Memphis

NASHVILLE — Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn declared victory in Tennessee's governor's race, and the Washington Post projected her the winner shortly before 1 a.m. Eastern. A partial tally posted by Action News 5 showed Blackburn with 950,259 votes (45.4%) and Memphis City Council member Jerri Green, the Democratic nominee, with 902,546 (43.1%). The ballot also carried independents including David Hatley. Green had campaigned on affordability, schools and a pause on new data centers. She also said she would remove soldiers from Memphis streets. The Action News 5 report also said Constitutional Amendment 1, which expands courts' power to deny bail, passed. Counts were still unofficial and incomplete when reported.

MEMPHIS — Memphis voters appeared poised Tuesday night to approve changes to the city charter, according to the Daily Memphian. The referendums include allowing Memphis Public Library employees to unionize, along with changes affecting the City Council. Early returns on the Shelby County Election Commission's unofficial results page listed the measures by ordinance number, 5966, 5977 and 5978. The Decision Desk tracker showed Yes leading on all three, though that early count was only partial. The county election commission has scheduled further sessions on Nov. 17 and Nov. 23. Results are unofficial until certified. The council's own agenda shows it back in session next week, with a data-center vote possible Nov. 10.

MEMPHIS — Downtown Dining Week runs Monday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 15. This year 38 Downtown restaurants are taking part, according to Choose901, which published the full list of deals. Presenting sponsor is Athens Distributing Company of Memphis. The participants span South Main to the Edge District. A local events guide says Felicia Suzanne's is offering a $50 three-course dinner. That guide also names the Arcade, Majestic Grille, Rendezvous, Blues City Cafe and the rooftop Terrace at the River Inn among the participants. Prices and menus differ by restaurant, so diners should check each listing and reserve ahead. The week overlaps with the Orpheum's Nov. 13 fundraiser and weekend events at Downtown venues.

MEMPHIS — Theatre Memphis opens its Next Stage drama 'Byhalia, Mississippi' on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The first two performances are at 7:30 p.m. that night and the next, Thursday, Nov. 12. The play runs through Nov. 22. Memphis native Evan Linder wrote and directed it. The theater describes it as a drama about race, class and forgiveness. The story follows a white couple in a tight-knit small town whose lives are upended. Next Stage is the company's black-box space and seats up to about 110. Evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees unless noted. The theater's stated single-ticket price for dramas is $25 for adults and $15 for students. Adults get $5 off at the first three performances. The box office number is 901-682-8323.

MEMPHIS — Several smaller events fill the weekend alongside the headline festivals and games. On Friday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m., Visionary Grove at Tom Lee Park holds Cocoa & Crafts, a free afternoon with hot chocolate and holiday coloring. The 901 Hot Wing Festival is Saturday, Nov. 7, at Grind City Brewing Company, according to the Memphis Flyer's fall festivals list. Ticket details were not listed there. Friends of George's opens 'Mama Dearest! Here We Go Again' on Nov. 6, a holiday musical comedy with Joan Crawford, Hollywood divas and ABBA songs, which runs through Nov. 21. Memphis Travel's winter calendar also lists the Terence Blanchard 'Miles + Coltrane Centennial' at the Germantown Performing Arts Center on Nov. 7. Time and prices were not given there, so check the venue. On Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m., Midtown Bramble and Bloom hosts a flower-weaving workshop.