Coronavirus live blog, April 13: Tennessee up to 5,610 cases, 109 deaths
The state reports 1,331 confirmed cases in Shelby County.
From beginning to end, Memphis’ testing process has challenges
The lightning speed at which the novel coronavirus moves and attacks has made testing, tracing, and targeting its path even more difficult and vital.
When and how will Memphis reopen? Answers are not pretty or clear cut
Social distancing may last another eight weeks or more. And, even then, don't expect Memphis to reopen overnight.
Inside Baptist’s COVID-19 ICU: No visitors, IV stations in the halls and experimental treatments
In this exclusive look inside Baptist’s COVID-19 units, leaders have reconfigured the hospital to meet the specific demands of the virus, found ways to preserve crucial resources for the surge, and are deploying groundbreaking treatments to save lives.
A new director takes science-history museum ‘back to our roots’
Within a week of the city order to close because of the coronavirus, lesson-hungry homebound families were able to access Museum To Go, a sampler of Pink Palace artifacts, activities and movies. Kevin Thompson mobilized his gloved-and-masked education team to make museum content available in record time.
Governor extends ‘shelter at home’ order until April 30, prepares to reopen economy
With his “shelter at home” order set to expire Tuesday, Gov. Bill Lee Monday extended the mandate for at least two weeks in an effort to flatten the COVID-19 curve.
The Village at Germantown working with state, local health leaders
The Village at Germantown is working with local and state health experts to investigate the seven positive cases there, but does not plan to test all residents and staff.
Forgivable loans approved for 8 Downtown businesses
Acting with a sense of urgency, the Center City Development Corp. board approved the first forgivable loans for eight Downtown businesses that have been disrupted by COVID-19.
TDOT on track for I-40 widening, new Lakeland interchange
Lakeland officials remain hopeful for a spring 2022 start date on two major Tennessee Department of Transportation projects.
Technical, community colleges adapt to distance learning
Moore Tech looks at scheduling appointments for students to use equipment. Southwest builds on online learning programs developed prior to the pandemic.
City offers loans, EDGE grants for small businesses hit hard by pandemic
The working capital for small businesses is partially a response to complaints from local businesses that they either can't reach the Small Business Administration or their bankers for help in getting federal stimulus funds or they have been denied the federal funding.
Brady White staying in shape for football while staying home
Quarterback Brady White hopes there is a football season, and he's going to prepare for one until someone tells him football is off.
Destination: Delicious Podcast: Keeping it in the house
What do you do when the cupboard's kinda bare and you're not supposed to go shopping and even if you do the stores are nearly empty?
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.