The two contenders for Shelby County Mayor in the Aug. 2 county general election – Democratic nominee Lee Harris and Republican nominee David Lenoir – meet for the first time in the general election campaign Wednesday at the Memphis Kiwanis Club weekly luncheon. It is the first of several debates between the two. And judging from what Harris and Lenoir have said separately and what we’ve reported from those appearances, this is a highly anticipated debate/discussion about the future of Shelby County on several fronts.

2. Harris, Lenoir to Battle for County Mayor - Thursday, May 3, 2018

Republican David Lenoir and Democrat Lee Harris will meet in the Aug. 2 county general election to decide who will be the next Shelby County mayor. Lenoir and Harris won their respective primaries easily Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

3. Lenoir and Harris Advance in County Mayor's Race - Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Republican David Lenoir and Democrat Lee Harris will meet in the Aug. 2 county general election to decide who will be the next Shelby County Mayor. Lenoir and Harris won their respective primaries easily Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

4. Last Word: Forrest and Slavery, The Tariff Blitz and Angus McEachran - Tuesday, March 6, 2018

The report on poverty in Memphis over the last 50 years is on its way to a Greater Memphis Chamber breakfast meeting Thursday. And Terri Lee Freeman, the president of the National Civil Rights Museum and Elena Delavega, the University of Memphis lead researcher of the report, say their message is that as goes Memphis in this regard so goes the nation. And if employers start with lower pay at hiring with percentage raises across the board they feed the racial income gap and bonuses do as well.

5. Memphis Sound at 60 - Saturday, December 23, 2017

As Stax Records and Royal Studios both wrap up a year of celebrating their 60th anniversary, The Memphis News looks back at the creators and purveyors of the Memphis sound and its significance, both in its heyday and today.

6. 50 Years Later - Friday, December 8, 2017

Almost 50 years to the day after he died in a plane crash while on tour, the image and sound of soul singer Otis Redding remains vital and relevant – and heard.

7. Last Word: Grizz Ownership Moves, Confederate Deadline and Medical Family Tree - Monday, December 4, 2017

As many of us were focused on Tigers football and the journey to Orlando last week, there was word that either both or one of the two minority owners of the Grizz had exercised a buy-sell provision in the NBA team’s unique ownership agreement. And what could be a fight for control of the team’s ownership is underway. The sports website The Athletic broke the story last Thursday. Here it is. It also talks about the timing of this coming with the controversial sacking of David Fizdale, an interim coach at the helm of a changing team and lead owner Robert Pera’s lack of visibility in all things Grizz around the city.

8. Last Word: Corker's Decision, Buses & Bikes and Tenoke Comeback - Wednesday, September 27, 2017

And with a brief, carefully-worded written statement Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Senator Bob Corker has blown up the forming-2018 race for the Senate seat he will give up at the end of 2018 and that probably applies to the 2018 race for Tennessee Governor. That’s even if Corker doesn’t follow Tuesday’s announcement by getting into the race for Governor at some point. Corker said nothing about what is next beyond his remaining time in office.

9. Last Word: Harold Ford Jr. on Change, Tourism Turns a Corner and Sim at UTHSC - Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Very different outlooks along party lines still in our delegation to Washington over the Senate’s version of Trumpcare.

On the day the Congressional Budget Office estimated the proposal would end health insurance coverage for 22 million Americans, Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander’s reaction:

10. Last Word: Health Care Plan React, Treasury Footprint and Tom Bowen - Take Two - Friday, June 23, 2017

It’s like they aren’t even looking at the same legislation. That’s one explanation of the very different reviews the Senate health care bill got Thursday as it was unveiled in Washington. Illustrating the contrast, the reactions of Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis.

11. Last Word: BSMF, Budget Books and Milli Vanilli - Monday, May 8, 2017

Three days of sun and mild temperatures for the Beale Street Music Festival. Not to be all “Dawn Lazarus” about the weather. Of course, it wasn’t just that way over Tom Lee Park. And many of us continue to find there is life outside after you have determined your festival days may be behind you. We were all over the place this weekend including Tom Lee Park and Shelby Farms Park and backyards and trails and on a rising river. Can you still claim you were at BSMF if you were within earshot of it?

12. Memphis Football Profile Growing, Norvell Says - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The biggest brand on the 2017 University of Memphis football schedule is UCLA. The Bruins come to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Sept. 16. And as a name brand, it’s an opportunity for the Tigers with recruits.

13. The Week Ahead: February 20-26 - Monday, February 20, 2017

Enjoying that spring-like weather, Memphis? It’s another week of politics and music in the Bluff City, highlighted by the anticipated announcement Wednesday of acts that will be playing the Beale Street Music Festival in May. Here are some other highlights:

14. Last Word: Lovell's Aftermath, West Memphis Tourism and Batter Up - Thursday, February 16, 2017

Political turbulence in the state capitol this week centered on one of the newest members of the Shelby County Delegation leaves the politically-minded among us with a lot to take in when you add the Beltway turbulence of the week in D.C.

