Coronavirus live blog, May 18: Hybrid model likely for schools in fall
Shelby County Schools superintendent Joris Ray outlines the district’s long-term strategy for reopening schools.
Phase 2 reopening begins, expands waiting period to 21 days
The second phase of reopening the Memphis area economy began Monday, May 18. It will go for 21 days before a much more ambitious third and final phase of the reopening plan.
Commissioner has a plan to cut expenses
'Despite our financial soundness, everyone in Shelby County soon will be paying more in property taxes unless my colleagues on the County Commission embrace a serious reality check regarding the shortfall in the county’s general fund.'
Here’s what Phase 2 reopenings look like
A rundown of what's included in Phase 2 of the new Shelby County Health Department directive.
County officials want cloth face coverings to be required, not requested
The resolution urges Health Department officials to require Shelby County residents and visitors to wear masks when out and about.
Here are the people advising Memphis school leaders on fall return
Superintendent Joris Ray said a plan to return to school could be a mix of in-person and online instruction. It’s still not clear when the 2020-21 school year will start, but Ray said he expects to present a school re-entry plan in early July.
FedEx, Microsoft tag team to ‘revolutionize commerce’
FedEx and Microsoft have formed a strategic alliance that company leaders believe will "revolutionize" commerce by giving businesses more visibility into and control of inventories and supply chains.
West Tennessee prisons, Shelby County Jail hit hard by coronavirus
At least three prisons in West Tennessee and the Shelby County jail top the list of correctional facilities with inmates and detainees who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Herrington: Government mask ordinances risk doing more harm than good
The elevation of mask-usage into a kind of political symbol is a drag — it’s flat-out dumb — but it’s happened, and I’d worry that a government requirement, even a loosely enforced one, would increase the political strife around the issue without a commensurate increase in compliance.
Strickland to close $26 million revenue hole in current budget from familiar sources
The $26 million in red ink is mostly from drops in sales tax revenue because of the closing of "nonessential" businesses in the pandemic. The plan for the current fiscal year, including more use of the city's reserves, was presented to city council members Monday with a vote possible at Tuesday's council session.
Shelby County tests far below goal, 42 new cases
Shelby County saw 42 new cases of coronavirus from only 688 tests reported Monday. The county's positivity rate overall is 7.2%.
Memphis adding scholarship kicker with class of 2021
The Memphis Tigers plan to add a kicker in the class of 2021 — two of their targets find their successful special teams history appealing.
Memphis Tigers holding simulation showdown between two historic teams
Memphis plans to hold a "simulation showdown" between two historic Tiger teams.
Lee tours new, $51M coronavirus care facility in former CA building
The hospital will open when numbers of COVID-19 patients make it necessary; they will arrive by ambulance in a drive-up bay off Beale Street.
Hopdoddy in Overton Square is closed for good
Count Hopdoddy in Overton Square among the restaurants in town that closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and will not reopen.
BCS taps Abraham as principal of Bartlett Ninth Grade Academy
The vice principal at Bartlett High School will take over the reins at the academy beginning July 1.
Raymond James files more allegations against landlord
Raymond James wants to go another legal round against its Downtown Memphis landlord. The company also reveals that six years ago it negotiated to be anchor tenant for what is likely the planned One Beale office tower.
When the Civil War siege of Corinth ended, the conquest of Memphis began
Even though Corinth was a small town of about 1,200, its location made it the key to controlling the western half of the Confederacy and its most important city, Memphis.
After canceling TNReady exams, state must pay millions for testing prep work
Decisions about payment and future tests are among scores of questions and adjustments that all states are dealing with after the pandemic shuttered schools nationwide before testing season got underway.
Election changes churn political waters
The Shelby County Election Commission picked new voting machines earlier this month without the public knowing the name of the company or the price. But it has done little to settle the ongoing debate about changes to how Memphis voters exercise their right.
Marathon day for County Commission fails to produce budget
The commission calculated cuts and additions to the $1.4 billion budget, which must be approved by June 30.
Metro
The Early Word: Inside look at Lobley’s bail hearing and the new ‘Old Bridge’
State lawmakers pass $53B budget, Sugarmon wants more time for juvie takeover and we’ve got the scoop on a Downtown gelato shop.
Public Safety Up to $250K a year going to small businesses in high-crime areas
Business
Orpheum Theatre, Beale Street string lights to be installed second quarter
The 700 linear feet of string lights will be hung 22 feet in the air and stretch from the theater to the Downtown Mobility Center.
Premium Business Loudean’s bids farewell to Cooper-Young
Sports
Spring game preview: Expected format, rotations
Memphis’ spring football game, which is free to attend, will be split between two evenly matched teams of blue and gray. It will include two 12-minute quarters, followed by four untimed drives.
Memphis Grizzlies Bill that would help finish FedExForum financing delayed
Food
Tommy’s Burger California Style adds Bartlett location
With a West Coast flavor and a secret sauce, Tommy’s Burger California Style will open its second local restaurant in Bartlett later this month.
Suburbs
Demolition of Relax Inn in Lakeland underway
Lakeland Commissioner Wesley Wright points out that there has been a precipitous drop in crime in the city since the Econo Lodge was demolished last year.
Arts & Culture
Overton Park Shell concerts include Black Opry, Bar-Kays, Bodywerk
Shows include Cyrena Wages, Aaron James, MonoNeon, Talibah Safiya with MadameFraankie, Blvck Hippie and Lukah with Hope Clayburn & The Fire Salamander.
Opinion
Calkins: A Memphis theater producer found a brother he never knew about. A story straight from the stage.
After nearly four decades, Memphis theater producer Mike Detroit found a full brother he never knew existed. It’s a mystery that could be a miniseries. But even Detroit warns: “There are parts you may not believe.”
Podcasts
Vintage901 brings the culinary arts to all of Memphis
At its core, Vintage901 is about good food, good wine and the connections people make through eating and drinking together.
Games
Sudoku: April 17
Ready for a bit of a challenge? This sudoku is rated medium.