Health officials note diminishing COVID-19 intensity, but urge vigilance
COVID-19 Task Force briefing revealed rate of the novel coronavirus spread is slowing, but officials reiterate that citizens shouldn't relax on social distancing.
Coronavirus live blog, April 10: Vanderbilt model suggests mid-May to mid-June peak, depending on behavior
The best-case scenario assumes statewide testing and improved contact tracing.
Metro hospitals release ICU, ventilator counts; Health Department refuses
Twice this week, county Health Department officials have said they were forbidden from releasing hospitalization figures, including numbers of patients in ICUs and on ventilators, because the statewide Hospital Resource Tracking System is not public data.
Vanderbilt COVID-19 model predicts best scenario of mid-May statewide peak, encouraging Shelby numbers
A Vanderbilt University COVID-19 model projects the disease will peak in Tennessee by mid-June under the state’s status quo but could start winding down by mid-May if the state gets more aggressive with testing and contact tracing.
Unprepared for COVID-19: Did Memphis, state missteps early on cost us?
Did we do enough – soon enough – to avert a catastrophe that could overwhelm our local hospitals?
During these tough times, local journalism matters most
During these difficult times, one of the most important things we need is information. Timely, accurate and locally-focused information.
New emergency rules address likelihood schools won’t reopen this spring
The rules – which also direct the state to drop overall effectiveness scores in this year’s teacher evaluations — position Tennessee to weather the rest of the school year in remote learning mode.
Need jewelry in a pandemic? ‘Drive-by diamonds’ is one store’s solution
Robert Irwin Jewelers is allowing customers to pick up diamonds at the door of its Perkins Extended location.
Calkins: How a 62-year-old Marine named Sgt. Tony is winning Facebook Live
Tony Ludlow started his wise-cracking boot camp more than 20 years ago. Now he's beaming it out on Facebook Live.
Former Collierville standout Nikki McCray-Penson heading to Mississippi State
The former college all-American had a record-setting career at Collierville High before moving into coaching ranks.
Memphis kindness live blog, April 10: The gift of pizza on porches
One woman in Sea Isle has made sure her neighbors have popsicles and pizza.
Tennessee Medicaid funding request for COVID-19 patients likely to die
Tennessee’s request for Medicaid funding to treat COVID-19 patients appears to be on life support as the federal government looks to the CARES Act to distribute billions of crisis dollars to state governments.
Some seniors could miss out on HOPE Scholarships under emergency grading plan
For some students just short of a 3.0 grade point average, two extra months of grading could mean the difference between obtaining the state’s HOPE scholarship to attend college – or not.
Logistics company DHL, countertop maker seek EDGE tax breaks
A supply chain company and a countertop fabricator are seeking tax incentives from the Economic Development Growth Engine Wednesday, April 15.
Politics Podcast: Secret bids, legal opinions and new voting machines
Shelby County election commissioners Brent Taylor and Bennie Smith talk about the complex path to making a decision on new voting machines.
Metro
Two off-duty Memphis cops arrested for drag racing, department says
A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper allegedly spotted Corvettes driving at a “high rate of speed” on Winchester Road at 2 a.m. Sunday.
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Bauhaus in Frayser is for sale, but beware of Pig Man
Premium Spirit of Memphis Calkins: They’re not just cutting a ribbon in Whitehaven. They’re showing us the way.
Shelby County Lowery wants a ‘change in culture,’ Pearson gears up fundraising, and Republicans want Sawyer to resign
Business
Long pause for laughter: FedEx commercials poke fun at office power moves
Prolonged eye contact, flashy watches, late arrivals and long pauses: The shipping giant returns to humor in new brand campaign.
Premium Real Estate The City hasn’t officially bought the Sheraton yet but it’s already repaid $4M on the bonds
Premium Real Estate International Paper building sold
Premium Health Care Glasses that slow nearsightedness in children now FDA-approved
Sports
American commissioner hopeful College GameDay can visit Memphis
“It would be terrific,” American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti said of the possibility of College GameDay coming to Memphis. “I’m crossing every finger. I’m saying every prayer, hoping that (the Tigers and USF) continue to play well. And we’ll see where the chips fall.”
Premium Memphis Tigers Football How UAB firing Trent Dilfer impacts the Tigers’ game prep
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: Jaylen Wells, Cedric Coward lead deep cast of Grizzlies perimeter prospects
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Analyzing how Memphis’ stingy defense compares to previous years
Food
What to order: Sushi for breakfast at Kitchen Laurel
Hold the wasabi and ginger, because all the cake roll needs is warm syrup for dipping.
Suburbs
From ‘recreation desert’ to its golden era, Lakeland Parks is booming
A dog park, an accessible playground and beyond, Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman says the city’s latest project “will be the cherry on top.”
Arts & Culture
Memphis music ‘all-stars’ unite for a bash
“You’re just not going to see all of these artists together in this way any other time.”
Opinion
Calkins: They’re not just cutting a ribbon in Whitehaven. They’re showing us the way.
You know the best way to solve the ills of a community? With hope. There will be plenty of that at Whitehaven High School Wednesday — where they’re cutting the ribbon on a new STEM center.
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: What’s happening this week
On this episode of The AM/DM, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips talk about the National Civil Rights Museum’s Freedom Awards and the unofficial beginning of the Tigers basketball season.