15. Pence Breaks Tie as Senate Confirms DeVos for Education Post - Wednesday, February 8, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate on Tuesday confirmed school choice advocate Betsy DeVos as Education secretary by the narrowest of margins, with Vice President Mike Pence breaking a 50-50 tie in a historic vote.

16. Tubby Smith and Tigers Not Fretting the Style Points - Wednesday, February 1, 2017

In a challenging season with too few legitimate Division 1 players for the rotation and nobody tall enough to truly count as a rim protector, coach Tubby Smith would not call the Tigers’ 57-50 victory over East Carolina last weekend “ugly.” No matter that it was the perfect word – at least under other circumstances.

17. Last Word: Laurelwood Lament, Fairgrounds Redux and Deeper on Crime - Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Booksellers at Laurelwood made it through the Christmas shopping season but will close its doors in Laurelwood probably in February with the liquidation sale beginning Friday – as in this Friday.

18. Presidential Election Tops Busy Year for Memphis Voters - Friday, December 30, 2016

2016 was an eventful election year in Shelby County, ending with the most popular voting cycle in Shelby County politics: the U.S. presidential general election in November. Slightly more than 60 percent of the county’s voters cast a ballot either during early voting in October or on the Nov. 8 Election Day.

19. Last Word: Early Vote Numbers, Crime Q&A and School Suspensions in Memphis - Monday, October 31, 2016

The last weekend of early voting is done and now we get the early vote surge through Thursday, which is the last day for early voting at the 21 polling places across Shelby County.

Through this past Friday, 161,239 early votes had been cast in Shelby County. That compares to 156,645 to the same point in 2008 and 151,809 in 2012.

20. Kustoff Claims 8th GOP Primary, Todd Upset by Lovell, Jenkins Over Newsom - Friday, August 5, 2016

Former U.S. Attorney David Kustoff claimed the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 8th Congressional district Thursday, Aug. 4, in a 15-county contest in which the eastern parts of Shelby County played a decisive role.

21. Scramble in the 8th District - Saturday, July 9, 2016

You might call it the calm before the storm. The Aug. 4 election, for which early voting starts July 15, is calmer than usual for the election cycle before a November presidential general election – the only election that more than half of Shelby County voters regularly show up for.

22. 8th District Republican Contenders Highlight Differences - Friday, June 24, 2016

Most of the 13 contenders in the August Republican primary in the 8th Congressional District agree on a lot. They think the country is going in the wrong direction. They believe the policies of a Democratic president are a factor in that, and they support Donald Trump as the Republican Party’s presidential nominee.

23. Gov. Haslam Takes Issue With Trump on Immigration, Abortion - Friday, March 4, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said Wednesday that Donald Trump would need to make major policy changes before he could consider supporting the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.

24. Former Tennessee Rep., GOP Operative Decry Dark Money - Wednesday, August 26, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A former Democratic congressman and a prominent Republican political operative on Tuesday called for ending untraceable spending for and against candidates in Tennessee and around the country.

25. Jordan, 2 Other NBA Owners Join Forbes' Billionaire List - Tuesday, March 3, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) – Michael Jordan and two other NBA owners have reached new heights, making Forbes world list of billionaires.

26. Nashville’s Most Romantic Restaurants - Saturday, February 7, 2015

Romance means something different for everyone, but most people can agree that if there is low lighting, soft music, a charming companion and something delicious to eat, you’ve already got the makings of one outstanding evening.

27. No Child Left Behind Gets Renewed Focus - Tuesday, December 2, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) – The No Child Left Behind education law could be making a political comeback.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, the Tennessee Republican who is the incoming chairman of the Senate committee overseeing education, says his top education priority is fixing the landmark Bush-era law. His goal? Get a bill signed by President Barack Obama early next year.

28. Telecom Controversy Emerges at City Hall - Thursday, November 27, 2014

During the recent repaving of Danny Thomas Boulevard Downtown, city public works crews discovered a leak in sewer lines, and the political timing lined up with a controversy at City Hall that’s been out of the public eye for the most part since the spring.

29. Spillyards Leads Community Advisors Launch - Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Greg Spillyards has joined the brokerage team at Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors to launch the firm’s Community Advisors service line.

Community Advisors is focused on the Memphis city core, with a goal to provide real estate advisory services to assist in the revitalization of the city’s underserved areas with passion, creativity and entrepreneurship, and with service to those already living and leading in their neighborhoods.

30. Voters Approve Wine, Amendments - Thursday, November 6, 2014

Shelby County citizens voted 2-to-1 Tuesday, Nov. 4, against a proposed amendment to the Tennessee Constitution that gives the Tennessee Legislature the power to regulate abortion, including in cases of rape or incest.

31. Voters Approve Wine, Constitutional Amendments - Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Shelby County citizens voted 2-to-1 Tuesday, Nov. 4, against a proposed amendment to the Tennessee Constitution that gives the Tennessee Legislature the power to regulate abortion, including in cases of rape or incest.

32. For-Profit Programs Face 'Gainful Employment' Rule - Friday, October 31, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) – For-profit colleges with graduates unable to pay back their student loans could soon face scrutiny by the federal government.

Schools with career-oriented programs that fail to comply with the new rule announced Thursday by the Obama administration stand to lose access to federal student-aid programs.

