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
Storms bring strong wind, heavy rainfall but no major damage
Most of the bad weather started early in the morning Saturday, March 15, National Weather Service meteorologist Caitlin Dirkes said. The early thunderstorms brought gusts up to 60 miles per hour.
State Government Legislation would strip MSCS board members of most duties and powers
Metro Why Mid-South tornadoes can be more dangerous than those in Tornado Alley
Public Safety Frayser pastor shot and killed early Wednesday
Business
Food Files: Memphis juice shop closes, another one opens
Here’s some juicy info.
Health Care TV’s Richard Ransom joins Methodist Le Bonheur staff
Real Estate New residential neighborhood planned near Mike Rose complex
Premium Real Estate Inked: Industrial space headed to auction, CanopyNation expands to East Memphis
Sports
Box score: No. 16 Memphis 78, Tulane 77
Here is the box score for Saturday’s AAC Tournament semifinal game between the Memphis Tigers and Tulane Green Wave played in Fort Worth, Texas.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis escapes upset to beat Tulane, advances to AAC Tournament title game
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis’ Tyrese Hunter leaves Tulane game with injury
Sports Tennessee Vols knock off Auburn to reach SEC Tournament finals
Food
$10 Deal: Chukis’ hefty, cheese-wrapped Birriburro
A word of warning: This is not a “light lunch” situation. This is a commitment. You’re either going to need a nap afterward or a solid reason to walk around for the next hour.
Suburbs
Bartlett swats aside Cookeville to advance to Class 4A final
Bartlett’s Akya Woods sparks an early run that gave the Panthers control over Cookeville, and the Panthers never looked back.
Arts & Culture
Memphis Grizzlies program spotlights local artists
Grizzlies fans seeking fresh gear can find hoodies emblazoned with “Standing on Grizzness,” embroidered color-block hats and other custom merchandise designed by Memphis artists at select home games.
Opinion
Conaway: A time for reflection — and mayonnaise
“For me, Lent is a time for reflection. The journey so far, the journey at present, and the journey to come. That’s what I feel called to do these 40 days.”
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Tony Allen stories, Ja Morant’s surge and a winning streak
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington recap Ja Morant’s recent surge, retell some of the best Tony Allen stories and talk about the Yuki Kawamura phenomenon.