Governor calls for closing for remainder of school year
Gov. Bill Lee calls for schools to shut down for remainder of academic year, plan for fall reopening with precautions.
Coronavirus live blog, April 15: County approves $2.5M for virus expenses
Shelby County Commission has approved spending $2.5 million for coronavirus testing and other expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harris: No raises for Shelby County workers in budget; layoffs possible
As Shelby County's elected officials continue to spend, county Mayor Lee Harris said there could be layoffs next fiscal year.
New grants aim to shore up small businesses in distressed neighborhoods
The EDGE board on Wednesday approved a $1 million fund for Neighborhood Emergency Economic Development grants to coronavirus-impacted businesses in distressed neighborhoods. EDGE immediately began accepting applications.
Democratic Party kills DeBerry challenge, keeps him off ticket
The Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee rejected state Rep. John DeBerry’s challenge Wednesday, April 15, keeping him off the House District 90 Democratic ballot in the August primary.
Chamber opens small biz lunch series to public via Zoom
Greater Memphis Chamber has retooled a live, monthly, members-only small business program to a twice-a-week, virtual, free presentation to help businesses navigate COVID-19 recovery. It begins Thursday, April 16.
Stamps, Worley seeking re-election in Collierville
Aldermen John Stamps and John Worley will seek re-election in November. Financial disclosures filed last week affirmed the two plan to pull petitions in June and desire to continue serving on the Collierville board.
Shelby County gets a D+ in social-distancing matrix
When researchers see a lull in new cases, they look to how well social distancing was going two weeks earlier.
To COVID-19 hell and back: One man’s story
For 62-year-old Hans Guenther of Germantown, the retired life was the good life — until the so-called invisible enemy paid a visit.
Recommendation to keep schools closed ends 2020 prep sports season
Remainder of state basketball tournaments, all spring sports canceled.
SCS has plan to help struggling seniors graduate despite school closure
Online classes for seniors at risk of not graduating because of failing grades are scheduled to begin April 20 and run through May 22.
Analysis on latest Shelby County coronavirus numbers
Shelby County is reporting 1,432 cases of coronavirus and 31 deaths as of Wednesday, April 15.
COVID testing set to expand into more areas of city Friday
COVID-19 testing will ramp up Friday, April 17, as the city moves into more areas with mobile testing, Mayor Jim Strickland said Wednesday, April 15.
Rallings notes slight uptick in violent crime during pandemic
Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings said Wednesday, April 15, that violent crime is up slightly in the city since the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the police department has launched a sting operation to combat the uptick.
Governor fashions economic reboot around risk of COVID spread
Gov. Bill Lee is admitting Tennessee runs the risk of a COVID-19 surge when the state starts to reopen the economy in May, but he argued an economic shutdown can’t continue for months, and he hopes to quell a surge with more testing and hospital capacity.
Calkins: University of Memphis president David Rudd optimistic there will be students — and football — on campus this fall
University of Memphis president David Rudd told The Daily Memphian that "current indicators would suggest" students will be back on campus in the fall. He's hopeful football will be back, too.
Aid package throws lifeline to Memphis airport, but COVID-19 dashes chances of record year
The Memphis airport has gone from 6,000-plus passengers and 80-90 flights a day to 20 or fewer flights and a few hundred passengers as COVID-19 hammers air travel.
Metro
Trial for murder of Mississippi Boulevard pastor begins
The Arkansas woman on trial allegedly drove to pastor Brodes Perry’s Collierville apartment and shot him while shouting, “You broke my heart.”
Premium Public Safety Memphis Business Academy football coach charged in drug conspiracy
Public Safety 201 Poplar inmate’s death possibly linked to pepper spray, autopsy says
Update City of Memphis Council approves $2.5M loan for meals along with fire chief, general services head
Business
Historic Ashlar Hall listed for sale
The 129-year-old building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, is owned by Juan Montoya, who bought it in 2016 for $59,000, according to deed records.
Premium Real Estate School of Rock’s three Memphis-area locations have been sold
Spirit of Memphis How Malcolm Rawls helps Memphis RISE
Premium Real Estate ‘A rising tide lifts all boats': Local vet has a vision for Collierville Square
Sports
Tigers appear in projected College Football Playoff bracket
No Group of Six school was included in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season.
Premium Public Safety Memphis Business Academy football coach charged in drug conspiracy
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: These Grizzlies need patience. Does a ‘joy’-less Ja Morant have any to give?
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Can Morant get his joy back? He says ‘We’ll see’
Food
What to order: The Memphian’s Korean BBQ short ribs and mushroom flatbread
Why bar hop the block when you can simply hop on an elevator?
Suburbs
Trial for murder of Mississippi Boulevard pastor begins
The Arkansas woman on trial allegedly drove to pastor Brodes Perry’s Collierville apartment and shot him while shouting, “You broke my heart.”
Arts & Culture
Memphis Movies This Week: Jennifer Lawrence in ‘Die My Love,’ Tom Cruise gets ‘Risky’
Could Jennifer Lawrence be back in a big way? Plus, alien attacks at the Pink Palace, and chickens on the run.
Opinion
Guest Column: ‘Living in Memphis means choosing life over fear’
“We can’t let people who don’t actually live in Memphis tell us how terrible our own city is. ... Yes, there’s risk here – but there’s also rhythm, resilience and beauty.”
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: Visit a Downtown restaurant and the City Council
On this episode of The AM/DM podcast, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips help you prepare for the week ahead.