33. Early Voting Opens in Midterm Elections - Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Early voting opens Wednesday, Oct. 15, across Shelby County as well as Tennessee in the mid-term general elections that are the second most popular election cycle in Shelby County by voter turnout.

34. Sen. Alexander Sheds Feel-Good Image in Tennessee Race - Friday, October 10, 2014

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Forget the syrupy, feel-good message so common to Lamar Alexander's past political campaigns. This time, the Tennessee Republican is going into attack mode.

With early voting in the U.S. Senate race set to kick off next week, the two-term incumbent has unleashed two television ads hammering his previously little-known Democratic opponent, Gordon Ball, as a proxy for President Barack Obama and as a "slick-talking personal injury lawyer."

35. Senate Candidate Ball to Spend $400,000 on Ads - Saturday, June 21, 2014

U.S. Senate candidate Gordon Ball says he is pouring up to $400,000 of his own money into a statewide television advertising campaign to bolster his bid for the Democratic nomination.

36. Senate Candidate Ball to Spend $400,000 on Ads - Monday, June 16, 2014

U.S. Senate candidate Gordon Ball says he is pouring up to $400,000 of his own money into a statewide television advertising campaign to bolster his bid for the Democratic nomination.

37. Malone to Challenge Luttrell In August Mayoral Showdown - Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Former Shelby County Commissioner Deidre Malone will challenge incumbent Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell in the August county general election after winning the Tuesday, May 6, Democratic mayoral primary.

38. Harris Files Ford Challenge at Deadline - Thursday, April 3, 2014

Memphis City Council member Lee Harris is challenging Democratic state Sen. Ophelia Ford in the August primary for District 29, the Senate seat held by a member of the Ford family since 1975.

39. Roland ReElected At Filing Deadline, Two Countywide Races Set For August - Friday, February 21, 2014

One of the six Shelby County Commission incumbents seeking re-election this year was effectively elected to a new four-year term in a new district with the noon Thursday, Feb. 20, filing deadline for candidates in the May county primaries.

40. Scartozzi Named Sales Director at Hilton Memphis - Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Heidi Scartozzi has joined the Hilton Memphis, managed by Davidson Hotels & Resorts, as director of sales. Scartozzi is a 15-year hospitality veteran, most recently serving as a regional director of sales for JQH Hotels and Resorts, servicing 13 hotels on the West Coast.

41. GOP Dreads Prospect of New UAW Foothold in South - Thursday, September 5, 2013

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) – The prospect of the United Auto Workers gaining a new foothold at Volkswagen's plant in Tennessee worries some Southern Republicans, who say laws banning mandatory union membership have helped lure foreign automakers.

42. No Surprises for Alexander and GOP Incumbents - Monday, September 2, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Faced with a potentially serious primary challenger, Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander was not about to sit back and wait.

The former two-term governor locked down endorsements, banked more than $3 million and linked arms with popular Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and former GOP presidential contender Mike Huckabee. When conservative state Rep. Joe Carr announced he would challenge Alexander, the senator's team was ready.

43. State Museum Show About Alexander Put on Hold - Monday, August 12, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Tennessee State Museum has put on hold plans for a statewide traveling exhibit about U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander's time as governor after concerns were raised about the state promoting the Republican during his re-election campaign.

44. Senate Set to Finish Work on Student Loan Deal - Thursday, July 25, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Borrowing for tuition, housing and books would be less expensive for college students and their parents this fall but the costs would start climbing almost immediately under a deal the Senate was poised to pass Wednesday.

45. Senators Ready to Restore Lower College Loan Rates - Friday, July 19, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A bipartisan compromise on student loans promises better deals for students and parents over the next few years but could spell higher rates as the economy improves.

The Senate deal pegs the interest rates on new loans to the financial markets and was expected to come to a vote next week, well before students returning to campus this fall had to sign their loan agreements.

46. Deal Emerging on Student Loans, Talks Continue - Friday, July 12, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – An emerging deal to lower interest rates on student loans took shape Thursday, offering Democrats promises that interest rates would not reach 10 percent and giving Republicans a link between borrowing terms and the financial markets.

47. Senate Panel OKs Bill Banning Anti-Gay Job Bias - Thursday, July 11, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Gay rights advocates notched another victory Wednesday after a Senate panel approved a bill that would prohibit employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

48. Senators: Student Loan Interest Rates to Double - Friday, June 28, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Student loan rates will double Monday – at least for a while – after a compromise to keep student loan interest rates low proved unwinnable before the July 1 deadline, senators said Thursday.

49. Senate Introduces No Child Left Behind Successor - Wednesday, June 5, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The one-sized-fits-all national requirements of No Child Left Behind would give way to standards that states write for themselves under legislation Senate Democrats announced Tuesday.

50. ServiceMaster Posts Operating Loss in 2012 - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The ServiceMaster Co. reported an unaudited operating loss of $532.8 million in 2012 on operating revenue of $3.1 billion.

51. David Alexander Named President of TruGreen - Saturday, December 15, 2012

David Alexander, the former CEO of Citi Trends, is the new president of TruGreen lawn care company, leaders of The ServiceMaster Co. announced Tuesday, Dec. 11.

