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
Republican bill clears way for private firearms in government buildings
This follows a trend in this session of legislation that relaxes gun rules in public spaces.
Public Safety Memphis gun violence cost more than $1B, data says
Shelby County Some docs in Feagins’ initial lawsuit won’t be ‘released to Facebook’
City of Memphis New approach to tidier Memphis interstates starts rolling
Premium Health Care UTHSC looking for new faculty to stem resignations after abuse allegations
Business
UTHSC looking for new faculty to stem resignations after abuse allegations
The staff members’ departures will leave just two occupational-therapy faculty remaining, including the faculty member accused of mistreatment.
Premium Business TV merger means 1 group will control 3 of Memphis’ 5 stations, worrying some
Health Care ‘Universe puts you where you’re supposed to be’: UTHSC students celebrate Match Day
Premium Transportation & Logistics FedEx announces record profitability during holiday season
Premium Real Estate Midtown’s Stomping Grounds aims for 901 Day opening
Sports
Celtics escape ‘amazing’ Grizzlies with late rally
The injury-riddled Grizzlies had a 3-point lead over the Boston Celtics with seven minutes remaining, but the Celtics survived. Celtics rally in fourth quarter to beat Grizzlies Box score: Celtics 117, Grizzlies 112 Former Grizzly and Briarcrest standout Kennedy Chandler returns to NBARelated content:
High School Sports Late mistakes cost Middle College in Class 1A semifinals
High School Sports Panthers steam into Class 4A final; Whitehaven very nearly joins them
High School Sports Walker Valley ousts Whitehaven in Class 4A semis
Memphis Grizzlies Celtics rally in fourth quarter to beat Grizzlies
Food
From crops to cattle, erratic weather is disrupting how Tennessee farms do business
At best, shifting weather patterns mean adjusting planting or grazing schedules. At worst, it means moving animals back indoors, delaying harvests or watching crops fail.
Premium Recipes Recipe Exchange: Brazen Restaurant Group’s Scotch eggs
Suburbs
Lakeland mulls change in government
As Lakeland grows, Commissioner Connie McCarter is suggesting that a change in government with district representation might better serve citizens.
Premium Lakeland Bailey: Suggested change in Lakeland government deserved more details
Arts & Culture
Arts Beat: Downtown is coming alive with the sound of street performers
Walking in Memphis is about to get a lot more entertaining as the DMC will hire buskers to perform along a Downtown street.
Music Tina Turner’s name, image, likeness and most music catalog rights acquired by Pophouse
Opinion
Herrington: Grizzlies notes on injuries, expansion and draft scouting
Herrington offers his thoughts on four Grizzlies topics: The team’s latest injury updates, the NCAA tourney and draft scouting, the standings and lottery odds “race,” and NBA expansion.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: Hardaway, Tigers concerned about fans in the stands. What’s the plan to fix it?
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: Spring has sprung, and we take a Journey
Today is the first day of spring, and there are so many ways to get outdoors and celebrate this weekend.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Meet the local foodie behind our $15 deals
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Yes for Regional One
This jigsaw puzzle is a photo of the signage at Regional One Health and was taken by Patrick Lantrip.