Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | Samuel Hardiman

SpaceX tax revenue helps keep Memphis ahead of budget

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:18:11 -0600

Memphis’ chief financial officer, Art Davis, told the council the positive numbers aren’t a trend yet, as Memphis runs ahead of budget on rising property tax revenue.

Young says he blocked tax incentive for data center at former Fred's HQ

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 08:38:19 -0600

The Memphis mayor said he warned developer 5C Group not to seek a PILOT for its Getwell Road project, part of his push to require data centers to pay full property taxes.

Former City Council chair plans run to replace Brent Taylor's state Senate seat

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 15:44:26 -0600

Brent Taylor, who narrowly defeated State Rep. Justin J. Pearson to win the recently redrawn 9th U.S. Congressional District, is headed to Washington, D.C., leaving his state senate seat vacant.

Analysis: How Tennessee’s congressional delegation changed with Tuesday’s elections

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 07:20:05 -0600

Despite Republicans’ redistricting efforts, it appears Tennessee will retain a Democrat in its U.S. House of Representatives delegation — just not one from Memphis. But despite losses, the city’s Democrats may have paths forward in future elections.

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

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Wed, 4 Nov 2026 00:50:18 -0600

Brent Taylor defeated Democrat David Weatherspoon to hold onto his state Senate seat.

Republican Charlie Hatcher holds off Democratic challenge to win US House seat

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 23:38:14 -0600

Hatcher largely eschewed campaigning in Shelby County.

All 3 City of Memphis referendums pass

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 23:23:16 -0600

The referendums could lead to large changes in the world of city politics.

Lawsuit alleges City Council chair engaged in illegal activity

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 15:18:35 -0600

The suit says Jana Swearengen-Washington fired Hyman after she refused to use taxpayer money for the chairwoman’s personal requests.

Analysis: The decision to 'crack' Memphis could backfire, but not in the way you think

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 11:21:03 -0600

The most interesting thing about this election may be what it could tell us about the next decade. Here’s an analysis of how redistricting could sooner or later give Tennessee Democrats a chance to win House seats.

Federal judge disagrees with Mississippi regulator, lets lawsuit against SpaceX proceed

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 21:49:36 -0500

A federal judge in Mississippi ruled Friday, Oct. 30, that SpaceX’s construction of a natural gas plant in Mississippi likely violated the state’s air regulations despite Mississippi regulators allowing its construction.

Why Regional One needs funding help to build new hospital: 'There are real people behind these numbers'

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:30:25 -0500

Regional One Health says businesses for hundreds of miles around rely on Memphis’ healthcare system as it fundraises more than $1 billion to build a new hospital.

Cohen, NAACP address voting machine problems in separate events

bdries@dailymemphian.com (Bill Dries) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:47:44 -0500

As concerns about Tennessee voting machines have gone viral in recent days, U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen and other local Democratic leaders urged Memphians to vote — and check their ballots.

Will Shelby County pay for a new Regional One? Coopwood isn't sure.

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:58:03 -0500

Work is clearing the former Commercial Appeal site on Union Avenue, but Regional One says it won’t spend a second $14.4 million in county money without a clear funding plan.

Cohen gives 'Yellow Dog' endorsement of Pearson as Election Day nears

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:00:02 -0500

Also in the political roundup, Jerri Green votes early, Marsha Blackburn returns to the culture wars, Molder and Hatcher share a stage in Spring Hill and Mayor Paul Young touts violence intervention without the Task Force.

SpaceX facing $6.1M in penalties for potential environmental violations

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:38:05 -0500

The AI company said Mississippi’s environmental regulator is seeking civil penalties for potential violations of the state’s policies across three Southaven sites.

An obscure board and the clearest evidence yet the Grizzlies plan to stay

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:48:01 -0500

New public documents indicate that local government and the Memphis Grizzlies could come to a new lease at FedExForum in the “near future.”

'Temporary parking lots everywhere' — councilwoman calls for solution to SpaceXAI traffic

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:06:28 -0500

For years, the intersection of Tulane and Holmes roads in Whitehaven has been a four-way stop. Despite an influx of traffic due to SpaceXAI’s construction, it could remain that way for another eight to 12 months.

Pickleball at Pipkin could save taxpayers more than $3K a month

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Wed, 7 Oct 2026 16:36:39 -0500

If Bluff City Pickleball moves into Liberty Park, it could save the city up to $40,000 a year in operating costs.

City Council business paused after data center discord

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 20:32:33 -0500

The Memphis City Council abruptly stopped business during its regular meeting after the hundreds gathered at Memphis City Hall erupted in displeasure.

100 N. Main has $13M to $14M money gap, developer says

hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 20:11:36 -0500

The businessman painted a stark, dire picture of Downtown.