52. Alexander Named TruGreen President - Thursday, December 13, 2012

David Alexander, the former CEO of Citi Trends, is the new president of TruGreen lawn care company, leaders of The ServiceMaster Co. announced Tuesday, Dec. 11.

53. Alexander Named TruGreen President - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

David Alexander, the former CEO of Citi Trends, is the new president of TruGreen lawn care company, leaders of The ServiceMaster Co. announced Tuesday, Dec. 11.

54. TVA Board Votes to Delegate Authority to CEO - Tuesday, December 11, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Valley Authority's board voted Monday to delegate certain authority to the utility's new chief executive in case five of its vacancies aren't filled before Congress adjourns this month.

55. Scorched Earth - Monday, July 23, 2012

The daily hustle and bustle of city life makes it easy for Memphians to forget that the urban pocket they call home sits amid one of the nation’s richest agricultural regions, one that’s suffering the economic impact of unusually high temperatures and a nationwide drought.

56. Stoppard Play Mixes Absurdity, Reality - Monday, August 22, 2011

An upcoming Playhouse on the Square production will stretch the limits of theatrical characterization through a unique collaboration with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Tom Stoppard’s “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour” pits individuality against conformity in a Soviet Era psychiatric hospital, the tableau for a dark-humored struggle to discern reality.

57. Alexander Endorses Bipartisan Debt Reduction Plan - Wednesday, July 20, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Sen. Lamar Alexander has endorsed a debt reduction plan that would reduce federal spending by $500 billion as a down payment to reduce the deficit.

In a statement Tuesday, Alexander, R-Tenn., said the proposal would find almost $4 trillion in reductions over the next 10 years.

58. Events - Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., suite 502. Participants will learn about the importance of honesty and its impact on organizations and people. Cost is $99 for members, $150 for nonmembers and $89 for those in the Program for Nonprofit Excellence. For more information, visit www.npexcellence.org.

59. Haslam Appoints Poe Communications Director - Friday, February 25, 2011

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has appointed Alexia Poe as his director of communications effective March 14.

Poe, of Nashville, will fill the role Tom Griscom has held on an interim basis since Haslam won the governor’s race last year.

60. Democrats Turn 'Where are the Jobs?' Chant on GOP - Friday, February 18, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans won sweeping victories last November by taunting Democrats with "Where are the jobs?" Democrats are now throwing those taunts back, saying it's Republicans who will knock thousands of Americans out of work with their demands for deep cuts in federal spending.

61. Haslam Appoints Cate as Special Assistant - Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tennessee Gov.-Elect Bill Haslam has named Mark Cate, his former campaign manager, as special assistant to the governor.

Cate, vice president of the Knoxville real estate development firm Lawler-Wood, will be a political adviser to Haslam once Haslam takes office. He will work with Deputy to the Gov. Claude Ramsey and handle special projects for the administration.

62. Senate Shuns Push for Elimination of Pet Projects - Wednesday, December 1, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – By a sizable – but dwindling – margin, the Senate on Tuesday voted in favor of allowing lawmakers to keep stocking bills with home-state projects like roads, grants to local police departments and clean-water projects.

63. Events - Friday, September 10, 2010

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens will host the 15th Annual Art on Tap Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Dixon, 4336 Park Ave. Cost is $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers. For more information, call 761-5250 or visit www.dixon.org.

64. Events - Thursday, September 9, 2010

The Memphis Investors Group will host Robert Shemin, who will discuss how to make money in today’s market, Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Memphis Hilton, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. An early bird session will be held at 6 p.m. Admission is free for first-time visitors. For more information, call 414-2729.

65. Rainey Kizer Names Waddell Partner - Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Amanda C. Waddell has been named a partner at Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell PLC. Waddell’s practice is concentrated in the areas of medical malpractice, auto liability and insurance coverage.

66. Overton Square Developers Ready for Next Step - Friday, December 11, 2009

It’s crunch time for the future of Overton Square, the 10-acre Midtown landmark where a new retail development anchored by a big-box grocery store has been proposed.

The square’s owners have agreed to delay for 60 days their official request to begin knocking down several old buildings along Madison Avenue. That demolition would pave the way for a roughly 53,000-square-foot grocery store and several smaller retail buildings.

67. U of M’s Raines Appointed To Southern Regional Education Board - Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Dr. Shirley C. Raines has been appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. Raines, president of the University of Memphis, will serve a four-year term.

68. Local Artists Set Up Seasonal Cooperative - Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Several local artists are kicking off a Winter Arts cooperative this week at 5475 Poplar Ave., just east of Bud Davis Cadillac.

69. New Federal Bill Sends Money to Memphis - Monday, November 9, 2009

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., reported Friday that federal funding to combat crime and support at-risk youths in Memphis is included in a conference report to the 2010 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill approved by the Senate Thursday night.

70. Ramsey at Odds with Alexander on Sotomayor Vote - Monday, August 3, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - State Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey on Friday became the first Republican gubernatorial candidate to speak out against U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander's vote in favor of President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee.

