The state is pouring $9 million this year into a TBI task force given wide-reaching authority across the state, including working with the Memphis Safe Task Force.

Kyler Gilkey was declared ineligible at Monday’s deadline for write-in candidates in the Nov. 3 election. It’s the latest wrinkle in a complex political puzzle. Meanwhile, five other contenders did qualify.

The appointments follow legislative action adding violent‑crime divisions after the county lost two judicial seats in 2024.

Interim state Rep. T.J. Hardaway is backing a write-in effort by Kyler Gilkey, who had been seeking the District 84 seat vacated by veteran legislator Joe Towns Jr.

Arguments in the case are expected to determine whether the takeover remains paused or whether the new state-appointed board of nine regains control over Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Tennessee Rep. Gary Hicks, who sponsored the legislation to launch the Children’s Digital Protection Fund.

A single member of the Shelby County Democratic Party’s executive committee picked Szalaj to be the nominee for the Tennessee House of Representatives seat left vacant when Joe Towns Jr. was elected Criminal Court clerk.

Michele Dial, Tom Leatherwood and Paul Rose talked legislative priorities, involving the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, state property taxes and the lawsuit over the MSSCS advisory board.

The Digital Protection Fund was established to hold money awarded in litigation, such as the Meta settlement, but the debate over how to use it is just beginning. 

Beyond the races for state House and state Senate, the Nov. 3 ballot will also affect who goes to Nashville next year to represent the city in the Tennessee legislature.

Tennessee governor candidates outline their education platforms and positions on policies such as the state’s third grade reading retention law.

Shelby County’s August votes are certified, but the data may be disheartening for Democrats. Also in the political roundup, Democratic Party leaders “introduce” Jerri Green, and Wanda Halbert exits office after two tumultuous terms.

Gov. Bill Lee also announced his decision to grant pardons to 33 other Tennesseans who have completed prison sentences and have not been convicted of any crime for at least five years since they were released.

Meta has agreed to pay $17 billion and add child-safety measures to its Facebook and Instagram platforms to settle claims filed by 47 states, including Tennessee, state attorneys general announced.

Related content:

Meta reaches $17B settlement with states in landmark trial over teen social media addiction

Also in the political roundup: more from state Senator Brent Taylor on Behind The Headlines, a closer look at the 5th Congressional District Democratic primary results and Mongo’s campaign art.

The “Behind the Headlines” interview with the Republican nominee for the 9th Congressional District also covered Taylor’s support for limiting birthright citizenship, war in Iran, the economy, the Epstein files and whether President Donald Trump won the 2020 election.

The four applicants include three prosecutors and an attorney with the Tennessee Innocence Project.

Also in the political roundup: a look at turnout in the Nov. 3 general election, Gov. Bill Lee on the mix of public and private and a possible Senate vacancy, campaign sign rules and write-ins.

She also talked on “Behind The Headlines” about why her call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement doesn’t mean she wants to abandon enforcement of immigration laws and how she would handle the state appointed board to run Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

A 1972 state law is receiving renewed emphasis. What the law means still depends on which party and which of its leaders you talk to.

The University of Tennessee Health Sciences is getting a jump-start on its new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building.

Also in the political roundup, two write-in candidates appeared to fizzle by the unofficial vote totals, the Memphis narrative moves into the general election campaign and a D.C. Scorecard going into the August recess.

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

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

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