The Memphis Grizzlies are undefeated through their first four games after holding off the Utah Jazz 110-105 on Monday, October 26. It's the franchise's first 4-0 start since the 2014–15 season, offering Memphis fans an encouraging beginning to the 2026–27 NBA campaign. The victory followed wins against Utah in the home opener, Golden State on the road, and Sacramento.

The state's effort to take over key functions of Memphis-Shelby County Schools remains on hold following a new court hearing on Tuesday, October 27. Shelby County Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins said restrictions on the state-appointed oversight board would continue for at least two more weeks. The judge made an important distinction: board members may meet and discuss matters, but they cannot exercise the powers at issue while the order remains in place.

Bass, Berry & Sims plans to relocate its Memphis office from Downtown to the 5000 Poplar mixed-use development in East Memphis.

The Nashville-based law firm is expected to occupy approximately 39,258 square feet in a redesigned office space.

The new location is projected to open in spring 2028, meaning the relocation is a future plan rather than an immediate change of address.

The firm established its Memphis presence in 1999 and now has approximately 43 attorneys plus support employees locally.

Firm representatives say the new setting is intended to support continued growth and changing workplace needs.

More than 125,000 Shelby County residents have already cast early ballots as the final days of early voting approach. Local turnout reports from October 27 put the count above that threshold, with voters returning to polling places before the November 3 general election. The numbers are a snapshot of votes cast so far, not the final turnout total.

Plans for a replacement Regional One Health hospital remain an important unresolved question for Memphis and Shelby County.

The proposed facility is associated with the former Commercial Appeal site at 495 Union Avenue in the Memphis Medical District.

Regional One operates the region’s only Level 1 trauma center, making its long-term facilities a major concern for residents throughout the Mid-South.

The hospital replacement has been discussed as an approximately $1 billion undertaking, but a full financing plan has not been secured.

Chief executive Dr. Reginald Coopwood has indicated that additional project spending would depend on greater certainty about the necessary funding.

Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery is presenting a broad set of priorities for his administration, placing county finances at the center of the discussion. The One Shelby strategic plan, developed with input from a transition team, includes recommendations to strengthen the county's operations and long-term stability. Lowery's team drew on weeks of volunteer work and community discussions to develop the blueprint.

A major residential development in southeast Germantown is moving into its next phase after city leaders approved 41 additional homes. The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the second phase of Goodwin Farms on October 26. The neighborhood is being developed by Regency Homebuilders on approximately 99 acres north of Winchester Road.

The National Civil Rights Museum and its community partners are planning two free, nonpartisan events aimed at helping Memphis-area residents prepare for Election Day.

The first, Trick or Vote, is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Families can enjoy Halloween activities while adults receive information about polling places, registration and voting procedures.

The gathering is expected to include candy, children’s activities, music and voter resources.

A second program, the Election Day Hub, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lakeland has approved a zoning change that could bring more housing to an area near the Sterling Place neighborhood.

The city’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on October 22 at the second and final reading to rezone parcels along Walker Springs Drive.

The land had been designated for commercial use and is now zoned for suburban cottage residential development.

The decision changes the type of development permitted on the property, but it does not by itself mean homes have already been built.

For nearby residents, the shift may affect the balance of residential and commercial activity in the area.

A new work of public art in South City invites Memphis residents to reflect on the neighborhood’s past and the people who shaped it.

The sculpture, titled Reflections, was created by local artist Arnold Thompson and installed in L.E. Brown Park.

The six-acre park sits at 617 South Orleans Street and includes a playground and swimming pool.

An orb at the base of the sculpture reflects people looking at the work, adding a personal element to the experience.

The installation also features words by Memphis poet Njeri Fombi.

After a one-year hiatus, Indie Memphis returns November 5–8 with independent films, filmmaker events and Downtown screenings at the Halloran Centre and Malco Powerhouse, plus November 9–10 encores in Midtown. Tickets and passes are available.

