After planning and construction, the project to reimagine the historic school is expected to be completed in 2023.

On “Behind The Headlines,” Memphis Tourism president Kevin Kane and Downtown Memphis Commission board chairwoman Deni Reilly assess the heavy toll the pandemic has taken on the local industry in the last year. 

The Daily Memphian City Council Scorecard tracks three council decisions this week on major issues including what to do with the 100 North Main Building, a state law that would allow police and firefighters to live outside Shelby County and how, or if, to judge the Health Department as the city takes over vaccine distribution.

During this week’s council discussion, sponsor Worth Morgan asked for a list of pet breeders used by the Wolfchase store franchisee. When he didn’t get it but an offer of a guided tour, Morgan compared it to inspecting a nuclear facility in Iran.

For the past 13 weeks, city solid waste crews have been combining recyclables with other waste in a single collection because of the large number of crew member out with the COVID-19 virus or those in quarantine for possible exposure to the virus.

According to the latest Shelby County Health Department data, 111,145 people in Shelby County have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose; 47,919 people have received both COVID-19 vaccine doses, meaning they are fully vaccinated.

Shelby County’s likely survived the worst of COVID-19, though there are two caveats that could alter the trajectory, David Sweat, county health department deputy director, said Thursday.

The state Department of Health announced its decision to move into phase 1c Tuesday afternoon, and the Shelby County Health Department expanded eligibility to the same group Wednesday morning.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division President and CEO J.T. Young says spikes in bills and blackouts in other parts of the country show electric power isn’t a commodity but a necessity, representing a shift in the local debate that has been around getting a cheaper wholesale price for electricity. 

The Shelby County Health Department announced Wednesday it will move into phase 1c of its coronavirus vaccination plan effective Monday, March 8. 

A new sensory certification will help people with sensory sensitivities enjoy the Memphis Zoo.

The first shipment of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine is expected to arrive in Tennessee on Wednesday as local officials increase the anticipated number of vaccines administered by Aug. 1.

Proposed rules delay action on the city adding a $2.6 million community grants program to its next budget.

Council member J.B. Smiley argues that if the city accepts police and fire applications from outside the city, more effort will have to be put into screening candidates.

Council member Chase Carlisle was sharply critical of health officials, the County Commission and county Mayor Lee Harris. The wording was later amended after a lengthy council debate.

The city plans to offer the property to developers once the sale from THM Properties of New York City closes. Demolition of the part of the city’s skyline is also an option.

The City of Memphis continued to transition into administering COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday, trying to streamline the process for those getting the shots.

The items added Monday evening to the council’s committee list include $1 million in funding for the city’s vaccine ramp-up. They join what was already a busy council day, including the 100 North Main building, street racing and sewer fees.

The city reopened the centers in a phased reopening of the 24 community centers across Memphis.

Going forward, vaccinating the citizens of Shelby County against COVID-19 is under the authority of the City of Memphis after the state transferred custody of the vaccine and administration of the process away from county leaders. It took a dizzying array of missteps for this to occur, and Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright says: “The public deserves to know what happened.”

Related story:
County vaccination timeline

The Daily Memphian City Council Scorecard looks at a committee vote this past week on whether to send $2.6 million to the council grants program or the city’s bus system. 

The Shelby County Health Department reported 192 new coronavirus cases and 12 new coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday.

On “Behind The Headlines,” Greater Memphis Chamber President Beverly Robertson and Economic Development Chief Ted Townsend talked about a new round of PILOT reform discussions, “resiliency” and the local economy’s comeback from the COVID pandemic.

Lawsuit claims city “improperly denied” reporter access to decisive bodycam recordings

One City Council member wanted to lock in $2.6 million for the community grants after the amount took a cut in the current city budget because of the pandemic’s impact. But another proposed doing away with the grants and sending the money to the city’s bus system.