What to know about National Guard, federal forces in Memphis
When the National Guard troops arrive, they will act as “eyes and ears” for other federal and local law enforcement, Memphis Mayor Paul Young said.
Topic: Bill Lee
RSSThere are 805 article(s) tagged Bill Lee:
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February 2026
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Young’s State of the City moment collides with Task Force immigration fight
Also, Steve Cohen says next step in federal government funding centers on DHS and ICE; and Bill Lee talks about childhood visits to Memphis, as well as the tragedy that shaped his entry into politics; and a Shelby County mayoral contender opened his campaign headquarters.
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RFK Jr. touts administration efforts, makes autism claims in Nashville
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the stage with state leaders as part of his “Take Back Your Health Tour.”
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New state budget proposes $80M for Memphis
A new state budget was just introduced, with funds for Memphis, raises for teachers and a reminder that Tennessee has a funding shortfall for infrastructure needs.
Related content:
Gov. Bill Lee wants $155 million to fund 20,000 new vouchers
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Gov. Bill Lee wants $155 million to fund 20,000 new vouchers
If Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee achieves his goal, Tennessee would spend more than $303 million in public dollars on vouchers next fiscal year to help send 40,000 students to private schools across the state.
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January 2026
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Winter-storm damage in Shelby County estimated at almost $5M
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen is asking Gov. Bill Lee to amend the Tennessee’s request to FEMA to include the estimate.
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Thousands more applied for Tennessee vouchers. What does that mean for Shelby County?
Last year, 5,500 Shelby County students got about $45 million in public funding to use at private schools by participating in the state’s two major school voucher initiatives. Even more vouchers could be on the way.
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With food banks strained, Tennessee passes on federal help that would feed far more children
Gov. Bill Lee declines to sign up for federal food assistance program, shifts focus to state-funded solutions.
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National Guard numbers swelled in mid-November, documents show
In the days before a Nashville judge ruled on the legality of Gov. Bill Lee’s deployment of the Tennessee National Guard, hundreds more guardsmen surged into Memphis, according to public records.
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December 2025
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Tennessee doctors plead for pause in executions
A coalition of Tennessee medical professionals is urging Gov. Bill Lee to pause all state executions “to allow the courts to consider active litigation concerning the protocol.”
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November 2025
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Pam Bondi, Bill Lee tout crime decline 56 days into Memphis Safe Task Force
“The numbers tell the story themselves. They are undeniable,” said U.S. Attorney General Bondi, who traveled to Memphis on Monday, Nov. 24.
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Memphis leaders could target ICE part of Task Force next
The number of National Guard members moved closer to the 1,000-troop limit set by federal leaders as local elected leaders said ICE agents in the city could be their next target in court.
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Memphis officials vow challenge after guard deployment halted by judge
State and local leaders who sued the state over the guard deployment gathered to celebrate what they called a historic victory and discuss next steps.
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State to appeal National Guard injunction
A Davidson County chancellor blocked the guard’s deployment in a Monday ruling.
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October 2025
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State argues National Guard is army, not ‘militia.’ Why it matters
Recent legal filings and a statement from the governor’s office shows that the legality of the guard’s Memphis deployment could hinge on whether the Tennessee National Guard is an army or a militia.
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Governor says he has the authority to deploy Guard to Memphis
The administration is “confident” it will win in court.
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State, local leaders sue Gov. Lee about guard, although City of Memphis opts out
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and Commissioners Erika Sugarmon and Henri Brooks are among those seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the guard’s deployment.
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More than 3,400 Memphis-area kids benefited from state’s new school vouchers. Here’s who got them.
A map of local recipients of Tennessee’s voucher program expansion shows that most live in Shelby County’s top-earning zip codes.
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September 2025
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In a city plagued by crime rate, leaders hope Memphis Safe Task Force can shift the narrative
In detailing specifics of the Memphis Safe Task Force, Gov. Bill Lee didn’t dwell on the city’s crime rate. Instead, flanked by Mayor Paul Young and Police Chief C.J. Davis, he pledged that the crime reduction that could come would be lengthy and sustainable.
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National Guard won’t be making arrests, governor says
Gov. Bill Lee outlined plans for Trump’s Memphis Safe Task Force on Friday, saying that the first personnel could be in the Bluff City on Monday, Sept. 29.
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New deputy governor, county commission turnover, and Washington votes
Political Notebook: How Memphis’ representatives in Washington voted on honoring Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, and a resolution to keep the federal government funded.
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Tennessee won’t say how many students are enrolled in new voucher program
Months after Tennessee launched its first statewide voucher program, the Tennessee Department of Education won’t say how many students are using it to attend private school.
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National Guard should be ‘force multiplier’ for MPD, Lee says
Gov. Bill Lee described the Memphis Safe Task Force as a “long-time” mission that could last six months or longer.
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President Trump and Gov. Lee plan to talk next week about deploying National Guard to Memphis
Gov. Bill Lee’s call with President Donald Trump followed the president’s Friday morning announcement on Fox News that he would send the guard to Memphis.
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Gov. Lee, President Trump to ‘work out details’ on National Guard deployment to Memphis
“I’ve been in close contact with the Administration throughout the week, and will be speaking with President Trump this afternoon to work out details of the mission,” Gov. Bill Lee said.
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