Positivity rate declines with small increase in positive cases; Randolph stresses holiday safety
Shelby County's positivity rate has declined slightly with a small increase in cases due to more than 1,400 administered tests Wednesday.
Coronavirus live blog, May 21: Executive order permits groups of 50
Gov. Bill Lee said he signed an executive order Thursday allowing groups of 50 to participate in social and recreational activity. But he continued to point toward the importance of social distancing as people gather. The order includes Shelby County and five other counties with health department independent of the state.
What a $12 million local COVID testing infusion will – and won’t – do
Mayor Jim Strickland’s proposal to expand testing moves the city closer to a more ambitious scaling up of COVID-19 testing as local health experts explore an even broader scale for the long term.
Tennessee unemployment highest in 37 years in April
Tennessee's unemployment rate in April was the highest on record, eclipsing a low-water mark that had stood since 1983.
Memphis airport traffic starting to rebound
Memphis International Airport passenger traffic fell 95% in April and appeared to start rebounding in May, while cargo activity strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kundarrius Taylor no longer with Memphis Tigers
The 6-foot-2 wide receiver tweeted Thursday afternoon that he entered the transfer portal.
Coach Penny Hardaway’s NBA experience has Tigers involved with Mac McClung
Former Georgetown player Mac McClung wants to improve his point guard skills for the NBA. There's no better teacher than Tigers coach Penny Hardaway.
Although limited, Mulqueen glad to get his 901 FC players back on the pitch
Enthusiasm and motivation are high as 901 FC players begin to transition back to doing what they do best.
Harris signs letter of intent for new $4 million voting system
The details of the winning proposal for the new voting machines were made public Thursday with the signature of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. Still to come is approval of funding by the Shelby County Commission.
Arcade games may be slow to return, but Rec Room heading outdoors
The venue also has become "home" to 901Wrestling, which hopes to resume live matches around mid-June when the Rec Room plans to reopen.
Attorney General asks Supreme Court to intervene in voucher lawsuit
Gov. Bill Lee said the State Attorney General has filed a request for the Tennessee Supreme Court to take the Education Savings Account case and allow it to move forward while the case is on appeal.
Herrington: Alone in the Jungle Room and other notes as Graceland reopens
How do you measure 6 feet of social distance in Elvis speak? Where the Memphis Zoo stenciled 6-foot markings of snakes and alligators on the ground when they reopened, Graceland has gone with six gold records or six teddy bears.
Daily Memphian takes 2 first-place honors in digital contest
Judges noted The Daily Memphian "had the best user interface in the category and the most balanced design with graphics and text" in awarding first place for best website.
Memphis adding additional four-game series with Arkansas State
Memphis will play Arkansas State eight times over the next 10 seasons after agreeing to a new four-game series.
Memphis area jobless claims top 100,000 since pandemic hit
Tennessee reported 6,081 new jobless claims from the Memphis area, raising nine-week total to 86,080 in southwest Tennessee and likely pushing it to more than 103,000 in the metro area.
Metro
On Christmas, everybody eats at Brother Juniper’s
“We feel like it’s part of our job, especially on Christmas Day of all days, to get up and give back the way we know how, which is with a good meal and some company,” said owner Patrick Koplin at the restaurant’s 25th annual holiday community meal.
Premium Education Attorney: Claims against Feagins are ‘weak,’ and she ‘absolutely’ wants to keep her job
Business
What’s on the road ahead for newly independent FedEx Freight
Analysts say FedEx Freight, worth $30 billion, should be traded against its peers, not locked up inside.
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
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
Recipe Exchange: Ice Cream Brownie Sundae Pie
Kaye’s Pints & Scoops own Kameisha Wilson says ice cream is not just for the summer. Here is a ice cream pie she makes every year for the holidays.
Suburbs
Bartlett schools superintendent contract extended through 2028-29
David Stephens’ contract was extended recently, continuing his service at Bartlett City Schools for four more years. Stephens is the district’s only superintendent since its inception in 2014.
Arts & Culture
Hello, 2025: New Year’s Eve parties and resolution inspo for the year ahead
We’ve got your guide to New Year’s Eve events for adults (and even one for kids!), and we’ve included some inspiration to help you meet your 2025 health goals.
Opinion
Echols: It’s all about time
“Whether too much or not enough or just the right amount, time is the thread running through every last tidbit of our human existence. ... And time is what this season of Advent is all about.”
Podcasts
Tigers Podcast: Football season recap, basketball’s rough schedule
Memphis football writer Frank Bonner II, basketball writer Parth Upadhyaya and columnist John Martin discuss this year’s football season and the raised level of expectations for Memphis basketball as it prepares for its final two non-conference games.