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
It’s about to get really cold in Memphis
Beginning late Saturday night, temperatures in Memphis will free fall.
City of Memphis ‘The very foundation on which this city was built’ finally renovated
Premium Education MSCS spent millions on safety center with AI-assisted cameras, active-shooter simulator
State Government Tennessee executes Harold Wayne Nichols for killing college student in 1988
Premium Shelby County Attorney splits with Feagins in suit against MSCS
Business
Michael Lightman, respected real estate developer, dies
Some said that Michael Lightman, who contributed to the real estate landscape of Memphis, had the “Midas touch.”
Real Estate New plans for former Club 616, Spectrum
Premium Business Wild Beet to open in former Railgarten space
Ford Megasite Ford and SK On to dismantle their battery joint venture
Business Kamala Harris to speak at Orpheum Jan. 15
Sports
‘Sage the whole arena': Morant frustrated by loss to Jazz, team injuries
The Grizzlies’ loss to the Jazz wasn’t the triumphant return of Ja Morant the fans hoped to see.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball What to watch as Memphis renews its rivalry with Louisville
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Martin: Memphis and Louisville are no longer rivals. That has to change.
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Roles change, but Vince Williams Jr. does not. Memphis’ agitator keeps fans guessing.
Memphis Grizzlies Jazz take game away from Grizz in final seconds
Food
Food Files: Einstein bagels return to U of M library; Local coffee shop is ‘brewing a new chapter’
Plus, a new restaurant is bringing Korean food and culture to Germantown Parkway, and Juiced What You Needed has just what you want for dinner.
Premium Table Talk Table Talk: Comfort foods and holiday traditions
Suburbs
Bailey: Barton sends warning to evil-doers traveling from the north
DeSoto County prosecutor Matthew Barton sends a message to criminals who wander into Mississippi to commit crimes — leave or face consequences.
Premium Elections Newcomer, incumbents plan runs for Bartlett school board
Arts & Culture
Lucero plays a Christmas show, and ‘Slay Bells Ring’ in a holiday whodunit
This week, party like Craig and Day Day from “Friday After Next,” spin the Wheel of Fortune and drink natties (as in natural wines) while eating patties (as in burgers).
Business Memphis in May names honored country for 2026
Opinion
Opinion: Rising health care costs will be breaking point for many Memphians
“Sometime next year, unless Congress changes course, health insurance is going to become a lot more expensive for hundreds of thousands of people in Tennessee.”
Premium Geoff Calkins Calkins: Huff won the press conference in a rout. Can championships be far behind?
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: Inside the FBI’s Operation Viper
Before there was the Memphis Safe Task Force, there was Viper, an FBI operation that occurred very quietly over the past summer.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Wheel of Fortune, ‘Friday’ party and Phillips on a float
Games
Sudoku: Dec. 12
Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus.