Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | Metro - State Government

Most of Shelby County state Legislature incumbents clear primaries — even those running for U.S. House

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 08:46:21 -0500

District 96 Democratic incumbent Gabby Salinas lost to primary challenger Telisa Franklin in a rematch of the 2024 primary Salinas won.

Brent Taylor wins Republican nomination for 9th District, will face Pearson

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 23:19:47 -0500

State Sen. Brent Taylor continued his political ascendance Thursday night, winning the 9th Congressional District Republican nomination.

Pearson takes 9th District Democratic nomination

nmclane@dailymemphian.com (Noah McLane) — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 06:03:43 -0500

State Rep. Justin J. Pearson capitalized on his nationwide fame and appeared ready to cruise to an easy victory in the Democratic primary.

Blackburn equates Democrats with communists in Memphis Election Day stop

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 19:32:48 -0500

The Republican contender for Tennessee governor also talked about her plans for a state government version of DOGE if elected.

Conflicting polls and what becomes of competition after the primaries

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 04:00:14 -0500

The Republican primary for Governor includes battling polls and a look at post primary unity — the hopes, and the reality.

Early-voting turnout this year ahead of what it was in 2022

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 20:02:43 -0500

Saturday is the last day to vote early in advance of the Aug. 6 Election Day. Here are some numbers about where turnout appears to be going locally and statewide.

Endorsement ballots: A unique Memphis tradition

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:00:07 -0500

A warning from District Attorney General Steve Mulroy about misleading endorsement ballots is the latest chapter in the tale of a unique Memphis political institution.

What early voter turnout so far says about the race for three new congressional districts

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 14:20:05 -0500

The Daily Memphian analyzes the first six days of early voting data within the three new congressional districts that split Shelby County and the race for Tennessee governor.

Panel rules new TN district maps will stand for now, have no 'evidence of racial animus'

nmclane@dailymemphian.com (Noah McLane) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:46:30 -0500

Three judges denied an injunction in a combined civil rights lawsuit that challenged Tennessee’s new congressional map. The map favors Republicans as it splits majority-Democratic Shelby County into three different districts.

Video released of fatal Task Force shooting at Burger King

Ltestino@dailymemphian.com (Laura Testino) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:48:55 -0500

Surveillance clips show the shooting that killed Darrin Pigram inside the Burger King where he worked. The release comes days after officials said there would be no charges filed against the officer.

No charges filed against DEA officer in first Task Force shooting

jcallahan@dailymemphian.com (Jody Callahan) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:23:58 -0500

Darrin Pigram, 41, who was shot and killed on May 13, was being sought on a warrant for charges of aggravated assault, aggravated burglary and a weapons violation.

Congressional Democrats show support for Justin J. Pearson

ataylor@dailymemphian.com (Amaya Taylor) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:09:02 -0500

U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, and Summer Lee, D-Pennsylvania, headlined the “Get Out the Vote Rally.”

10 apply for two new Criminal Court Judge positions

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:05:05 -0500

Shelby County’s two new courts are dedicated to violent crime cases.

Voter Guide: Shelby County general, federal primary election

editors@dailymemphian.com ( The Daily Memphian Staff) — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 11:02:53 -0500

Shelby County is back at the polls and the ballot is lengthy.

Ready. Set. Vote.

jdonahoe@dailymemphian.com (Jane Donahoe) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:07:54 -0500

Here’s a rundown to help you with the what, when and where of voting in the 2026 August elections.

Lowery: 'Collaboration' with state, not intervention or takeover

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:23:49 -0500

Democratic nominee for County Mayor Mickell Lowery talked about state intervention, his vote to raise county property taxes and tax breaks as economic development incentives on “Behind The Headlines.”

Mound-ing frustrations: Orange Mound town hall ends early after disruptions

blagrone@dailymemphian.com (Brandon LaGrone II) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:50:21 -0500

Initially billed as an opportunity for residents to connect with local resources and hear from top public safety officials, the event was cut short after repeated outbursts from the crowd.

AOC to stump for Justin Pearson in Memphis

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:24:37 -0500

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is coming to the city with two other Democratic U.S. House members. Meanwhile, House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan is endorsing state Sen. Brent Taylor in the companion Republican primary.

5th Congressional District Democrats talk Task Force in forum

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:23:42 -0500

The forum at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church drew all five candidates for the August 6 Democratic primary, who each hope to win the seat of incumbent Republican Congressman Andy Ogles.

Tennessee reduced training in IV placement in new lethal injection protocol

shale@nashvillepublicmedia.com (Steven Hale) — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 04:00:15 -0500

The protocol that took effect in 2025 sheds new light on Tony Carruthers’ botched execution, when Dr. Mark Fowler spent nearly an hour trying, and failing, to place a secondary IV line.