71. GOP Governor Contenders Line Up Campaign Teams - Monday, March 30, 2009

Three of the four Republican contenders for Tennessee governor in 2010 have announced key members of their campaign teams in the past week.

The campaign positions aren’t high-profile, but those who fill the jobs are important because their influence and knowledge of how to run a statewide campaign will play a large role in how the candidates are able to get their respective messages to voters.

72. Assisted Living/Alzheimer’s Facility Near Completion in Schilling Farms - Tuesday, February 3, 2009

15 Schilling Bend Commons
Collierville, TN 38017
Loan Amount: $4 Million

Loan Date: Jan. 7, 2009
Maturity Date: Jan. 7, 2009
Borrower: Southridge Nursing LLC
Lender: Financial Federal Savings Bank

73. Senators Call for Coal Ash Regulation - Friday, January 9, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Democrats said Thursday they want stricter rules for toxic ash from coal-fired power plants following a massive spill in Tennessee that has threatened drinking water and caused health fears.

74. Election Totals: Better Late Than Never - Monday, November 10, 2008

Two days after the Nov. 4 elections, the final unofficial totals were finally posted by the Shelby County Election Commission. The long vote count involved absentee ballots whose count was delayed because of problems with an optical scanning machine.

75. Final Unofficial Shelby County Election Results Posted - Friday, November 7, 2008
Two days after the Nov. 4 elections, the final unofficial totals were finally posted by the Shelby County Election Commission Thursday evening. The long vote count involved absentee ballots whose count was delayed because of problems with an optical scanning machine.

The count shows over 400,000 Shelby County voters participated -- a record setting turnout for Shelby County in the most popular election cycle historically with local voters. However, it amounted to a 62 percent voter turnout for Shelby County.

These are the unofficial election results in selected races including the ten charter amendment referenda.

U.S. President

Shelby County results

All 274 precincts reporting

Barack Obama 255,541 64%

John McCain 145,137 36%

U.S. Senate

Shelby County results

All 274 precincts reporting

Lamar Alexander 189,471 51%

Bob Tuke 173,354 47%

Memphis City Council Super District 9 Position 1

All 114 precincts reporting

Kemp Conrad 47,739 42%

Paul Shaffer 37,594 33%

John Willingham 23,070 20%

Arnett Montague III 5,293 5%

Memphis School Board At Large Position 1

All 231 precincts reporting

Freda Williams 83,429 44%

Cynthia Gentry 81,766 43%

Menelik Fombi 22,108 12%

Germantown Board of Aldermen

All 13 precincts reporting

Position 3

Mike Palazzolo 15,022 72%

Donna Chandler Newman 5,842 28%

Position 4

Mark Billingsley 11,117 54%

Frank Uhlhorn 9,375 46%

Position 5

Ernest Chism 10,364 51%

Gary Pruitt 5,316 26%

James A. Danielik 2,550 13%

David J. Spann 2,002 10%

Collierville Mayor

All nine precincts

Stan Joyner 11,891 58%

Brannon Howse 5,130 25%

Tom Allen 3,609 17%

U.S. Cong. 9th District

All 208 precincts reporting

Steve Cohen 198,265 88%

Jake Ford 10,973 5%

Dewey Clark 10,013 4%

Shelby County Charter Amendment No. 364

Five countywide offices become charter offices with no salary petitions for four of five offices.

All 274 precincts reporting

Yes  237,032 68%

No  112,438   32%

Shelby County Charter Amendment No. 365

Term limits of two consecutive four-year terms for those elected sheriff, county clerk, trustee, register and assessor.

All 274 precincts reporting

Yes 276,531 79%

No 75,104 21%

Memphis City Charter Ordinance No. 5232

Provisions for the recall of a City Council member.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 171,489 77%

No 50,210 23%

Memphis City Charter Ordinance No. 5265

City residency requirement for division directors and other city appointees.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 161,205 72%

No 64,013 28%

Referendum No. 1

Term limits of two consecutive four-year terms for those elected to City Council and city mayor post.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 179,844 78%

No 49,852 22%

Referendum No. 2

Staggering City Council terms and moving city elections to even-numbered years in November every two years.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 145,606 72%

No 55,063 28%

Referendum No. 3

No sale of Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division without approval by city voters.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 156,570 80%

No 39,116 20%

Referendum No. 4

Any elected or appointed city official indicted or charged with corruption is suspended with pay.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 167,369 75%

No 55,080 25%

Referendum No. 5

Instant runoff voting as an option in school board and City Council district races.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 154,269 71%

No 64,016 29%

Referendum No. 6

Mayoral vacancy process in which council chairman becomes interim mayor.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 188,608 85%

No 33,250 15%

76. Final Unofficial Shelby County Election Results Posted - Thursday, November 6, 2008

Two days after the Nov. 4 elections, the final unofficial totals were finally posted by the Shelby County Election Commission this evening. The long vote count involved absentee ballots whose count was delayed because of problems with an optical scanning machine.

The count shows over 400,000 Shelby County voters participated -- a record setting turnout for Shelby County in the most popular election cycle historically with local voters. However, it amounted to a 62 percent voter turnout for Shelby County.

