The National Guard officially arrived in Memphis on Friday and were seen at the Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid. As the 700 member Task Force ramps up, word on how they will track arrests and what they will be focused on has begun to come out. 

In other news, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris vetoed the Shelby County Commission’s decision to put all Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members on the ballot this spring, but the commission could bring the resolution back and override Harris’ veto with another vote within the next 30 days. 

Reporter Laura Testino reveals who benefitted from Tennessee’s new school vouchers. Memphis has paid down on bonds for the Downtown Sheraton which has not been bought yet, and the Memphis libraries changed “Banned Books Week” to “Freedom to Read Week.” And state Rep. Justin J. Pearson announced he will challenge U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen in the 2026 Democratic primary. 

On a spookier note, “Ask the Memphian” tackles Halloween and the Shelby Forest Pig Man.

— Digital Producer Alys Drake

We hope you enjoy reading the latest news stories from our community. If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, we appreciate your support. If not, please subscribe for unlimited access to quality, locally produced journalism.

The 1968 deployment of troops to Memphis during the sanitation workers strike stands out in the city’s history. But there have been other guard deployments in the city since.

Immigration advocates say fear surges as Task Force ramps up By Jody Callahan

National Guard visible at Memphis Pyramid By Laura Testino

Memphis guard deployment could last into 2026, defense secretary says By Samuel Hardiman

Senate Judiciary, City Council hear different versions of crime task force work By Bill Dries

More than 700 Task Force members in city, police chief says By Samuel Hardiman

The feds are in Memphis. But how are they tracking arrests? By Aarron Fleming

Arrest info suggests task force focused on outstanding warrants, traffic stops By Samuel Hardiman, Lydia Williams

Lowery wants a 'change in culture,' Pearson gears up fundraising, and Republicans want Sawyer to resign By Bill Dries

Mayor Harris vetoes vote to put all MSCS board members on ballot By Laura Testino

County commissioners split on whether to fight Harris' veto By Bill Dries

Changes coming to MSCS elections as lawmakers consider blunting board's roles By Laura Testino

More than 3,400 Memphis-area kids benefited from state's new school vouchers. Here's who got them. By Laura Testino

Memphis libraries change ‘Banned Books Week' to ‘Freedom to Read Week' By Jane Roberts

The City hasn't officially bought the Sheraton yet but it's already repaid $4M on the bonds By Sophia Surrett

Pearson challenges Cohen for US House By Bill Dries

Ask the Memphian: Why do Memphians spend so much money and effort on Halloween? By Jody Callahan

Ask the Memphian: What's the story of the Shelby Forest Pig Man? By Jody Callahan

.....