Lots of COVID-19 data but few answers about what the numbers mean for reopening
The slowly rising tide of local confirmed COVID-19 cases and related deaths can get lost in the uneven ebb and flow of daily numbers.
Harris outlines $11.4 million expansion of Health Department
The expansion is the first allotment of nearly $50 million in federal CARES Act funding for Shelby County government and goes to the Shelby County Commission approval. County Mayor Lee Harris already has a plan for the rest of the money outside of the health department.
Lamar to keep fighting for universal absentee ballots
State Rep. London Lamar said Wednesday it is "irresponsible and inconsiderate" to ask tens of thousands of Tennesseans to go to the polls just months after the governor ordered them to stay home to avoid COVID-19.
Local case rate stabilized over past month as testing jumped
The stabilization of Shelby County’s COVID-19 new case rate, along with increased testing and the steadily declining positivity rate, are among factors officials are considering when deciding whether Memphis and Shelby County should expand the reopening plan in the coming weeks.
Budget committee leaders find millions to cut in next year’s Shelby County budget
Budget committee Chairman Eddie Jones and Vice Chairman Edmund Ford Jr. presented the proposal. Work on the budget resumes in a special committee meeting Monday before the full Shelby County Commission session.
Silverfield right ‘at home’ at Memphis
Tigers football coach Ryan Silverfield can walk to work; now if only the pandemic would abate so his day could include working with players and staff in person.
Coronavirus Live Blog, May 13: Malco reopening Summer Drive-In
Vehicle admission will be limited per screen and guests must purchase a carload ticket in advance.
Haslams want to hire 1,000 college students to tutor children
At a price tag of about $1 million, the program marks the first major statewide investment in addressing learning loss due to the public health emergency.
Shelby County Schools board approves $1.37 billion budget
Board members also approved a $65 million capital improvement budget — more than double the $25 million that the county mayor has proposed for school building needs.
Longtime South City businesses plan renovations
Both founded in South City in the 1960s, Paradise Entertainment Center and Tom Martin's Body Shop plan to improve the exterior of their buildings.
Passengers expected to return slowly to Memphis airport
Memphis International Airport will use a coronavirus stimulus grant to offset passenger losses, while depending on FedEx and other cargo carriers to shoulder the bulk of airfield operating costs.
Calkins: Johnathan Lawson gets an offer from Memphis — and at long last, a bitter feud may be at an end
Johnathan Lawson received a scholarship offer to play basketball at Memphis. So the long, twisted saga of the Lawson family at Memphis may have a happy end.
County Commission panel approves trash service for Northaven
Weekly trash collection services for Northaven residents could begin as early as July 1.
Contract extensions for Wellpath don’t sit well with Shelby County
County commissioners discussed, but didn’t vote, on extending the contract with the county's contracted inmate health care provider.
Metro
MPD is not working with ICE on immigration, Young says
“Certainly, one of the challenges is the issue around immigration enforcement, we know that immigration is not an issue in Memphis,” Memphis Mayor Paul Young said
Education MSCS says it’s on track to improve chronic absenteeism
Premium South Memphis Pastors take steps to control task force impact on their congregations
City of Memphis Mayor nominates new Memphis fire chief
Business
How Malcolm Rawls helps Memphis RISE
“So many people in Memphis, unfortunately, are pros at managing poverty,” Malcolm Rawls said. “The biggest challenge is breaking the shame and stigma around asking for help with money and money management.”
Premium Real Estate ‘A rising tide lifts all boats': Local vet has a vision for Collierville Square
Premium Business New initiative introduces Memphis-area students to high-demand careers
Premium Spirit of Memphis For this dentist who makes house calls, her life mission is ‘more than just about teeth’
Sports
Grizzlies comeback falls short against Pistons
Memphis cut Detroit’s lead to 103-100 with 3:09 left, but a surge by Wade Cunningham ended the threat.
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies coach says discussions with Morant to remain ‘internal’
Memphis Grizzlies Box score: Pistons 114, Grizzlies 106
Memphis Tigers Football Memphis moves up in national rankings
Food
What to order: The Memphian’s Korean BBQ short ribs and mushroom flatbread
Why bar hop the block when you can simply hop on an elevator?
Suburbs
Heroes needed: Youth Villages preps for annual Holiday Heroes initiative
The Holiday Heroes program for Youth Villages is underway and the organization is looking for volunteers to make the holidays special for young people under its care.
Arts & Culture
Orpheum Theatre Group to get a ‘facelift’ by 100th anniversary
The revitalization project is the latest in the Orpheum Theatre Group’s work to modernize the Downtown campus.
Opinion
Guest Column: ‘Living in Memphis means choosing life over fear’
“We can’t let people who don’t actually live in Memphis tell us how terrible our own city is. ... Yes, there’s risk here – but there’s also rhythm, resilience and beauty.”
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: Visit a Downtown restaurant and the City Council
On this episode of The AM/DM podcast, editorial director Mary Cashiola and newsletter editor Bianca Phillips help you prepare for the week ahead.