Bill Dries
Verified
City Hall, County Government and political coverage for The Daily Memphian. Tweets are from reporter Bill Dries.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Bill Dries
City Council votes down data center pause
A line forms outside Memphis City Hall for am Oct. 20 City Council meeting. (Mary Evans/The Daily Memphian) The Memphis City Council defeated a call for an indefinite data center moratorium. data center moratorium
data centers
Memphis City Council Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
City Council asks ICE, National Guard to leave Memphis
Attendees at an Oct. 20 Memphis City Council meeting raise signs. (Mary Evans/The Daily Memphian) The nonbinding resolution approved at a tense and standing-room-only council session is similar to a resolution the council voted down in September 2025. Memphis City Council
Memphis Safe Task Force
Pipkin Building
Liberty Park Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Data center moratorium returns to City Council with new security measures
Protesters at Memphis City Hall erupted in anger when a vote on a data center moratorium was postponed on Tuesday, Oct. 6. (Noah McLane/The Daily Memphian) Five ordinances and a resolution — all on data centers — top the Tuesday council agenda including a call for a moratorium on new data centers. Memphis City Council
data center moratorium
Jana Swearengen-Washington Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Early voting’s first four days shadow 2018 trend
In this political roundup: — Early voting so far in the midterm election is on pace with 2018 when a majority of the county’s voters cast ballots, — Three mayors speak Saturday at a “Souls to the Polls” rally in southwest Memphis, — Democratic congressional candidates Chaz Molder and Justin J. Pearson campaign across the partisan divide, — The politics of the Memphis Safe Task Force roundtable, and — Shelby County Commissioner Rhonda O’Dell writes a second letter to Federal Judge Thomas Parker.
With midterms approaching, Task Force is focus for both sides of the aisle
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche joined other officials at a roundtable marking the Task Force’s first anniversary. (Mariam Zuhaib/AP file) With early voting underway in Shelby County, federal officials touted the Memphis Safe Task Force while Democratic congressional nominees vowed to scrutinize the operation. Memphis Safe Task Force
2026 elections Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Midterm campaigns turn to numbers as early voting begins
People vote at Second Baptist Church on Aug. 6. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian) The mix of early voting and campaigns watching the turnout while trying to mobilize their voters and partisans is the main topic of conversation on “Behind The Headlines.” Behind The Headlines
2026 elections
early voter turnout Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Soulsville getting $7 million boost
The Soulsville neighborhood is located in South Memphis. (Benjamin Naylor/The Daily Memphian file) Memphis Mayor Paul Young announced the infusion of cash to the community to help spur new housing development. Soulsville Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
David Hatley tops latest campaign finance reports in race for Tennessee governor
From left to right, Tennessee gubernatorial candidates Marsha Blackburn, Jerri Green, David Hatley and Lauren Pinkston. (Greg Campbell, Patrick Lantrip, Brad Vest/The Daily Memphian files) New campaign finance reports filed this week show independent candidate for Tennessee governor David Hatley’s self-financed campaign is up to $12 million. 2026 Governor's race
David Hatley
Marsha Blackburn
Jerri Green
Lauren Pinkston Never miss an article.
Turbulent political season arrives at last election of 2026
Early voting opens Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 26 locations across Shelby County in the last election of three in 2026. There are no primaries on the ballot, and the election cycle signals the midterm point in a president’s administration. Despite the national importance and the focus on battleground states where the margins between Democrats and Republicans are closest, congressional races in non-battleground states like Tennessee usually don’t get much attention.
Here’s what to know about ballot amendments
Editor’s note: This story is free to all readers as a public service from The Daily Memphian. When voters enter the voting booth for the upcoming election, confusion will start at the top of the ballot as early voting begins Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Shelby County. That’s where voters will see three amendments to the Tennessee Constitution. At the end of the ballot are three more amendments to the City of Memphis charter. And in between are two unique races for the Tennessee state House.