These are the unofficial election results in selected races including the ten charter amendment referenda.

U.S. President

Shelby County results

All 274 precincts reporting

Barack Obama 255,541 64%

John McCain 145,137 36%

U.S. Senate

Shelby County results

All 274 precincts reporting

Lamar Alexander 189,471 51%

Bob Tuke 173,354 47%

Memphis City Council Super District 9 Position 1

All 114 precincts reporting

Kemp Conrad 47,739 42%

Paul Shaffer 37,594 33%

John Willingham 23,070 20%

Arnett Montague III 5,293 5%

Memphis School Board At Large Position 1

All 231 precincts reporting

Freda Williams 83,429 44%

Cynthia Gentry 81,766 43%

Menelik Fombi 22,108 12%

Germantown Board of Aldermen

All 13 precincts reporting

Position 3

Mike Palazzolo 15,022 72%

Donna Chandler Newman 5,842 28%

Position 4

Mark Billingsley 11,117 54%

Frank Uhlhorn 9,375 46%

Position 5

Ernest Chism 10,364 51%

Gary Pruitt  5,316 26%

James A. Danielik 2,550 13%

David J. Spann 2,002 10%

Collierville Mayor

All nine precincts

Stan Joyner 11,891 58%

Brannon Howse 5,130 25%

Tom Allen 3,609 17%

U.S. Cong. 9th District

All 208 precincts reporting

Steve Cohen 198,265 88%

Jake Ford 10,973 5%

Dewey Clark 10,013 4%

Shelby County Charter Amendment No. 364

Five countywide offices become charter offices with no salary petitions for four of five offices.

All 274 precincts reporting

Yes 238,771 68%

No 113,337 32%

Shelby County Charter Amendment No. 365

Term limits of two consecutive four-year terms for those elected sheriff, county clerk, trustee, register and assessor.

All 274 precincts reporting

Yes 278,659 79%

No 75,538 21%

Memphis City Charter Ordinance No. 5232

Provisions for the recall of a City Council member.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 172,834 77%

No 50,437 23%

Memphis City Charter Ordinance No. 5265

City residency requirement for division directors and other city appointees.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 162,344 72%

No 64,475 28%

Referendum No. 1

Term limits of two consecutive four-year terms for those elected to City Council and city mayor post.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 181,235 78%

No 50,099 22%

Referendum No. 2

Staggering City Council terms and moving city elections to even-numbered years in November every two years.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 146,872 73%

No 55,390 27%

Referendum No. 3

No sale of Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division without approval by city voters.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 158,022 80%

No 39,296 20%

Referendum No. 4

Any elected or appointed city official indicted or charged with corruption is suspended with pay.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 168,635 75%

No 55,401 25%

Referendum No. 5

Instant runoff voting as an option in school board and City Council district races.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 155,388 71%

No 64,467 29%

Referendum No. 6

Mayoral vacancy process in which council chairman becomes interim mayor.

All 231 precincts reporting

Yes 190,113 85%

No 33,367 15%

77. Shelby Goes Obama; Conrad To Council; All 10 Charter Amends Pass - Wednesday, November 5, 2008

These are the unofficial election results for Shelby County. The state-wide results in the Presidential election as well as the U.S. Senate races in Tennessee and Mississippi are also included.

The results become official after an audit and certification by the Shelby County Election Commission as well as state election officials.

78. Hennessy Joins Board Of Opportunity Scholarship Trust - Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Scott C. Hennessy, president and chief executive officer of True Temper Sports, has joined the board of directors of Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust.

Hennessy will help direct the operations and growth of the nonprofit organization, which provides scholarships and tuition assistance. Hennessy also serves on the Board of Governors of the National Golf Foundation.

79. Cohen Crushes Tinker - Jackson Upsets Turner - Charter Changes Pass-Fail - Friday, August 8, 2008
Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen was the big winner in Thursday’s primary elections. Cohen, with 80 percent of the vote, crushed challenger Nikki Tinker in the hard fought 9th District Democratic primary.

The upset of the evening was the general election contest for General Sessions Court Clerk where Democratic challenger Otis Jackson beat Republican incumbent Chris Turner.

And only one of two sets of Shelby County charter amendments on the ballot were approved by voters.

Voter turnout was just under 16 percent in Shelby County. Voter turnout was clearly driven by the 9th District Democratic primary. More people voted in that primary which covers most but not all of Shelby County than voted countywide in the state Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. Turnout in the Democratic primaries was twice that of the Republican primaries in Shelby County.

All results are unofficial pending audit and certification by the Shelby County Election Commission and Tennessee election officials

9th Congressional District
Democratic Primary
Steve Cohen 50,284 79%
Nikki Tinker 11,814 19%
Joe Towns Jr. 914 1%

Not even close. Cohen won the primary for the open all Shelby County seat two years ago by 4,400 votes over Tinker and 13 other candidates. This time around he was the incumbent and Tinker’s challenge was more strident with a pair of controversial attack ads in the gap between the end of early voting and election day. Both were probably factors in the vote totals along with a smaller field of five candidates.

Cohen faces independent candidate Jake Ford in the Nov. 4 general election.

7th Congressional District
Republican Primary
248 of 265 precincts reporting
Marsha Blackburn 29,158 65%
Tom Leatherwood 15,636 35%

These are the results district wide which includes not only the eastern part of Shelby County but a strip of Middle Tennessee up to the Kentucky state line. In Shelby County’s part of the 7th district, Leatherwood beat Blackburn with 62 percent of the vote. But it was 62 percent of just over 19,000 votes. Outside Shelby County it was always going to be difficult for Leatherwood.. The low voter turnout in Collierville and other eastern parts of the county made Leatherwood’s task impossible.

Blackburn faces Democrat Randy G. Morris on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Shelby County Charter Amendment #360
Yes  49,506   49.73%

No   50,043   50,27%

Closest contest of the night in Shelby County with a 537 vote margin and the highest turnout with 99,549 votes total.

This set of charter changes was to fix a legal problem noted in a recent Tennessee Supreme Court ruling. Another part of the package deal was increasing term limits for the county mayor and the county commission from two consecutive four year terms approved by voters in 1994 to three consecutive four year terms. The County Commission meets Monday to ponder whether it should offer another charter amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot that would fix the legal problem.

Shelby County Charter Amendment #361
Yes 65,548 68%
No 30,188 32%

This set of charter amendment includes provisions for recalling elected officials. It also establishes a new method for filling a vacancy in the office of County Mayor.

General Sessions Court Clerk
Otis Jackson 51,438 52%
Chris Turner 43,971 45%

The upset of the evening. Turner, the Republican nominee and the incumbent was seeking a fourth term. Jackson, the Democratic nominee, was making his fourth bid for county-wide office after coming close in a 2006 bid for County Clerk.

Trustee
Paul Mattila 54,734 57%
Ray Butler 29,977 31%

Mattila beats Butler in a race featuring an energetic and misleading campaign by M. LaTroy Williams in which Williams billed himself as the “real Democrat.” He was, in fact, an independent candidate garnering 8 percent of the vote. Mattila fills the remaining two years left in the term of office of the late Bob Patterson, a Republican. Mattila, a Democrat, worked with Patterson. Butler, the Republican, was also a friend of Patterson’s and the race amounted to who would best continue to operate the office as Patterson did.

Criminal Court Judge Div. 6
John Fowlkes 44,581 52%
Latonya Burrow 21,874 26%
Michael G. Floyd 12,071 14%
Claiborne H. Ferguson 6,240 7%

Fowlkes serves out the remaining six years left of the eight year term of office of Fred Axley who resigned from the bench shortly after winning re-election in 2006. Burrow finished a close second to Axley two years ago and again ran an energetic campaign this time around. But Fowlkes status in the legal community and his appointment to the bench by Gov. Phil Bredesen proved to be the advantage.

Assessor of Property
Cheyenne Johnson 59,637 60%
Bill Giannini 39,057 40%

Johnson, the Democratic nominee, easily beat Giannini, who is also doubling as local GOP chairman. Local Democrats keep the county-wide position in their column as voters go for the candidate endorsed by outgoing Democratic incumbent Rita Clark.

U.S. Senate
Democratic Primary
2,192 of 2,290 precincts reporting
Bob Tuke 54,613 32%
Gary G. Davis 37,193 22%
Mike Padgett 32,190 19%
Mark Clayton 30,359 18%
Kenneth Eaton 13,718 8%
Leonard Ladner 4,431 3%

These are the statewide results. Tuke got 42 percent of the Shelby County vote with Clayton finishing second. Tuke, the former state Democratic Party chairman, faces Republican incumbent Lamar Alexander, one of the most successful politicians in the history of the state, in the Nov. 4 general election.

Judicial Retention Races

All seven state appellate court judges, including two Tennessee Supreme Court justices, won their yes/no contests on the ballot across the state. That includes Tennessee Criminal Appeals Court Judge Camille McMullen of Millington who was just appointed to the bench in June by Gov. Phil Bredesen.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

80. Polls Open For Primary, County Elections - Thursday, August 7, 2008

Polling places in Shelby County will be open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for state and federal primaries and county general elections.

Also, voters will decide the fate of two sets of amendments to the Shelby County charter, and will vote yes or no to retain seven state appeals court judges. The county general election ballot features races for assessor, trustee, General Sessions Court clerk and Criminal Court judge Division 6.

81. Tom Lee Remembered for Heroic Act, Impact on City’s Future - Friday, June 27, 2008

For a few minutes last week, one of the more complex political discussions in Memphis was put on hold by a simple story from 1925.

The Memphis City Council chambers was filled to near capacity with teachers and parents gathered by Memphis City Schools leaders to protest the council’s decision to cut funding to the system.

82. Anderson Confirmed as U.S. District Judge - Friday, April 11, 2008

S. Thomas Anderson was confirmed by the U.S. Senate Thursday as the newest U.S. District Court Judge for West Tennessee. Anderson, who replaces U.S. District Court Judge James D. Todd of Jackson, Tenn., was confirmed on a unanimous voice vote in Washington. He was nominated by President George W. Bush in 2007 and has been serving as a U.S. Magistrate Judge since 2003 primarily in Jackson but with a courtroom in the Federal Building in Memphis as well.

