Riverfront projects rolling toward fall launch
Memphis River Parks Partnership expects an October launch of the historic cobblestone landing restoration and November start on the first phase of Tom Lee Park's transformation.
Health Dept.: Most coronavirus deaths locally from nursing home clusters
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said most of the 133 deaths in Shelby County are from nursing home clusters and outbreaks.
Mayor vows to fight police brutality, but city blocks records
As Mayor Jim Strickland vows to 'fix' police brutality against African American citizens, his staff puts up roadblocks to accessing records.
Calkins: Here is Penny Hardaway’s real statement about racial inequity – and it’s not the one he released
It’s good that Penny Hardaway released a statement in support of the protesters. But he didn't have to. This is why.
House Health panel pushes abortion bill to passage
The House Health Committee pushed an abortion bill to passage Tuesday with limited understanding of an amendment placed on the legislation.
City Council concerned about rise in COVID cases, could call early vote on mask requirement
Council members expressed alarm at the rise in the daily COVID-19 case count locally and are prepared to call a special meeting Friday to enact a mask requirement in public places within Memphis.
Plaintiffs push state to follow chancellor’s vote-by-mail ruling
A group of Memphis and Nashville residents challenging the state’s absentee ballot law is trying to force the state to follow a chancellor’s ruling for universal vote-by-mail during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Introduction of police reforms encounters little resistance
The first reception to the council resolutions presented Tuesday comes with a record of past resistance that indicates it probably won't be as easy as a council vote. The resolutions are advisory.
Digital retailer goPuff brings convenience store to doorstep
Digital convenience store delivery service goPuff launched in the Memphis market this week from a location on Park near the University of Memphis.
Pass virus on now, 900 will get it over next 2 months
The coronavirus reproduction rate has hovered at 1.2 during Phase 2 of the business reopening, which went into effect May 18.
Athletic Director Laird Veatch addresses civil unrest
Memphis Athletic Director Laird Veatch addresses racial injustice by listening to student-athletes.
More restaurants reopen; Kelly English set to return Friday
Restaurants are popping up like spring flowers; a new round has opened and Kelly English will bring back Restaurant Iris and The Second Line on Friday.
Legislators send conflicting messages on Nathan Bedford Forrest
The state House and Senate sent conflicting signals Tuesday, June 9, on the fate of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s bust in the State Capitol and a special day honoring his life. A Senate panel voted to keep Forrest Day while state Rep. London Lamar persuaded a House committee to get rid of the special day.
Recruiting Notebook: Silverfield picks up a commitment
Ryan Silverfield picks up another commitment while the college basketball world continues to wait on Moussa Cisse.
Despite crisis, state leaving plenty in $4B reserves
The Lee Administration will take about $600 million from its $4 billion in reserves to bolster the budget this year and next, but it won't go deep into those funds, instead opting to add more to the rainy day fund.
Protesters criticize police response to Cooper-Young incident
Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer and protesters Monday addressed an incident in which two drivers drove through a protest in Cooper-Young last week. One woman was injured when she was hit by a SUV.
‘Enough is enough': Penny Hardaway to meet with city officials in wake of George Floyd
Memphis coach Penny Hardaway releases statement on the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.
Lee Administration holding on to $1B in federal funds
The Lee Administration is holding out hope it can use about $1 billion in CARES Act money to replace lost revenue, spending only about a fourth of $2.3 billion the federal government has sent Tennessee since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
County Commission’s path to balancing budget goes off the rails
The plan to balance the county budget came apart when the commission put too much weight on the idea that federal reimbursements for county dollars spent on the pandemic freed up about $4.8 million. It didn't. Then a move to cut the sheriff's department budget brought two weeks of protest over the George Floyd incident into the discussion.
ACLU threatens second lawsuit against Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
In a demand letter to Sheriff Floyd Bonner, the ACLU and others allege that unsanitary conditions and inadequate preventative measures are jeopardizing the health of detainees in the jail.
New Democratic policing reform bill echoes earlier bill by Cohen
The “Justice in Policing Act” was introduced in the House Monday. Hearings before the House Judiciary Committee, including U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, begin Wednesday.
Building permit sought to renovate historic buildings for restaurant, apartments
Project plan is to convert upper floors of four, attached buildings into six apartments, and enlarge McEwen's restaurant.
The Essential Memphis Library: Preston Lauterbach’s ‘Beale Street Dynasty’
The book focuses on the family of Robert Church, who built a fortune operating brothels, then converted his wealth into building a black political dynasty in the Jim Crow-era South.
Downtown draft plan: Build vertical, include everyone, enforce standards, make it walkable
The Downtown Memphis Commission has just unveiled a draft master plan that could guide Downtown development for the next decade. The DMC will seek public response through June.
City sells former vehicle inspection station
The newest inspection station at 2355 Appling City Cove had been open only three years before the city closed them all seven years ago.
Bring women to the negotiating table
Research shows that to include women in the peacemaking process is not a courtesy, it’s a necessity. Any negotiations that stakeholders hope to be lasting or meaningful can only be so with the input of women in the community.
Metro
The Early Word: City waste fees may rise and so could gun switch penalties
Cases are rested in Livingston murder trial, the U of M launches its AD search and we’ve got a hot tip on cafe camping.
Shelby County County HR director calls Clerk Halbert’s raise requests ‘asinine’
Business
Inked: Centennial Place for sale, Clark Tower and Trinity Ridge have new tenants
Centennial Place Shopping Center is up for sale, Trinity Ridge Business Center and Clark Tower have new tenants and Mi Escuelita doubles its space.
South Memphis ‘One down, and more to go’ as polluter closes in South Memphis
Sports
Memphis lands SMU transfer forward Tyreek Smith
Smith, a 6-foot-8 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native, averaged 8.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game this past season for the Mustangs.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis begins search for new AD, forms advisory committee
Food
AAPI Heritage Month Memphis returns with food tour, art exhibitions
An Asian restaurant food tour, a Laotian happy hour and dinner, a night market and two art exhibitions are on the calendar for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Memphis.
Suburbs
DeSoto County sheriff: ‘Memphis is not an adversary’
“Everybody is constantly focused on Memphis, Memphis, Memphis,” Tuggle said. “I will say something that’s probably going to shock you. The most violent criminals trying to get into our county are not coming from Memphis.”
Arts & Culture
Riverbeat Music Festival reimagines what a Memphis riverfront fest can be
How will the new Riverbeat Music Festival play out in the new Tom Lee Park, in the sound and on the ground? We’re about to find out.
Opinion
Greenstein: ‘Freedom from slavery is the essence’ of Passover
“The liberation of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage has become a powerful symbol of redemption not only for the Jewish people, but for the entire world.”
Podcasts
Sound Bites: Quizzing Daily Memphian staffers, part three
Here’s part three of asking Daily Memphian staffers their food hot takes, date night ideas, lunch plans and more. Digital desk manager Elle Perry, digital producer Nick Lingerfelt and reporter Sophia Surrett are in the hot seat.