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Shelby County, Tennessee, is debating whether to temporarily pause new data-center projects in its unincorporated areas while it develops zoning rules and other safeguards. The discussion is part of a broader Mid-South debate over the economic benefits of data-center investment versus potential demands on water, energy, land and infrastructure. A community town hall was scheduled for October 15 at First Baptist Broad.
Tennessee’s November 3, 2026, State and Federal General Election allows eligible registered voters to request an absentee ballot by mail. County election authorities state that requests must be made no later than 10 days before the election, making October 24 the applicable deadline. Absentee-by-mail voting is limited to voters who meet eligibility categories set by state law, rather than being available to every voter on demand.
The Memphis Grizzlies are promoting a citywide Tip-Off Week, presented by Coca-Cola, ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. The week began October 15 and runs through the team’s Opening Night on October 21.
A strong cold front is forecast to move through the Memphis area on Friday, ending a stretch of unusually warm October weather. Cooler, dry air is expected to persist through the weekend, with sunny skies, daytime highs mainly in the 60s to around 70, and overnight lows in the 40s. Temperatures are forecast to begin moderating early the following week.
Memphis Safe Task Force members were surveilling Justin Thomas, 32, in connection with an earlier alleged flight from a traffic stop when he left a residence in a Cadillac with passenger Renisha Thompson, according to local reports citing authorities. Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers attempted a stop near South Third Street, after which Thomas allegedly fled and crashed near West Levi Road; Thompson was ejected and pronounced dead.
The dispute followed an Oct. 6 Memphis City Council meeting at which a vote on a proposed data-center moratorium was delayed, prompting protests and an early end to the meeting. Council Chairwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington subsequently barred Pearson and several activists from future meetings under the council’s speech/decorum rules. The plaintiffs contend that the exclusions violate First Amendment rights and lack adequate procedural basis.
Crosstown Brewing Co. opened its taproom at 1264 Concourse Ave. in February 2018, adjacent to Crosstown Concourse in Memphis. Founded by Will Goodwin and Clark Ortkiese, it became a local craft-beer venue known for beers including Traffic IPA and Siren Blonde, as well as events and gatherings. The closure comes amid financial pressure and declining sales in a changing craft-beer market, according to Goodwin.