At Berclair Elementary School in Memphis, a class of 16 fifth graders were asked how many had seen a real gun. Nearly all raised their hands.

The Monday hearing was the Tennessee version of a legal fight that has played out in U.S. courts over the past few months as Trump has sought to use the military in U.S. cities run by members of the opposite political party.

According to a filing with a federal court on Monday, Nov. 3, emergency reserve funds will be used to cover “50% of eligible households’ current allotments.” These funds may be delayed. 

“Certainly, one of the challenges is the issue around immigration enforcement, we know that immigration is not an issue in Memphis,” Memphis Mayor Paul Young said

The Tennessee Court of Appeals revived the ouster complaint against Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert and sent it back to the circuit court.

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. 

The administration is “confident” it will win in court. 

Also in the political roundup, Harris endorses Green in the race for Governor as Blackburn calls out Green by name. And a close encounter at “No Kings” between Cohen and Pearson.

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.

A map of local recipients of Tennessee’s voucher program expansion shows that most live in Shelby County’s top-earning zip codes. 

The Memphis Safe Task Force has allegedly made hundreds of arrests since its launch last week. But how law enforcement is tracking those arrests is unclear.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee met with local, state and federal law enforcement in Shelby Farms Park yesterday. The visit was the first presence by federal leaders in the city since the task force was formed in September.

Losing access to bonds could jeopardize funding needed to improve schools, a trauma hospital and upgrade 201 Poplar.

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. 

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.

Holly Kirby served as chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court for three of her 12 years on the state’s high court.

The coming deployment of the Guard to the city is also finding its way into other parts of local politics including a surprise appearance by a Democratic County Commissioner at a Republican rally backing the Guard’s arrival.

The Tennessee Supreme Court had initially stayed the ruling while the case worked its way through the appellate court.

The City Council could vote on the resolution, so far backed by a group of council members, at its meeting next week. It is not binding on Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

Gov. Bill Lee described the Memphis Safe Task Force as a “long-time” mission that could last six months or longer.

Buddy Chapman led the police department in 1978, when the National Guard came as police and fire strikes left the city burning. This time, he says, it’s different.

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Full coverage: The National Guard is coming to Memphis

For now, the 2026 Republican primary has no candidates for Shelby County mayor. Where does that leave the race? Also in the political roundup, more reaction to the National Guard coming to the city and a golf net at Audubon.

The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that it would not stay a trial court’s decision while the City of Memphis appeals a decision in the lawsuit between the city and the Memphis Police Association. 

“If (Trump) will say ... after the National Guard leaves and tells the world that Memphis is the safest city in the world, Donald come on,” U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen said Friday.