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
Pro TIPS: State program chips in for college savings accounts
Through TIPS, eligible Tennessee families can get up to $1,500 to help pay for college.
City of Memphis Council to have final vote on not extending sewer service beyond city
Public Safety Nearly half of federal charges against Memphis doctor dismissed
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: ‘No Kings’ in the city, but a Downtown bar may have ghosts
Business
Local packaging facility to close, laying off 76 employees
Crescent Park Corp., an outsourcing packaging partner and fulfillment company, will close Dec. 31.
Premium Business Memphis has an affordable housing shortage, but a new program will help reduce it
Premium Business No need for stage fright, this karaoke club lets you sing in private
Premium Real Estate Daily Memphian seminar to focus on developing Downtown and Midtown
Sports
Tigers update starting quarterback’s injury status as attention turns to USF
Two days after starter Brendon Lewis left a loss to UAB early, and with South Florida coming to town, Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield addresses quarterback options.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Coach Cal Countdown: Darius Washington Jr. had three shots to lift Memphis into the NCAA Tournament
High School Sports State volleyball preview: Arlington, Briarcrest on the title hunt in Murfreesboro
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Why did Memphis choose freshman AJ Hill to replace its injured starting quarterback?
Food
Sound Bites: Ritzie’s Barbecue trailer serves up honey-gold ribs, Texas-style brisket
Travis Ritzie worked at Leroy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin, Texas, a Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant, before returning to Memphis to start his own barbecue trailer.
Suburbs
Noise complaint turns deadly in DeSoto County
DeSoto County deputies responding to a noise complaint, shot and killed a man at the scene, who, according to authorities, pointed a gun at the deputies.
Arts & Culture
No need for stage fright, this karaoke club lets you sing in private
“It’s your own little private party,” said Deidre Ellis, owner of The Studio Karaoke, which offers five soundproofed rooms and 80,000 songs to choose from.
Opinion
Coach Cal Countdown: Darius Washington Jr. had three shots to lift Memphis into the NCAA Tournament
This is the second installment in a nine-story series remembering games that defined the John Calipari coaching era of Memphis Tigers basketball. Today: A chance to beat Louisville and make the 2005 NCAA Tournament.
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Ritzie’s Barbecue trailer serves up honey-gold ribs, Texas-style brisket
Travis Ritzie worked at Leroy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin, Texas, a Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant, before returning to Memphis to start his own barbecue trailer.
Games
Daily WordRow: Oct. 20
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.