Herrington: Reopening? We’ll wait and see
The city and county can loosen restrictions, but a tour of Midtown and Downtown neighborhoods shows businesses and potential customers still have decisions to make.
Some restaurants opened as rules lifted, but tables were largely empty
While takeout continued, Monday lunch was slow at restaurants that opened for the first day of dine-in since mid-March.
Calkins: Reopen Memphis? Empty shops and restaurants show it’ll take more than mayors to do that
The government didn't shut down the economy. COVID-19 did that. So it'll take more than the government to open Memphis back up.
Coronavirus live blog, May 4: Free testing set for Hickory Hill
Christ Community Health Services is hosting free, drive-thru coronavirus testing from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at Mendenhall Mall. No appointment is required and those seeking a test do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms.
Memphis Kindness Blog: Mike Conley donates to CodeCrew
Former Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley donated to CodeCrew. The funds will help provide laptops and supplies for students who may need them for distance learning.
Chancellor strikes down school voucher law
Davidson County Chancellor Anne C. Martin has struck down the state’s private school voucher law, known as the Education Savings Account (ESA) Pilot Program.
Hair care businesses move into first phase of local reopenings
Barber and beauty shops can reopen as early as Wednesday in Shelby County under new health department directives announced Monday.
Businesses reopen with largely sparse traffic
The reopening of businesses across Shelby County started out quiet and slow, with some stores not even taking advantage of the first day of the Back to Business plan.
Leaders weigh ‘Back to Business’ risks of reopening badly
Local leaders worry that conflicting and inconsistent policies could make "Back to Business" rules more difficult to maintain and reopening risks more difficult to control.
Collierville names Dale Lane police chief
Collierville appointed Dale Lane as its next chief of police. Lane succeeds Chief David Tillner, who retired following complaints of low morale and lack of direction in the department.
Shelby County Commission says no to Harris’ wheel tax increase
Many county commissioners said their constituents don't like the wheel tax, don't know how it's used and thought it was going away.
Houses razed for Overton Square apartments
LPI Memphis, the owner of Overton Square, plans to build a three-story, 18-unit apartment building in the entertainment and dining district.
Case count rises locally as testing continues to expand
The looming question now is how will the phased-in reopening affect the county’s progress in slowing the spread of the virus in recent weeks.
Post Office adds grace period for holding mail during pandemic
The U.S. Postal Service will give customers additional time to collect mail that's been held by the Post Office during the COVID-19 crisis.
Bartlett native sings from home in ‘The Voice’ finals
Local vocal coach Mandi Thomas performed in the Top 17 round of the 18th season of NBC's "The Voice" on Monday, May 4. On the results episode at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, the artists will be pared down to the Top 9.
Tigers Notebook: Transfer rules, Penny Hardaway briefly appears in ‘The Last Dance’
Penny Hardaway voiced his displeasure Friday with the reported delay in transfer rule changes. Does the timing make sense?
Tourism industry marks milestone sans visitors
Memphis Tourism is encouraging Memphians to virtually celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week 2020. The focus is "resilience and hope in the face of the coronavirus pandemic."
Metro
Despite community concern, xAI gets air-emissions permit
The Shelby County Health Department received more than 1,000 public comments on the project.Related content:
Education DeSoto Hope awards first scholarships to students affected by cancer
Public Safety MPD identifies second victim in Memphis Rox shooting
Public Safety Police arrest mother of man who allegedly brought gun to 201 Poplar
Business
Redbirds stir up controversy with ‘Big Beautiful Buffet’ post
“Gross, gross.” “It’s OK to make a mistake.” “Yikes!” Memphians react to a Redbirds ad for a Fourth of July celebration.
Shelby County Mayor appoints interim public health director
Premium Health Care Outgoing leader navigated health department through turbulent times
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Sports
Grizzlies release initial timeline for Jaren Jackson Jr. recovery
“Further updates will be provided as appropriate,” the team said.Related articles:
Grizzlies Podcast Grizzlies podcast: Memphis free agency fireworks
Business Redbirds stir up controversy with ‘Big Beautiful Buffet’ post
Sports ‘Don’t Blink’ or you’ll miss the Roller Derby World Cup
Food
Celtic Crossing reopening after crash
“Structurally, things may be a little different,” said the owners, but the Cooper-Young pub is coming back with a specialty cocktail.
Suburbs
Maeve’s brings Irish fare to Collierville square
The new Maeve’s could have been a second Bog & Barley but the restaurant group decided to do something different.
Arts & Culture
Pro tips for pollinator gardens
How to get more native plants into your yard — and your life. Related content:
Opinion
Buckley: Memphis Tigers coach feels like he’s working in the pros. Again.
“A decade after leaving the NFL, it’s basically as if the Memphis Tigers' Ryan Silverfield is back coaching professional football.”
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Memphis free agency fireworks
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington react to the Grizzlies’ free agency agreements that were reported on Monday night.