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
Trial for murder of Mississippi Boulevard pastor begins
The Arkansas woman on trial allegedly drove to pastor Brodes Perry’s Collierville apartment and shot him while shouting, “You broke my heart.”
Premium Public Safety Memphis Business Academy football coach charged in drug conspiracy
Public Safety 201 Poplar inmate’s death possibly linked to pepper spray, autopsy says
Update City of Memphis Council approves $2.5M loan for meals along with fire chief, general services head
Business
Historic Ashlar Hall listed for sale
The 129-year-old building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, is owned by Juan Montoya, who bought it in 2016 for $59,000, according to deed records.
Premium Real Estate School of Rock’s three Memphis-area locations have been sold
Spirit of Memphis How Malcolm Rawls helps Memphis RISE
Premium Real Estate ‘A rising tide lifts all boats': Local vet has a vision for Collierville Square
Sports
Tigers appear in projected College Football Playoff bracket
No Group of Six school was included in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season.
Premium Public Safety Memphis Business Academy football coach charged in drug conspiracy
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: These Grizzlies need patience. Does a ‘joy’-less Ja Morant have any to give?
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Can Morant get his joy back? He says ‘We’ll see’
Food
What to order: The Memphian’s Korean BBQ short ribs and mushroom flatbread
Why bar hop the block when you can simply hop on an elevator?
Suburbs
Trial for murder of Mississippi Boulevard pastor begins
The Arkansas woman on trial allegedly drove to pastor Brodes Perry’s Collierville apartment and shot him while shouting, “You broke my heart.”
Arts & Culture
Memphis Movies This Week: Jennifer Lawrence in ‘Die My Love,’ Tom Cruise gets ‘Risky’
Could Jennifer Lawrence be back in a big way? Plus, alien attacks at the Pink Palace, and chickens on the run.
Opinion
Guest Column: ‘Living in Memphis means choosing life over fear’
“We can’t let people who don’t actually live in Memphis tell us how terrible our own city is. ... Yes, there’s risk here – but there’s also rhythm, resilience and beauty.”
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: Visit a Downtown restaurant and the City Council
On this episode of The AM/DM podcast, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips help you prepare for the week ahead.