The Shelby County Clerk's office is dealing with a significant backlog of unprocessed car title, registration and tag applications.
LaSonya Hall, who took the office Sept. 1, said she was confronted with 34 crates of paperwork that hold about 2,600 individual applications at the start of her term.
On Sept. 11, Hall announced a plan to "begin aggressively reducing the backlog" by having staff work Sept. 12 to process outstanding automobile dealer applications. Efforts will continue into the following week, per Hall.
“This is not simply about catching up,” Hall said. “It is about restoring confidence in the Shelby County Clerk's Office among residents and our business community.”
Hall is also seeking over $6 million in upgrades to clerk offices, which
should be reviewed by the Shelby County Commission on Sept. 14.
The backlog comes after the conclusion of eight years of Wanda Halbert heading the office, a time marked by persistent delays, backlogs, investigations and attempts to remove her from office.
New county commission divided on county jail
The new Shelby County Board of Commissioners has inherited the burden of addressing what many argue is the county body's most pressing concern: the jail at 201 Poplar.
During the first day of committee meetings as a body, commissioners seemed to be divided on how to respond to multiple issues plaguing the jail, including much-needed maintenance and a healthcare provider contract that ends in a few weeks.
Wellpath, the healthcare company contracted to provide medical care in Shelby County's jails and corrections centers, will permanently end its operations in the county Sept. 30.
If the commission does not approve a contract with a new company by Oct. 1, all of the county's criminal justice facilities — which house thousands of detainees — will be without healthcare.
Commissioners debated a proposed $38 million contract with Wexford Health Sources, which it is expected to formerly take up at its next regular meeting. Several board members had concerns about the company, and how the county could hold it accountable for inmate health and safety.
The idea of reopening the county's search for a provider was floated, but would take months. And Wellpath representatives have made it clear the company will not continue services in the county.
The board also debated funding contracted welders to help with repairs at 201 Poplar. Maintenance staffing shortages persist within the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, and the office frequently has trouble hiring the team it needs to keep up with repairs, Jail Maintenance Supervisor Matt Robison said.
The commission is expected to continue talking about these issues on Sept. 14 at its regular meeting.
Green and Hatley challenge Blackburn to debate
As the race for Tennessee's next governor intensifies, both Jerri Green and David Hatley have challenged Marsha Blackburn to debates.
Green, the Democratic nominee for governor and a current Memphis City Council member, proposed a series of statewide debates against the U.S. Senator, a Republican. Hatley, an Independent, did the same.
Blackburn rejected Green's challenge, but has not publicly responded to Hatley.
Young to fundraise in DC this week
Memphis Mayor Paul Young is fundraising for reelection with an event in Washington, DC, this week. On Sept. 17, a slate of hosts from across the country are set to hold a reception in support of Young.
The host committee includes the mayors of Baltimore, Cleveland and Montgomery, Alabama, as well as several DC-based political professionals and lobbyists. The fundraiser will be held during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference, according to promotional information for the event.
NAACP event coming to Memphis
The Tennessee State Conference of the NAACP will hold its 80th Annual State Convention in Memphis in a few weeks.
The organization is expected to announce the details of the event, which is scheduled for Sept. 24-26, in the coming days.
Members of the public are invited to attend the announcement, which will be at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2026 at Anointed Temple of Praise, 3939 Riverdale Rd. Gloria Sweet-Love, president of the Tennessee State Conference, will publicize the specifics and keynote speakers of the convention, according to a press release.
This week and next
The Shelby County Commission will meet at 3 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Vasco A. Smith, Jr. County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St. The meeting will also be streamed on the commission's YouTube channel. It will be the body's first regular meeting with the newly sworn in board.
The meeting will also be the first after the indictment of Commissioner Will Richardson, who was arrested Sept. 9 for tax falsification charges.
The Memphis City Council will meet the next day, Sept. 15, at City Hall, 125 N. Main St. Meeting agendas for the council's committee and regular meetings will be posted on the city's website.
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Got a question for the metro reporting team you would like us to take on? Have thoughts on what you want to see in our weekly politics column? Send an email to annie.goldman@commercialappeal.com or call 901-930-7431.
Annie Goldman covers government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at annie.goldman@commercialappeal.com or 901-930-7431, and followed on X @AnnieSGoldman.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Shelby County Commission inherits jail issues; Paul Young fundraising in DC