County Commission advances data center pause
“They are going to build data centers all over Shelby County if allowed,” Commissioner Henri Brooks said. “I’m not trying to run any of those people away. But they need to be regulated.” (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file) The Shelby County Board of Commissioners’ action mirrors the direction the Memphis City Council is going on data centers. data center moratorium
Derek Mills
Henri Brooks
Shelby County Real Estate Department
Erika Sugarmon Never miss an article.
Turning Memphis red dominates Trump’s Clarksville stop
President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at F&M Bank Arena on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Clarksville. (Alex Brandon/AP) Also in the political roundup, Tennessee’s GOP chairman talks about midterm trends, Justin J. Pearson’s ban letter goes public before he gets a copy and breaking ground for the new OUTMemphis center comes with culture war impact. Donald Trump
Marsha Blackburn
Brent Taylor
Justin J.
County Commission will take up data center moratorium of its own
Henri Brooks is one of the two Shelby County commissioners sponsoring the data center moratorium pproposal. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file) The Shelby County Commission will take a first vote on a data center moratorium. It comes as the Memphis City Council is considering a similar proposal. Shelby County Commission
data center moratorium
Henri Brooks
Erika Sugarmon
Shelby County Real Estate Department
Shelby County Land Bank Never miss an article.
Kuhn says Kustoff is vulnerable in reelection bid
Democratic Congressional nominee Heidi Kuhn visits ‘Behind the Headlines.’ (Courtesy WKNO) Heidi Kuhn, 8th Congressional District Democratic nominee, discusses her challenge of Republican incumbent David Kustoff on ‘Behind The Headlines.’ Heidi Kuhn
Behind The Headlines
David Kustoff
2026 Congressional races
Donald Trump
Memphis Safe Task Force
Immigration
Iran war Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Young orders 90-day data center review
Memphis Mayor Paul Young speaks at a June 2026 press conference for the Memphis Art Museum. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian) Memphis Mayor Paul Young issued an executive order Friday, Oct. 9, calling for a 90-day working group to develop guidelines for data centers in the city. Memphis Mayor Paul Young Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
City Council passes tentative zoning for data centers
The passage on the Memphis City Council’s consent agenda followed a three-hour committee session that is the first in a series of four discussions the council plans to have this month. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file) The ordinance, a distillation of three to four proposals by various council members, will still have to go before the full City Council two more times. Memphis City Council
Data center
data center moratorium Never miss an article.
Memphis City Council will meet to resume session that ended in protest
Protesters at Memphis City Hall erupted in anger on Tuesday, Oct. 6, when a vote on a data center moratorium was postponed. (Noah McLane/The Daily Memphian) The second council meeting of the week was called after Tuesday’s session ended with police clearing the council chamber, leaving several items awaiting discussion and a vote. Memphis City Council
data centers
data center moratorium Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Ford sentenced for tax evasion in grants scandal
Former Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. (center) walks into the Odell Horton Federal Building for a sentencing hearing Oct. 6, 2026. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian) Former Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. was sentenced to two years in prison Tuesday, Oct. 6 on federal tax evasion charges. Edmund Ford Jr.
Shelby County Commission
Memphis City Council
Community grants programs
Thomas Parker Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Mayor said ‘broad overhaul’ of land bank to follow dismissal of CEO
Myaor Paul Young commented Monday, Oct. 5, at the first in a series of press conferences once a month with the local press to field questions on any topic. (George Walker IV/AP file) Mayor Paul Young also talked about the return of trolleys, work toward a new Memphis Grizzlies lease at FedExForum as well as the status of the convention center hotel the city bought and other topics. Paul Young
Michael O. Harris
Memphis Riverline Hotel
Memphis Safe Task Force Never miss an article.
