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
MSCS gets better report card in third year of state letter grades
About one in three local schools improved their letter grade, and one in five scored worse.
State Government Tennessee Democratic leader urges cannabis reform following Trump executive order
City of Memphis ‘Place of Grace’ apartments latest piece of Bickford housing renewal
City of Memphis City of Memphis, Memphis Fire Fighters Association winding down litigation
City of Memphis National Guard could be in Memphis well into 2026 after court ruling
Business
FedEx reports strong 2nd quarter
FedEx Corp. reported strong second quarter earnings despite air-traffic constraints, the grounding of 25 MD-11 planes, industry weakness and global trade-policy changes.
Transportation & Logistics Memphis airport being renamed after Fred Smith
Business Alcohol Commission postpones decision on The Station for three weeks
Premium Real Estate Downtown mid-century high-rise bought for more than $3M
Real Estate Club 616, Spectrum property to be revitalized
Sports
Buckley: When it’s late, the Tigers aren’t great. Seriously, what gives?
Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers are having late-game woes, and Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State was no exception. But Curtis Givens III says it’s fixable.
Update Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis comes up short on road to Mississippi State for third straight loss
Sports Chambliss and Ole Miss ace their test without Kiffin and beat Tulane in the CFP
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Memphis senior William Whitlow Jr. ‘not mad’ at teammates who opted out of bowl game
Memphis Tigers Football NC State Wolfpack chews up Tigers in Gasparilla Bowl
Food
Food Files: Belltower Coffee Arlington closes, Flip Side pauses service
Flip Side Pinball Bar is closed temporarily for ownership restructuring and renovation. Belltower Coffee in Arlington has closed.
Food Boscos, Memphis Made commemorate ’94 ice storm with Christmas ale
Suburbs
DeSoto County judge charged with DUI after Hernando traffic stop
A DeSoto County Justice Court judge is facing her own legal problems after erratic driving and a detour through a front yard led to driving under the influence charges in Hernando.
Premium Arlington Arlington welcomes 125th anniversary with open doors
Arts & Culture
Carol like its 1837, explore a winter wonderland and have a beer with Santa
This week, Central Station hosts its last Ladies’ Night, The PRVLG plays the New Daisy and Lafayette’s is having a “Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Premium Visual Arts From Memphis to Milwaukee to Christmas Day: Craig Brewer’s journey to his biggest moviemaking stage yet
Opinion
Opinion: Chanukah is about the strength of faith and finding light even in the darkest of times
“Whether Chanukah falls in middle or late December, this is the season when long anticipated movies are released, including the second movie installment of the iconic Broadway musical ‘Wicked.’”
Opinion ‘A strong Fourth Estate is essential to a healthy democracy, and it starts locally’
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Jaren Jackson Jr. finds the flow
Jaren Jackson Jr. has struggled this season but found offensive success in wins over the Clippers and Timberwolves. Will this version of the All-Star stick around?
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Christmas music and holiday spirit
Games
Sudoku: Dec. 19
Are you ready for today’s puzzles?