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
The Early Word: Grizz, Tigers get big wins; leaders get discreet Forum tours
County wants more control over MSCS funds, broken jail doors will take two years to fix and another big live music venue is on the way.
Metro Memphis orgs wary after freezing of federal grants debacle
Business
Box score: Railroads, Chamber push for stiffer cargo theft penalties
Memphis is the No. 2 city in the nation for cargo theft behind Los Angeles-Long Beach, and it’s a problem that “has a ripple effect” for retailers and consumers.
Business Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman’s Circle has new chairman
Sports
Herrington: Even rousing win can’t erase worry about Ja Morant
While the good vibes of a hard-fought win perhaps provided a happy distraction, this Ja Morant absence seemed to raise more concern than past ones.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball ‘Colby Freakin’ Rogers’ snaps into form in Tigers’ road win over Tulane
Food
Table Talk: Can a kid be a food critic? Corky’s BBQ thinks so
Corky’s No. 1 fan just might be a 10-year-old who goes to St. George’s Independent School.
Suburbs
Bailey: Shhh. Don’t tell anyone. We need to vote on a new official
Suburban officials seem to prefer casting secret ballots rather than letting their constituents know who they picked to fill vacancies on government boards.
Arts & Culture
Tennessee Williams’ paintings among February art exhibitions in Memphis
Months after his death, the first major Memphis exhibition of South Memphis native Floyd Newsum Jr. opens at the Dixon. Plus, a Colombian artist is showing at Sheet Cake Gallery.
Opinion
Sanford: Firing Feagins was unwise, but she shares the blame
“Now what we have is chaos on steroids. The board is seen as a laughingstock, except no one is laughing.”
Podcasts
Tigers Podcast: After demolition of UAB, can Memphis keep its foot on the gas?
Tigers basketball beat writer Parth Upadhyaya and college sports columnist John Martin analyze Memphis’ blowout win over UAB on Sunday and look at the Tigers’ road ahead.