Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | Bill Dries

Jack Johnson takes another step toward state Senate speaker job

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 13:00:52 -0600

The Franklin Republican inches toward becoming the new speaker of the Tennessee Senate and lieutenant governor.

Data center discussion returns to Memphis City Council

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 9 Nov 2026 18:36:09 -0600

Three weeks after approving a 135-day moratorium, the council takes up more ordinances to regulate data centers and Dr. Jeff Warren’s plan for a community benefits agency.

25 people cast ballots outside early-voting hours, Tenn. secretary of state says

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 9 Nov 2026 16:55:03 -0600

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said the Tennessee Election Commission now decides what happens to votes cast outside voting hours at Glenview Community Center.

Red wall or rising blue wave? Tennessee's midterms split along party lines

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 9 Nov 2026 10:01:25 -0600

A memo from Marsha Blackburn’s strategist credits a “red wall” for her win over Jerri Green. Democrats counter that flipped seats and closer margins show Tennessee isn’t as red as it looks.

Jesse Turner Park gets more prominent entrance in South Memphis

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 12:19:16 -0600

A new set of five pillars at South Parkway and Bellevue Boulevard marks the entrance to the park, honors Turner’s legacy, and celebrates the history and culture of the community around it.

Shelby County political reality gets more complex with last election of 2026

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 04:00:09 -0600

The Nov. 3 election and its results were discussed on “Behind The Headlines” in a reporters’ roundtable that examined Shelby County’s role as the bluest county in a red state that may not be that simple.

Bill Hagerty wins reelection to US Senate

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 14:06:25 -0600

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty has won a second six-year term, according to unofficial results.

Blackburn names new transition head, plans Tennessee DOGE effort

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Wed, 4 Nov 2026 17:51:03 -0600

Tennessee Gov.-elect Marsha Blackburn already has some priorities for her administration, including a state DOGE review of spending, and the state House speaker wants to cap local property tax rates.

John Bradley wins write-in campaign for state House seat

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Wed, 4 Nov 2026 15:23:12 -0600

In his second race of the election year, the aide to former Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris goes to Nashville in January when the legislative sessions begins.

Marsha Blackburn elected Tennessee governor in close race with Memphian Jerri Green

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Wed, 4 Nov 2026 11:04:36 -0600

“I am so humbled and honored and grateful to be elected the next governor of the great state of Tennessee,” Blackburn said, declaring herself the victor.

Tennessee voters approve 3 constitutional amendments

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Wed, 4 Nov 2026 05:39:11 -0600

Tennessee voters gave the green light to three amendments to the state’s constitution with Tuesday’s election results.

Here's who won Shelby County state House races on Election Day

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 23:55:24 -0600

District 83 incumbent Mark White narrowly survived a Democrat’s challenge, and Republican Tom Leatherwood defeated an independent opponent to keep his District 99 seat.

Democrats roll in Shelby County early vote totals

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 20:52:16 -0600

The bluest county in the state came through for Democrats in the early and absentee vote count — the first votes of Election Day to come out of Shelby County.

Some polling sites too busy to report numbers, Election Commission says

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 19:40:28 -0600

The Shelby County Election Commission reported a tentative number of ballots cast since the polls opened at 7 a.m., but the final number is “going to be just a surprise.”

5K vote in first three hours of Election Day

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 17:47:49 -0600

Approximately 5,000 voters had cast Election Day ballots in Shelby County during the first three hours of the polls being open Tuesday, Nov. 3.

About the write-in votes

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 17:17:24 -0600

Here’s a little about the mechanics of vote counting.

For third time in 2026, Election Day arrives in Shelby County

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 15:59:09 -0600

Among other races, Tennessee voters will choose who holds the three newly redrawn U.S. House districts that split Memphis and who will be the next governor.

Blackburn stops in Memphis on Election Day eve: 'I am the only conservative' candidate for governor

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 14:19:15 -0600

Republican nominee for governor and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn rallied Shelby County Republicans on Monday, Nov. 2, in East Memphis.

What to watch for in Tuesday's vote totals

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 09:42:59 -0600

The vote totals Tuesday, Nov. 3, will tell who won and who lost. They will also reveal some larger political trends and truths. Here are a few of them.

Taylor's October surprise and early voting ends with a surge

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 12:41:37 -0600

The political roundup includes two election traditions — The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant and the Republican bus tour along with David Hatley’s change in position on the Memphis Safe Task Force, and Mulroy on “youthful indiscretions.”