With the Delta variant spiking local COVID rates, will tougher, more restrictive measures at venues and festivals become more common in Memphis?

“The ERs are inundated,” said Dr. Shailesh Patel. “If we do not change course, we are headed to our darkest hours, our darkest days.”

Five of the Shelby County suburban districts saw some of the top achievements in results for TCAP, the state-mandated testing.

The data will help determine how districts are drawn for the Tennessee General Assembly and Congressional districts as well as the Shelby County Commission and the Memphis City Council.

Gas stations and used-tire shops don’t appear to fit with the city’s long-range development plan for at least 21 commercial districts in Memphis. 

We’re charting a course for consolidation; 911 wait times are a worry; and Shelby County Schools says it’s not going virtual again in September. 

About 25 people were vaccinated at the event Thursday. In recent months, the City of Memphis has hosted various community pop-up in ZIP codes with lower vaccination rates to increase uptake as part of a more door-to-door approach.

In 24 states, nurse practitioners are allowed to practice independently, without supervision by physicians. During the pandemic, 15 other states loosened restrictions to give them more autonomy.

The first step toward consolidation shows up on the City Council’s committee list for next week. 

SCS’ standardized testing data revealed the district’s weaknesses and gaps, widened by COVID-induced learning disruptions.

Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich said Thursday, Aug. 12, she is recusing her office from the investigation into a fatal shooting at a Kroger gas station because of a possible conflict of interest.

Within days, the Memphis-Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force is expected to announce plans for how the local health care system will handle a number of coronavirus cases expected to surpass last winter’s peak.

“With the growing threat of COVID-19 variants and our duty to provide a safe environment for vulnerable patients, a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for our employees is the responsible and right thing to do.”

Shelby County Health Department director Dr. Michelle Taylor stands firm on agency’s authority to require masks.

Watch today’s COVID-19 Task Force Briefing with Mayors Jim Strickland and Lee Harris as well as Shelby County Health Department Director Dr. Michelle Taylor.

A high school coach is pulled from his position, an area financial institution is shooting for the stars and local school districts’ test scores are released. 

All four House Republicans from the Shelby County delegation signed Sexton’s call for a special session.

Authorities said 40 people have been indicted on drug trafficking charges for distributing drugs from three abandoned houses in a North Memphis neighborhood. 

Allied Universal Security employed Gregory Livingston, the armed security guard who allegedly shot and killed 48-year-old Alvin Motley at an East Memphis Kroger Fuel Center on August 7. The company’s employees have been involved in multiple shootings across the nation in recent years.

The same Atlanta-based developer involved in other big industrial developments around Memphis International Airport is facing stiff opposition from residents to its plans to erect a fulfillment center at the Mississippi state line and Tchulahoma Road.

Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright says even with recent changes in state laws this year, it’s unclear where the health department’s authority to issue mask mandates and require other measures ends and where decisions by elected officials begin.

As of 5 p.m. Aug. 4 there were 423 COVID-positive patients in area hospital beds.

Testing will begin Sept. 6 for Health Department staff.