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 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.