Thursday update

What a weird night last night was.

I was out at my usual watering hole. About 6, people checking social media said there was an active shooter driving around Memphis, randomly shooting at people out of his car window. He had posted a video of himself driving and shooting on Facebook. He had shot up an AutoZone store near Jackson and 240.

About 8 the shootings got closer to home. There was a report of a crime scene at Poplar and Auburndale in Midtown. There were also fears the suspect might be heading Downtown, where thousands of fans attending a Memphis Redbirds game would be easy targets.

“We’re locking the doors,” announced the security guard at the bar where I was. “You’re welcome to stay. But if you choose to leave, you can’t come back in.”

Most everyone chose to stay and we put Action News 5 on. The suspect shot a woman in Whitehaven, drove to Southaven where he switched cars via a carjacking, and drove back north into Memphis. By this time Memphis Police had issued a statement advising people to shelter in place until the shooting spree was over.

Police eventually caught up with the suspect at Hodge Road and Ivan Road (nearest major intersection would be Third and Raines and took him into custody. A little after 9, the doors were unlocked and Wednesday karaoke night began at the bar.

On to the news… Memphis Chess Club is hiring. They’re looking for cooks (16 and up), baristas (18 and up), and a team leader. You don’t have to know how to play chess to qualify for these positions. Email info@memphischessclub.com if interested.

John Nemeth will perform at an intimate listening party at River City Records Saturday, September 17 at 3 PM. There will be a meet & greet and he’ll sign albums and posters.

If you haven’t made dinner plans for tonight yet, here’s an idea:

A 300-room expansion in a second tower has been proposed for the Sheraton Hotel. Other additions would include a new lobby bar and a second-floor event deck.

Hopefully, today won’t be as eventful as yesterday was. Back tomorrow with more news.