Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | Bill Dries

The political life and times of Myron Lowery

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 19:04:23 -0500

Former Memphis City Council member Myron Lowery, who died Sunday, was also interim Memphis mayor and City Court Clerk during 40 years in the rough and tumble of local politics.

The politics of the coming National Guard deployment

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:10:54 -0500

Here’s a look at the still-moving political developments in the federal intervention into Memphis’ crime problem.

March against guard deployment targets 'occupation' as well as Trump and Lee

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 18:22:40 -0500

A protest in Downtown Memphis was one of eight marches across the state decrying the coming National Guard deployment in Memphis.

‘Flash drought' returns to Mississippi River at Memphis

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 09:13:55 -0500

The rain this week boosted the Mississippi River’s level at Memphis. But that is likely to change and return to the drought level driven by a dry August in the Ohio River Valley.

Why aren't there more starter homes in Memphis?

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 04:00:11 -0500

“Right now we’re at a point where the cost of constructing housing is so high,” the City of Memphis’ chief of infrastructure and development said.

Tennessee Supreme Court justice from Memphis to retire

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:56:09 -0500

Holly Kirby served as chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court for three of her 12 years on the state’s high court.

City Council is on board with free MATA bus ride trial period

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:12:24 -0500

The Memphis City Council is asking MATA to figure out the details of a month-long trial run at no fares and reports on the impact it has on ridership.

City Council votes down National Guard resolution

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 21:40:08 -0500

The resolution opposing the guard deployment as part of a larger anti-crime initiative by the Trump administration was defeated on a tie vote.

Resolution opposing National Guard deployment fails to pass County Commission

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:47:45 -0500

After much debate, the commission failed to pass any resolution on the National Guard. Discussion moved on to a new jail, grants and the county reserves.

Will City Council vote oppose National Guard deployment?

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 20:03:30 -0500

The Memphis City Council votes on urging Gov. Bill Lee to stop the deployment of the National Guard to the city. The resolution also authorizes the council’s attorney to take legal action to stop the troops if necessary.

Photo Gallery: Flyway construction begins reach toward Mississippi River

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:59:25 -0500

The observation deck and boardwalk are due to open next year. It will offer an unobstructed view of the Mississippi River.

County Commission approves moving all MSCS board seats to 2026 ballot

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:19:01 -0500

The vote effectively shortens the four-year terms of office that five school board members were elected to in 2024.

A divided County Commission to decide its response to National Guard

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 15:00:46 -0500

Shelby County commissioners will weigh in on the coming of National Guard troops to Memphis. Commissioners also return to the question of a new jail and moving Memphis school board elections.

New deputy governor, county commission turnover, and Washington votes

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 04:00:14 -0500

Political Notebook: How Memphis’ representatives in Washington voted on honoring Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, and a resolution to keep the federal government funded.

National Guard becomes issue in Tennessee governor's race

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 04:00:14 -0500

The coming deployment of the Guard to the city is also finding its way into other parts of local politics including a surprise appearance by a Democratic County Commissioner at a Republican rally backing the Guard’s arrival.

Competing rallies demonstrate partisan divide over National Guard deployment

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:59:15 -0500

Opponents of an “occupation” by National Guard troops in the city and Republicans backing the arrival of the Guard both rallied to their cause Thursday in the city.

See The Daily Memphian’s full coverage of the Memphis Safe Task Force

Council members to push Gov. Lee to reject Guard deployment

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:36:29 -0500

The City Council could vote on the resolution, so far backed by a group of council members, at its meeting next week. It is not binding on Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

‘I don’t want to see a tank in my neighborhood’— County Commission debates Guard deployment

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:08:37 -0500

County Commissioners got their first look at two resolutions offering different responses to the coming deployment of National Guard troops to the city.

Memphis-area leaders take to national airwaves to talk National Guard

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:31:39 -0500

A “threat to democracy” vs. making Memphis “the most safe city in America,” area leaders give their thoughts on what the National Guard deployment can mean for the city.

What's next in the Republican race for Shelby County mayor?

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:10:26 -0500

For now, the 2026 Republican primary has no candidates for Shelby County mayor. Where does that leave the race? Also in the political roundup, more reaction to the National Guard coming to the city and a golf net at Audubon.