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
Man accused of citywide shooting spree will go to trial next summer
Ezekiel Kelly faces dozens of charges for allegedly killing three people and injuring three others on Sept. 7, 2022 while Memphis was on lockdown.
Premium Spirit of Memphis Hill: They said she’d never touch her toes again. Now she’s a yoga teacher.
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
Friday football report: Houston, Collierville set for Class 6A quarterfinal rematch
Ladeadrick James’ touchdown lifts Mustangs over Bartlett while the Dragons blank Germantown.Related content:
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Love it, Like it or Hate it: Reviewing Memphis’ win against Ohio
Food
Memphian wins 2024 World Food Championship division
Eight Memphians were among the 288 teams competing at this year’s World Food Championships; division winners take home $10,000 and a chance to compete for $150,000 in the spring.
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.