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: Cops allegedly race Corvettes; pastor gets house arrest
Collierville has a new prosecutor, Silverfield is feeling “angst” over UAB game and we look at scores from students with private-school vouchers.
Premium North Mississippi Former youth pastor spared prison for child sexual battery
Shelby County Lowery wants a ‘change in culture,’ Pearson gears up fundraising, and Republicans want Sawyer to resign
Premium Millington Ask the Memphian: What’s the story of the Shelby Forest Pig Man?
Business
The AM/DM podcast: A liquor store without liquor
The Station is open, but the East Memphis liquor store isn’t serving everything it wanted to.
Premium Transportation & Logistics Long pause for laughter: FedEx commercials poke fun at office power moves
Premium Health Care Glasses that slow nearsightedness in children now FDA-approved
Premium Transportation & Logistics When Nashville air traffic control went dark, Memphis took over
Sports
American conference plans to introduce basketball player availability reports
Basketball player availability reports for the American Conference are still in the preliminary phase. Football is currently in its first season of publishing reports two hours before each game.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Hardaway pushes American Conference to schedule strategically
Premium Memphis Tigers Football How UAB firing Trent Dilfer impacts the Tigers’ game prep
Premium Memphis Tigers Football American commissioner hopeful College GameDay can visit Memphis
Food
Table Talk: On today’s menu, surplus ingredients
“Chefs who find ways to reduce food waste are the ones who inspire me the most. They’re not just resourceful; they’re spectacularly imaginative.”
Suburbs
Former youth pastor spared prison for child sexual battery
A former high school coach and youth minister at a DeSoto County church pleaded guilty to sexual battery with a minor, but her sentence was considered too lenient by District Attorney Matthew Barton.
Arts & Culture
Collage Dance debuts a new season, new members program
Collage’s $25,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant was canceled earlier this year, but the Memphis dance company is forging ahead with a new season of shows that open this weekend.
Opinion
Echols: ‘Walking in Memphis’ isn’t what it once was
Candace Echols says she walks the line between “a willingness to satisfy my human craving for a good run” and “a consent to be on high alert.”
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Three losses, Coward hits the court
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington react to the Grizzlies’ preseason losses and discuss what they have seen from Cedric Coward this month.