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
The Early Word: Feagins just needs one vote; where to ship boxes, get married
Knifebird is gone, Cafe Keough is next and Bane is looking for a new home team.
Public Safety MFD gets $4M grant to resolve facility’s ‘risk of catastrophic failure’
Business
Inked: New Collierville center, South Main to get retail spots
The Collierville intersection at North Byhalia Road and Wolf River Boulevard will get a shopping center, South Main to get new retail spots and the three-building Mendenhall Road Collection was sold for $1.175 million.
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Sports
Grizzlies Insider: Memphis vs. Golden State is always spicy. What’s next?
Two semi-recent postseason meetings between the two teams have stirred up fiery exchanges.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis flashes versatility, with eyes to future, against Virginia
Food
$10 Deal: Ali Baba’s smoky-sweet flavors are straight from the fire
Joshua Carlucci says a Mediterranean wood flame grill is at the heart of Ali Baba’s traditional — but unforgettable — menu.
Suburbs
DeSoto County inmate facing additional five years after brief escape
On Dec. 16, a grand jury indicted Stephen Russell Jr. on one charge of felony escape after he reportedly faked a medical emergency when authorities prepared to transport him from the Hernando courthouse Dec. 9.
Arts & Culture
Memphis Movies This Week: Big screen ‘Mufasa,’ little screen ‘Juror #2’
One of the year’s best films mostly bypassed theaters and will be available on HBO’s streaming service, Max. It’s a little bit “12 Angry Men,” a little bit Alfred Hitchcock and a little bit John Grisham.
Opinion
Calkins: Feagins survives for now. But what an embarrassing mess.
Grant Wells, a teacher, joined hundreds of others in support of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins Tuesday night. His explanation for the entire fiasco? “This is Memphis stuff,” he said.
Podcasts
‘Miracle’ on Broad Avenue: Liquor Store hosts cocktail pop-up
New York-based Christmas pop-up bar Miracle partners with locations around the world to offer Christmas cocktails in cheery holiday-themed settings. Plus, we have tips for making your own holiday cocktails.