A battle for the underground continues while Brothers are taking to the sky. 

Gov. Bill Lee announced the state would spend $2.5 million to buy plane tickets for tourists. The decision prompted criticism that buying plane tickets for tourists is not the best use of taxpayer dollars.

Each silhouette in a new public art installation in the Heights represents a Memphis pedestrian killed by a vehicle in 2020.

An attorney for Plains All American Pipeline told City Council members Tuesday the proposals are “anti-industry” and will be overturned if approved by the council and County Commission.

Funding includes $2.5 million to buy the 17-acre site and the rest for conversion of space to Liberty Bowl parking spaces and city maintenance facilities.

Council members had questions about the land sale coming in below the $6 million appraised value of the property.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis briefs City Council members on the opening weekend of the new law.

We’re looking out for a new surge on the horizon, what laws go into effect this month and a historic proposal in Olive Branch. 

Also on the council’s agenda Tuesday is a first look at the “Union Station” development on Union Avenue east of McLean, buying the Coke bottling plant property by the Fairgrounds and votes on two historic overlay districts in Crosstown and Vollintine-Evergreen.

Despite the easing of the pandemic, most local governments are keeping their states of emergency active, renewing them as often as weekly, to make sure they don’t run afoul of funding.

Independence Day gatherings and parades mark a return to near-normalcy. But COVID-19 cast a shadow on July 4, as 66 new cases pushed Shelby County over the 100,000 mark. Many are the highly contagious Delta variant.

Here’s a review of some of the new state laws and changes to state law that took effect July 1 after approval by the Tennessee General Assembly and the signature of Gov. Bill Lee.

The summit comes during an off-election year in Shelby County politics, which Rev. Earle Fisher said is useful to emphasize the coalition’s focus on issues and policy.

Fireworks flashed over Collierville’s sky for fewer than 20 minutes Saturday night, but for the experts who executed the demonstration, the process began three days ago at H.W. Cox Park. 

Related story:

The To-Do List: Where to see fireworks shows this weekend

The announcement comes ahead of the end of a two-month truce on the controversial project as well as efforts by local leaders to slow it down and stop it.

The Shelby County Health Department reports more than 400 active coronavirus cases in Shelby County.

We’ll soon see new faces at the National Civil Rights Museum as well as Memphis-area schools. Plus, there could be an Original Project in Orange Mound and what’s hotter than hot? 

Shelby County Schools Superintendent Joris Ray announced 38 leadership positions in the district are being filled, including 24 new principals.

Chauncey Foster and Noah Mertz are traveling the country to feed those in need, pick up litter and connect with people. They stopped in Memphis Thursday. 

The Invest in America Act passed Thursday, July 1, in the House on a 221-201 vote.

Former Civil Rights Museum board member will succeed Terri Lee Freeman.

This weekend will see fireworks shows in the area’s suburbs as well as at Graceland and in Downtown Memphis.