Shelby County election commissioners chose Brent Taylor Tuesday, April 13, as the new chairman of the five-member body. 

The CROWN Act, which bans discrimination against people for wearing natural hairstyles such as braids, locs or twists, was delayed Tuesday, April 13 in the House Commerce Committee.

A $450,000 joint county-federal grant would study 10 areas of land in northern Shelby County for flood control projects that could double as public recreation areas when they are not underwater. One project is already underway near Big Creek in Millington.

Doug McGowen also says doses were wasted last weekend when the size of the line at the Pipkin Building site was overestimated. He says fewer than 100 doses have been lost since the city took over vaccine distribution in late February. 

A more permissive health directive could be issued in 30 days if numbers hold steady. 

After five days of more than 150 new coronavirus cases, the Shelby County Health Department reported 111 new cases on Tuesday, April 13.

The 111 new cases come from 971 tests, giving the day a positivity rate of 11.43%.

The CDC and FDA are investigating clots in six women in the days after receiving the J & J vaccine, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million J & J doses have been administered in the U.S.

Restaurants are now facing their newest pandemic-era challenge. We’re also seeing people be spontaneous when it comes to their COVID shots, and the Tigers are already tournament-bound. 

No-appointment hours at the Pipkin site are from 2-7 p.m. today and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The board will take final action on David Skinner’s property rezoning request at Poplar and Forest Hill-Irene during its April 26 meeting. 

The funding is to maintain 171 Health Department positions specifically for the pandemic.

Short-term extensions to the Wellpath contract have been a constant for the current commission since the group began their current term in September of 2018.

Some commissioners have doubts about the move to every other year reappraisals. Assessor Melvin Burgess Jr. says the results will be less sticker shock from increases in values after four years.

Three hours after a school shooting in Knoxville, the Tennessee House of Representatives decided Monday, April 12, to delay a bill making the state a “Second Amendment Sanctuary.”

Chimneyrock Elementary School Monday debuted its new reading garden with amphitheater-style seating, a walking trail and flowers planted by students and teachers. 

Police say one juvenile is confirmed dead in a shooting Monday at a high school in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Related story:

Knoxville school shooting prompts delay of gun ‘sanctuary’ measure

The new private contractor serving 35,000 households transitioned Monday from dealing with a backup from the past month to making daily trash pickups in Cordova, Hickory Hill and East Memphis. 

An assessment completed by deans and senior administrators form from peer business schools covers the entire Fogelman College of Business and Crews School of Accountancy programs.

Any person age 16 and over is eligible to receive the vaccine.

The number of new cases reported Monday was the highest number since February 26.

The City of Memphis wastes no time in finding a new solid waste provider; local colleges are trying to get off of probation after the pandemic; and your dream home might be a builder’s nightmare.

Memphis Police Lt. Israel Taylor has been patrolling the streets of Memphis for 27 years. During a night on the streets, he discussed everything from the record-breaking number of homicides in Memphis last year to why he became an officer and remains on the job. 

Last year’s record 332 homicides in Memphis have taken a toll on those involved, from community activists to grieving parents to experts who struggle to come up with solutions to stem the violence.