83. Few Surprises At Filing Deadline - Monday, April 7, 2008

About half of Shelby County's delegation to the Tennessee Legislature won re-election at Thursday's filing deadline for candidates on the Aug. 7 ballot.

Eight of the 16 state House seats had only one candidate - the incumbent. And all three of the state Senate seats on the ballot were incumbent-only affairs.

84. Conference To Provide Fuel For Transport Future - Wednesday, March 5, 2008

The Memphis World Trade Club will continue the momentum of its inaugural event of a year ago by hosting the second annual Memphis Multi Modal Conference March 19 and 20 at The Peabody hotel.

The first day's event is a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. followed by a selection of speakers the next day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

85. Alexander Looks ToHealth Care Reform in '08 - Wednesday, January 2, 2008
     Perhaps echoing an opinion he shared with The New York Times earlier this month - that the Republican party has "grown stale in its message and we're not as tuned in as we once were" - U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.,

86. Herenton To Take Oath Tuesday - Monday, December 31, 2007

Mayor Willie Herenton will kick off his fifth term in office Tuesday.

Herenton and all 13 Memphis City Council members elected this year will begin new four-year terms by taking their respective oaths of office at noon at The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., will be the featured speaker.

87. Suit Filed Against Mexican Trucking in U.S. - Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Five groups filed a federal lawsuit last week to prevent Mexican trucks from entering the United States via the controversial cross-border trucking program created earlier this year under the auspices of 1994's North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

88. Events - Tuesday, July 3, 2007

The Daily News' offices will be closed Wednesday in observance of Independence Day. Offices reopen at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and will remain open during normal business hours.

The AutoZone Red, White and Blue Celebration produced by the Beale Street Merchants Association will be held today at Tom Lee Park following the conclusion of the Redbirds game. A fireworks show will be featured over the river. For more information, call 529-0999. The event is free.

89. Allowing Mexican Truckers All the Way to Memphis Signals Big Payload, Experts Say - Wednesday, March 7, 2007

In his bestselling book "The World is Flat," columnist and author Thomas L. Friedman describes how smoothly and efficiently the supply chain crosses the globe thanks to the collapse of logistical hurdles everywhere.

90. Carmony Named Newcomer of the Year - Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Brad Carmony has been named Newcomer of the Year in the 2006 MPACT Maker Awards. The award recognizes individuals who have lived in Memphis for a short time, but who have made significant contributions to the community. Carmony is the public relations manager at inferno. He also serves on the regional advisory board of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association of Tennessee, the Exchange Club Family Center's Gala Committee and as a member of the Shelby County Humane Society's Pet Set organization.

91. A Worthy Tribute - Wednesday, October 18, 2006

On a balmy Sunday afternoon, assembled Downtown for what might have appeared an ordinary family reunion, about 40 people chatted, laughed and squeezed together for photos, the Mississippi River rolling softly behind them.

92. UTHSC Names Neonatology Division Chief - Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Dr. Ramasubbareddy Dhanireddy was named neonatology division chief and Sheldon B. Korones Professor in Neonatology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dhanireddy also will serve as medical director of the Sheldon B. Korones Newborn Center at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. He previously served as neonatology division chief at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

93. Archived Article: Newsmakers - Wednesday, June 22, 2005
HEADLINE

AdFed Names Pyramid Award Winners

The Memphis Advertising Federation named Robert Vornbrock and Glenna Rogers-Ward ad man and ad woman of the year at its 2005 Pyramid Awards ceremony. Vornbrock, president of diversified communications...

94. Archived Article: Calendar - Monday, October 16, 2000
Calendar of events: June 5 11 Calendar of events: Oct. 16-Oct. 22 Oct. 16 The Memphis Bar Association will present "Advance Mediation Training" from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MBA Conference Center, One Commerce Square, Suite 1050. Alexand...

95. Archived Article: Calendar - Monday, October 9, 2000
Calendar of events: June 5 11 Calendar of events: Oct. 9-Oct. 15 Oct. 10 "Europe 2000" is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the mezzanine of the Peabody, 149 Union Ave. The seminar and exhibition features guests from Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, th...

96. Archived Article: Europe (lead) - Friday, October 6, 2000
Europe 2000 Chamber trade event strengthens European ties By Sue Pease The Daily News Memphis area businesses looking for information about European trade and commerce will find the International Commerce Day 2000 is a good place to be. The daylong ...

97. Archived Article: Real Focus - Tuesday, August 8, 2000
Builders crossing the border Builders crossing the border Some see profits in DeSoto County; others say pass By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News For several years now, DeSoto County has been tagged as one of the fastest-growing areas in the Southeast, ...

98. Archived Article: Standout - Friday, June 18, 1999
By SUZANNE THOMPSON A club craftsman Bert Dargie, inductee into The Professional Clubmakers Hall of Fame, learned the art of club making as a boy By SUZANNE THOMPSON The Daily News Bert Dargie III has big plans for his line of handcrafted hickory go...