Coronavirus live blog, April 16: Lee says economic reopening could focus on low-risk areas
Gov. Bill Lee provides an update on economic recovery for Tennessee.
Shelby County should be able to test 5,000 people a day for COVID-19. So, why isn’t it?
Shelby County has the kits and lab space to test 5,000 people a day for COVID-19, but declining demand and other issues have kept daily tests below 1,000 just as the need for testing grows.
Lee: Reopening state’s economy could mirror gradual federal approach
Tennessee’s gradual reopening of the economy could mirror President Donald Trump’s plan, Gov. Bill Lee said Thursday, April 16.
Laid Off Lawn Care was robbed – but saved by Memphis again!
Remember Scott Briggs from Laid Off Lawn Care? He had his tools stolen on Thursday, but Memphis came to the rescue.
Vanderbilt model shows ‘fragile’ progress in COVID-19 fight
The Memphis area’s COVID-19 transmission rate is starting to slow down matching a statewide trend, according to a Vanderbilt University report, but researchers warn the progress is “fragile."
Coronavirus cases up 39% in Shelby County from past week
Shelby County, as of April 16, has 1,508 confirmed coronavirus cases and 32 deaths out of the 15,667 total tests taken, according to data from the Shelby County Health Department.
Isolation a potential risk to citizens fighting alcoholism
Local experts have pinpointed isolation as a foil to alcohol addiction treatment. During social distancing and a paused economy, fighting alcohol dependency can be an uphill battle.
Friends, family remember Knox Phillips as more than a music man
Following the heritage set by his father, Sam Phillips, music man Knox Phillips carried on the family legacy, his love for Memphis and its music. Knox Phillips died Wednesday night.
Federal judge in Stone case says no evidence of bias and deception by Hart
The 81-page memorandum opinion accompanied a court order denying the Trump associate's legal motion for a new trial based on what he claimed was bias by the former Memphis City Schools board member. Judge Amy Berman Jackson called the request a "tower of indignation" with "little of substance holding it up."
Schools look for graduation solutions in light of closure
Districts across Tennessee are grappling with graduation celebrations as Gov. Bill Lee recommended schools close for the remainder of the year. Shelby County's suburban schools are looking for ways to honor senior accomplishments.
Guard Jalen Green to turn pro, enter G-League
Guard Jalen Green will bypass college and enter the NBA G-League, ending the Memphis Tigers hopes of bringing in the star guard even for one year.
Analysis: Tigers’ pitch on G League risks falls short with five-star guard Jalen Green
Jalen Green made it official Thursday. The NBA G League snatched the elite prospect from the hands of the Tigers.
Calkins: Why does this keep happening to Memphis basketball?
Jalen Green skips college for the G League. It's the latest disappointment for Penny Hardaway and Memphis basketball.
COVID’s outsize impact on African Americans becoming more apparent
The disparate impact of COVID-19 infection on the African American community is becoming more obvious as information becomes increasingly available, Shelby County Health Department chief epidemiologist David Sweat said Thursday, April 16.
Las Americas needs volunteers to distribute food
Las Americas and the Mid-South Food Bank will continue the food distribution events each Friday for the next several weeks.
Kresge gives $485,000 to help Memphis nonprofits, artists, musicians during pandemic
Money from the philanthropic foundation will help Memphis-area nonprofits provide relief for economic stress caused by COVID-19, and provide support to Memphis musicians and artists who have lost income because of the pandemic.
Cruise line sets 2022 debut of Viking Mississippi
The Viking Mississippi, a 386-passenger, custom-built vessel, is scheduled to begin cruising the Mississippi River in August 2022.
Behind the Headlines Podcast: Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland
Host Eric Barnes and The Daily Memphian's Bill Dries talk to Mayor Jim Strickland about how Memphis is meeting citizens' needs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pet food pantry is first project for Shelby County coalition
Countywide coalition of animal welfare agencies has set up a food pantry to help feed pets in times of COVID-19.
Metro
City Council to consider resolution opposing new congressional district lines
The resolution is not binding on state lawmakers, who have already passed the controversial plan. Council members also take a look at affordable housing in Orange Mound.
Business MIFA names new president and CEO
City of Memphis The AM/DM podcast: A week of barbecue, budgets and bikes
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Grizzlies get lucky, and the redistricting fight is on
Premium Shelby County A quick history of Tennessee redistricting and a closer look at unofficial vote totals
Business
MIFA names new president and CEO
MIFA named Dorcas Young Griffin, a longtime Shelby County employee, as its incoming president and CEO on Monday.
Premium Transportation & Logistics As Amazon targets business shippers, FedEx faces fresh questions
Premium Health Care ‘Don’t give up on yourself’: Regional One team defy odds to save officer’s leg
Premium Business Tomato prices spike as weather, supply chains squeeze growers and retailers
Premium Real Estate Long-planned development in one of Memphis’ older neighborhoods moving forward
Sports
Why Charles Huff wants Memphis football to be like Michael Jackson
When Charles Huff’s family took him to see the new Michael Jackson movie, “Michael,” he couldn’t stop thinking about how Jackson’s career illustrates what he’s trying to do with the Tigers.
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies podcast: Lottery Luck!
High School Sports Spring Fling tennis preview: Lausanne boys take aim at history
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: Grizzlies finish third in NBA Draft Lottery, and it feels like gold
Memphis Grizzlies The Grizzlies got lucky. Now a franchise-altering decision looms.
Food
Ghost River goes back to its beginnings — and adds music
“Really, Beale became redundant,” said Ghost River owner Bob Keskey after the company made a number of improvements at its original location.
City of Memphis The AM/DM podcast: A week of barbecue, budgets and bikes
Suburbs
Declining birth rates impact enrollment in Shelby County’s suburban schools
Enrollment is trending downward across Shelby County’s suburban schools, and that impacts funding as the municipal districts are finalizing their budgets.
Premium Elections Bailey: Were Germantown voters sending a message?
Arts & Culture
The AM/DM podcast: A week of barbecue, budgets and bikes
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest returns this week as the only barbecue fest in town.
Arts & Culture Photo Gallery: 2026’s Memphis Art & Fashion Week’s Runway at the Museum
Opinion
Calkins: Making Memphis madder — on a week the city best never forget
There is a single spot in Memphis where you can stand in all three congressional districts. It’s an absurdity, yes. And a cause for rage.
Opinion Echols: Will we recognize each other in Heaven?
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Lottery Luck!
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington give their instant reaction to the NBA Draft Lottery results.
City of Memphis The AM/DM podcast: A week of barbecue, budgets and bikes
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Memphis meets the Met Gala
Today’s puzzle is from the Met Gala Watch Party at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and was taken by Greg Campbell.