WKNO NewsRoom

11-5-2009 (2009-11-05) With baseball's World Series decided and over-with, Eleanor Boudreau takes a look at the other all-American sport.

Plans for Empty Houses: Sparse On Substance

Memphis, TN (2009-11-04) Memphis is a city with serious deficits, many exacerbated by the mortgage meltdown. Even before the national crisis set off an avalanche of foreclosures, the city of Memphis had seen more than its share. Foreclosures are destructive and leave in their wake, blight, abandoned homes, and crime. WKNO's Candice Ludlow takes a look to see how academics and the city are piecing together a response.

Daily News: Which Came First The Grand Jury Or The Congressional Bid?

Memphis, TN (2009-10-28) In a letter dated yesterday and addressed to Attorney General Eric Holder, former Memphis mayor Willie Herenton charged that a federal grand jury investigation of him is timed to ruin his Congressional bid. Eleanor Boudreau spoke with Bill Dries who covers Memphis politics. Dries said before the Justice Department investigates a politician, like Herenton, it weighs many factors.

New Court Combats Domestic Violence

Cordova, TN (2009-10-26) Domestic violence is far more common in Shelby County than it is nationally. In Memphis alone, where billboards tell citizens to, "Chill. Don't Kill," there were more Domestic Violence homicides last year than there were in Brooklyn, New York despite the fact that Brooklyn has more than three times Memphis' population. A new court is now handling all of Shelby County's domestic violence cases. It's a large task, but there are early signs that the court could have an impact.

Wharton's First Tackle of Unemployment: City Hall

Memphis, TN (2009-10-19) In a resignation letter addressed to Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery, embattled City Attorney Elbert Jefferson said he would be interested in another city job. But it will fall to Mayor-elect AC Wharton to appoint a new City Attorney -- and to decide on many other jobs. WKNO's Justin Willingham spoke with Wharton on Friday, who says he isn't rushing into any hiring decisions.

Mayor-elect AC Wharton: Transition Begins

Memphis, TN (2009-10-19) Mayor-elect AC Wharton won the mayorship Thursday by a landslide. WKNO's Justin Willingham sat down with Wharton in his office across the street from the city mayor's office the day after his victory to talk about his plans for Memphis.

Nothing Will Rain On Wharton's Party

Memphis, TN (2009-10-16) Drizzly weather did not stop Memphis from electing its first new mayor in 17 and a half years. AC Wharton celebrated his decisive victory at the Minglewood on Madison Avenue. But that doesn't mean there aren't any clouds hanging over the mayor-elect. Candice Ludlow reports.

Memphis Mayor-Elect A C Wharton: A New Memphis

Memphis, TN (2009-10-16) The people of Memphis have spoken. Candice Ludlow checks in with Memphis Flyer Senior Editor and Political Columnist Jackson Baker about A C Wharton's landslide win and what it means for the city.

Memphis Mayor Special Election: Feast of Candidates, Voters Not Hungry

Memphis, TN (2009-10-15) Voting is underway for in the Special Election for Memphis Mayor. Polls opened at 7am. An unprecedented number of candidates are running, but voter turn out is low. WKNO's Eleanor Boudreau reports.

WKNO Memphis Mayoral Candidate Forum

Memphis, TN (2009-10-14) Memphians are about to elect a new mayor for the first time in 17 and a half years. Twenty-five hopefuls have tossed their hats into the ring. But a recent Mason-Dixon poll showed four clear front-runners: Carol Chumney, Myron Lowery, A C Wharton and Charles Carpenter. In an effort to help you decide tomorrow, I asked them each the same set of questions, about how they would move the city ahead.

Daily News: Plan to Stalk Predatory Lenders Still Underway

Memphis, TN (2009-10-12) It was almost a year ago that Memphis and Shelby County leaders announced they planned to sue predatory lenders who took advantage of African-American families by selling them bad loans. But so far no such lawsuit has been filed. Andy Meek covers government for the Memphis Daily News. Candice Ludlow asked him what is taking Memphis and Shelby County so long?

Can Frayser Make Change With Federal Dollars?

Memphis, TN (2009-10-06) Memphis, known for blues and barbeque, has longstanding issues of poverty, which have been exacerbated by the national economic crisis. Since 2005, more than 21,000 homes foreclosed in the city. Now, federal dollars are beginning to come in to help, but is it enough? WKNO's Candice Ludlow takes a look.

Memphis Mayoral Candidate Carol Chumney

Memphis, TN (2009-09-28) An unprecedented 25 contenders for Memphis mayor is making choosing one difficult for some voters. A recent Mason-Dixon poll showed four front-runners: Forty-five percent of those polled support Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton, followed by Carol Chumney with 11 percent, Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery with 10 percent, and Charles Carpenter with 5 percent. Candice Ludlow sat down with each of the candidates and asked them the same set of questions. Here is the interview with Carol Chumney.