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips talk about those meetings as well as Collierville starting its 2050 vision process. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39406300

Wheel of Fortune, 'Friday' party and Phillips on a float 12/12/2025

Wheel of Fortune, 'Friday' party and Phillips on a float Bianca Phillips and Mary Cashiola suggest , including a “Friday After Next” party — on Friday, natch — and a live action murder mystery at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39374805

Inside the FBI's Operation Viper 12/11/2025

Inside the FBI's Operation Viper Before there was the Memphis Safe Task Force, , an FBI operation that occurred very quietly over the past summer. Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola and enterprise reporter Sam Hardiman talk about what The Daily Memphian learned about Viper through an open records request, including the operation’s very speedy strategy. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39361550

Tales from inside 201 12/10/2025

Tales from inside 201 For the past year and a half, the Shelby County Jail — commonly known as 201 Poplar — has been over its 2,400-inmate capacity. And with the recent surge in local arrests tied to the Memphis Safe Task Force, conditions inside 201 seem to be deteriorating. Recent inmates . Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola and public safety reporter Aarron Fleming talk about conditions inside the jail, what’s causing them and what suggestions have been made to fix the issues. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39353200

At U of M, Huff is in 12/09/2025

At U of M, Huff is in Former Tigers head football coach Ryan Silverfield initially joined the program in 2016 as the offensive line coach, becoming head coach four seasons later. But news broke a little more than a week ago that and would be leaving the University of Memphis. Now, we know that Southern Mississippi coach Charles Huff will join the U of M as its new head coach, and he’s bringing some members of his coaching staff with him. Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola talks to University of Memphis football reporter Frank Bonner about where the program is now, how important the new coach is for the university and what to know as the Tigers go into the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa. Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39336110

The year's best networking and holiday rom-coms 12/08/2025

The year's best networking and holiday rom-coms The week starts out very serious, with two public meetings to discuss the plan to close Chickasaw Middle School and fold it into Westwood High School to create a new Westwood school serving sixth through twelfth grades. Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips discuss that, as well as the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Annual Chairman’s Luncheon, one of the best local networking events of the year — if you ask Cashiola. They also discuss a recent trend of the season, the holiday rom-com, and . Plus: /episode/index/show/dmdailyupdate/id/39321250

The AM/DM

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