How U of M scientists navigate conspiracy theories and the polarized world of public health
To the dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Memphis, its mission begins — but doesn’t end — with data.
Bill Dries
Reporter
Bill Dries covers city and county government and politics. He is a native Memphian and has been a reporter for almost 50 years covering a wide variety of stories from the 1977 death of Elvis Presley and the 1978 police and fire strikes to numerous political campaigns, every county mayor and every Memphis Mayor starting with Wyeth Chandler.
There are 3992 articles by Bill Dries :
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September 2025
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Behind The Headlines -
State Government Millington native’s return to US attorney seat clears Senate Judiciary Committee
Ahead of the roll call vote, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn spoke in favor of Dunavant, calling him an “experienced prosecutor.”
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Premium
Shelby CountyWhat’s next in the Republican race for Shelby County mayor?
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.
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City of Memphis Memphis-area leaders take to national airwaves to talk National Guard
A “threat to democracy” vs. making Memphis “the most safe city in America,” area leaders give their thoughts on what the National Guard deployment can mean for the city.
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Shelby County ‘I don’t want to see a tank in my neighborhood’— County Commission debates Guard deployment
County Commissioners got their first look at two resolutions offering different responses to the coming deployment of National Guard troops to the city.
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City of Memphis Council members to push Gov. Lee to reject Guard deployment
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.
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City of Memphis Competing rallies demonstrate partisan divide over National Guard deployment
Opponents of an “occupation” by National Guard troops in the city and Republicans backing the arrival of the Guard both rallied to their cause Thursday in the city.
See The Daily Memphian’s full coverage of the Memphis Safe Task Force
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State Government National Guard becomes issue in Tennessee governor’s race
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.
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Metro 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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Shelby County A divided County Commission to decide its response to National Guard
Shelby County commissioners will weigh in on the coming of National Guard troops to Memphis. Commissioners also return to the question of a new jail and moving Memphis school board elections.
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Shelby County County Commission approves moving all MSCS board seats to 2026 ballot
The vote effectively shortens the four-year terms of office that five school board members were elected to in 2024.
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Downtown Photo Gallery: Flyway construction begins reach toward Mississippi River
The observation deck and boardwalk are due to open next year. It will offer an unobstructed view of the Mississippi River.
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City of Memphis Will City Council vote oppose National Guard deployment?
The Memphis City Council votes on urging Gov. Bill Lee to stop the deployment of the National Guard to the city. The resolution also authorizes the council’s attorney to take legal action to stop the troops if necessary.
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Shelby County Resolution opposing National Guard deployment fails to pass County Commission
After much debate, the commission failed to pass any resolution on the National Guard. Discussion moved on to a new jail, grants and the county reserves.
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City of Memphis City Council votes down National Guard resolution
The resolution opposing the guard deployment as part of a larger anti-crime initiative by the Trump administration was defeated on a tie vote.
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City of Memphis City Council is on board with free MATA bus ride trial period
The Memphis City Council is asking MATA to figure out the details of a month-long trial run at no fares and reports on the impact it has on ridership.
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State Government Tennessee Supreme Court justice from Memphis to retire
Holly Kirby served as chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court for three of her 12 years on the state’s high court.
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