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
Blight, animals and parks: New leaders take position at key city divisions
One of the three confirmed city directors is in charge of a completely new division to tackle garbage and trash collection. Plus, the City Council approved a bonus for retired city employees.
Premium Spirit of Memphis ‘A win for the kids’: Local real estate company launches initiative to help at-risk youths
Premium City of Memphis The Old Daisy has been centerstage for the messy history of Beale Street control. Here’s the story.
Premium Bartlett An old house filled with old stuff. A complicated past. And one thing that grosses kids out.
Business
Downtown riverboat landing moving closer to Bass Pro
The move will support the ongoing preservation of the historic cobblestone river landing.
Premium Health Care ALSAC’s new CEO talks tech, talent, Memphis, more
Premium Spirit of Memphis ‘A win for the kids’: Local real estate company launches initiative to help at-risk youths
Premium Health Care Jennie Robbins is a different kind of leader for Church Health
Sports
Ja Morant dishes on Desmond Bane trade, Jaren Jackson Jr. extension and Ty Jerome addition
Grizzlies star Ja Morant said he was shocked to see Desmond Bane get traded to the Orlando Magic, but it was best for both teams.
Premium Sports Teenager sets American, world best at Ed Murphey Classic
Memphis Grizzlies Big fourth quarter carries Grizzlies to win over Trail Blazers
Premium Sports Ravens receiver Anthony Miller’s new foundation looks to serve Memphis youth
Food
Table Talk: English brings dinner to the Brooks
Chef Kelly English is hosting a four-course meal inspired by “Away with the Tides,” an exhibition currently at the Brooks Museum of Art.
Suburbs
From FedEx to City Hall: Olive Branch COO stepping down
Before Todd Ondra was hired, Olive Branch’s 17 department heads reported directly to the town’s mayor.
Arts & Culture
You can sing your heart out at the Orpheum. But not on the stage.
Saturday afternoon screenings of “Sing 2,” “The Sound of Music” and “Grease” will feature on-screen lyrics, encouraging audience members to belt out their favorite songs.
Opinion
Brilliance, courage defined journalist, and amigo, Karanja Ajanaku
One day in late May 1977, a young Black man took a seat at a desk for his first day as a reporter at The Commercial Appeal.
Podcasts
Two state lawmakers plan to push for MSCS takeover
Rep. Mark White and Sen. Brent Taylor, both Republicans, propose the next steps for their bills that would give the state more power over Memphis-Shelby County Schools.