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
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.