For third time in 2026, Election Day arrives in Shelby County
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.
What to watch for in Tuesday’s vote totals
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.
The Early Word: Memphis Tigers’ first wins and the Grizzlies’ first loss
It’s Election Day! Plus, the Memphis City Council chair faces a lawsuit, and the DA’s office releases Guard shooting videos.
Martin: Hardaway and the Tigers make resounding statement with major upset win against No. 18 Iowa State
Penny Hardaway did absolutely everything in his power to ensure that this season would be radically different than last. In the Tigers’ first game of the 2026-27 season, they sent a resounding message: It will be.
Pelicans spoil Ty Jerome’s late-game heroics, hand Grizzlies first loss of season
Despite a 40-point effort from Ty Jerome, the Grizzlies suffered their first defeat of the season.Related content:
Nemanja Popovic finds way to impact win over Iowa State, despite not playing
Nemanja Popovic’s name doesn’t show up anywhere on the stat sheet of the Memphis Tigers’ 80-76 win over No. 18 Iowa State, but he still found a way to impact the game’s second half.
Lawsuit alleges City Council chair engaged in illegal activity
The suit says Jana Swearengen-Washington fired Hyman after she refused to use taxpayer money for the chairwoman’s personal requests.
DA releases video of fatal shooting by National Guard
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has released several videos of the death of 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson, who was shot and killed by members of the National Guard on July 5.
Blackburn stops in Memphis on Election Day eve: ‘I am the only conservative’ candidate for governor
Republican nominee for governor and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn rallied Shelby County Republicans on Monday, Nov. 2, in East Memphis.
Ready. Set. Vote. Again!
The Daily Memphian’s voter guide should provide you with everything you need for the “who.” Here’s a rundown to help you with the what, when and where.Related content:
Calkins: A last-minute election thought, what to think about the perils of gambling from an expert on the subject and how great are these Grizz?
The Grizzlies are hot, Mike Norvell got canned and gambling addiction is a rising problem across the country. All that plus a thought about why this election is particularly important for Memphians.
Jayden Reid leads Memphis Tigers to season-opening win against No. 18 Iowa State
Jayden Reid finished with a game-high 26 points while making 12 of 14 free throws. He scored 17 of his points in the second half.Related content:
Hana Haden picks up first win as Memphis coach against LeMoyne-Owen
The Hana Haden era begins with an emphatic victory for the Memphis Tigers women’s basketball program.
MICAH hosts Dia de los Muertos to honor lost families separated
Community members gathered Sunday to remember six men killed during Task Force operations and honor people detained by immigration enforcement and families separated by ICE.
Monday recap: Tigers in solid position in conference after beating Army
Beat writer Frank Bonner II and columnist John Martin break down the Tiger’s convincing win over Army and what it means for the conference standings.
Pickering Firm expands into East Tennessee
The acquisition gives the 80-year-old firm a presence in East Tennessee and adds to its engineering and design capabilities.
Blood donations needed as holidays approach, major nonprofit says
Earlier this year, the nonprofit reported a two-year low for type O blood.
Vote for the Daily Memphian high school Player of the Week, Week 11
Standouts from Collierville, ECS, Lausanne, MASE, Melrose and Munford are up for consideration this week. Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The AM/DM podcast: Will Election Day 2026 harken back to 2018?
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
TSWA high school football poll after Week 11
Middle College, MASE, Munford, Southwind, Whitehaven, Lausanne and Briarcrest are ranked in this week’s Tennessee Sports Writers Association rankings.
What Daily Memphians think*
“Grit and Grind!” — John Macon about Grizzlies notebook: Boozer’s crystal ball, Stewart’s perfect fit and Memphis’ proof of concept
“82-0!!!” — Russell Daws about Herrington: Picking apart the Grizzlies’ hot start, Boozer’s triple-double
“Great analysis, Mr. Hardiman. Thank you.” — Ann M Murphy about Analysis: The decision to ‘crack’ Memphis could backfire, but not in the way you think
*Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
Sudoku: Nov. 3
Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus.
