Coronavirus daily blog, March 13: Grizzlies to pay game-night employees
Tennessee
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Shelby County
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Beaches, ski slopes, cruises beckon wary spring break travelers
Friday, March 13, looked like a regular Friday morning at Memphis International Airport, not the spring break traffic jam that had been predicted before coronavirus began spreading in the U.S.
County Mayor Harris, delegation in Ghana during pandemic
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris remains in constant contact with staff and health department officials while on “a very important trip to a very important place.”
For area sports books, almost all bets are off
The coronavirus has shut down most of the sports world and, as a consequence, sports books at Southland Casino and Racing and in Tunica are in for huge decreases in sports gaming revenue.
Tigers, Grizzlies security guard faces life without sports
Terrence Miller will have to dip into his savings to pay the bills now that events inside FedExForum are off. But he is one of the lucky ones.
North Memphis officials seek state funding to help with COVID-19
State Rep. Antonio Parkinson is seeking more state funding for unemployment benefits and food stamps to help the working poor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Germantown soccer star named head of U.S. Federation
A former Germantown High soccer star and member of the U.S. Women's team has reached the pinnacle of the United States Soccer Federation.
Students provide sales pitch for technology developed in Memphis
Challenge is developing marketing and commercialization paths for local technology, then stepping up to the plate to sell it.
MLB spring training camps closed as Cardinals and Redbirds head home
From Memphis Redbirds principal owner Peter Freund, to Memphis manager Ben Johnson and St. Louis Cardinals coach Stubby Clapp, COVID-19 is now very real on a professional and personal level.
Lakeland moving ahead with plans for new park
Lakeland is moving forward with plans for a new city park as part of its efforts to provide more recreational athletic offerings.
Cher reschedules Memphis performance amid virus concerns
After canceling her "Here We Go Again" tour, following concern surrounding the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, Cher's performance at FedExForum has been rescheduled.
State Supreme Court suspends in-person court proceedings
Coronavirus suspends most court activity, affects prison visitation.
McKesson lays off 79 soon after receiving $830,000 jobs grant
The pharmaceutical-distribution company has closed one of its operations in Southeast Memphis even as its invests in other Memphis-area facilities.
$17M in tax cuts sought for proposed Broad apartments
Developers have returned with a new design for 350 apartment units that would rise across the street from Broad Avenue's row of historic storefronts.
UTHSC experts: Coronavirus likely to infect 30% of us
The virus is already widespread in the United States, so travel bans and school closures will not stop the virus or prevent individuals from eventually being infected. The most reasonable argument for doing so is to prevent a surge in severe cases that might overwhelm area health systems.
Metro
‘Let children learn’: Opponents of bill targeting immigrant students protest in Berclair
Around 100 people rallied against proposed legislation that would require school districts to collect a student’s immigration status and allow them to charge thousands of dollars in tuition if students can’t prove they are U.S. citizens or are in the country legally.
Music State honors Priscilla Presley as she asks support for Rock ’n‘ Soul Museum
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Monorail was doomed from the start; Tigers are AAC champs
City of Memphis This Week in Memphis: Start of AAC Tournament, Black Restaurant Week
Business
Spirit Airlines to offer nonstop flights between Detroit, Memphis
Starting May 8, Spirit Airlines will offer direct flights between Memphis International Airport and Detroit Metro Airport four days a week: Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday. Related content:
Transportation & Logistics Allegiant to pause flights from Memphis to Los Angeles
Health Care Health department recognized for top-tier emergency preparedness
Premium Real Estate Local home sales decline in February, but hope for spring blooms
Sports
‘Psycho’ Spencer earned a fine, but the Suns paid the price
Cam Spencer’s trash talk fueled the Grizzlies and earned a fine. Which Memphis veteran is picking up the bill?Related content:
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies climb out of 16-point hole to snuff Suns 120-118
Memphis Grizzlies Box score: Grizzlies 120, Suns 118
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis ends 2024-25 regular season with top-20 ranking in AP Top 25
Food
Comeback Coffee closing cafe
“We are not going anywhere as Comeback,” said Hayes McPherson, co-owner of the Pinch District coffee shop, which will continue producing coffee sodas and locally roasted coffee. “Things are just going to look different.”
Suburbs
Collierville and Germantown agree on ‘doughnut hole’ fix
The “no man’s land” of unincorporated Shelby County between the two suburbs will be mended.
Arts & Culture
State honors Priscilla Presley as she asks support for Rock ’n‘ Soul Museum
While in Nashville asking the Legislature for support for the Rock ’n‘ Soul Museum, Priscilla Presley was given the highest civilian award Tennessee can bestow.
Opinion
Guest Column: ‘The arts are not a side note — they are a foundation’
“If Memphis is serious about its future, we need to stop treating arts education like an afterthought.”
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Will Memphis get back on track?
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss what has gone so wrong for the Grizzlies during their three-game losing streak.
Games
Reel vs. Real: Experts talk ‘Hollywood effect’ on crime scene investigations
“Everyone has this thing that crime scenes are this complicated thing. But really and truly, they’re not,” one expert said.