City Council faces 6 proposals for regulating data centers
Memphis City Council member JB Smiley Jr. is one of the advocates for the one-year data center moratorium. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file) There are now six proposals compared to the three plans — including a one-year moratorium on new data centers — on the table three weeks ago. Memphis City Council
data centers
Paul Young
Henri Brooks
Javier Bailey
Justin J. Pearson
Behind The Headlines Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Trump adds Tennessee stop to midterm campaign blitz
President Donald Trump is adding Tennessee to a Republican push for the Tuesday, Nov. 3, midterm elections. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo file) The visit would come as Republicans try to flip the state’s last Democratic-held U.S. House seat under a new map that splits Memphis into three districts. 2026 elections
Donald Trump Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Last day to register to vote on Nov. 3 ballot is Monday
The last day to register to vote in the November 2026 election is Monday, Oct. 5. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file) The general elections for three newly drawn congressional districts that divide Shelby County are expected to be a potent draw on the Nov. 3 ballot along with a tightening race for governor. 2026 elections
Shelby County Election Commission
Shelby County voter registration
Heidi Kuhn
2026 redistricting Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Bailey’s summit call in the shadow of SpaceXAI
Standing outside the recently renamed Riverline Hotel, owned by the City of Memphis, 28 days into his four-year term, Shelby County Assessor of Property Javier Bailey called for a summit of local elected and business leaders to change the city’s economic reality. Bailey cited empty office space and lower hotel occupancy rates and the tax revenues that come from both.
Justin J. Pearson says no U.S. military aid to Israel or Ukraine
“I think this is one of the most important races in the state of Tennessee and one of the most important races in the United States of America,” Justin J. Pearson said. “And people in this state and around this country are recognizing that.” (George Walker IV/AP file) Democratic congressional nominee Justin J. Pearson talked about ongoing U.S. aid to Ukraine and “America First” on “Behind The Headlines.” Justin J.
Blackburn calls for return to electric chair after botched execution of Christa Pike
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s reaction to the failed execution of Christa Pike was one of several that varied dramatically. (George Walker IV/AP file) U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s reaction to the two failed attempts to carry out the death penalty in the case of Christa Pike is one of several, including a very different one from her rival, Democratic nominee Jerri Green. Christa Pike
death penalty
lethal injection
Marsha Blackburn
Jerri Green Never miss an article.
How Memphis Safe Task Force became a battleground for Tennessee Republicans and local Democrats
The move toward a Memphis Safe Task Force first surfaced publicly in August 2025 when President Donald Trump called into a local conservative radio station. On his eponymous KWAM talk show, host Todd Starnes suggested a deployment of National Guard troops similar to what was already underway in Washington, D.C. Trump had more to say about other topics but did say he would consider it. From there, Tennessee Republicans — including U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and state Sen.
Blackburn sues, Hagerty seeks disbarment of Special Counsel Jack Smith
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks as U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., (right) and President Donald Trump listen in the Oval Office on Sept. 15, 2025. (Alex Brandon/AP file) The lawsuit and disbarment complaint from Tennessee’s two U.S. senators comes the day after Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington. Marsha Blackburn
Bill Hagerty
Capitol Insurrection
Jack Smith
Senate phone records Never miss an article.
County commissioner wants to breathe new life into air-quality standards
Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks raised the conversation about addressing air-quality concerns. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian) A vote on resetting air-permit fees opened a move to address air quality concerns about data centers. Shelby County Commission
air quality
Shelby County Health Department
Dr. Bruce Randolph
Henri Brooks
Shelby County Criminal Court Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Short agenda Monday as new Shelby County Commission settles in
Shante Avant is serving a second consecutive term as leader of the Shelby County Commission. She is one of five commissioners serving a second term. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian file) Commissioners will vote on committee chairs, including a first-term budget chair, after putting off an ethics commission revival and a data center moratorium in committee.
Independent David Hatley brings campaign for governor to Memphis
David Hatley, independent candidate for Tennessee governor, speaks during his campaign rally at Old Dominick Distillery on September 24, 2026. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian) Also in the political roundup, Charlie Hatcher on KWAM, Chaz Molder’s fish fry in North Memphis and the art of canvassing and phone banking. 2026 Governor's race
David Hatley
Lauren Pinkston
Charlie Hatcher
Chaz Molder
Todd Starnes
2026 Congressional races
Justin J.
