Memphis Daily Brief: Guard case, officer hit, rental enforcement push

Memphis is heading into the weekend with a mix of big legal questions, public-safety incidents, and renewed pressure on City Hall to tighten up enforcement.

Top stories

Appeals court hears challenge to National Guard patrols

State attorneys and Memphis-area elected officials argued this week over whether Tennessee leaders can keep National Guard troops assigned to public-safety patrols in Shelby County. The case stems from a lower-court order that sought to halt the deployment, an order that has been paused while the appeal plays out. For now, Guard members remain on the streets as part of a multi-agency crime initiative, and the appellate panel has not indicated when it will issue a written decision.

Driver arrested after officer hit during traffic stop

Memphis police say an officer suffered non-critical injuries after a driver pulled over near Park Avenue and Getwell Road suddenly fled and struck the officer with a vehicle. Investigators say the driver crashed near Goodman Street and Goodman Circle and was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. Police say the suspect faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and evading arrest.

Neighbors press City Council on short-term rental enforcement

Residents packed in to urge stronger action after a string of violent incidents linked to short-term rental party houses. Council members discussed a resolution aimed at boosting enforcement and closing loopholes that have allowed unpermitted rentals to operate. City leaders were told that the vast majority of short-term rentals may be operating without permits, and the push now is to produce an enforceable plan on a tight timeline.

Also on the radar

• A Memphis nurse practitioner is charged with multiple counts of TennCare fraud tied to billing for visits and prescriptions while allegedly out of the country.
• State lawmakers are debating whether TDOT should study the feasibility of a third Mississippi River bridge crossing, with a proposed report deadline in 2027.
• The city highlighted national recognition for Memphis planning director John Zeanah, named to a new class of fellows in the planning profession.

Sources

• https://tennesseelookout.com/2026/03/06/court-of-appeals-hears-arguments-over-tennessee-national-guard-presence-in-memphis/
• https://www.actionnews5.com/video/2026/03/04/tennessee-appellate-court-hears-arguments-surrounding-national-guards-stay-memphis/
• https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/03/06/driver-custody-after-hitting-mpd-officer-traffic-stop/
• https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/03/04/neighbors-demand-action-memphis-city-council-after-repeated-violence-short-term-rentals/?outputType=amp
• https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/03/04/nurse-practitioner-charged-with-23-counts-tenncare-fraud/
• https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/03/04/tennessee-general-assembly-discusses-whether-study-needed-3rd-bridge-over-miss-river/?outputType=amp
• https://memphistn.gov/john-zeanah-recognized-nationally-for-leadership-in-the-planning-profession/