Man pleads guilty in hit and run that left 20-year-old woman dead
“They stole my daughter’s life,” Angela Christopher, mother of Ava Christopher, told The Daily Memphian in 2023 after Julio Hernandez’s capture.
Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
There are 501 articles by Jody Callahan :
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February 2026
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Transportation & LogisticsMATA riders’ pleas for better service met with piecemeal progress
On Transit Equity Day, more than 60 MATA riders and others gathered in Orange Mound to express their frustrations and hopes for a better public transportation system in Memphis.
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Spirit of MemphisAsk the Memphian: Who is John Corlew, and why is there a Midtown park named after him?
In this week’s Ask the Memphian, we delve into the history of John Corlew Park, the tiny sliver of greenspace in Midtown’s Idlewild neighborhood.
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MidtownMemphis Theological Seminary closing its doors in July with the property likely going up for sale
This marks the second closure of an institution of higher learning in Memphis this decade following the shuttering of the Memphis College of Art in 2020.
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Business Local banker and civic leader Kent Wunderlich has died
Wunderlich was the board chairman of Financial Federal bank as well as a member of several Memphis civic organizations, including the Shelby Farms Conservancy.
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Food News Tsunami to close after 28 years in Cooper-Young
Tsunami, the Cooper-Young restaurant that helped launch the Midtown neighborhood as a place for dining and entertainment, will close Feb. 21.
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Arts & CultureThe Giant Rats — and their love of Sherlock Holmes — live on
The Giant Rats — and their devotion to Sherlock Holmes — live on, more than 50 years after the local fan club was founded.
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Visual ArtsNew leadership at Indie Memphis hopes to revive beloved nonprofit
The festival is expected to span much of the South Main district, with films being screened at Malco’s Powerhouse Cinema and the Orpheum’s Halloran Centre, while Central Station and other venues in the area will host parties and other festival events.
Related content:
Indie Memphis announces 2026 comeback for film festival with new leadership
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Visual ArtsIndie Memphis announces 2026 comeback for film festival with new leadership
The festival will be held in Downtown’s South Main Arts District, with the selected films being shown in Malco’s Powerhouse Cinema as well as the Orpheum’s Halloran Centre.
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Business The Station gets its liquor license, seemingly clearing the way for the store to fully open
Ethan Edwards has been trying to fully open his East Memphis store for more than a year, but has faced strong opposition from a coalition of other such stores. A state board gave him the approval he needs.
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January 2026
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Neighborhoods Historic Annesdale Mansion damaged in blaze, but owner says he will rebuild
The historic Annesdale Mansion catches fire in a two-alarm blaze, but owner Bill Townsend said he will restore the home and continue hosting charitable events there.
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winter weather
MetroStill slipping and sliding: Memphis braces for one more Arctic weekend
The frozen precipitation on the ground in Memphis isn’t going anywhere for the next few days, at least.
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Latest updates: Crews make progress on streets, but some business, schools are staying closed
Intrepid fun-seekers enjoy thrills of ‘Mount Bartlett’
Situation in South grows more dire as ice, frigid temperatures, outages persist
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winter weather
Transportation & LogisticsUpdate: Airport is open, but call before you go
Memphis International Airport is set to be open Sunday, Jan. 25, but passengers are strongly urged to contact airlines to make sure flights haven’t been canceled or delayed.
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MetroLocal Jeopardy champ back for show’s Tournament of Champions
Her show airs Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. on WREG-TV.
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East MemphisState board to hear liquor application for The Station Thursday
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission will review The Station’s application for a liquor license Thursday. That board’s staff has recommended conditional approval.
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Spirit of MemphisAfter disaster struck, Kirk Whalum stepped in for an astronaut
Kirk Whalum was stunned to receive a call from Cheryl McNair, the widow of astronaut Ron McNair who was killed in the Challenger disaster. The favor she asked of him still affects him today.
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Winter Weather
Metro‘Survival’ is the only goal for some Memphians as temperatures plummet
As the thermometer dips to single digits, the winter storm that’s relished by sledders and the Memphis Zoo polar bears threatens lives of unhoused Memphians.
Related stories:
Trump grants state request for emergency declaration
Winter storm’s effects benign so far, but freezing rain still on its way
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Ask the MemphianAsk the Memphian: What is the record snowfall in Memphis?
The biggest snowstorm to ever hit Memphis walloped the city more than a century ago, but the city as it was in 1892 handled the storm well.
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MLGW not expecting significant outages as Memphis dodges ice
‘Much more difficult today than yesterday,’ and cold temps not expected to let up this week
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winter weather
MetroSnow has coat of sleet on top, which can make travel treacherous
The snow coating hides as much as an inch of icy sleet, so travel outside — walking or driving — is discouraged, the National Weather Service says.
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winter weather
MetroSorry, snow fans: Winter storm to mostly bring sleet
When the storm hits late Friday, expect lots of sleet, perhaps an “unprecedented amount,” but not so much snow or ice, according to the National Weather Service.
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State Government Collierville funeral home drops Brent Taylor’s name
Collierville funeral home plans to remove Brent Taylor’s name from the facility, saying that recent comments from Taylor “do not reflect the values, mission or beliefs of our current leadership.”
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Winter weather
MetroYour phone’s wrong: Expect sleet and snow, not an apocalypse
Memphis probably won’t get 2 feet of snow this weekend. But meteorologists agree it’s too soon to be sure what we are getting.
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BusinessBuster’s Liquor co-owner, others appeal to City Council over approval granted to The Station
Buster’s Liquor co-owner Josh Hammond and the owners of two other nearby liquor stories filed an appeal to the Memphis City Council seeking to negate the Alcohol Commission ruling that granted approval to The Station.
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Ask the MemphianAsk the Memphian: What twists of fate led to the founding of the Dixon Gallery & Gardens?
Through improbable twists of fate and the generosity and foresight of Hugo and Margaret Dixon, the Dixon Gallery & Gardens has become a jewel in the city’s cultural landscape.
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Spirit of Memphis MLK Day of Service inspires cold hands, warm hearts
Chilly weather didn’t deter workers around the city, including an altruistic team at T.O. Fuller Park, which also holds a place in civil rights history.
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