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
State rep, DA, others advocate for access to juvenile records in setting bail
Several local officials expressed support Saturday for a new state law that will allow judges and judicial commissioners access to at least some juvenile court records in setting bail.
Premium City of Memphis City makes claims about Nichols, family in new court filing
Business
FedEx lays off hundreds across three cities, including Memphis
The cuts this week are likely the result of the company’s massive work to merge its Express, Ground and FedEx Services divisions.
Downtown Downtown Malco Theater to be fenced in with conditions
Sports
Legendary high school basketball coach Terry Tippett is dead at 79
Terry Tippett retired in 2018 after coaching basketball for 48 years with 902 career victories and state titles at three different schools: Trezevant, White Station and ECS.
Memphis Tigers Football Memphis vs. UAB: What to know for the Tigers final home game
Food
Memphian wins 2024 World Food Championship division
Eight Memphians were among the 288 teams competing at this year’s World Food Championships; division winners take home $10,000 and a chance to compete for $150,000 in the spring.
Suburbs
Bailey: A tour around the suburbs
Honors and ground breaking for Buc-cee’s highlight a week of touring around the suburbs for news.
Arts & Culture
Pompeii exhibit gives glimpse into ‘time capsule’
Casts created in hollowed-out spaces of volcanic ash and other artifacts from the frozen city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., are on display at Graceland starting this week.
Opinion
Herrington: Warriors a tough matchup for Grizzlies, but also a model
Friday night in San Francisco, the Grizzlies will complete their first West Coast road trip against a team that’s so far had even more success this season with a similar approach: the Golden State Warriors.
Podcasts
Tigers Podcast: Football’s senior day, basketball’s second-half magic
How will this Memphis football season be remembered if the final two regular season games play out in the Tigers’ favor? Can the Tigers’ basketball team continue to pull of their second-half magic? Drew Hill, Frank Bonner II and Parth Upadhyaya discuss.