Memphis

MEMPHIS — The Memphis City Council has set a series of public Planning and Zoning data center discussions at City Hall, according to the council's official calendar. The first, on community voices and public engagement, was held Monday afternoon. A second, on Thursday, Oct. 29, will cover community benefits, economic growth and outstanding questions. A third, on Nov. 2, is billed as a final review and next steps. The calendar says that session may coincide with a possible third reading and vote on an ordinance sponsored by Councilman CW Logan. The sessions follow the council's Oct. 20 vote. Members rejected a yearlong moratorium on a 6-6 tie and instead passed a substitute ordinance with a 135-day pause, which some members said they received on short notice. Mayor Paul Young has separately ordered a 90-day study of rules for hyperscale facilities.

MEMPHIS — A federal judge has halted the Memphis City Council's ban on state Rep. Justin Pearson, his brother KeShaun Pearson of Memphis Community Against Pollution, and four others from attending council meetings, CNN and CBS News reported. Both Pearsons attended and spoke at the Oct. 20 data center vote. The plaintiffs sued in federal court, alleging the bans were retaliation for their organizing against data centers and violated their First Amendment rights. Reporting indicates the ruling left some decorum rules in place while the case proceeds. The council chairwoman's office meanwhile issued a new security plan after the Oct. 6 meeting, which ended in chanting, a police clearing of the chamber and a lobby fight. It includes pre-meeting inspections, a clear-bag policy, restricted building access and a relocated public podium. Justin Pearson is a candidate for Congress in District 9.

MEMPHIS — Early voting in Shelby County ends Thursday, with Election Day on Nov. 3. The Election Commission reported 33,205 early votes in the first three days, Oct. 14-16. That is 15,421 more than in the same stretch of 2022, and roughly double the first-three-day total for the August election. The ballot carries the governor's race, a U.S. Senate race, and contests in the 5th, 8th and 9th congressional districts. Voters also decide three state constitutional amendments, and Memphis voters will weigh three city charter amendments. Separately, the Tennessee Lookout reported Monday that Secretary of State Tre Hargett's office says it takes every complaint seriously, after reports of ballot problems. A Democratic state senator told the outlet he suspects no foul play. Specifics of the complaints were not independently confirmed here.

GERMANTOWN — Trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard brings a program marking the 100th anniversaries of Miles Davis and John Coltrane to GPAC's Jazz Series on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. in the Highland Capital Performance Hall. The center's calendar lists the evening as a Season Event and runs a New York Times line calling Blanchard's body of work among the broadest of any living jazz musician. Ticket prices are not listed on the calendar page, and the box office can be reached at (901) 751-7500. The date opens a busy November at the center. The Best of The Second City follows Nov. 14, and New Ballet Ensemble's NutRemix, with live music from the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, plays Nov. 21 and 22. Before Blanchard, GPAC's Concerts in The Grove closes its outdoor season Thursday.

MEMPHIS — Monday, Nov. 2, is the last day to buy a package for the Orpheum Theatre Group's 2026-27 Broadway season, according to the venue's ticketing page. Packages let buyers choose six or more of the season's ten shows. A local events blog reported that six-show pricing starts at $213 for Upper Gallery seats and tops out at $813 for VIP. That price is not confirmed on the Orpheum's own page. The deadline falls as the touring comedy Monty Python's Spamalot finishes its run, with final performances Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The season continues with The Great Gatsby in December and closes with Operation Mincemeat. Other Orpheum dates ahead include the Stray Cats on Nov. 15 and Jodeci on Nov. 24.

MEMPHIS — The Downtown Memphis Commission's annual Downtown Dining Week returns Nov. 9-15, with 38 downtown restaurants taking part, Choose901 reported. Each restaurant sets its own special or signature feature, so offers and prices vary by venue. Diners who submit three or more receipts are entered in a drawing for a hotel stay, a spa day and dining gift cards. Athens Distributing Company of Memphis presents the week. Memphis Travel's fall guide describes it as seven days celebrating the downtown chefs, bartenders and servers who work in the district, and says participants announce their offers as the week approaches. The week falls just after Indie Memphis opens Nov. 5 in the South Main district.