Testing jumps back up in Shelby County as positive rate declines
The latest COVID-19 data is consistent with the trend the pandemic is stabilizing in Shelby County.
State to lift capacity restrictions on restaurants in most counties
With the spread of COVID-19 appearing to weaken, the state’s Economic Recovery Group announced Friday, May 15, it will lift capacity restrictions on restaurants and retail in areas not covered by local directives, such as Shelby County.
Phase 2 reopening decision likely to come Monday
A Phase 2 reopening of the Memphis area economy appears imminent after Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said Friday, May 15, she sees no significant barriers to a continued loosening of restrictions.
Tigers pick up Evansville transfer DeAndre Williams
DeAndre Williams, who played last season at Evansville, has announced that he will transfer to Memphis, adding a power forward to the Tigers roster if he is eligible next season.
A winding road for DeAndre Williams ends up in Memphis
Evansville transfer DeAndre Williams committed to Memphis Friday. The 'college journeyman' has a unique back story.
Coronavirus live blog, May 15: Health Department anticipates making Phase 2 announcement Monday
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said there are “no significant barriers” to reopening, but that it would be premature to reopen before the full 14 days.
Calkins: Gibson’s is open! And life has sprinkles again!
There was a line of people waiting when Gibson's Donuts re-opened at 5 a.m. Friday. They weren't just there for the donuts. They were there for the joy.
Lakeland approves budget on first reading, green lights park projects
Lakeland would maintain the same $1.24 tax rate if budget passes on second and final reading.
Clergy sync up to promote delay of in-person worship
A large group of Memphis-area faith leaders has made and just released a video promoting the continued delay of face-to-face worship until conditions improve with COVID-19.
Pandrol, Ampro plan to invest more in manufacturing
Pandrol plans to increase its capital investment in Memphis from $9.3 million to $12.9 million, and Ampro plans to invest $6 million to manufacture a new product line at its plant in Frayser.
Calkins: Pepper Rodgers believed in Memphis before it was fashionable
Pepper Rodgers died Thursday at the age of 88. He wasn't just a football coach. He was a civic salesman when Memphis needed it most.
Third legal challenge seeks to waive absentee voting requirements
The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Tennessee, and Dechert LLP filed a lawsuit Friday, May 15, seeking to make absentee voting available to all eligible Tennessee voters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grizzlies reopen practice facility for voluntary, individual player workouts
This week, the Memphis Grizzlies joined the growing list of NBA teams who have reopened their practice facility to voluntary, individual player workouts. League-wide, practice facilities were closed on March 19 because of coronavirus concerns.
Dedric Lawson Classic set for Jan. 16 at Wooddale
Ten local high school teams, two based in Atlanta and one from Canada have committed to event. Girls basketball will be represented as well.
Harding baseball coach Stevens resigns after 21 years; headed to Arlington
A chance to work with his coaching brother was too good for Al Stevens to pass up.
Baker, barber, groomer receive grants to sustain inner-city businesses
The Economic Development Growth Engine has $862,500 left to distribute in Neighborhood Emergency Economic Development grants after approving 24 grants totaling $137,500 over the past three weeks.
Now open: Memphis Farmers Market adjusts to the new coronavirus normal
Patrons will be asked to wear masks, practice social distancing and may have to wait to get in.
Developer proposes apartments next to Fairgrounds, designed by LRK
A four-story, 127-unit apartment building is proposed for the east edge of the Fairgrounds.
Momentum scores load of masks, a key need in nonprofit sector
A source helped Momentum score 30,000 masks, given at no cost to help agencies here. In 10 minutes, they were taken.
Destination: Delicious Podcast: Dining in a reopening city
These days, restaurants are setting timers to make sure a list of items gets cleaned every 30 minutes.
Metro
‘Harder than it looks': Newcomers give curling a whirl at Mid-South Ice House
About 30 people showed up to the Mid-South Ice House Saturday to learn the ancient sport of curling, taught by members of the Mid-South Curling Club.
Premium Public Safety Crime victims’ safety net unraveling with continued cuts
Metro Storms bring strong wind, heavy rainfall but no major damage
Metro D.C. Scorecard: Federal government avoids shutdown
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
‘Harder than it looks': Newcomers give curling a whirl at Mid-South Ice House
About 30 people showed up to the Mid-South Ice House Saturday to learn the ancient sport of curling, taught by members of the Mid-South Curling Club.
Memphis Grizzlies Box Score: Grizzlies 125, Heat 91
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball What to watch in Memphis’ AAC Tournament title game vs. UAB
Bartlett Bradley Central races past Bartlett for Class 4A title
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
Opinion: Building a new jail won’t make us safer
Foster: “By prioritizing community investment, Shelby County can address the root causes of crime rather than perpetuating a cycle of incarceration.”
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.