The women behind the return of Leon Place: ‘We break ground on a belief in Memphis’
When Terica Lamb and Tamara Brown went through a boot camp of sorts for emerging affordable-housing developers in 2025, they each picked vacant city-owned lots on the same side of the same block of the same narrow street in North Memphis: Leon Place. They broke ground together Monday, Sept. 21, at 929 and 941 Leon Place, the fifth housing start in the cityโs Essential Housing program.
New county mayor focused on money
New Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery speaks after taking the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony Aug. 31. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian) Almost a month into his four-year term, Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery said his top priority is the county’s financial stability. Mickell Lowery
Behind The Headlines
Regional One Health
Memphis Safe Task Force Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Independent contenders make waves in race for governor
From left to right: Jerri Green, David Hatley, Lauren Pinkston, Marsha Blackburn. (Brad Vest, Hatley for Governor, Patrick Lantrip, George Walker IV) Lauren Pinkston and David Hatley are drawing the attention of the Democratic and Republican nominees for Tennessee Governor. Pinkston and Hatley are better funded than independent candidates usually are in the statewide race. 2026 Governor's race
Lauren Pinkston
David Hatley
Marsha Blackburn
Jerri Green Never miss an article.
More ‘focused time’ in Clerk’s office to clear car title backlog
County Clerk La Sonya Hall says her office has cleared about half of the 34 crates of unprocessed car titles and vehicle registrations from car dealers so far. Shelby County Clerk
La Sonya Hall
Wanda Halbert
Elizabeth Moore
Shelby County Internal Audit Department Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Mayor Paul Young defends approach to Space XAI in preview of reelection campaign
In the political roundup: Paul Young: ‘I’m for Memphis. I’m not for the dude.’ Jerri Green: Points to governor’s race poll Lauren Pinkston: Has a cup of joe in Memphis David Hatley: Has Marsha Blackburn’s attention Steve Mulroy: Talks task force Marsha Blackburn: Talks crime Memphis Mayor Paul Young continues to push back against criticism of his approach to the SpaceXAI presence in Memphis in what is turning into a preview of his reelection campaign next year.
Task Force’s 1-year mark comes with questions
Members of the Memphis Safe Task Force, led by U.S. marshals, debrief before a mission to apprehend a fugitive with an outstanding warrant in South Memphis on Nov. 26, 2025. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file) A year since the presidential executive order that created the Memphis Safe Task Force was announced in the Oval Office, its impact and future are still being debated, touted and condemned.
Memphis tensions spill into viral Reaves-Young showdown
A sharply worded Facebook post from local attorney Henry Reaves and a social media response from Memphis Mayor Paul Young Wednesday, Sept. 16, began about the presence of the SpaceXAI data center in Southwest Memphis. But the exchange and the online reaction from others quickly reignited an ongoing debate about Young’s approach to environmental concerns about the data center and to working with the Memphis Safe Task Force as it nears its one-year anniversary on the ground.
State House hopeful’s write-in bid killed by ‘sore loser’ election laws
Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins directed the Shelby County Election Commission in a Sept. 15 letter to deny Kyler Gilkey’s, left, request to count any write-in votes he might get. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file) Kyler Gilkey’s second bid for public office this year was shut down by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office because it was his second attempt at a state House of Representatives seat, albeit a different one.
State House hopeful bounced as write-in candidate
Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins ruled Kyler Gilkey (left) is not eligible as awrite-in candidacy for the Tennessee House of Representatives. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file) Kyler Gilkey was declared ineligible at Monday’s deadline for write-in candidates in the Nov. 3 election. It’s the latest wrinkle in a complex political puzzle. Meanwhile, five other contenders did qualify.
City Council members plan to ask Task Force to leave
Memphis City Council member Yolanda Cooper-Sutton attends a July 8, 2025, committee meeting. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file) On the one-year anniversary of the executive order that created and sent the Memphis Safe Task Force to the city, relatives and friends of those rounded up in the El Corralon nightclub raid told the council that raid and others have split families.
