Memphis Morning News

County Commissioner Amber Mills - District 1, gave an example of how some of the mayor's grant pool money is used by commissioners. Commissioner Brooks presented an item for $65,000 to be granted to a friends consulting firm with no volunteers, no employees for the non-profit listed on the request. Mills says that Brooks brought the item back up a 3rd time and suddenly there were two volunteers listed and the requested amount was $32,000 and miraculously the grant request passed. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you consider yourself a luddite? Are you fighting the use AI as the answer to furthering civilizations? Ditch, Tim & Producer Max took a few minutes to opine on "neo-luddism" and the idea that questioning the rapid advancement of AI may not categorize someone as a luddite. Elon Musk's xAI supercomputer Grok calls Memphis home. The facility, Colossus 1 as it's known, was built in an existing Electrolux factory. Colossus 2 is being constructed in Southaven, MS and is part of the massive data center construction boom. A "gargantuan" data center has been approved in Utah that would encompass a 62 square mile space and would double the state's electricity consumption. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ditch and Tim are joined by Andreas Johansson, owner of the Mid-South Monarchs, a new minor league hockey team that is set to debut at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi, in October 2026.Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ditch and Tim are joined by TN Representative Andy Ogles to discuss everything from redistricting, the man behind the President, and how he hopes to serve ALL Tennesseans, regardless of party or any other such affiliations. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leslie Taylor and Ron Walker from Memphis Crime Beat provided and update with all new data set on the Shelby County Justice system. Comparing Memphis justice data to other cities in Tennessee. Memphis & Shelby County justice data is leading in some, not so good, categories. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Memphis Morning News is joined by Tennessee's 9th Congressional District Candidate, Charlotte Bergmann to discuss what she calls, the "bad marriage" that people in Shelby County have been in with Democrats for yeats and how she's hoping to improve lives by freeing people from that bad marriage. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ditch and Tim are joined by Representative David Kustoff to discuss redistricting in Tennessee. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ditch and Tim are joined by Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett to discuss everything from "man bun bureaucrats," "little green men," and redistricting. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As written in Section 2 of The Voting Rights Act- "this law does not entitle people to proportional representation". Former Federal Election Commission member and voting rights legal expert, Hans Von Spakovsky detailed the interpretations in the past of the Voting Rights Act and how the justices were interpreting it wrong. "The current Supreme Court said, if you're looking at proving a violation of The Voting Rights Act based on intentional racial descimination against black voters, you've got to base it on current events, current descrimination, not based on discrimination that occured decades ago." That was an important part of the decision by SCOTUS in the Louisiana case, Hans told Ditch & Tim during his call on Memphis Morning NewsSupport the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ditch and Tim are joined by Republican Shelby County Mayoral candidate John DeBerry, as he discusses his vision for nurturing the growth he knows is possible for Memphis and Shelby County. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee State Rep. Mark White spoke on the re-districting special session and the fight by Shelby County Commission to stop the state takeover. White told Ditch & Tim during his call-in on Memphis Morning News that he doesn't support the redistricting in Tennessee at this time. "I'd like to govern in a different way, I understand the issue between blue states and red states nationwide, but I think there are ways to go about it" . Regarding Memphis Shelby County Schools, Representative White repsonded to comments about corruption in the school disctrict- "we've heard these stories for many, many years and the forensic audit, which will be complete June 30th, is pointing that out". Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ditch and Tim talk with TN Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti about Mayor Lee Harris' intent to prevent a state intervention of Memphis Shelby County Schools. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radio voice of the Memphis Grizzlies, Eric Hasseltine talks NBA Draft, hotels and some advise for players complaing about Memphis. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carl Davis of Memphis Allies says that [gun violence] it's starting to be normalized. The outreach team is usually members of the community, former gang affiliated and are now trying to show guys that this is not normal and they don't want people to becoome numb to the gun violence. The research shows that typically, 1 shooting results in 4 additional shootings. Memphis Allies works to be the stop gap. Accountability is key, says Carl. Accountability with opportunity. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Memphis Crime Beat founder, Leslie Taylor and statistician Ron Walker addressed accusations by DA Steve Mulroy that the watchdog group is "sloppy with statistics". Mulroy claims that the December rate of 75% of convicted Criminal Court defendants recieved no jail time is "just flat wrong". Jail and prison are seperate from one another. One follows a judges decision after conviction while the other is waiting for a trial to even begin. These numbers were exstrapolated and concluded accordingly by Ron Walker with Memphis Crime Beat. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenn Bennie, a Veteran who flew the SH-60-Bravo Seahawk helicopter during deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, stopped by the Memphis Morning News studios to share some of her experiences and training in SERE. Bennie now hosts Walk With History on Youtube and hosts a podcast Talk With History. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman and gubinatorial candidate, John Rose says he supports deployment of the Tennessee National Guard and doesn't think it's the regular, sustainable way to safety in any community. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She's the Memphis mom that simply thanked President Trump for sending the law enforcment surge to Memphis in September, 2025. Shortly after, crime began to drastically drop and Delisia Balinger posted a TikTok thanking the President for The Memphis Safe Task Force. That video went viral and the threats towards Dee Dee began. The "resistance" wasn't going to stand for a mom in Memphis giving any credit to President Trump and his administration. After more than 7500 arrests, over 150 missing kids returned, hundreds of illegal firearms taken out of the hands of thugs, more than 700 known gang members removed from the streets and their affiliated gangs left unorganized and running from law enforcment, the overall crime numbers have decreased 43%. President Trump announced he wanted to come to Memphis to thank the multiple agencies who make up the Memphis Safe Task force for their work and hear the Memphis Mom's story and Dee Dee was invited to speak at the Presidential Round Table. She called Ditch & Tim to share her experience. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Security Analys, Fmr: Bridgewater Associates, Pentagon, IC, U.S. Army, @NorthropGrumman | Iraq & Afghanistan. Alex Plitsas on Memphis Morning News with Ditch & Tim, says Kurds in Iraq have been armed and were planning to cross the border into Iran. The US has a long standing relationship with a sector of Iraqi Kurds. Alex gives context to our relationship with the Kurds and why they may be mobilizing on the ground in Iran. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As state party leadership has removed candidates from the primary ballots, there are questions about the process. Executive committee member Terry Roland called Memphis Morning News to discuss and challenge "to give back money". Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's personal for John DeBerry. Former Democrat and senior advisor to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee told Ditch & Tim during a visit to Memphis Morning News that running for Mayor of Shelby County is personal. If voted in as Mayor of Shleby County, he wants to leave it better than it was when he got in office. DeBerry also spoke to his principles that got him kicked out of the Democratic Party. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman from Tennessee's 6th district and gubernatorial candidate, John Rose told Ditch & Tim - "we don't need a Governor who will use this as a trophy or a retirement job"Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bartlett, TN Alderman David Reaves proposes a different way to collect money other than property taxes. The alderman called to discuss the city fee idea with Ditch & Tim on Memphis Morning News. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Senator from Tennessee, Bill Hagerty called in to Memphis Morning News to share the progress in winter recovery efforts, the National Guard in Memphis, the Memphis Safe Task Force and threats made by Democrats to shut down the government unless law enforcment and FEMA are defunded. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For college football fans who've wondered if the sport will ever return to asemblance of yesteryear with school loyalty a priority over the almighty dollar, Nick Douglas starts from the begining. Understatnding the decisions that got us here and what happens next for college football. He discussed all of this and his book, Where Did Our Game Go, Inside College Football's Billion Dollar Transformation. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Courtney The Zoo Lady details the process of pregancy tests for orangutans and other wild zoo news!Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 1957, Harwood Center serves children ages 18 months through 6 years who have developmental delays and autism. Our nationally accredited services are include specialized educational classrooms and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Aimee Joyner stopped by the Memphis Morning News Studios to share more about the center's work and needs in 2026. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee Attorney General Skrmetti called Memphis Morning News' Ditch & Tim with his response to the county Mayor's lawsuit to stop the Tennessee Guard from being deployed in Memphis as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force. The question remains - who is paying for this lawsuit? If the taxpayers didn't ask for it to be filed on their behalf, then who get's the bill from the lawyers representing Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Commissioner Erika Sugarmon, Commissioner Henri Brooks, City Councilman JB Smiley Jr. , Representative GA Hardaway, Representative Gabby Salinas and Senator Jeff Yarbro. Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward argued this case for the plaintiffs. Perryman is a self-proclaimed visionary behind a team of lawyers and D.C. policy communication "experts" that take on issues like the "climate crisis" and access to "reproductive healthcare" post-Dobbs (abortion). Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dee Dee from Memphis found out how quickly people can turn on you for simply saying "thank you Trump". The Memphis Safe Task Force is a 13 plus federal agency effort to stop violent crime from controlling neighborhoods around the city. After two weeks, the task force brought a very noticeable calmness to residents of Memphis and Dee Dee from Memphis posted a TikTok with a simple message- "I feel safe, thank you Trump". Those words set off some people who have lashed out at Dee Dee, but she says she is not backing down because the task force's efforts have brought calm and quiet to her neighborhood. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman David Kustoff on Memphis Morning News warns about Democrats playing games until the "no kings" protests. Will the lemmings bend after this weekend's no kings gatherings and vote to open the Govt. next week?Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jay Jones stopped by the studio this morning to share his new song and video- "Where The Dirt Road Ends" . Watch the video at Jay Jones Headbanging Country Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judi Perry from Abounded Antiques in Millington called Memphis Morning News encouraging people in Millington and all of West Tennessee to pray for and support Law Enforcement and The National Guard. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Memphis Safe Task Force in place, Memphis is now a city with zero tolerance and some people forgot what that means. Memphians, trained by weak and overly tolerant city council members & leaders, got used to living by the simple rule of "that's not legal, but it's ok" . Pushing for resolutions eliminating "pretextual stops" for operating a vehicle with safety deficiencies like no tail lights, expired or fake drive out tags, the city council created a lawless culture in Memphis. Speeding and reckless driving, smoking weed while driving and other crimes were handled with "look the other way" policies because of a soft on crime DA, city council and leadership. It's taken federal agencies to step in and correct this mess. The old city motto - "That's not legal, but it's ok" has been thrown out because THP does not answer to Memphis City Council and other leadership. And thank God!Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman David Kustoff called in during Memphis Morning News to share his stance on the Memphis Safe Task Force. He also commented on the efforts of a couple of local TV stations that are calling for activists / viewers to locate, film and send in the task force photos and videos so the station can assumingly use during broadcasts and on social media. "...that is one reason the rating for some of these newscasts continue to go down, because people don't trust 'em" Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning on Newstalk 989's Memphis Morning News with Ditch & Tim, Senator Bill Hagerty spoke on the breaking news that he and other Republican Senators were spied on by Biden's special council in the DOJ under the rule of Jack Smith. "Bill Hagerty the Eagle Scout and father of four being investigated by abject criminals that operated out of the FBI...."Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ditch & Tim spoke with Fredrick Jones about his viral TikTok on The National Guard and crime in Memphis. "Don't let the headlines hustle you" says Jones. Rather than focusing on the fear, pay attention to the transformation that's happening in Memphis. 5 years. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill O' Reilly confronts evil in his new book- Confronting Evil, The Worst of The Worst. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee spoke exclusively to Ditch & Tim during Memphis Morning News regarding President Trump's Make Memphis Safe Again memorandum. When will the full compliment of federal assets be deployed and how will the operation be executed? Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President of Shelby County GOP, Worth Morgan called in during Memphis Morning News to discuss the assassination of Turning Point USA Founder, Charley Kirk. Worth Morgan also addressed Governor Bill Lee talking with President Trump about The National Guard joining local law enforcement in Memphis. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He recently Announced his candidacy for Governor of Tennessee. Representative Monty Fritts called in during Memphis Morning News to share his platform for liberty and less government. "I think the message of liberty and less government could be, if sincerely spoken, spoken by a donkey and people would follow it." Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPD released a statement touting a 25 year low in general crime stats. From the 8th Congressional District, Congressman David Kustoff called Memphis Morning News' Ditch & Tim to discuss crime, xAI, Google and the economy in West Tennessee. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Shotwell of Memphis Barbeque Supply gave us a simple Pork Tenderloin Sliders recipe. An easy way to kick off the season on Tiger Lane with Ditch & Tim from Memphis Morning News. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner called in to speak with Ditch & Tim during Memphis Morning News and was asked what he would recommend the Mayor do if offered the assistance of the National Guard. Sheriff Bonner also shared numbers on department staffing and where he thinks a new jail could be built. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright was invited with other civic members to tour FedEx Forum and see exactly what it is that needs renovated. During that tour, Commissioner Wright says he gained more appreciation for the need to spend the money towards improving the facility. He also says that the Grizzlies organization impressed upon him that Memphis is the smallest market in the NBA and there are many other markets that are "begging for a team" and want what we have. I don't get the sense that they don't want to leave. The Grizzlies want to partner with the city / county to solve some of the issues that plague downtown.Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Senator Brent Taylor says he was kicked out of the court room because DA Mulroy did not want him observing what was going on in the court room. Taylor told Ditch & Tim on Memphis Morning News that he believes that Shelby County District Attorney Mulroy had the defense serve him with a subpoena to get him out of the court room. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright spoke on Memphis Memphis Morning News with a call to action for parents and tax payers, regarding the unchecked power of Memphis Shelby County School Board. As of today, there are no points of accountability to hold the school board members responsible for poor decision making. There IS an opportunity for change, and commissioner Wright spells it out. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President of MLGW, Doug McGowen joins Ditch & Tim on Memphis Morning News live from the 18th fairway at TPC Southwind to answer questions about the future of the utility. Burying powerlines, cleaning up utility blight, xAI power demands and many other questions on your mind. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman David Kustoff stopped by the Memphis Morning News studio to provide an update on when Americans will feel the effects of The One Big Beautiful Bill. The plan the Democrats put forth is nothing more than resist. Resist at every turn. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Bill Hagerty called Ditch & Tim during Memphis Morning News to give an update on the nomination progress and the Democrats maneuver to resist the process all to try and slow down the Trump administration. "I've had it with these guys" Bill Hagerty. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famed Head Coach Bill Courtney says the TSSAA high school football practice rules regarding heat do not allow outdoor practice if the heat index is above 104. Additional rules apply when the index is between 98-103. Coach Courtney is also host of the podcast, An Army of Normal Folks and he told us where a $10 million dollar donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital came from and the 8 year old behind it. Support the show: https://www.newstalk989.com/personalities/memphis-morning-news/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.