With Halloween falling on Saturday, October 31, Greater Memphis has a full weekend of activities ranging from family-friendly outings to live theater, cultural festivals and football. Here are notable events scheduled for October 29 through November 1, 2026—plus a reminder to check organizers' websites for last-minute changes before heading out. Le Bonheur Zoo Boo at Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Japan Festival returns on Sunday, November 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., inviting Mid-South families to explore Japanese culture through food, performances, games, crafts and demonstrations. The event takes place at Radians Amphitheater inside Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road. Presented by the Japan-America Society of Tennessee with support from Japan's Consulate-General in Nashville, the festival brings a wide range of cultural organizations and performers together for a hands-on community celebration.

Gibson’s Donuts has been part of Memphis life since 1967. This One Local Thing feature explores the Mount Moriah shop’s history, family ownership, signature doughnuts and enduring community appeal.

A new shopping concept is planned for East Memphis as Asian lifestyle retailer TESO Life prepares to enter the Tennessee market. The retailer has announced plans for a store at Eastgate Shopping Center on Park Avenue. The location would be the company's first in the state, adding to its expanding national footprint.

Greater Memphis continues to change, with a new neighborhood bar welcoming customers while several familiar properties face demolition, redevelopment or uncertain futures. Here are five developments to know about in late October, including one confirmed opening and several property changes that remain works in progress. NOW OPEN: Gussied Up in the Edge District

Culver’s, the Wisconsin-based fast-casual restaurant chain known for ButterBurgers and frozen custard, is planning its first location in the Greater Memphis area.

The restaurant is expected to join the Ashmont mixed-use development in Lakeland.

The site is located north of the Interstate 40 and Canada Road interchange, around Canada and Davies Plantation Boulevard.

Culver’s has been identified as the first announced commercial tenant for the development.

Ashmont has been described as an approximately $220 million project, making the restaurant announcement part of a much larger development story.

A familiar Memphis breakfast name is preparing to expand into Germantown. Sunrise Memphis plans a third restaurant at a former AutoZone property on Farmington Boulevard, according to an October 23 local business report. The new location would join the restaurant's existing operations in the Medical District and East Memphis.

A phone call claiming to be from a sheriff's deputy or court official can sound frightening, especially when the caller insists that money must be sent immediately. But local authorities warn that criminals are impersonating law-enforcement and court personnel to steal money and sensitive information from families. How the scam works A caller may claim that you missed jury duty, have an arrest warrant, or must pay to help a relative in jail.

Flu season is arriving earlier than many Mid-South residents expect, making October an important time for older adults to review their protection against influenza. Tennessee health reporting shows flu activity increasing this fall, and local infectious-disease specialists are encouraging residents to get vaccinated rather than waiting until winter. An early rise does not necessarily mean this will be an unusually severe season, but it is a reason to take prevention seriously. Why adults 65 and older should pay attention

Indoor football is returning to Southaven after roughly two decades away, bringing another professional sports attraction to DeSoto County. The Mississippi Wolfpack will play their home games at the Landers Center beginning with the 2027 American Arena League season, officials announced October 22. The team previously played in Tunica and has roots in north Mississippi football.

Southaven is seeing new coffee plans, a proposed major distribution operation and more land acquisitions. This roundup distinguishes existing property transactions from openings planned for 2027.

West Tennessee has plenty of memorable landscapes, but few look quite like Reelfoot Lake in Lake County. At the water's edge near Tiptonville, bald cypress trees rise from the shallows, their roots and trunks making the lake feel unlike a conventional reservoir. Fall brings gentler temperatures, changing leaves, and seasonal bird activity that can make a slow afternoon here especially rewarding.

Warm afternoons and a prolonged dry spell have made outdoor fire safety an especially important issue across West Tennessee this fall. The National Weather Service in Memphis reported elevated fire-weather concerns through midweek as of October 26, with dry fuels and low humidity contributing to the risk. State wildfire officials have also identified West Tennessee as the region of greatest concern in their October 23 assessment because of persistent drought and vegetation that can ignite more easily.