Daily WordRow: Nov. 3
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.
Daily Jigsaw: Head over heels for Tigers
This jigsaw puzzle features a photo of Memphis Tigers quarterback Marcus Stokes as he jump-flips for a touchdown in a game against the East Carolina Pirates.
Metro
MSCS cleaning contracts offer first test for audit-response plan
In response to recommendations from a state-ordered forensic audit, Memphis-Shelby County Schools officials say they are changing some of the ways they monitor contracts and document procurement processes.
Premium Elections Taylor’s October surprise and early voting ends with a surge
Premium Elections Analysis: The decision to ‘crack’ Memphis could backfire, but not in the way you think
Premium Elections Ask the Memphian: What were the closest elections in Memphis history?
Metro Regional One hospital funding draws mixed reactions from Daily Memphian readers
Business
Breakaway pulls back, but Memphis running community keeps growing
Breakaway Running has ended its group runs and marathon-training program, but Memphis’ running community is booming as independent clubs grow and runners find new ways to connect.
Premium Real Estate SpaceXAI continues Southaven buying spree, but some homeowners feel ‘lowballed’ by offers
Premium Business The Back Nine Golf tees up Lakeland expansion
Premium Business ‘Golden age of brewing’ may be over
Premium Business Practical magic: The Broom Closet niche shop sweeps in a wide audience
Sports
Buckley: His choice of ribs is curious. But, baby, Memphis Tiger Jermane Hayes sure can rack up receptions.
A year after barely playing at Southern Miss, Jermane Hayes has become one of the most reliable targets for Memphis Tigers quarterback Marcus Stokes.
Premium Chris Herrington Herrington: Picking apart the Grizzlies’ hot start, Boozer’s triple-double
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Analyzing how the Tigers have split running back carries this season
Premium Memphis Grizzlies It was once a ‘secret’ hangout for NBA stars. Soon, Lou’s Lounge will open to the public.
Premium Business The Back Nine Golf tees up Lakeland expansion
Food
What to Order: Gussied Up’s smashburgers — and other unexpected surprises, too
The smashburger is what brought Harrison Downing, Cole Jeanes and Schuyler O’Brien together as business partners and helped establish them as familiar names on Memphis’ culinary scene.
Premium Business Exclusive: Michelin-recommended restaurant welcomes new chef
Premium Business ‘Golden age of brewing’ may be over
Suburbs
Mike Palazzolo reflects on 3 decades of service to Germantown
Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo reflects on his time in office, days ahead of voters choosing his successor.
Premium North Mississippi DeSoto County Justice Court judge retiring
Premium Real Estate Bakery coming to Germantown’s Thornwood
Arts & Culture
Memphis Ren Faire: A place of fairies, elves and fanciful costumes
With blacksmiths, fortune tellers and more, Overton Park takes on a medieval atmosphere for a Renaissance fair that continues through Sunday.
Spirit of Memphis Indie Memphis: ‘The Lorraine,’ ‘Junebug’ are different but essential Southern stories
Arts & Culture The Indie Memphis Film Festival is back. Here’s a viewer’s guide.
Opinion
Opinion: The soul of Memphis can’t be divided
“Perhaps these strange new congressional districts offer an opportunity. A rural farmer may come to understand a family in South Memphis. Someone who has never set foot on a farm may come to recognize how the challenges of rural health care resemble those facing uninsured people in Memphis.”
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Italian wine and cheese with Bari’s Rebecca Severs
Rebecca Severs joined Holly Whitfield on “Sound Bites” to talk about running Midtown staple Bari Ristorante e Enoteca, working with her husband and three sons and the restaurant’s Italian wine and cheese programs.
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Get your Grizz groove on
Today’s puzzle features the Memphis Grizzlies Grannies and Grandpas preforming at the season opener. Brandon Dill took the photo.