Shelby County records third highest coronavirus case jump since crisis began
This is the third time Shelby County has reported more than 100 new cases in a single day since the first coronavirus case was confirmed in the county in early March.
Coronavirus live blog, April 17: Grizzlies set up community fund
The fund will be divided into three focus areas: education, food insecurity and support for small businesses and people in the local gig economy.
Whitehaven golf course reopening Saturday to ‘test’ loosening of restrictions
The Links at Whitehaven city golf course will reopen Saturday, April 18, in the first loosening of restrictions in the city’s state of civil emergency.
Calkins: For Rev. Eli Morris and Hope Church, getting COVID-19 may have been an answered prayer
Eli Morris is feeling better after testing positive for COVID-19. Now he and the rest of the clergy at Hope Church are focusing on those in the community who are facing the same challenges he faced — usually with fewer resources.
Five inmates test positive for COVID at Shelby County jail as Bonner takes safety precautions
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner said five inmates at 201 Poplar and 31 of his employees have tested positive for COVID-19. He said everyone who comes into the facilities has to wear a mask.
Virginia Tech transfer Landers Nolley II includes Memphis in his final list
Virginia Tech transfer Lander is, picked his final three destinations to play college basketball, including Memphis, along with Georgia and Ole Miss.
Local leaders face ‘challenge’ of how and when to reopen economy
Behind the Saturday trial opening of the city-owned Links at Whitehaven course is a lot of jockeying for positions by local businesses that want to be in the first wave of reopenings — from elective medical procedures by doctors to car washes and barber shops and nail salons to restaurants.
Downtown agency rushes love and money to distressed businesses
Twenty Downtown businesses severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic have now received forgivable loans totaling $135,000.
Small businesses left empty-handed as Paycheck Protection funds run out
As Congress debates adding more funds to the Paycheck Protection Program, many small businesses try to hang on.
SCS to get $49M in emergency funds
The money will cover short-term needs as schools address students’ learning loss and anticipated trauma from this year’s shutdown, as well as uncertain future revenues due to a likely recession.
Thirty years later, Nikki McCray still holds a special place in Collierville
Before all her accolades as a player and as a coach, Nikki McCray was the "Coast to Coast" wonder of Collierville High.
Gibson’s and Kelly English team up; new meal deals
Kelly English is passing out Gibson’s, Elwood’s has a Saturday night steak dinner, and Jimmy Gentry’s corn mash comes back next week.
Memphis kindness blog, April 17: MicroPort donates 100,000 surgical masks
MicroPort Scientific and its Arlington-based orthopedics division have donated 100,000 surgical masks to Memphis Fire Services, and the company plans to donate 100,000 more locally soon.
Metro
Two off-duty Memphis cops arrested for drag racing, department says
A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper allegedly spotted Corvettes driving at a “high rate of speed” on Winchester Road at 2 a.m. Sunday.
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: Bauhaus in Frayser is for sale, but beware of Pig Man
Premium Spirit of Memphis Calkins: They’re not just cutting a ribbon in Whitehaven. They’re showing us the way.
Shelby County Lowery wants a ‘change in culture,’ Pearson gears up fundraising, and Republicans want Sawyer to resign
Business
Long pause for laughter: FedEx commercials poke fun at office power moves
Prolonged eye contact, flashy watches, late arrivals and long pauses: The shipping giant returns to humor in new brand campaign.
Premium Real Estate The City hasn’t officially bought the Sheraton yet but it’s already repaid $4M on the bonds
Premium Real Estate International Paper building sold
Premium Health Care Glasses that slow nearsightedness in children now FDA-approved
Sports
American commissioner hopeful College GameDay can visit Memphis
“It would be terrific,” American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti said of the possibility of College GameDay coming to Memphis. “I’m crossing every finger. I’m saying every prayer, hoping that (the Tigers and USF) continue to play well. And we’ll see where the chips fall.”
Premium Memphis Tigers Football How UAB firing Trent Dilfer impacts the Tigers’ game prep
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: Jaylen Wells, Cedric Coward lead deep cast of Grizzlies perimeter prospects
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Analyzing how Memphis’ stingy defense compares to previous years
Food
What to order: Sushi for breakfast at Kitchen Laurel
Hold the wasabi and ginger, because all the cake roll needs is warm syrup for dipping.
Suburbs
From ‘recreation desert’ to its golden era, Lakeland Parks is booming
A dog park, an accessible playground and beyond, Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman says the city’s latest project “will be the cherry on top.”
Arts & Culture
Memphis music ‘all-stars’ unite for a bash
“You’re just not going to see all of these artists together in this way any other time.”
Opinion
Calkins: They’re not just cutting a ribbon in Whitehaven. They’re showing us the way.
You know the best way to solve the ills of a community? With hope. There will be plenty of that at Whitehaven High School Wednesday — where they’re cutting the ribbon on a new STEM center.
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: What’s happening this week
On this episode of The AM/DM, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips talk about the National Civil Rights Museum’s Freedom Awards and the unofficial beginning of the Tigers basketball season.