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
New U of M institute understands the importance of flower power
The university’s new unit, headed by a global expert in sunflowers, focuses on how to boost agriculture specifically in the Mississippi Delta.
Spirit of Memphis On Christmas Day, everybody eats at Brother Juniper’s
Business
Memphis wrap star, former St. Jude patient meet on reality show
After filming on “The Ultimate Gift Wrapping Challenge” wrapped in Pennsylvania, Vanessa West and Adrienne Myers met again — this time back home in Memphis over lunch at La Baguette.
Transportation & Logistics American Airlines briefly grounded flights on Christmas Eve
Sports
Net gains: Santi Aldama’s play once was ‘trash.’ Now the Grizzlies love it.
With inspiration from a book about tennis, sports psychology and more, Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama’s game has taken a huge step forward.
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: No Grizzlies for Christmas? The NBA’s loss.
Food
Table Talk: Holiday traditions, with food and family at the table
The holidays are about gathering with friends and family, with good meals as a centerpiece.
Suburbs
Public documents on Harvest plane crash released, final report imminent
Hundreds of pages of investigative reports on the 2023 plane crash that killed four members of Harvest Church in Germantown are now public, including official interviews, expert accounts on the aircraft and wreckage and more.
Arts & Culture
Memphis Movies This Week: ‘A Complete Unknown,’ ‘Babygirl,’ more
A quartet of very different, but quite notable, new movies open in Memphis on Christmas Day.
Opinion
Opinion: A call for solutions and community empowerment
“While I agree that our police department can and should improve, the real question for me is this: Will a Federal Government consent decree yield the true results our community is seeking — will it make Memphis better?”
Podcasts
Memphis mayor plans task force to address police reform
Paul Young offered more detail in a Behind The Headlines interview on what’s next for MPD after a scathing federal report into the department’s policies and practices.