Memphis’ Next Mayor: City Court Clerk Thomas Long has decided not to run for mayor and endorses A C Wharton instead. The Flyer’s Jackson Baker analyses the political horse-race effects of Willie Herenton’s appearance Monday on the Thaddeus Matthews radio program. And Steve Cohen responds to some of Herenton’s remarks about him, as do some of the other candidates he discussed. A quick survey of who is still in.

The Daily News does a profile of Rev Kenneth Whalum Jr.

As the special election nears, the Shelby County Election Commission is working hard to purge the voter rolls of the ineligible and the deceased. And, they voted to budget over $600,000 for the State Senate special election, which the State will re-imburse.

The Lowery Administration: Two new appointees are drawing City Council criticism — especially Darrell Eldred. More from WMC and the Commercial Appeal.

Binghampton: The Binghampton Development Corporation is using a jobs training program to help turn around the struggling neighborhood.

Millington: The International Goat Days festival has faced a lot of hurdles this year, but the show goes on thanks to a lot of help, beginning September 11. Everybody hollerin’ goat! Volunteers are sprucing up the Millington Civic Center.

The Pyramid: One year later, still empty.
 
 
 

Shelby County Commission: At today’s meeting, they will take a first pass at a resolution calling for a “metro charter commission” to consolidate the City and County.

Reappraisal: A record setting number of appeals have been filed; 50% more than last year.

National Baptist Convention: Pastors Robert Matthews of New Hope Baptist Church and Roosevelt Joyner from Koinonia Baptist Church talk about the upcoming convention.

MATA: The board voted to close the Collierville route and to return the MATAPlus pickup zone to its smaller legal requirement, and to make adjustments to many other routes. Changes go into effect on September 27.

“Cash for Appliances”: The popularity of the “Cash for Clunkers” program is leading some to push for a similar incentive program for “greener” appliances.

Real Estate: DeSoto County has the highest vacancy rate for medical offices in the Mid-South. Home prices nationwide are beginning to rise but commercial real estate sales are still dropping.

Mississippi: State SAT scores are higher than the national average.

DeSoto County: US 1st District Congressman Travis Childers says north Mississippi is showing signs of economic recovery. Hernando’s proposed budget for 2010 would shrink by about 8%. Greg Davis, mayor of Southaven, participated in a mock “chest pain” drill for emergency response.

National Civil Rights Museum: A progress report on the renovation work being done to clean up the motel itself.

Oakland: There were flooding protesters at the monthly Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. This story details some of the flooding’s causes and problems. (both stories via the Oakland News)

Arkansas: More students are taking advanced placement tests and doing better.

Papa John’s Pizza: Today only, if you own a Camaro the pizza chain will give you a free pizza! Read the linked story to find out why.

Single Source School Funding: Shelby County School Board president David Pickler continued his town hall meetings denouncing single source funding as a step to school consolidation.

Memphis City Schools: A report on yesterday’s opening of the East High School health clinic. And now comes word of yet another far-reaching change to the school system: students kept with teachers in early elementary and allowed to skip grades if performance merits it. A dozen City schools will participate in the Little Kids Rock music appreciation program, at the Teaching and Learning Academy. Critics continue to speak out on the new “no flunk” policy for early elementary children.

Collierville: City officials are looking at creating an “off-leash area” for dogs.

City of Memphis: Thanks to a Federal Streetscape Enhancement Grant the stretch of Elvis Presley Boulevard from I-55 to Shelby Drive will get improvements and maintenance to improve its appearance; more from Fox13 and the Commercial Appeal. This year’s Summer Youth Employment had almost ten times as many employed kids and now many are without paychecks.

Memphis Bioworks Foundation: A study from them shows up to 25,000 jobs related to “green” industries and biotechnology can be created in the area.

Business: Medtronic’s first quarter profits dropped a drastic 38%. Medtronic is placing emphasis on new, upcoming products after they announced disappointing 1Q results; more in the Commercial Appeal. CB Richard Ellis is going to restructure nearly one billion dollars in debt. The US Postal Service is offering another round of employee buyouts.

People in business, from the Daily News and from the Commercial Appeal.

Minglewood Plaza: The owners are seeking a parking variant to the zoning laws in order to open a restaurant there. Minglewood website here.

Crime: The Memphis Police Department says crime in Midtown is down by 12%. Also, car thefts are down in the Mid-South.

Tennessee: Governor Phil Bredesen announced dozens of appointments to State agencies and boards; more from WMC.

Levitt Shell: The new Fall line-up of shows has been released and there are some theme nights and very special performances planned.

Healthcare Reform: Fox13 continues its series on health care with a talk with reform proponent Dr Manoj Jain.

St Jude Golf Classic: With the loss of its title sponsor, and a tight economy, organisers are having a hard time drawing in new sponsors.

Survey Says: The Consumer Confidence Index rose sharply, a good sign; more from the Daily News.

Financial: Recommended stocks of Morgan Keegan areranked among the highest performers by Zacks Investment Research.

Pinnacle Airlines: A new contract ratification vote is now expected in September.

Arlington: A look at the candidates for Aldermen in the municipal elections.

Commercial Appeal: The local newspaper’s parent corporation, E. W. Scripps, has announced a corporate restructuring to emphasise “localization” of its papers, dividing them into two tiers. Official corporate press release with more details.

I’ll be the one in heels: She talks about how personal to get when blogging.

Haaaaave You Read My Blog? Thoughts on the incident at New Olivet Baptist Church.

From the Rainbows: A pictorial essay as they prepare the house for sale.

The Tale of a Southern Belle: A report from their first anniversary celebration and her Junior League meeting.

Doug Johnson at Work: Thoughts on the former mayor’s shenanigans.

memphis.cool.movies: The Association for the Future of Film and Television is having a mixer tonight, if you’re interested in breaking into local movie making.

Long Tall Animals: She’s been travelling about the country and here’s travel report, part one.

Lean Left: Is US Rep. Jim Cooper in trouble? Is this why?

(Lang Wiseman) Random Thoughts: Your quote for the day, from C. S. Lewis.

Joy’s Life and Times: The Iron Sherpa.

Confessions of a West Tennessee Liberal: An ISSUES FIRST protest is planned outside the WMC / Main Street Journal / League of Women Voters mayoral debate tomorrow.

Smart City Memphis: Continuing the argument for consolidation.

One Half Amazing! Some advice on using Twitter effectively.

Paul Ryburn’s Journal: Many events and activities coming up Downtown this week.

Persian Pit Bull: Visiting with friends. A shout-out for Mama Mia’s Pizzaria. The BBQ review team heads out to Millington’s Barb A Rosa’s. Dog blogging.

Pretty in Pink Megan: Help her pick her bedding. A weekend recap.

Pulled Before the Push: There may be a point in here somewhere, but it’s still an interesting wander inside her head.

The Gates of Memphis: Reminders, points and observations from the last Overton Square charette.

The Chubby Vegetarian: A simple but tasty tomato and zucchini galette.

The Chockley Blogs: There’s something wrong in this medical conversation.

Commercial Appeal: They agree: alcohol and football are a good mix if they make money. Rejecting a State-mandated late opening day for public schools.

Geoff Calkins: Having recently told the story of a newly-arrived couple that left the city because of the crime he now balances that with a story about a couple who stayed. (via the Commercial Appeal)

Notes from Memphis: Food and Downtown news.