Michael Nelson

Political Analyst

Memphis, TN

Michael Nelson is a political analyst for WMC Action News 5.

He teaches political science at Rhodes College, is a senior fellow at the University of Virginia's Miller Center and writes a weekly column on local and regional politics for "The Daily Memphian."

Michael is also the author of multiple books on the American presidency, the most recent of which is "Trump: The First Two Years," published by the University of Virginia Press.

Latest News

News

MEM launches nonstop flights to Cancun

Updated: 29 minutes ago

By Jacob Gallant

A nonstop flight from Memphis to Cancun is launching just in time for the summer.

Elections

Voters heading to the polls in Arkansas for primary election

Updated: 4 hours ago

By Kelly Roberts

Arkansans will head to the polls Tuesday with a familiar name from the Trump White House on the ballot.

News

Poor People’s Campaign marches, ends nationwide tour in Memphis

Updated: 12 hours ago

By Bria Bolden

A national campaign to end nationwide poverty, advance voting rights, raise wages and more... made a stop in Memphis.

Top Story

Memphis police chief looks to ‘redirect’ focus to reduce violence

Updated: 14 hours ago

By Brandon Richard

The Memphis police chief plans to “redirect” the focus of some of her officers to help reduce crime.

News

Mighty Mississippi River added as national forever stamp

Updated: 16 hours ago

By Stephanie Douglas

The Mighty Mississippi River, America’s quintessential waterway, is being celebrated for the major role it has played in the national economy.

Latest News

Crime

Police: Man slipped out of handcuffs, escaped back seat of police car

Updated: 16 hours ago

By Jacob Gallant

Memphis police officers had some trouble taking a suspect into custody on Friday.

Crime

5 dead, 6 more hospitalized this past weekend in Memphis; residents and city leaders react

Updated: 16 hours ago

By Parker King

Residents are calling for a heightened vigilance in their neighborhoods, more community policing and patrols.

State

Tennessee needs thousands of foster families, how you can help

Updated: 17 hours ago

By Ashley Bohle

Tennessee is in need of thousands of foster homes as the number of foster children has grown.

News

MFD reveals blue and grey Tigers-themed truck

Updated: 17 hours ago

By Action News 5 Staff

Memphis Fire Department unveiled their new University of Memphis-inspired firetruck Monday.

Crime

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Man tries to steal fire truck while crews battle fire

Updated: 18 hours ago

By Chris Carter

Region 8 News cameras were rolling as a man jumped into a truck.

Good News

St. Jude patient designs his own monster truck

Updated: 18 hours ago

By Jacob Gallant

Calvin drew the emoji-covered truck when Monster Jam drivers came to visit the hospital in 2019. Now, Calvin’s drawing has come to life on the 10.5-foot, 12,000-pound monster truck.