Task force aims to test 1,000 a day, whether they can pay or not
Local health officials believe ramped-up testing is vital for lessening the current wave of coronavirus and the next one.
Questions about race and locations of COVID-19 outbreaks gain attention
“The goal isn’t so much to expand the volume of testing but the equity of testing, both demographically and geographically,” said Jenny Bartlett-Prescott, chief operating officer of Church Health who is leading the task force’s testing subgroup.
Coronavirus Live Blog, April 7: Tennessee at 4,138 cases, 72 deaths
Shelby County has 19 fatalities compared to 9 in Davidson County.
Local social distancing policies seem to be working; new surge estimates show fewer deaths
The computer model Tennessee and Shelby County are using to predict the surge in COVID-19 cases dramatically changed Monday, April 6, and for the better.
Local COVID-19 effort takes critical look at optimistic virus modeling
The city's chief operating officer says the model assumes 100% compliance, and that is "not realistic." Meanwhile, racial demographics are missing from local data on the virus as some are concerned areas historically underserved by health care may need more attention in the city's response to the virus.
Report: Amazon suspends plan to compete directly with FedEx, UPS
Amazon will suspend Amazon Shipping in June to focus on delivering its own packages. It had been testing a delivery service competing directly with FedEx and UPS in certain markets.
Avoiding crowds? There’s an app for that
A new, free app lets people share positive COVID-19 status and allows users to know within 24 hours if they have come in contact with another app user who tested positive.
Memphis kindness blog, April 7: Old Dominick produces hand sanitizer
Old Dominick has begun producing hand sanitizer at its Downtown distillery to help protect some most vulnerable to the coronavirus in the Memphis community.
Kemmons Wilson Cos. plans move into Downtown historic building
The old Spaghetti Warehouse property on West Huling will become home to the new corporate headquarters for the company that began Holiday Inns.
Slingshot Memphis attempts comprehensive approach to COVID-19 response
Slingshot Memphis' Knowledge Brief outlines specific needs for each of its community partners, in the wake of the global pandemic.
Governor touts federal help for small business payroll and self-employed
Gov. Bill Lee pushed a federal paycheck protection program Tuesday, April 7, for small businesses as well as relief for independent contractors who can qualify for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, appearing to reverse or clarify his stance the previous day.
Sign of the Times: Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins on Zoom more than in the gym
If the NBA season returns, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins will be “mindful” about the minutes of young stars such as Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
City Administration: No need for reserves, sales tax has cushion
Mayor Jim Strickland plans to keep his April 21 date to present his budget proposal for the new fiscal year to the city council as his administration evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 virus on sales tax revenues that finance some of the city's biggest construction projects.
ServiceMaster pest control unit offers business disinfection
Memphis-based pest control company Terminix Commercial says a new business cleaning service, Disinfectix Site Disinfecting Service, is an extension of cleanups it has done for years after pest clean-outs.
AutoZone suspends share buybacks, adds emergency time off for workers
Memphis-based auto parts retailer has added emergency time off benefit for employees, temporarily suspended share buybacks and restructured borrowing capabilities.
Racquet Club redevelopment stalls; acreage may shrink
And another residential subdivision is being proposed in Raleigh, this one comprising 11 lots near the intersection of James Road and Warford Street.
Tennessee Democratic Party to consider booting DeBerry off ballot
The Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee is set to vote Wednesday on whether remove Memphis state Rep. John DeBerry from the August primary ballot after a Memphis woman challenged his bonafide Democratic status.
Germantown finance commission endorses extending current budget
Germantown's finance commission will review the 2020-21 budget later in the summer. For now, the commission recommends aldermen adopt resolution continue under the current budget.
Metro
State rep, DA, others advocate for access to juvenile records in setting bail
Several local officials are backing 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 six state titles at three different schools: Trezevant, White Station and ECS.
High School Sports Friday football report: Houston, Collierville set for Class 6A quarterfinal rematch
Food
Etowah dinner series cofounder launches cocktail bar
Josh Conley said Bar Limina will feature a revolving lineup of mixologists and bartenders from across the globe.
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.