County averaging more than 200 COVID-19 cases a day the past 2 weeks
During that span, Shelby County recorded its four highest single-day increases in new cases and exceeded a 10% daily positivity rate in 10 of the past 14 days.
Governor to address Capitol Commission on removal of Forrest bust
Gov. Bill Lee said Wednesday, July 1, he will address the Capitol Commission about removing the Nathan Bedford Forrest bust from the State Capitol’s second floor, but he didn’t say whether he would make a recommendation to the panel when it meets July 9.
The Early Word: Police protests, corona spikes and what’s this about Whataburger?
South of Beale is heading east, a new, interactive COVID map could help guide your travels, and a former big box is getting turned into a one-stop shop.
Police arrest protesters outside City Hall
Memphis police began arresting protesters outside City Hall Wednesday morning, July 1, as they stood their ground and refused to leave.
Shelby County coronavirus cases top 10,000
As of 5 p.m. June 29, more than 80% of ICU hospital beds in Shelby County were in use, overall.
BTW’s class of 2020 gifted with laptops, coding lessons from Women’s Foundation
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is working to reduce poverty in the 38126 ZIP code, one of the poorest in the city. Booker T. Washington High School is at the center of the initiative.
Lee orders liability protection for health care providers, considers legality of mask requirements
Governor signed an executive order providing legal cover for health care providers in the COVID-19 pandemic and said his administration is looking at the legal authority for local governments to mandate face masks.
Smiley says look for more City Council moves on police reform
On “Behind The Headlines,” the first-term council member said the proposals to come will push further on changing the Memphis Police Department beyond nonbinding resolutions approved last month.
Southwest community college plans expansion, new ‘front door’ on Union
Southwest Tennessee Community College plans to convert the closed Office Depot building near Downtown for its performing arts programs, for an array of student services, for a bit of retail to serve students and for a more prominent presence along busy Union Avenue.
Blackburn lauds closing of University of Memphis Confucius Institute
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn announced the shutdown of the University of Memphis Confucius Institute, saying students of Chinese culture and language at U.S. colleges should be “alarmed that the Chinese government has infiltrated their institutions.”
Judge in jail lawsuit urges both sides to talk
U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman says the case isn't about her ordering changes at Shelby County Jail, but about whether vulnerable prisoners should be ordered released.
Statewide campaign aims to raise suicide awareness
Campaign will provide resources to help people identify the signs of someone considering suicide and materials to build awareness.
Jenkins: Grizzlies expecting full roster of players, coaches for Orlando ‘bubble’
The Memphis Grizzlies are expecting full participation from players and coaches in the Orlando "bubble" as the NBA season gets set to resume, head coach Taylor Jenkins said on Wednesday.
Nelson: Strickland should be an agent of restraint
Public safety includes not taking actions that risk turning up the city’s temperature at a volatile time. In those moments the mayor needs to be an agent of restraint.
It was a 14-year Interim, but SOBeast is moving in the storied East Memphis spot
Ed and Britney Cabigao are opening a second location of SOB, called SOBeast, in the location on Sanderlin that has been home to a host of chefs at Interim.
Metro
D.C. Scorecard: Federal government avoids shutdown
The D.C. Scorecard tracks how Memphis’ representatives in Washington voted in the passage of a continuing resolution and looks at past trips to or near a government shutdown.
City of Memphis Distemper outbreak again closes Memphis Animal Services facility
Public Safety Memphis’ group violence-intervention program still work in progress
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: MSCS board may lose power; Richard Ransom notes new gig
Business
Inked: Industrial space headed to auction, CanopyNation expands to East Memphis
A Shelby Drive industrial building will be auctioned off, an insurance agency is expanding to East Memphis and a wholesaler moved to Pleasant View Road.
Premium Business Popular fitness instructor opening ‘Grit Group Fitness’ studio
Transportation & Logistics Allegiant to pause flights from Memphis to Los Angeles
Health Care Health department recognized for top-tier emergency preparedness
Sports
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.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: DainjaMan got winged. Then he shed his cape and resumed business.
Memphis Grizzlies Cavaliers roll over Grizzlies on way to record-making win
Memphis Grizzlies Box score: Cavaliers 133, Grizzlies 124
Food
Black Restaurant Week returns with 11 new restaurants
More than 10 of the restaurants participating in this year’s Memphis Black Restaurant Week haven’t been open a full year yet.
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
Saddle Creek ‘pop-up gallery’ to feature art until space fills
Through April 6, art pieces are brightening the vacant spot in the shopping center where Brooks Brothers used to be until a new tenant arrives.
Opinion
Opinion: For the children, educate undocumented students
“Educating children helps society to flourish. Denying education is a recipe for stagnation, more crime and increased misery for all.”
Podcasts
Memphis’ group violence-intervention program still work in progress
Memphis Police Department Chief C.J. Davis talks on “Behind The Headlines” about getting group violence-intervention right by looking at Detroit’s approach, the pressure that comes with last year’s drop in crime and more.
Games
Word Search: Grit Group Fitness
Can you solve this week’s word search?