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
MSCS has fewer F schools in second year of Tennessee letter grades
Nevertheless, state law requires Tennessee districts with D and F schools appear before the Tennessee State Board of Education for hearings. Such reviews could result in corrective-action plans or audits for districts or charter operators.
Premium Metro Public documents on Harvest plane crash released, final report imminent
Business
What’s on the road ahead for newly independent FedEx Freight
Analysts say FedEx Freight, worth $30 billion, should be traded against its peers, not locked up inside.
Premium Health Care Memphis wrap star, former St. Jude patient meet on reality show
Sports
‘It’s crazy, isn’t it?’: Grizzlies destruction tour rolls on in Atlanta
Over their last four victories, the Grizzlies are winning by an average of more than 25 points. In a league where leads quickly evaporate, Memphis has been able to stay on the gas. Related content:
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: The table was set. The fans showed up. The Tigers did not.
Food
$10 Deal: Ali Baba’s smoky-sweet flavors are straight from the fire
Joshua Carlucci says a Mediterranean wood flame grill is at the heart of Ali Baba’s traditional — but unforgettable — menu.
Suburbs
Collierville grad will be front and center in UT’s College Football Playoff
University of Tennessee drum major Christian Carroll, of Collierville, is only the third Black drum major in the school’s history.
Arts & Culture
UT’s three Black drum majors all have ties to Memphis
There have only been three Black drum majors in the more than 150 years since the University of Tennessee marching band was founded.
Opinion
Echols: It’s all about time
“Whether too much or not enough or just the right amount, time is the thread running through every last tidbit of our human existence. ... And time is what this season of Advent is all about.”
Podcasts
Tigers Podcast: Football season recap, basketball’s rough schedule
Memphis football writer Frank Bonner II, basketball writer Parth Upadhyaya and columnist John Martin discuss this year’s football season and the raised level of expectations for Memphis basketball as it prepares for its final two non-conference games.
Games
Crossword: GloRilla
Memphis rapper GloRilla’s visit to an Orange Mound high school inspired this week’s crossword puzzle.