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. 

The city argues that there’s nothing in its charter that gives city employees the right to collectively bargain as a union. 

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

Also happening this week: Beale Street celebrates B.B. King’s 100th birthday, the city’s first Southern Trans Celebration brings advocacy Downtown.

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. 

Gov. Bill Lee’s call with President Donald Trump followed the president’s Friday morning announcement on Fox News that he would send the guard to Memphis.

The arrival of National Guard troops in Memphis is the most rigorous test yet of Mayor Paul Young’s strategy for working with Republicans at the state and federal levels in the Tennessee’s bluest city.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young pointed to three things Friday, Sept. 12, he believes have reduced crime in light of the announcement that President Donald Trump would send the National Guard to the city.

Chief C.J. Davis will remain the city’s top law enforcement officer when the National Guard arrives, Davis and Memphis Mayor Paul Young said Friday.

“I did not ask for the National Guard, and I don’t think it’s the way to drive down crime. However, that decision has been made,” Memphis Mayor Paul Young said.

“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.

IShowSpeed, a popular streamer who ranked No. 1 on Rolling Stone’s list of 25 Most Influential Creators of 2025, drew crowds during his visit to Memphis on Thursday, Sept. 11.

Beginning Sept. 30, the cameras will be used to issue warnings to drivers who are speeding in those 15 areas, officials said. On Oct. 30, the grace period will end, and citations will begin with violators being mailed a ticket for $50.

“What we need most are financial resources for intervention and prevention, additional patrol officers, and case support to strengthen MPD’s investigations,” Memphis Mayor Paul Young said.

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White House, Memphis leaders have discussed National Guard deployment in city, source says

Demetrius Haley, who has been in federal custody since his conviction in October 2024, will now be free until the new trial is completed as long as he continues to comply with his bond conditions.

The Memphis City Council delayed a vote to halt the building of a new $1.9 billion campus for the county-owned hospital, a move that will slow down county funding. 

The trust controlling city funding to the Memphis Area Transit Authority is the result of discontent by City Council members as well as the City of Memphis administration about the bus system’s interim leadership.

Mayor Paul Young cut the ribbon on a new Riverside Drive that works for those on foot, on bicycles and in cars and narrows down access to parking for Tom Lee Park.

City Council members will talk about next steps for the city’s bus system as one member calls for talks with County government on Regional One Health’s campus rebuild.

When the Tennessee Oilers — expected to play in Memphis for two years before relocating to Nashville — held their final home game of the 1997 NFL season, it didn’t feel like much of a home game. Most of the 50,000 fans in attendance were rooting for Pittsburgh. 

Also happening this week: MSCS school board elections are still a hot topic, and Southaven launches its hummingbird fest.

The stretch between Beale Street and Georgia Avenue has been closed since mid-April.

Although some in the University of Memphis community are angry with President Bill Hardgrave over the recent end of the school’s DEI efforts, the school’s Board of Trustees awarded him a $100,000 performance bonus Wednesday.

On Tuesday, The Daily Memphian obtained an MPD report that gives more details on the shooting that ultimately led to U.S. District Judge Mark Norris’ recusal. A 14-year-old is charged in that shooting.