Coronavirus live blog, April 24: Tenn. adds 460 cases, largest daily increase so far
The Tennessee Department of Health reports 2,001 cases in Shelby County.
Slight uptick in local cases coincides with increased tests
Shelby County reported 50 new cases Friday, but also confirmed its highest single day of new tests since Monday.
The Lumineers, Liam Gallagher among acts dropping out of BSMF lineup
Festival organizers say the majority of previously announced acts will remain on-board for the rescheduled Beale Street Music Festival in October. A revised lineup announcement with replacement acts is planned for June.
COVID-19 field hospital conversion underway on Union Avenue
About 500 people are working to meet the May 14 deadline for opening a makeshift hospital to handle overflow patients in the coronavirus pandemic.
Harris extends county emergency order a week as 44% of county cases considered recovered
The county order covers unincorporated Shelby County and follows an extension of the Memphis emergency order earlier in the week with some first steps toward an economic reopening.
Herrington: When it comes to coronavirus in Memphis, ‘Tennessee’ only means so much
A constant factor of Memphis life seems more pressing now than usual: To paraphrase Texas songwriter Joe Ely, we may walk the streets of Memphis, but we’ll have you understand, Tennessee is not entirely the state we’re in.
Tennessee’s 1M students will learn less because of coronavirus closures
Students will miss at least 50 days of classroom instruction — almost a third of the school year — because of the pandemic.
Tennessee to reopen restaurants and retail stores with $5B loss in GDP projected
Facing a possible $5 billion loss in gross domestic product from the COVID-19 crisis, Tennessee will open restaurants Monday, April 27, in 89 counties, even before lifting a “safer at home” order. Shelby County is not included in the re-opening.
When benefits outweigh employment
Employees receiving generous unemployment benefits can make it hard for restaurateurs to have adequate staff when it’s time to reopen and to meet their PPP forgiveness requirements.
Achiuwa heading to the NBA, according to ESPN, sources
In what should not come as a surprise, Memphis forward Precious Achiuwa will leave the Tiger basketball program after one year and head to the NBA.
46 Downtown businesses given $260,000 to help survive pandemic
Sixty-three percent of the 46 Downtown businesses receiving the forgivable loans were minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE).
TSWA all-state bowling teams announced
Bowlers from Bartlett, Briarcrest and CBHS named to sports writers all-state team.
KIPP closes two Memphis charter schools
KIPP officials say they will continue remote learning plans through the end of the school year, but the closings will mean hundreds of students will have to find new schools this fall.
A new Starbucks may be brewing for Raleigh
Neither Starbucks nor the developer has confirmed it, but a building permit document suggests that Raleigh may soon have its own Starbucks coffee shop.
Metro
Councilwoman Green: It’s time to deal with neglectful property owners
“We have over 10,000 abandoned homes in disrepair, with overgrown yards, piles of trash, and more. It’s time to shift accountability back to where it belongs and make neglectful property owners pay up.”
Spirit of Memphis ‘Harder than it looks': Newcomers give curling a whirl at Mid-South Ice House
Premium Public Safety Crime victims’ safety net unraveling with continued cuts
Metro Storms bring strong wind, heavy rainfall but no major damage
Business
Le Bonheur leader wants Heart Institute to be ‘center of excellence’
Dr. Bret Mettler is a new leader at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital’s growing Heart Institute, which boasts a slew of recently recruited pediatric cardiologists and heart surgeons from around the country.
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Premium East Memphis After the pandemic, this psychiatrist wanted to take a holistic approach
Real Estate Virginia-based firm bringing new senior community to Cordova
Sports
Memphis finalist to host AAC Men’s Tournament next season, says commissioner Tim Pernetti
Joining Memphis on the list of finalists for the 2026 AAC’s men’s basketball tournament are Wichita, Kansas; Birmingham, Alabama; and Tampa, Florida.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis’ Tyrese Hunter officially ruled out
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: Tony Allen took over and reminded Memphis why it loves him
Sports Florida wins 1st SEC Tourney title since 2014 by beating Tennessee
Food
Rappers, a grocery company and a retiree rally behind Cxffeeblack
“Coffee brings people to the table,” Cxffeeblack founder Bartholomew Jones said.
Suburbs
Bradley Central races past Bartlett for Class 4A title
The Bartlett Panthers finish as state runner-up for the third consecutive season.
Arts & Culture
Rappers, a grocery company and a retiree rally behind Cxffeeblack
“Coffee brings people to the table,” Cxffeeblack founder Bartholomew Jones said.
Opinion
Councilwoman Green: It’s time to deal with neglectful property owners
“We have over 10,000 abandoned homes in disrepair, with overgrown yards, piles of trash, and more. It’s time to shift accountability back to where it belongs and make neglectful property owners pay up.”
Podcasts
Memphis’ group violence-intervention program still work in progress
Memphis Police Department Chief C.J. Davis talks on “Behind The Headlines” about getting group violence-intervention right by looking at Detroit’s approach, the pressure that comes with last year’s drop in crime and more.