State Sen. Lee Harris easily beat County Trustee David Lenoir to become the next Shelby County mayor in the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general election, leading a Democratic resurgence in county politics.

2. Harris Elected County Mayor, Bonner as Sheriff - Friday, August 3, 2018

State Sen. Lee Harris easily beat County Trustee David Lenoir to become the next Shelby County mayor in the Thursday, Aug. 2, county general election, leading a Democratic resurgence in county politics.

3. New Apartments Coming to Broad, Clark Tower Inks Another Tenant - Monday, April 2, 2018

A multifamily project planned for Broad Avenue could provide the housing element that takes the arts district to the next level.

2542 Broad Ave.
Memphis, TN 38112

4. Caissa Public Strategy Inks Deal in Clark Tower - Saturday, March 31, 2018

Caissa Public Strategy has inked a new deal to occupy 5,086 square feet on the 17th floor of the Clark Tower in East Memphis.

“As our team continues to expand, we needed a space that could meet our growing needs,” said Brian Stephens, CEO of Caissa. “Clark Tower was the right choice for us because of the updated space and central location. We look forward to the continued growth of Caissa and our partnership with the Clark Tower team.”

5. Caissa Public Strategy Inks Deal in Clark Tower - Friday, March 30, 2018

Caissa Public Strategy has inked a new deal to occupy 5,086 square feet on the 17th floor of the Clark Tower in East Memphis.

“As our team continues to expand, we needed a space that could meet our growing needs,” said Brian Stephens, CEO of Caissa. “Clark Tower was the right choice for us because of the updated space and central location. We look forward to the continued growth of Caissa and our partnership with the Clark Tower team.”

6. Kelsey Backs Away From Voucher Legislation - Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The push to allow some Tennesseans to use private-school vouchers has hit a roadblock that could stall voucher legislation for a fourth year.

Sen. Brian Kelsey said Monday, Dec. 18, that he won’t ask a Senate committee to take up his bill — which would pilot a program in Memphis — when the legislature reconvenes its two-year session in January.

7. Last Word: A New Chapter, The Kissell Dome and The New Bartlett High School - Friday, March 31, 2017

Booksellers of Laurelwood is set to return in most of the same location with a smaller footprint and new owners. John Vergos of the Rendezvous and a former Memphis City Council member is among the investors bringing back the East Memphis institution that closed in February. No word on whether the new group will keep the name or go with a new name.

8. State Rep. Mark White Joins Public Strategy Firm - Saturday, November 26, 2016

Tennessee State Rep. Mark White has joined the executive team at Caissa Public Strategy as a senior director.

White has more than 30 years of experience working in education, political and business circles in Memphis, and his focus at Caissa will be on complex project management and strategic planning.

9. State Rep. Mark White Joins Public Strategy Firm - Monday, November 21, 2016

Tennessee State Rep. Mark White has joined the executive team at Caissa Public Strategy as a senior director.

10. Taylor to Head Beale Street Merchants Association - Saturday, September 17, 2016

The new director of the Beale Street Merchants Association will also work for Caissa Public Strategy in a partnership between the marketing firm and the merchants in the entertainment district.

Ken Taylor was named the new director on Monday, Sept. 12, by the board of the organization that includes tenants and business owners on Beale.

11. Taylor to Head Beale Street Merchants Association - Thursday, September 15, 2016

The new director of the Beale Street Merchants Association will also work for Caissa Public Strategy in a partnership between the marketing firm and the merchants in the entertainment district.

Ken Taylor was named the new director on Monday, Sept. 12, by the board of the organization that includes tenants and business owners on Beale.

12. Last Word: Curry Todd, Crosstown Brewing and Cursive Comeback - Wednesday, August 3, 2016

A word at the top of Last Word about campaign signs and what happens to some of them during a campaign.

There are a couple of sayings – bits of political wisdom by the judgment of some – that are uttered numerous times during every election season.

