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
Memphis Public Libraries book sales, used-book storefront closed until further notice
Memphis Public Libraries’ failure to reach an agreement on a fundraising plan with the volunteer group Friends of the Library means some temporary changes.
Elections Candidates make it official for November elections
Elections Lowery: ‘Collaboration’ with state, not intervention or takeover
Premium Education 12 things to know from the state’s MSCS audit
Premium Elections Task Force returns as issue in August primaries
Business
Downtown DoubleTree owners want to invest $63M in renovating hotel
Developers hope to pump new life into the Downtown DoubleTree hotel with the help of tax incentives.
Premium Real Estate Tallest tower in East Memphis for sale
Real Estate North Memphis manufactured home park wins approval despite flooding concerns
Premium Business Developer sues proposed Collierville Chick-fil-A landowner
Premium Business The robots are here, and they could be coming to Memphis-area classrooms
Sports
Ed Murphey Classic on Beale lures tourist from Graceland
For the fifth year in a row, the second day of the Ed Murphey Classic, Memphis’ premier track-and-field event, was held on Beale Street, where shot putters and pole vaulters put on a show for visitors.
High School Sports Major League Baseball Draft snaps up two local players
Memphis Grizzlies Morant says he’s grateful for Memphis as he tries to show Portland ‘a different Ja’
Premium Sports Open triathlon practice encourages Memphians to ‘just tri it’
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Hill: In Las Vegas, Boozer doesn’t have to win comparison game to win on the floor
Food
Sound Bites: Cam Smith has an appetite for the spice of life (and cheesy bread)
Country clubs, oyster bars, casual cocktail lounges and plenty of “fancy” pop-up dinners. These are just a few of the kitchens where Memphis chef Cameron Smith cut his teeth before becoming the executive sous chef of Hog & Hominy.
Premium Business Belly Acres owners have beef, according to two lawsuits
Suburbs
Candidates make it official for November elections
The November ballot is taking shape as suburban candidates decide where their name will appear on the ballot and file appropriate paperwork.
Premium North Mississippi DeSoto judicial candidate wants to be added to supervisor’s lawsuit
Arts & Culture
Memphis Public Libraries book sales, used-book storefront closed until further notice
Memphis Public Libraries’ failure to reach an agreement on a fundraising plan with the volunteer group Friends of the Library means some temporary changes.
Arts & Culture Pure fantasy: Anime Blues Con combines costumes and community
Opinion
Warren: Recent legal actions in the suburbs filled with personal attacks
“The legal challenges making news this week seem to be name-calling, accusations and publicly shaming others.”
Guest Columnists Opinion: Risks of SpaceXAI data center outweigh benefits
Podcasts
Lowery: ‘Collaboration’ with state, not intervention or takeover
Democratic nominee for County Mayor Mickell Lowery talked about state intervention, his vote to raise county property taxes and tax breaks as economic development incentives on “Behind The Headlines.”
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies podcast: Cam Boozer’s summer league debut
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Riverdogs
Today’s puzzle features the Bayshore RiverDogs Little League team and was taken by Patrick Lantrip.