Memphis activists react after former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin, convicted in George Floyd’s death, was sentenced to 22½ years in prison. 

The Memphis Zoo’s 37- year-old tradition, Zoo Rendezvous, returns Sept. 11 after being canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

During a Friday, June 25, visit to the city, the Tennessee governor also defended the state’s open gun carry law that takes effect July 1. Local leaders are worried the permitless gun carry provision could contribute to a summer surge in violent crime.

We’re adjusting our FedExpectations, and a hospital deal is almost done — but docs want a delay instead. Plus, a very happy birthday to the Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane. 

Shelby County Health Department Deputy Director David Sweat is joining the Mecklenburg County Health Department in North Carolina.

With the Delta coronavirus variant 50% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, Shelby County Health Department deputy director David Sweat said the summer could be “rough” for those who are not vaccinated or have not already had the coronavirus.

Watch the Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force Briefing live now.

A new gas station is being grandfathered in, rescue funds are going to public safety, and maybe you’re ❤️‍🔥🌮?

Seniors in the Commodities Supplemental Food Program program receive $40, or eight $5 vouchers, which can be exchanged for fresh produce from approved vendors at farmers markets and community-supported agriculture programs this summer through September.

When George Cates died in a plane crash Monday, Memphis lost a leader with vision and enthusiasm — and who was determined to bring everyone along.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also called on the state of Tennessee to use its federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to put more highway patrol officers on the city’s interstates permanently as well as cameras to combat shootings.

Wednesday’s 26 new cases come from 804 tests, giving the day a positivity rate of 3.23%.

A state-of-the-art school is raising the question of addition, the U of M is looking to recruits and commitments and we’re tracking new cases of the Delta variant.

In low-vaccination ZIP codes or counties, the Delta variant is expected to produce substantial local outbreaks.

In a 50-50 party line procedural vote, Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee remained vocal critics of the bill that passed the majority Democratic House in March.

The state comptroller commented Tuesday during a visit to the county on the idea of reopening county government’s tax rate after the July 1 start of the fiscal year. But the county commissioner who vowed Monday to do just that next month says there is wiggle room in state law.

Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower visited Collierville on Tuesday. During his visit, he provided guidance on American Rescue Plan funds to local government and school leaders.

Updated with: Is there a dashboard to keep up with the bridge status?

The proposed review of appointees to the ethics body comes as County Mayor Lee Harris is about to propose new ethics regulations.

Marcia E. Lewis is retiring as the CEO of the Memphis Housing Authority effective Aug. 28.

According to the latest figures from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, traffic across the I-55 bridge has gotten substantially better this past week. 

With several commissioners absent, Shelby County residents get back a penny, although it may be short-lived. Plus, the crack is gone and if you’re looking for livers, we found them. 

The absence of four county commissioners, including three of the “yes” votes for the $3.45 property tax rate set two weeks ago, was crucial to undoing the tax hike. However, the issue is likely not over.

Work colleague Simon Wadsworth recalls George Cates’s extraordinary attention to detail that went far beyond the balance sheet.

Related stories: 

Civic leader George Cates killed in airplane crash

George Edward Cates: 1937-2021

We asked teachers and students how their educational experiences have shifted in the past school year, as they navigated changing start dates, completely virtual schooling, vaccinations and meeting with classmates on-screen.