Coronavirus daily blog, March 16: SCS extends closure to April 6
Tennessee
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Shelby County
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State has only 500 coronavirus tests available
Tennessee has tested less than 300 people in the past two weeks; 'There aren't enough kits,' local doctor says
Mildly ill? Isolate. Fever, short of breath? Head to ER
With flu still in the community, not every sniffle and low-grade fever is coronavirus; but isolate yourself to be sure.
Restaurant updates: Restaurant Iris, The Second Line temporarily closing
Here’s the latest on changes at area restaurants in response to the coronovirus pandemic.
Grocers adjust to COVID-19 pandemic
Numerous grocers are adjusting their hours and increasing cleaning efforts to protect customers and employees from COVID-19.
What you need to know about coronavirus
We've rounded up answers to questions, such as: Is coronavirus a serious threat or just media hype? What if I think I have COVID-19? Can my pet get the virus? Why are people hoarding toilet paper?
Legislature to pass short-term budget and vacate premises
House and Senate leaders reached an agreement Monday for the Legislature’s schedule, likely entailing an early, temporary adjournment for 60 days out of concern for COVID-19, according to sources.
Pandemic’s toll could come into focus in FedEx earnings
Analysts aren't sure yet how much impact coronavirus will have on FedEx third quarter earnings, scheduled for reporting Tuesday, but some believe the company should be prepared for long-term fallout.
Governor urges all school districts to close for coronavirus
Gov. Bill Lee called Monday for all school districts to close as soon possible to stop the spread of coronavirus, drawing a response from the TEA for TNReady testing to be canceled.
Closings, vacancies accelerate as Memphis tourism braces for downturn
It's eerily quiet at Memphis area hotels and tourist attractions as coronavirus precautions expand and visitors cancel travel plans.
Strickland: Drive-thru testing soon, Memphis in May could move to summer or fall
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland discusses drive-thru testing, Memphis In May and a legal order that might allow him to close businesses that flout CDC guidelines on COVID-19.
Memphis In May schedule remains up in the air
So far, organizers of the month-long festival say they are sticking with the May schedule but more talks are to come with the city.
MGM suspends operations at 2 Tunica casinos
Casino says it will work to mitigate the impact closings have on employees.
Senior facilities care for those most vulnerable to COVID-19
Area senior care facilities are taking added precautions to protect some of the most vulnerable from the coronavirus.
Memphis basketball’s season is over. What now?
Coronavirus has slowed the coaching movement around the country and sent players home for what could be the rest of the semester.
103-acre, mixed-use development proposed for Millington
A request to have taxpayers pay for Millington Farms' roads, sidewalks and other infrastructure is headed to the Shelby County Commission.
Calkins: As the final, dramatic episodes air, an inside look at ‘The Harder Way’
They came to Memphis knowing nothing about the city or the basketball program — but as "The Harder Way" documentary series wraps up, Henry Proegler and Ryan Booth leave as believers in both.
Calkins: Thoughts on Memphis — the team and the city — from a director of ‘The Harder Way’
What quintessentially teenager thing happened to Tyler Harris this year? What is Precious Achiuwa really like? Henry Proegler, one of the directors of "The Harder Way," weighs in on this and more.
Metro
Shelby Farms Park unveiling new and improved Starry Nights light show
Starry Nights, Shelby Farms’ annual holiday light show, will return this winter with major upgrades and new attractions around the park.
Elections Watch the Tennessee Press Association’s governor-candidate forum live Oct. 27
Elections Here’s what congressional candidates Charlie Hatcher and Chaz Molder told reporters after joint appearance
Elections Opinion: Amendment 1 will build safer communities for Tennessee families
Elections Opinion: Amendment 1 would surrender Tennessee’s 230-year right to bail
Business
Store fire in Collierville kills parrot mascot Popeye
A fire ripped through Russell’s Farm Supply in Collierville late Thursday night, destroying the store and killing beloved mascot Popeye, a blue-fronted Amazon parrot.
Premium Transportation & Logistics Millington to roll out rideshare program by Thanksgiving
Business SpaceX facing $6.1M in penalties for potential environmental violations
Premium Health Care Demolition permit filed for former East Memphis Hampton Inn
Business Art museum, a hospital and the Queen: Developers to talk about projects shaping Memphis
Sports
Kicking off her first season at the helm, Coach Hana Haden unleashes her Tigers
At an open practice for the Memphis basketball team, the 2026-27 squad played a five-minute scrimmage, had a three-point contest and more at Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Martin: It’s finally about basketball for Memphis. And it looks good.
Memphis Grizzlies Boozer comes up big as Grizzlies spoil Warriors’ home opener
Memphis Tigers Basketball Tigers prove their point in exhibition win at Mississippi State
High School Sports Friday prep report: CBHS starts fast, downs rival MUS
Food
Sound Bites: Smashburgers, ‘filet o’ Phish,’ gummy bears get Gussied Up for bar’s opening
Gussied Up bar has an official opening date. The bar’s menu includes smashburgers, a “filet o’ Phish” sandwich, frozen cocktails and gummy bears.
Recipes Recipe Exchange: Jones Orchard pumpkin pie
Suburbs
Senatobia police officer who shot and killed 1-year-old boy has resigned, mayor says
Sgt. Hunter Foster had been cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office after its monthslong probe concluded his use of force had been justified.
Premium Business Store fire in Collierville kills parrot mascot Popeye
Arts & Culture
Shelby Farms Park unveiling new and improved Starry Nights light show
Starry Nights, Shelby Farms’ annual holiday light show, will return this winter with major upgrades and new attractions around the park.
Premium Arts & Culture Arts Beat: For Rhodes professor, pressure wins a poetry prize
Opinion
Opinion: Amendment 1 will build safer communities for Tennessee families
“When dangerous offenders are released on bond and commit more crimes, innocent Tennesseans pay the price. If Amendment 1 passes in November, judges in our community and statewide will have the authority they need to keep violent offenders in custody.” Opinion: Amendment 1 would surrender Tennessee’s 230-year right to bailRelated content:
Elections Opinion: Amendment 1 would surrender Tennessee’s 230-year right to bail
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Smashburgers, ‘filet o’ Phish,’ gummy bears get Gussied Up for bar’s opening
Gussied Up bar has an official opening date. The bar’s menu includes smashburgers, a “filet o’ Phish” sandwich, frozen cocktails and gummy bears.
Sound Bites Sound Bites: Meet the new Muddy’s Bake Shop owners
Games
Sudoku: Oct. 24
Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus.