Coronavirus Live Blog, April 8: COVID-19 claims life of FedEx pilot
There have been 449 hospitalizations statewide and 592 people have recovered from the disease.
First local COVID numbers on race confirm disparity in virus spread
The incomplete Shelby County Health Department analysis shows two-thirds of the confirmed COVID cases with detailed information were among African Americans and more than 70% of the deaths examined were among African Americans.
Predicting the surge in Memphis: will a new state-specific model work better?
Predictive models are important and helpful, but can’t be taken as gospel, said Dr. Manoj Jain, the infectious disease expert and epidemiologist who is advising the local COVID-19 Task Force.
City confirms 32 first responders test positive for coronavirus
Officials confirmed for the first time Wednesday, April 8, that 32 city public safety employees, including 13 Memphis Police officers and 19 fire personnel, have tested positive for COVID-19.
Governor extends order on elective surgeries; ‘stay at home’ date remains
Gov. Bill Lee is extending the postponement of elective medical and dental procedures, but he’s not ready to push out the April 14 date for a “stay at home” order even though the virus isn't expected to peak until three days later.
Democrats oust state Rep. John DeBerry
After serving 26 years as a Memphis Democrat in the Tennessee General Assembly, state Rep. John DeBerry is being removed from that party’s August 2020 primary ballot.
Calkins: My teenage son cut my hair and . . .
Memphians are getting shaggier as part of life under coronavirus isolation. So, our columnist ventured into Calkins Clip Club for a trim by a teenager with a pair of shears.
Where public health and public policy meet and part ways
The immediate goal is to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But the elected leaders and health experts who are working toward that goal come from different experiences with different responsibilities beyond dealing with a pandemic.
Memphis kindness live blog, April 8: Blue lights to honor health care workers
Landmarks across the United States – including the Hernando DeSoto Bridge and Big River Crossing – are shining blue lights to stand in solidarity with health care workers and honor them.
Z-Bo fills SCS mobile pantry with sizable food donation
The former Memphis Grizzlies forward donated $10,000 toward feeding students who are at home from school in April.
Google Operations Center may land at wooded site in Southaven
Sources say Google has homed in on undeveloped land fronting Interstate 55, just north of Tanger Outlets, for a customer-support center that will employ more than 350 people.
Quarantine diary: My cousin is on the COVID-19 frontlines
When the hospital asked, my cousin was among those who said they’d be comfortable working with patients who tested positive for the virus. Now, some of her coworkers avoid her.
Brooks Museum temporarily furloughs 29 staff positions
Except for seven administrators and security officers, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art has placed its entire staff on temporary furlough because of COVID-19.
Minority business owners adjusting to COVID-19 challenges
With revenues dropping off significantly due to the pandemic, minority business owners are hoping adding online services can help the bridge the gap until it ends.
FedEx details participation in FEMA-led airlift of COVID-19 relief
FedEx, UPS and other cargo carriers are on board with FEMA-led airlift of relief supplies into the U.S. to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metro
State lawmakers agree on animal protections, social media safety and more
In spite of the divisive legislation that may crop up in rows from January to April every year, Tennessee lawmakers actually agree on more than one may realize.
Premium City of Memphis Ask the Memphian: Who is Prince Mongo? And he’s from where?
City of Memphis This Week in Memphis: State trial over Nichols’ death; Riverbeat at Tom Lee
Public Safety Police arrest suspect in South Memphis shooting
Business
Pool school: Mother-daughter team have taught kids to swim for decades
When she began offering swim lessons nearly 40 years ago, Holly Self had no idea she was starting a family legacy.
Premium Spirit of Memphis Former NICU patient returns to Methodist Germantown as intern
Premium Health Care Memphis college embraces power of high-tech glasses
Spirit of Memphis Burke’s storied 150-year history could fill a book
Sports
Herrington: Keep it together or break it up? Grizzlies offseason decisions start at the ‘core.’
There have been a lot of whispers in recent weeks of the potential for major change on the Grizzlies roster this summer.
Memphis Grizzlies How far are Grizzlies from contending? Morant, Bane, Jackson share thoughts
Memphis Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman dishes on Grizz big three, coaching search, young roster
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Which Tigers earned a shot at the NFL
Food
Sound Bites: What’s planned for ‘Felicia’s 2.0’
Chef Felicia Willett-Schuchardt said Felicia Suzanne’s will offer signature dishes and Southern favorites.
Suburbs
Germantown to consider eliminating holiday decoration rules
Germantown will consider repealing its holiday decorations ordinance on Monday.
Arts & Culture
Lamar Sorrento paints world only way he knows how
“Some people, their goal in life is to be their authentic selves. Most people never get there,” said a longtime friend. “(Lamar Sorrento’s) gotten there and gone past it, I think.”
Opinion
Hutchinson: Beware of fake reviews
“About 30% of online reviews are fake and cost U.S. businesses nearly $152 billion per year in damaged reputations and lost revenue.”
Podcasts
Sound Bites: What’s planned for ‘Felicia’s 2.0’
Chef Felicia Willett-Schuchardt said Felicia Suzanne’s will offer signature dishes and Southern favorites.