By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers:
Just over one year ago, the Memphis Safe Task Force, a conglomeration of federal and state agencies allegedly targeting crime, converged on Memphis.
Senior Reporter Anita Wadhwani reports on Friday, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche swept into the Bluff City to park himself at a warehouse in front of a giant American flag, and talk about the Trump administration’s dream to replicate the task force in other cities.
Blanche was joined by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the Republican nominee for governor, and state Sen. Brent Taylor, the GOP nominee for the 9th Congressional District.
This isn’t the first time big kahunas have praised the task force In March, President Donald Trump was in Memphis claiming success.
In other news:
Endorsement alert: U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, a South Carolina Democratn on Friday endorsed Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder in the latter’s 5th Congressional District campaign.
GOP congressmen support Tennessee candidate: Not to be outdone, 9th District GOP nominee Taylor is getting support today from U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. Jordan will join Taylor as guests of the the Lawrence County Republican Party today. Last week, U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise was in Tennessee for Taylor.
State election division gets suspicious substance. Hamilton Mathew Masters with the Nashville Scene reports the FBI is investigating delivery of a package filled with an “unknown substance” to the Tennessee Division of Elections.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
Joined by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Marshals Director Gady Serralta, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche visited Memphis, Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2026, to discussed the Memphis Safe Task. (Photo: U.S. Department of Justice)
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche joined federal and state leaders in Tennessee on Friday to tout the record of the Memphis Safe Task Force a little more than one year after President Donald Trump first established the multi-agency crime-fighting force.
NEWS AND NOTES
Democrats could flip legislative chambers, break GOP supermajorities, analysis finds | Kevin Hardy, Stateline
In the nation’s capital, rallygoers hoist umbrellas at No Kings get-out-the-vote event | Baya Burgess, States Newsroom
Trump back on the road as analysts see more congressional races shifting in Dems’ favor | Shauneen Miranda, States Newsroom
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Jim Hoke on Nashville participates in a Nashville ‘No Kings’ rally outside Lentz Public Health Center, which serves as a voting precinct. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Cassandra Stephenson and J. Holly McCall
The fourth ‘No ‘Kings’ event since President Donald Trump took office for his second term in 2025, held just 17 days before the November 3 midterm election, focused on turning out voters across Tennessee. Dozens of events were held, including “Party to the Polls” in Memphis.
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
A transportation consortium that lost a bid to build toll lanes on 1-24 from Nashville to Murfreesboro is suing the state. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Sam Stockard
A group of companies called 24 Choice Lanes Partners says in legal filing the Tennessee Department of Transportation gave its competitor an edge by allowing it to change the terms of a record-setting payout after bidding took place.
ICYMI
Rep. Pearson sues Memphis alleging First Amendment violation | J. Holly McCall
COMMENTARY
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