Calkins: Hey, Memphians, there’s good news on COVID-19 (so you’re allowed to embrace it)
The experts are "optimistic and hopeful" about the trajectory of COVID-19 in Memphis. So you can be, too.
New coronavirus cases and testing jump locally
This is the fifth time in the past eight days, Shelby County reported at least 100 new coronavirus cases. The average is about 96 new cases a day as testing numbers over the same eight-day span is 1,407.
Voucher program draws support without a word
Tennessee’s Education Savings Account program drew support in Republican-controlled subcommittees Tuesday, May 26, 2020, with hardly a word.
County Commission tries once again to solidify the budget
The County Commission has until June 30 to approve a balanced operating budget for the county.
Clark Tower’s ownership is changing, tenants told
In-Rel Properties said in an email that the East Memphis landmark will change ownership due to the outcome of a legal case.
Collierville proposing flat tax rate for 2020-21 budget
Despite a decrease in sales tax revenue, Collierville is proposing a flat property tax rate. The tax rate will remain at $1.83 per $100 of assessed property value.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral School ends its high school program
The school was unable to withstand the impact of a world pandemic, economic recession and competition from other schools.
Grizzlies questions and answers as the NBA prepares for return
The NBA has been in discussions with the Walt Disney World about hosting games in a controlled “campus” or “bubble” environment in Orlando. And it looks like the Grizzlies will be part of the picture.
Legislation could give DeBerry a chance to get back on ballot as independent
Legislation in the General Assembly’s renewed COVID-19 session could help Democratic state Rep. John DeBerry find his way back on the ballot in 2020 after the Democratic Party took him off.
Behind the Headlines: TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash
MLGW's 80-year partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority is up for renewal. TVA president and CEO Jeff Lyash talks with Eric Barnes and Bill Dries about the benefits of continuing this contract.
CBU to start earlier, end fall semester by Thanksgiving
Classes will be a combination of face-to-face and online; in some cases, double occupancy will be possible in dorms.
Houston High cancels traditional graduation ceremony
Houston High told families it will not hold a traditional graduation in June. Germantown Municipal School District made the announcement Tuesday.
Legislation on pay for student-athlete endorsements fails
An effort to tweak the NCAA's nose failed Tuesday in the General Assembly as two Memphis lawmakers' bills allowing student-athletes to be compensated failed to gain traction.
COVID-19 crimps AutoZone profits, stalls sales growth
AutoZone chairman, president and chief executive Bill Rhodes said he's "quite bullish" on the Memphis-based auto-parts retailer's future, despite short-term headwinds from COVID-19.
Memphis baseball’s Hunter Goodman named an All-American
Catcher Hunter Goodman, who played at Arlington High, is the 11th player in the history of the University of Memphis baseball program to receive All-American by Collegiate Baseball recognition.
FedEx offers #SupportSmall business grants
FedEx's new #SupportSmall business grant program is accepting applications through June 12. Winners will receive $5,000 grants and $500 in print and business services.
How Stax Museum will reopen – Executive Director Jeff Kollath joins Eric Barnes on the Extra Podcast
The head of the Stax Museum talks about plans for reopening — and contemplates when live music and events will happen again.
Metro
Human error caused temporary voter registration lookup outage, Secretary of State says
The Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office said Wednesday that the issues some voters had accessing their registration Tuesday night stemmed from a computer glitch.
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: JJJ is traded away; Green wants snow plan for side streets
Metro The AM/DM podcast: A Ford era ends
Education Gov. Bill Lee wants $155 million to fund 20,000 new vouchers
Elections New bill would bar some Tennesseans from running for Congress
Business
Uncovering the Legacy at 87 Adams: Downtown Memphis church will memorialize thousands
From 1855 to 1862, about 3,800 slaves were sold in what is now Calvary Episcopal Church’s parking lot. The church is shedding a light on this history, and it received a major grant for its effort.
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Premium Spirit of Memphis Seeds for lawyer’s success planted when she was a child
Winter Weather Business From Cash Saver to Kroger, stores work to restock after winter storm
Premium Business International Paper splits into two public companies, reports $23.6B in 2025 sales
Sports
What to watch when Memphis faces UAB on the road
The Tigers are searching for ways to beat UAB in Birmingham, Alabama.
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Herrington: Analyzing the JJJ deal — and what’s next for the Grizzlies
Premium Geoff Calkins Calkins: Jaren Jackson had to be traded. Because it’s time for the Grizzlies to start again.
Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies trade two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah
Premium Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies 25: Mike Miller’s jump shot was one version of basketball beauty
Food
With savory hand pies, Whisks of Doom whips up a different type of bakery
Founder Allie Trotter said Whisks of Doom was never meant to fit into traditional bakery culture, which she describes as too “cotton candy” for her taste.
Premium Spirit of Memphis Memphis caterer delivers all the way to Holly Springs — due to weather
Suburbs
Could Bartlett get rid of its property tax?
Bartlett Alderman David Reaves wants the suburb to look into eliminating property taxes, but others wonder how the suburb would make up the lost revenue.
Winter weather Arlington Suburbs pretreated roads, but still need help from Mother Nature
Arts & Culture
Pro cornhole comes to town, and the Dixon celebrates 50 years
In this week’s To-Do List, a new Pink Palace exhibit explores the science and culture of food. And Urban Earth hosts a workshop on air plants.
Premium Visual Arts Arts Beat: Satisfying our craving for crafting
Opinion
Opinion: Like Minneapolis, Memphis doesn’t have an ‘immigration problem’
“Introducing immigration enforcement into our neighborhoods does not make us safer; it fractures trust, drives fear underground and harms families who are already contributing quietly and faithfully to the life of this city.”
Premium Chris Herrington Herrington: Ty Jerome’s return, GG Jackson’s reemergence and Mike Conley nearing the end
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: A Ford era ends
Last year, Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. was charged with seven counts of federal bribery and tax evasion charges. This week, he pleaded guilty to five of them.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: The difference between Memphis and Minneapolis
Games
Sudoku: Feb. 3
Ready for today’s sudokus?