13. Last Word: Using the ACT, Murmuration and We Grow - Tuesday, August 2, 2016

The superintendents of the Bartlett and Germantown school systems say they have a remedy to the testing complaints state education officials are grappling with.

David Stephens and Jason Manuel, of Bartlett and Germantown respectively, tell us on WKNO's Behind The Headlines that they support using the college ACT test for high school students in place of the end-of-course exams.

14. Work Begins On Brewery Development - Thursday, February 25, 2016

502 Tennessee St.
Memphis, TN 38103

Permit Amount: $4.5 million

Application Date: Feb. 18, 2016

Tenant: Brewery Master Tenant LLC

Architect: LRK Architects

Contractor: Montgomery Martin Contractors

15. North Texas Could Never Upset the Vols, Right? - Saturday, November 14, 2015

No way Tennessee’s football team can lose Saturday’s homecoming game against North Texas, one of the worst teams in college football.

Right?

Tennessee (5-4) was a 40.5-point favorite early in the week coming off a 27-24 victory over South Carolina last Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

16. Caissa Public Strategy Works Behind The Scenes for Clients - Monday, October 26, 2015

The word public, by its definition, seems to say out in the open.

For Caissa Public Strategy, that’s not how it works. In fact, the Memphis-based firm likes to work in the shadows, so to speak, where the agency helps its clients grow and protect reputations.

17. Strickland: Expect Smaller Memphis City Hall Administration - Friday, October 23, 2015

Several city division directors under outgoing Memphis Mayor A C Wharton have told Mayor-elect Jim Strickland they do not intend to seek reappointment in the new administration.

18. Strickland Names 26 to Eight Transition Committees - Thursday, October 22, 2015

Memphis Mayor-elect Jim Strickland announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that he has named 26 people to eight committees that are the structure of his transition committee.

The transition committee members were chosen by Strickland along with the three co-chairs of the transition committee.

19. Camy’s To Relocate In Midtown - Friday, July 24, 2015

Camy’s, the Midtown delivery and carry-out institution, will relocate soon.

Camy Archer, founder and owner of Camy’s, will move the business from 3 S. Barksdale to 2886 Walnut Grove Road, which is near the Union Avenue viaduct and was most recently occupied by the Love Shack.

20. Beer Revived - Thursday, April 9, 2015

Revive the beer garden, and they will come. If the soft opening held on Tuesday night, April 7, was any indication, then Tennessee Brewery: The Revival will have a nice run this spring.

Taking advantage of warm temperatures, patrons packed the pop-up beer garden at the recently purchased Tennessee Brewery at 495 Tennessee St. Among those milling about: Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, city councilman Myron Lowery, and members of the Grizzlies’ front office.

21. Events - Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Leadership Memphis will host its 2015 Leadership Awards Luncheon Wednesday, March 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Awardees Pat Halloran, Brian Stephens and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare will be honored for empowering the community and making a positive impact in the Mid-South. Tickets are $50. Visit leadershipmemphis.org.

22. Events - Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Calvary Episcopal Church will present the 2015 Lenten Preaching Series and Waffle Shop Tuesdays to Fridays through March 27. The preaching series runs from 12:05 p.m. to 12:40 p.m., and the Waffle Shop is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit calvarymemphis.org/lentenpreaching for a series schedule.

23. Events - Monday, March 2, 2015

The University of Memphis Career Services Office and Academic Internship Office will hold the spring Career and Internship Expo Wednesday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Uni-versity Center ballroom, 499 University St. Attendees should dress professionally and bring cop-ies of their resume. Cost is free and open to U of M students and alumni. Visit mem-phis.edu/careerservices or call 901-678-2239.

24. Events - Saturday, February 28, 2015

Leadership Memphis will host its 2015 Leadership Awards Luncheon Wednesday, March 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Awardees Pat Halloran, Brian Stephens and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare will be honored for empowering the community and making a positive impact in the Mid-South. Tickets are $50. Visit leadershipmemphis.org.

25. Caissa Public Strategy Opens DC Office - Monday, February 17, 2014

Fueled by a demand for the specialized services it provides, Memphis-based consulting firm Caissa Public Strategy has expanded with the opening of a new office in the nation’s capital.

Caissa founder Brian Stephens said the reason for the expansion there isn’t necessarily obvious. Caissa didn’t hang out its shingle in Washington to focus on landing new work there – instead, the new office is intended to help Caissa have better relationships with its clients there who need work done in the South.

26. On the Border - Saturday, January 11, 2014

The first attendance zone maps and details about where school children in Cordova might go to school this coming August was the dominant topic of discussion when the Cordova Leadership Council held a town hall meeting late last year.

27. Events - Tuesday, September 10, 2013

The Center City Revenue Finance Corp. board will meet Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 a.m. in the Downtown Memphis Commission conference room, 114 N. Main St. Visit downtownmemphiscommission.com.

28. Events - Monday, September 9, 2013

Stax Museum of American Soul Music will screen the U.S. premiere of BBC documentary “Otis Redding: Soul Ambassador” Monday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. at the museum, 926 E. McLemore Ave. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Cost is free. Visit staxmuseum.com.

29. Events - Saturday, September 7, 2013

In-Synk and The Daily News will host a Leadership Lunch & Learn book review and discussion on Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead” Friday, Sept. 6, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Triumph Bank board room, 5699 Poplar Ave. Cost is $20. Visit seminars.memphisdailynews.com.

30. Rick Masson Joins Caissa Public Strategy - Saturday, March 2, 2013

Rick Masson has joined Caissa Public Strategy LLC as senior director, serving as a lead strategist on local and regional projects.

31. Masson Joins Caissa Public Strategy - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Rick Masson has joined Caissa Public Strategy LLC as senior director, serving as a lead strategist on local and regional projects.

32. Middleby has Bought Viking Range for $380M - Thursday, January 3, 2013

GREENWOOD, Miss. (AP) – Food service equipment maker Middleby Corp. has bought Mississippi-based oven and kitchen appliance maker Viking Range Corp. for $380 million.

33. Aug. 2 Election Results Certified - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The clock is running on any Chancery Court lawsuits now that the Shelby County Election Commission has certified the results of the Aug. 2 elections.

The audited results changed no outcomes in the county general elections and set of state and federal primary races.

34. Taylor Voted to Vacant Seat on County Commission - Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Former Memphis City Council member Brent Taylor is the newest Shelby County Commissioner.

Taylor got seven votes from the remaining 12 commissioners on the third round of voting Monday, Oct. 17.

35. Taylor Appointed To Commission - CCHS Claims Family Planning Contract - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Former Memphis City Council member Brent Taylor is the newest Shelby County Commissioner.

Taylor, a Republican, won the District 1 Postion 3 seat vacated by Republican commissioner Mike Carpenter this month.

36. Carpenter Reflects on Five-Year Run - Wednesday, October 5, 2011

As Memphis voters prepare to bring to an end another city campaign season, Shelby County Commissioner Mike Carpenter just ended a five-year run on the Shelby County Commission.

37. Next Move - Tuesday, July 19, 2011
To say the now-closed restaurant at 7955 Fischer Steel Road has had an unusual history is probably an understatement.

38. Leadership Memphis Announces Board Members - Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Leadership Memphis has announced new board members and officers for its new fiscal year.

The officers and executive committee include Eric Robertson, chair; Beverly Jordan, vice chair; Bryan Ford, treasurer; Veronica Coleman Davis, secretary; Chris McLean, immediate past chair; Jeff Gaudino, alumni chair; Christine Munson, development chair; Lemoyne Robinson, program chair; and Jeane Chapman, marketing chair.

39. Cooper Files Lawsuit Related to Cordova Restaurant - Thursday, March 10, 2011

The strip club owner who opened – then abruptly closed – a restaurant in Cordova, which he’s insisted he’s not turning into a strip club, has filed a lawsuit related to his application for a compensated dance permit for the business.

40. Cooper Files Lawsuit Related to Cordova Restaurant - Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The strip club owner who opened – then abruptly closed – a restaurant in Cordova, which he’s insisted he’s not turning into a strip club, has filed a lawsuit related to his application for a compensated dance permit for the business.

41. Stamson and Johnson Resign from Election Commission - Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Shelby County Election Commissioners Steve Stamson and James Johnson have resigned following a legal opinion from the Shelby County attorney saying because they are county government retirees they can’t collect their pensions while serving on the five-member body.

42. Stamson and Johnson Resign from Election Commission - Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Two Shelby County Election Commissioners – Steve Stamson and James Johnson – have resigned following a legal opinion from the Shelby County attorney, who said because they are county government retirees they can’t collect their pensions while serving on the five-member body.

43. Events - Friday, October 1, 2010

The Memphis Central Rotary Club will meet Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Chickasaw Country Club, 3395 Galloway Ave. Shelby County Election Commissioner Brian Stephens will speak about Rebuild Government. Cost is $25 for guests. For reservations, call Karen Shea at 683-9099.

44. Events - Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., Suite 502. Tal Frankfurt will speak on the topic “How to Budget for IT and Develop an RFP for Services.” Cost is for $15 members, $30 for nonmembers and $10 for those in the Program for Nonprofit Excellence. For more information, call 684-6605 or visit www.npexcellence.org.

45. Metro Charter Backers Begin Campaign - Friday, August 13, 2010

The campaign for a consolidation charter kicked off this week in a stifling heat on the Main Street Mall between City Hall and the County Administration Building.

Leaders of Rebuild Government announced the group has changed from one that provided information on the drafting of the charter to a group that will now campaign for the charter.

46. Brian Stephens to Speak To Small Business Chamber - Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Brian Stephens of Rebuild Government will speak Tuesday at the Small Business Chamber luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South, 3693 Tyndale Drive.

47. Metro Charter Commission Adopts Ethics Rules - Friday, May 14, 2010

The Metro Charter Commission has approved a set of ethics rules for a new consolidated government that include an independent ethics commission with the power to impose civil penalties.

The recommendations approved Thursday go to a writing committee and then back to the 15 member commission for approval of the language and another vote on the general idea behind the language.

48. School Consolidation Nixed in Charter Talks - Monday, December 21, 2009

Consolidating the Memphis and Shelby County public school systems is off the table as far as the Metro Charter Commission is concerned.

In its first vote on a charter issue since forming in October, the body voted unanimously last week to exclude the school systems from the charter or any charter discussions. The exclusion does not apply to the charter commission’s coming talks about how both school systems would be funded by one local government.

49. Final Candidate List Peopled With Variety - Monday, September 14, 2009

Unless you know them personally, you’ve probably never heard of most of the candidates running in the Oct. 15 special election for Memphis mayor.

Most of the 25 people show no visible signs of running any kind of campaign.

50. Courtroom, Gov’t Meetings Latest Stop for Cooper - Friday, August 21, 2009

Despite the exposed steel joists, wooden support beams and plastic covering on parts of the building at 777 N. White Station Road, signs with large red letters posted around the building read “We Are Open!”

51. Closely Watched Cordova Restaurant To Open Soon - Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Memphis-Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement has issued a certificate of occupancy for an upscale restaurant developed in Cordova by a topless-nightclub businessman.

That approval granted Aug. 7 means city and county officials are satisfied the building is suitable for occupancy, said Assistant County Attorney Carter Gray. And it means Stella Marris, strip club mogul Steve Cooper’s restaurant at 7955 Fischer Steel Road, can open whenever its owner is ready.

52. Setting of Mayoral Election Date Highlights Busy Week - Friday, July 24, 2009

Shelby County Election Commission Chairman Bill Giannini knew something was happening Wednesday when his cell phone began coming to life. It was just as the commission was about to hold a special meeting to determine when to hold a special election for Memphis mayor.

53. Election Commission Tentatively Sets Oct. 27 Date For Mayor's Race - Thursday, July 23, 2009

Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton has again raised the possibility that he might not leave office on July 30. That possibility comes the same week that Herenton wondered aloud why reporters doubted that he would leave next week.

54. UPDATE: Herenton Again Raises Doubts About Departure - Wednesday, July 22, 2009
 

Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton has again raised the possibility that he might not leave office on July 30. That possibility comes the same week that Herenton wondered aloud why reporters doubted that he would leave next week.

A Herenton letter, dated today, to City Attorney Elbert Jefferson was released as the Shelby County Election Commission met to consider setting a date for a special election to fill a vacancy in the mayor’s office.

In the letter, Herenton writes that the City Council’s decision to declare a vacancy in the mayor’s office was “premature.”

“I am concerned that the action of the city will establish irreversible precedent on matters as to when an office can be deemed vacated and by whom,” Herenton wrote. “As Mayor and as an employee of the city of Memphis, I have the unfettered right to rescind my retirement. … Ultimately, I have not waived my right to rescind my retirement.”

Herenton also said Council chairman Myron Lowery may have had a conflict of interest in voting on the declaration of a vacancy since the council chairman becomes mayor pro tempore for three months in the event of a vacancy in the mayor’s office.

The bombshell letter prompted lots of debate among all five Election Commissioners about whether they should set an election date and filing deadline.

Ultimately, the commission voted unanimously to tentatively set an election date of Oct. 27. Candidates in the race would have until noon Sept. 17 to file their qualifying petitions and until noon Sept. 24 to withdraw from the race if they wish.

The commission would formally call the special election and begin issuing and taking petitions if Herenton does leave office on July 30.

An earlier move by Election Commissioner Shep Wilbun to defer any decision or action by the body until July 31 was voted down in a party line 2-3 vote. Wilbun and fellow Democratic Election Commissioner Myra Stiles voted for the delay. Republicans Robert Meyers, Brian Stephens and Bill Giannini voted no.

All five commissioners expressed a desire to remain out of any possible litigation that might result.

Read more background on the continuing political controversy in Friday’s edition of The Daily News.

55. Election Commission Pushes to Ease Public Access - Friday, June 26, 2009

A Memphis news organization last month requested financial disclosures from local elected officials including city and county mayors and members of the Memphis City Council. The price to obtain those records: more than $400.

56. Thornton Receives Glankler Pro Bono Award - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Laurie M. Thornton of Glankler Brown PLLC has received the second annual Frank J. Glankler Jr. Pro Bono Award given by James S. Gilliland and the Glankler Brown law firm.

57. Wal-Mart Turnaround Signals Philosophical Shift - Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Wal-Mart executives say they are finished trying to build a third super store at Houston Levee and Macon Road in Cordova.

Monday’s 10-3 vote by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners ended a two-year process in which Wal-Mart executives won approval from the city-county Land Use Control Board, but were opposed by the local Office of Planning & Development.

58. Decision Time for Cordova Wal-Mart - Monday, September 22, 2008

About half a dozen community meetings had been held and roughly 3,000 signatures gathered on a petition as of last week in an effort to stop the world’s largest retailer from building a new Supercenter in Cordova.

59. Group to Discuss Opposition To Cordova Wal-Mart - Thursday, September 18, 2008

Memphis attorney Brian Stephens has been the point man for opponents of a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter planned for Cordova, a 151,908-square-foot store that was approved by the Memphis and Shelby County Land Use Control Board earlier this summer. Stephens is continuing to lead the effort in opposition to the store.

60. Council Ballot Whittled to Four - Tuesday, September 2, 2008

When union leader Paul Shaffer and Midtown neighborhood activist Mary Wilder had lunch last week, the two had something in common to discuss.

They both are among the 11 candidates who had filed to run in the Nov. 4 special election for a seat on the Memphis City Council.

61. Memphis School Board Race In Limbo - Friday, August 29, 2008

It looked like Memphis school board member Stephanie Gatewood was on her way to re-election without opposition on the Nov. 4 ballot.

That was until Wednesday (Aug. 27) – the day before the Shelby County Election Commission certified the local portion of the ballot.

62. Memphis School Board Race In Limbo - Thursday, August 28, 2008

It looked like Memphis school board member Stephanie Gatewood was on her way to re-election without opposition on the Nov. 4 ballot.

That was until Wednesday (Aug. 27) – the day before the Shelby County Election Commission certified the local portion of the ballot.

63. Eleven File For Council Seat - Friday, August 22, 2008

A field of 11 candidates had filed by Thursday’s noon deadline for an open seat on the Memphis City Council on the Nov. 4 ballot. Four of the contenders ran for the council just a year ago. Also at the deadline, three Memphis school board members were effectively re-elected when they failed to draw any opposition.

64. Eleven File For Council Seat - Thursday, August 21, 2008

A field of 11 candidates had filed by today's noon deadline for an open seat on the Memphis City Council on the Nov. 4 ballot. Four of the contenders ran for the council just a year ago. Also at the deadline, three Memphis school board members were effectively re-elected when they failed to draw any opposition.

65. Special Election Filing Deadline Approaches - Monday, August 18, 2008

The Nov. 4 ballot will move a step closer to completion this week with Thursday’s noon filing deadline for candidates in the special Memphis City Council election and the races for five of the nine Memphis school board positions.

66. Group Mobilizes to Fight Cordova Wal-Mart - Thursday, August 14, 2008

It’s an old story, and it generally follows the same set of events: Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, pursues a piece of real estate that catches its interest. Opponents of the retail giant gather their forces, develop an organized campaign and attempt to stop the development of a new store in its tracks.

67. Earth Day Event To Promote Green Living - Friday, April 18, 2008

Environmentalists believe "every day is Earth Day," but they also understand that the period leading up to April 22 - when the actual Earth Day takes place - is the most convenient time to promote green initiatives and lifestyles to the public.

68. City Council Races Overflow With 83 Candidates Filing - Monday, July 23, 2007

It's the year of the open seat on the Memphis City Council.

With seven incumbents not running for re-election and the resignation last month of an eighth, it is already the biggest turnover of council seats in the 40-year history of the mayor-council form of government.

69. Things Go From Hot To Smoking Hot In Election Contests - Thursday, July 12, 2007

With one week to the filing deadline for the Oct. 4 Memphis city elections, 124 citizens have thought seriously enough about running for the 15 offices on the ballot to check out qualifying petitions. Nearly 40 had filed by the end of the first week.

70. Abandoned Kmart to Find New Lease on Life - Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The Cordova-area retail space formerly home to Kmart is being remodeled to make way for bowling lanes, a mini-golf course, go-kart track, video games, a pizza buffet and more.

The company behind the renovation of that vacant space at 1245 Germantown Parkway is Tulsa, Okla.-based America's Incredible Pizza Co., a company whose properties are veritable palaces of dining and entertainment options.

71. Protest March Planned AgainstPossible Cordova Topless Club - Wednesday, May 30, 2007
     Speculation over whether local topless club magnate Steve Cooper is building more than a restaurant in Cordova has expanded into more than mere neighborhood concern.
     After more than 400

72. Archived Article: Newsmakers - Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Chancellor Arnold Goldin and General Sessions Judges Phyllis Gardner and Gwen Rooks completed a Judicial Academy conducted by

Local Judges Complete State Judicial Academy Chancellor Arnold Goldin and General Sessions Judges Phyllis Gardner and Gw...