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.
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You Already Owe the Taxes. Now You Have a Choice.
For the first time, taxpayers can redirect up to $1,700 ($3400 married couples filing jointly) of federal taxes to fund scholarships at the school of their choice.
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
Whitehaven school celebrates expansion ‘miracle’
St. Paul Catholic School unveils $18 million campus expansion — the first new campus construction in 60 years — increasing its enrollment capacity by 36%.
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: UTHSC-Regional One campus is a no go, but winter is coming
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Hot dogs and howling at the moon
Health Care Regional One-UTHSC partnership on new hospital no longer in play
Premium Elections Collierville runoff schedule finalized by Election Commission
Business
Flights halted at all US airports, including MEM, due to air traffic control problems, FAA says
The Homeland Security secretary says there’s no indication of nefarious acts behind FAA communications issues that caused all flights nationwide to be grounded Friday, Nov. 13.
Health Care Regional One-UTHSC partnership on new hospital no longer in play
Spirit of Memphis Eddie Saig leaves a legacy of business success, mentorship and a life well lived
Premium Business Memphis jeweler to retire after 55 years
Business Bartlett YMCA outdoor summer experience could open by mid-2027
Sports
Jaylin Carter becomes latest Tiger to reach 1K rushing yards in a season
Memphis running back Jaylin Carter rushed for 109 yards and two scores in a 52-41 win against South Florida to reach the 1,000-yard milestone for the season.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: With 4 Tiger starters playing a lot, managing minutes comes with concern for Penny Hardaway
High School Sports Whitehaven football to forfeit 3 victories
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies podcast: 2 games, 2 different stories
Sports Tigers women’s soccer to take on UAB in conference title match
Food
Food Files: Wing Guru plans ‘comeback’ for Park Avenue
The Wing Guru hasn’t opened a new location in several years. Also in this column: an Afro-Caribbean restaurant opens Downtown.
$15 Deals $15 Deal: The Beauty Shop’s Jamaican jerk fish club
Suburbs
Collierville’s former town administrator finalist for job near St. Louis
Molly Mehner, Collierville’s former town administrator who left the position in September, is a finalist for a similar role in a St. Louis suburb.
Premium Lakeland Lakeland looks to limit apartments as rental-development interest grows
Arts & Culture
Arts Beat: Evan Linder wrote ‘Byhalia, Mississippi’ to get the South right. Now, he’s directing it in Memphis.
“Byhalia, Mississippi,” is at Theatre Memphis, while “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” opens at Playhouse on the Square.
The To-Do List It’s Wienermania time at the Hi-Tone, and Second City comes to GPAC
Opinion
Calkins: Charles Huff told some blunt truths about Memphis recruiting. But couldn’t he have fibbed?
“Charles Huff wasn’t lying when he said that he could take Memphis players with him if he gets a better job. But he would have been better off to fib.”
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Martin: With win against USF, Charles Huff is 1 step closer to restoring order
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: 2 games, 2 different stories
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington recap the Memphis Grizzlies’ win over the Toronto Raptors and the loss to Denver earlier in the week.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Hot dogs and howling at the moon
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Practical magic
Today’s puzzle features the tarot decks available at The Broom Closet. Noah McLane took the photo.