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
Shelby Farms Park unveiling new and improved Starry Nights light show
Starry Nights, Shelby Farms’ annual holiday light show, will return this winter with major upgrades and new attractions around the park.
Elections Watch the Tennessee Press Association’s governor-candidate forum live Oct. 27
Elections Here’s what congressional candidates Charlie Hatcher and Chaz Molder told reporters after joint appearance
Elections Opinion: Amendment 1 will build safer communities for Tennessee families
Elections Opinion: Amendment 1 would surrender Tennessee’s 230-year right to bail
Business
Store fire in Collierville kills parrot mascot Popeye
A fire ripped through Russell’s Farm Supply in Collierville late Thursday night, destroying the store and killing beloved mascot Popeye, a blue-fronted Amazon parrot.
Premium Transportation & Logistics Millington to roll out rideshare program by Thanksgiving
Business SpaceX facing $6.1M in penalties for potential environmental violations
Premium Health Care Demolition permit filed for former East Memphis Hampton Inn
Business Art museum, a hospital and the Queen: Developers to talk about projects shaping Memphis
Sports
Boozer comes up big as Grizzlies spoil Warriors’ home opener
A late 17-2 run helped the Grizzlies defeat the Warriors. Cam Boozer hit a key basket with 20 seconds left in his 25-point, 13-rebound, six-assist night. Related content:
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Martin: It’s finally about basketball for Memphis. And it looks good.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Tigers prove their point in exhibition win at Mississippi State
High School Sports Friday prep report: CBHS starts fast, downs rival MUS
High School Sports Munford wins scrappy game at Germantown to go 8-1
Food
Sound Bites: Smashburgers, ‘filet o’ Phish,’ gummy bears get Gussied Up for bar’s opening
Gussied Up bar has an official opening date. The bar’s menu includes smashburgers, a “filet o’ Phish” sandwich, frozen cocktails and gummy bears.
Recipes Recipe Exchange: Jones Orchard pumpkin pie
Suburbs
Senatobia police officer who shot and killed 1-year-old boy has resigned, mayor says
Sgt. Hunter Foster had been cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office after its monthslong probe concluded his use of force had been justified.
Premium Business Store fire in Collierville kills parrot mascot Popeye
Arts & Culture
Shelby Farms Park unveiling new and improved Starry Nights light show
Starry Nights, Shelby Farms’ annual holiday light show, will return this winter with major upgrades and new attractions around the park.
Premium Arts & Culture Arts Beat: For Rhodes professor, pressure wins a poetry prize
Opinion
Opinion: Amendment 1 will build safer communities for Tennessee families
“When dangerous offenders are released on bond and commit more crimes, innocent Tennesseans pay the price. If Amendment 1 passes in November, judges in our community and statewide will have the authority they need to keep violent offenders in custody.” Opinion: Amendment 1 would surrender Tennessee’s 230-year right to bailRelated content:
Elections Opinion: Amendment 1 would surrender Tennessee’s 230-year right to bail
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Smashburgers, ‘filet o’ Phish,’ gummy bears get Gussied Up for bar’s opening
Gussied Up bar has an official opening date. The bar’s menu includes smashburgers, a “filet o’ Phish” sandwich, frozen cocktails and gummy bears.
Sound Bites Sound Bites: Meet the new Muddy’s Bake Shop owners
Games
Sudoku: Oct. 24
Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus.