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
The Early Word: Cops allegedly race Corvettes; pastor gets house arrest
Collierville has a new prosecutor, Silverfield is feeling “angst” over UAB game and we look at scores from students with private-school vouchers.
Premium North Mississippi Former youth pastor spared prison for child sexual battery
Shelby County Lowery wants a ‘change in culture,’ Pearson gears up fundraising, and Republicans want Sawyer to resign
Premium Millington Ask the Memphian: What’s the story of the Shelby Forest Pig Man?
Business
The AM/DM podcast: A liquor store without liquor
The Station is open, but the East Memphis liquor store isn’t serving everything it wanted to.
Premium Transportation & Logistics Long pause for laughter: FedEx commercials poke fun at office power moves
Premium Health Care Glasses that slow nearsightedness in children now FDA-approved
Premium Transportation & Logistics When Nashville air traffic control went dark, Memphis took over
Sports
American conference plans to introduce basketball player availability reports
Basketball player availability reports for the American Conference are still in the preliminary phase. Football is currently in its first season of publishing reports two hours before each game.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Hardaway pushes American Conference to schedule strategically
Premium Memphis Tigers Football How UAB firing Trent Dilfer impacts the Tigers’ game prep
Premium Memphis Tigers Football American commissioner hopeful College GameDay can visit Memphis
Food
Table Talk: On today’s menu, surplus ingredients
“Chefs who find ways to reduce food waste are the ones who inspire me the most. They’re not just resourceful; they’re spectacularly imaginative.”
Suburbs
Former youth pastor spared prison for child sexual battery
A former high school coach and youth minister at a DeSoto County church pleaded guilty to sexual battery with a minor, but her sentence was considered too lenient by District Attorney Matthew Barton.
Arts & Culture
Collage Dance debuts a new season, new members program
Collage’s $25,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant was canceled earlier this year, but the Memphis dance company is forging ahead with a new season of shows that open this weekend.
Opinion
Echols: ‘Walking in Memphis’ isn’t what it once was
Candace Echols says she walks the line between “a willingness to satisfy my human craving for a good run” and “a consent to be on high alert.”
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Three losses, Coward hits the court
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington react to the Grizzlies’ preseason losses and discuss what they have seen from Cedric Coward this month.