City Council ponders pickleball displacement
Memphis Parks is working on a deal to move the roller derby from the Pipkin Building to the nearby Memphis Sports and Events Center. (Greg Campbell/Special to The Daily Memphian file) Memphis Parks Director Justice Bolden provided more details on the roller derby’s future as council members pressed him about the league's displacement.
Lowery picks first five positions in new administration
Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery speaks after taking the oath of office during a Swearing-In Ceremony on Monday, August 31, 2026. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian) Two weeks into his term as County Mayor, Mickell Lowery has made his first five appointments to his administration. The selections represent what Lowery calls a “culture shift” in county government. Mickell Lowery
Felecia Higgs Walker
Maura Black Sullivan
Brian Collins
David Bradford
Crystal Oliver Never miss an article.
Jail contract, clerk funds, judge appointment approved at first commission meeting
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners approved a $37.9 million contract for healthcare at county jails and prisons. (Courtesy Shelby County Sheriff's Office) The County Commission authorized up to $6.1 million in funding to stabilize the Shelby County Clerk’s Office and approved a $37.9 million contract for healthcare at county jails. Shelby County Commission
Wexford Health Sources Inc.
Interim state rep calls off write-in campaign for late father’s seat
Tennessee Rep. T.J. Hardaway, D-Memphis, speaks on the state House of Representatives floor during a special session of the state Legislature to redraw U.S. Congressional voting maps May 7 in Nashville. (George Walker IV/AP file) Interim state Rep. T.J. Hardaway is backing a write-in effort by Kyler Gilkey, who had been seeking the District 84 seat vacated by veteran legislator Joe Towns Jr. 2026 elections
T.J. Hardaway
Kyler Gilkey
Matthew Szalaj
Tennessee General Assembly Never miss an article.
City Council returns to data center discussion with multiple proposals to regulate them
Council member JB Smiley Jr. is one of the sponsors of a proposed one-year moratorium for data centers. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file) A trio of proposed ground rules for future data centers in Memphis is on a busy City Council agenda. Memphis City Council
data centers
data center moratorium
missing middle housing
affordable housing Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Pipkin could go pickleball
The City of Memphis would rent the Pipkin Building to Bluff City Athletics, which would pay for the renovation. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian) The company that developed pickleball courts in a Bartlett movie theater two years ago wants to do the same at the Pipkin Building in Liberty Park. Memphis City Council
Bluff City Pickleball
Pipkin Center
Liberty Park Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
County Commission to vote on new chair, Clerk’s Office funding and more
Shante K. Avant is chairwoman of the Shelby County Commission until the body votes on a new chair on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian file) The Shelby County Commission, with eight new members, meets for the first time Monday to elect a new chair and vote on funding for the jail, a new health care contract for county prisoners and more. Shelby County Commission
Wexford Health Sources Inc.
Buckner says new jail could unfold one unit at a time
Newly-elected Shelby County Sheriff Anthony Buckner is taking inspiration from a recently built jail in Columbus, Ohio for how to replace the Shelby County Jail.
Clerk’s office working Saturday to catch up with car title backlog
Shelby County Clerk La Sonya Hall said her staff will report for work Saturday, a day the office is normally closed, to work on vehicle title applications and registrations. (Brandon LaGrone/The Daily Memphian file) New Clerk La Sonya Hall announced the measures to clear a backlog of an estimated 2,600 car titles left over from previous clerk Wanda Halbert La Sonya Hall
car title backlog
Shelby County Clerk
Wanda Halbert Never miss an article.
Edmund Ford Jr. federal sentencing delayed for fifth time
Edmund Ford Jr. pleaded guilty in February to five counts of tax evasion a year after a federal grand jury charged him with tax evasion and bribery. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file) The latest delay, which the judge granted Friday, Sept. 11, is the fifth since Ford pleaded guilty in February. Edmund Ford Jr.
Thomas Parker
Michael Scholl Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Bill Dries' stories as they’re published.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Bill
Contact Bill, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack