The most common variant in the U.S. now is the highly contagious HV.1 strain, which accounts for about 30% of new COVID-19 cases. 

Prosecutor struggles to get records in Halbert probe, airport hires out-of-town firm for a big job and Collierville has a new superintendent.

Hamilton County District Attorney General Coty G. Wamp, in a letter to Shelby County commissioners, says the investigation has been slow moving with unreturned phone calls and denied records requests that she says violate state law.

The Tennessee Department of Education released letter grades for schools Thursday. Results for the suburban schools varied.

“The sign we unveil today will serve as a constant reminder of Officer Redd’s sacrifice in his unwavering commitment to the safety and well being of others,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said. 

Attorney Ben Crump disclosed Alegend Jones’ medical records during a press conference as he urged Youth Villages to release video of the event that led to her injuries. 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools leadership said Tennessee’s new letter grades for schools don’t “tell the full story.”

At about 7:30 a.m., deputies attempted to stop a suspect wanted by the Germantown Police Department in connection with an attempted murder, according to a statement issued by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Suspended judge pleads not guilty, FedEx mechanics may unionize and The Daily Memphian’s got game.

The office’s Major Cases Team has slowly dwindled. Over the last few months, four of its attorneys have resigned, one of whom was replaced with an existing employee.

Memphis City Council approved the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium ownership transfer but with the caveat that the U of M, the City and Fred Jones would continue to negotiate.

Suspended Shelby County Criminal Court Division 9 Judge Melissa Boyd’s attorneys say the allegations against her are an “intentional political move.” 

When the Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes in January, Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor plans to propose measures that would change bail laws, require law enforcement to report illegal immigrants and take some authority away from local jurisdictions. 

The case of one county commissioner against another was dismissed in court Wednesday, Dec. 20. 

Whitehaven resident Patricia Smith is one of about 10% of MLGW customers affected by billing issues over the past year due to faulty smart meters. 

Depending on the ruling, the focus could shift to plaintiff Joshua Holloway’s team to show Morant can be held liable.

Paul Young is getting a pay raise, FedEx delivers bad news and the Tigers take down Virginia.

Memphis City Council heard oppositions to the new Memphis Art Museum before giving the green light to an agreement with the Brooks Museum to run it and punted a vote on closing two streets in Chickasaw Gardens.

During the meeting, several citizens voiced their concerns about the planned changes. When it was announced the proposal would be withdrawn, audience members cheered.

If approved, members who serve two terms, or eight years, would get city health benefits for life. The council also approved a pay raise for incoming Mayor Paul Young and put a fifth referendum on the August 2024 ballot. 

Related story: 

City nails down Brooks Museum agreement, delays vote on Chickasaw Gardens gates

The City Council voted 8-2-1 Tuesday, Dec. 19, to approve conveying ownership of the stadium to the U of M Auxiliary Services Foundation and $120 million in cash to help pay for $220 million in renovations. 

Yolonda Brown, Marie Feagins and Cheryl Proctor will face a round of in-depth interviews in January.

“If you come through the doors of this building having committed one of these offenses, you will be held accountable,” Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy said.

“After seeing the barrage of allegations concerning Youth Villages, I felt the need to speak the truth. The truth is that we need more organizations like Youth Villages, not fewer — committed to transforming systems and improving the lives of people that for far too long have been left behind.” 

This week, for the first time under a 2016 law, Tennessee will give each of its public schools an A-F letter grade.