Politics stories in Memphis

A data center in Haymarket, Virginia. (Photo by Hugh Kenny via Virginia Mercury)This story has been updated. Gov. Janet Mills on Friday vetoed a bill that would have banned data centers larger than 20 megawatts until November, 2027 — which would have been the first such moratorium in the nation.  “A

Tennessee State House Representative G.A. Hardaway has died at the age of 71 after a brief illness. His family announced his passing early Friday morning at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

State Representative GA Hardaway, a prominent figure in Memphis politics, has died at the age of 71. Known for his advocacy in economic development and civil rights, Hardaway leaves behind a significant legacy in the community.

State leaders have approved the addition of two new voting representatives from Shelby County's largest suburbs, Bartlett and Collierville, to the Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) board. This change aims to enhance local representation in utility governance.

G.A. Hardaway, a dedicated public servant and state representative from Memphis, has died at the age of 74. His contributions to the community and state will be remembered.

Tennessee lawmakers have enacted measures to increase state oversight over Memphis Shelby County Schools and the Shelby County District Attorney's office. These actions reflect a broader trend of consolidating power in Republican hands amid ongoing legal challenges.

Arkansas lawmakers are set to conclude their fiscal session soon, with plans for a special session to cut taxes. A proposed increase in the homestead property tax credit is also on the agenda, reflecting ongoing discussions about tax relief.

The Trump administration is proposing new rules that could extend the waiting period for asylum-seekers to obtain work permits from six months to one year. This change comes amid a significant backlog of asylum cases, potentially halting new work requests for decades.

The ICE population at the Adams County Correctional Center has significantly decreased, with reports of fewer arrests and quicker deportations. This change raises questions about the future of the facility and its operations.

Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill that would allow individuals to use deadly force to defend their property. The legislation is now awaiting Governor Lee's signature, potentially aligning Tennessee with states like Kentucky and Texas.

Arturo Monsalve-Albarran, who entered the U.S. legally and was granted temporary protected status, has been held in an ICE detention center for a month. His situation raises concerns about the treatment of individuals with legal status in immigration proceedings.

The impending state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has sparked concerns about voter nullification, as the new oversight board will operate alongside the elected school board. Governor Bill Lee is expected to sign the legislation soon.

Marie Feagins expressed her opposition to the Memphis-Shelby County Schools takeover law during a mayoral forum for Democratic candidates. The event took place among suburban chamber of commerce leaders in East Memphis.

The status of inactive voters comes up regularly during an election year, but inactive status does not mean the voter is ineligible to vote.

[Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WPkemJFCnc] The story of the teddy bear begins in the Mississippi Delta—where a 1902 hunting trip involving President Theodore Roosevelt and legendary guide Holt Collier would become part of American folklore. Following the hunt, a political cartoon depi

Early voting in Shelby County for the 2026 primaries has seen a significant increase, with over 20,000 voters participating, more than double the turnout from previous years. The Democratic Party is leading with a wide field of candidates and strong daily turnout.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young has proposed a $897 million budget for FY2027, which includes a 2% raise for city employees while keeping property taxes unchanged. The budget prioritizes public safety, affordable housing, and workforce development.

The Tennessee General Assembly concluded its session without passing any significant cannabis legislation, leaving the industry in jeopardy as a July 1 deadline looms for banning popular hemp-derived THC products. Local lawmakers proposed ballot initiatives to gauge public opinion on cannabis laws, but no substantial changes were made.

The Memphis Flyer has gathered and published responses from candidates in the upcoming Shelby County Mayoral race, addressing questions sourced from the community. This initiative aims to inform voters ahead of the election.

U.S. Senate Republicans passed a budget resolution aimed at providing $70 billion to $140 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. The measure, which passed with a 50-48 vote, now heads to the House for further consideration.

Legal experts are skeptical about the DOJ's criminal case against the Southern Poverty Law Center, suggesting it may be politically motivated. The indictment claims SPLC's use of informants in white supremacist groups constitutes fraud, but many believe this tactic is standard for law enforcement.

The Tennessee General Assembly has passed House Bill 1706, which prohibits undocumented immigrants from operating commercial motor vehicles. The bill, now awaiting the governor's approval, aims to enhance road safety and accountability.

As the May 2026 primary approaches, several races in Shelby County are gaining attention beyond the mayoral and commissioner contests. This article highlights seven key races that are crucial for local governance.

Officials in Lakeland are expressing concern over misinformation regarding a proposed change in the city's government structure. Former Mayor Mike Cunningham and Commissioner Connie McCarter highlighted inaccuracies presented at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, emphasizing the need for accurate public discourse.

Republican lawmakers in Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Dakota are seeking to alter or eliminate Medicaid expansion amendments approved by voters. This move comes as part of a broader effort to impose work requirements and reduce Medicaid spending, despite previous citizen-led initiatives supporting expansion.

During a recent congressional hearing, U.S. citizens, including Marimar Martinez who was shot by ICE agents, testified about the violent actions of federal immigration officers. The hearing highlighted the deaths of two citizens and the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security due to funding disputes.

Legislation has been passed to create a task force that allows Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents to engage in certain cases independently of district attorneys. This change aims to enhance the TBI's investigative capabilities.

The Tennessee General Assembly has passed a bill to add two criminal court judgeships in Shelby County, aimed at addressing violent crime. The bill is now headed to Governor Bill Lee for approval.

[Link: https://v.redd.it/h3edwhcv4twg1] Watch the latest episode of The Other Side, Mississippi Today's political podcast: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1rNjDQEJJI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1rNjDQEJJI)

Emergency crews work at the site of a US-Israeli strike on a residential building that also destroyed the adjacent Rafi-Nia Synagogue on April 7, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.  (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans, and one Democrat, maintained their support for President