Memphis lawmakers propose bill to study need for third bridge to Arkansas
The bill comes as a separate bridge — America’s River Crossing — is slated to begin construction by the fall of 2026.
Benjamin Smith
Benjamin Smith reports on state politics for The Daily Memphian. Ben studied journalism at The University of Alabama and wrote for magazines in Alexander City, Alabama. Ben currently lives in Nashville and enjoys music, basketball and reading.
There are 38 articles by Benjamin Smith :
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February 2025
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State Government -
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Public SafetyMemphis-area legislators file bills to restructure juvenile courts, more
A large volume of court-reform bills filed by Shelby County legislators will appear in Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate committee hearings in coming weeks.
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State Government Judge denies Brian Kelsey’s latest attempt to avoid prison
The former state senator’s most recent attempt to stay out of prison alleged government misconduct and that his legal counsel was ineffective.
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State GovernmentTN House rules handcuff Democrats’ ability to introduce legislation
“All we have is our voice, and you’ve restricted that by saying, ... ‘We don’t want to hear your voice,’” state Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, said during a Jan. 14 rules committee hearing on bill limitations.
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State Government General Assembly hears two proposals to change Tennessee’s Constitution
The first resolution proposes an amendment to expand the rights of crime victims, and the second would remove a defendant’s right to bail for certain violent offenses.
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State Government TN lawmakers file bill challenging immigrants’ access to public education
The legislation would directly challenge a more than 40-year-old precedent that ensures all children access to a free public education regardless of immigration status.
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January 2025
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State Government Tennessee lawmakers pass Gov. Lee’s school-voucher bill
The House and the Senate passed the Education Freedom Act, legislation championed by Gov. Bill Lee.
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State Government Immigration bill passes, heads to governor’s desk
The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that creates a state Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division and makes it a class E felony for local officials to vote in favor of sanctuary city policies.
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State Government Memphis state rep to chair Black Caucus
The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators has a new leader in state Rep. Jesse Chism, D-Memphis.
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Education Despite vocal opposition, school-voucher bill sails through state House committees
The Education Freedom Act passed the state House Education Committe, the House Government Operations Committee, the House Finance Ways and Means Committee and the House Calendar and Rules Committee.
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State Government Newly minted state Rep. Gabby Salinas talks cancer, loss, overcoming obstacles
Gabby Salinas says she has been the beneficiary of support from all walks of life and both sides of the aisle. “That has really shaped me in my approach to the way I navigate politics.”
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State Government Governor calls special session on school vouchers, immigration
Critics of Tennessee’s voucher proposal allege the program is financially unsustainable in the long term and will siphon funds away from public schools.
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State GovernmentFour key issues to watch in upcoming Tennessee legislative session
Education, reproductive rights, immigration and tough-on-crime were in the spotlight last year. This year, the same topics will likely reemerge alongside new legislation focused on bail-bond reform, grocery taxes, school vouchers and more.
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