Calkins: It’s time to move high school football to the spring
There are a lot of hard choices to make during this pandemic, but postponing high school football shouldn't be one of them. It's time to move the season to the spring.
Council approves $113m CARES Act COVID-19 spending plan
The spending plan or budget was reconstructed several times in bargaining and changes in federal rules for how the grants could be used. Along the way, there was talk of animals moving out of the zoo and how to fund laptops and tablets for Shelby County Schools students.
Lee rejects idea of statewide mask mandate or another economic shutdown
Gov. Bill Lee is not considering making a statewide mask mandate or shutting down parts of the economy again to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, even as cases surge.
Collierville sued following 2019 officer-involved shooting
A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against Collierville following a June 2019 officer-involved shooting that killed one person.
Both sides await decision in lawsuit seeking release of vulnerable inmates
A lawsuit seeking the release of medically vulnerable detainees from the Shelby County Jail because of COVID-19 has ended. Both sides now will wait to see how the court rules.
Eighth MATA employee tests positive for coronavirus
MATA bus drivers, a trolley driver, dispatcher and other employees have tested positive for COVID-19
Cordova snags a Hook & Reel
Yet another seafood boil restaurant is coming to Memphis. The Hook & Reel will breathe new life into a building where an O'Charley's Restaurant closed recently.
Haushalter says 700 new COVID-19 cases not reflection of a 24-hour period
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said the 700 new coronavirus cases are from several days of tests and not reflective of a 24-hour period. It's imperative to bring the positivity rate of tests below 10%, she said.
Memphis airport sets virtual insider tour
Memphis International Airport’s periodic behind-the-scenes tour will be offered in virtual format Friday, July 17, in collaboration with CityCURRENT.
SCS sets school year start date at Aug. 31, last day June 16
Under the 2020-21 calendar approved by the Shelby County Schools board, students and teachers will have a fall break in October and start the second semester in February instead of January.
Shelby County coronavirus cases hit new daily high
The Health Department reported 700 new cases July 14.
Calkins: Memphis bars want what we all want — competent leadership
Sixteen bars have sued the Shelby County Health Department alleging that they were unfairly singled out for closure. And you know what? They're right. It's the kind of irrational regulation that undercuts the legitimacy of government when we need it most.
Collierville hopes for changes on developer’s rezoning plan
Collierville’s Board of Mayor and Alderman is asking a developer to take another look at his mixed-use proposal before a final review.
In-school or at-home learning: Parents face a tough question
They have until Saturday, July 18, to decide whether their children return to Shelby County Schools’ buildings or stay home to learn with the aid of a school-issued laptop or tablet.
Chancellor denies push for state to let first-timers vote by mail
The ACLU is asking a Davidson County chancellor to hold the state of Tennessee in contempt of court for violating an absentee ballot order by forcing first-time voters to cast ballots in person.
LSS offers glimpse into fall plans, will announce full details July 15
Several Lakeland parents and residents sent in statements supporting sending children back to the classroom this fall.
Shelby County Commission approves Quinn Ridge proposal near Collierville
The Shelby County Commission approved John Porter's controversial Quinn Ridge proposal outside Collierville in southeast Shelby County.
Bubble busters: Grizzlies make their own fun on NBA’s Orlando campus
Jonas Valanciunas expects to go fishing every night during the NBA's Orlando restart.
Trump administration rescinds rule barring foreign students from taking all classes online this fall
Harvard and MIT were the first to contest the policy, but at least seven other federal suits had been filed by universities and states opposing the rule.
Metro
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.
Premium The Early Word The Early Word: MSCS board may lose power; Richard Ransom notes new gig
Metro Why Mid-South tornadoes can be more dangerous than those in Tornado Alley
Public Safety Frayser pastor shot and killed early Wednesday
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
Box Score: Memphis 83, Wichita State 80
Box score for Friday’s AAC Tournament quarterfinal game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Wichita State Shockers.
Memphis Tigers Basketball Haggerty’s career day propels Tigers past Wichita State in AAC Tournament
Update Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis’ Dainja returns to AAC game after injury
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball What to watch in Memphis’ AAC Tournament quarterfinal game vs. Wichita State
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 mayor touts business, community growth at State of the City
“We don’t want to become a warehouse city,” Chamber of Commerce President John Threadgill said at the event. “We want to become very selective ... We want high-paying jobs.”
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
Sound Bites: Stacey Greenberg talks Edible Memphis, restaurant advice
Greenberg is editor-in-chief of Edible Memphis magazine and has been chronicling the best places to eat in town for decades. On the podcast, she joins Holly Whitfield to talk about her career in food writing and taking the reins of Edible Memphis in 2018.
Games
Word Search: Grit Group Fitness
Can you solve this week’s word search?