Calkins: Thanks to y’all, John Payne will start walking next week
John Payne needed more than $92,000 to buy the robotic system that can help him walk again. Thanks to the generosity of readers, the ReWalk will be arriving next week.
COVID-19 jail lawsuit dismissed after both sides reach settlement
Lawsuit alleged Shelby County failed to address the spread of the coronavirus, putting medically vulnerable and disabled detainees at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Prepare for takeoff on Ja Airlines Flight 12
Flight 12 is a high-altitude ride ready to take the Grizzlies to their dream destination: the playoffs.
Memphis football reportedly finds new WR, TE coaches
It turns out coach Ryan Silverfield’s candidates were already on his staff.
Company founded by Grizzlies’ Pera leases Memphis warehouse space
Ubiquiti, a communications technology company, has completed a lease for 161,000 square feet of warehouse space in the Southeast Memphis industrial district.
Grants available for Black-owned restaurants
The Kraft Heinz Co. is partnering with The LEE Initiative and Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice on the grant program.
New owner describes plans for Masonic Temple building
Bill Townsend feels he didn’t so much buy a building as a 107-year-old time capsule. He’s already got short-term plans and has discussed long-term possibilities with brg3s architects.
South Main area to get a grocery store this year
Cash Saver and High Point Grocery owner Rick James is opening a small independent grocery in South Main.
Taylor is new chairman of changing Election Commission
Shelby County election commissioners chose Brent Taylor Tuesday, April 13, as the new chairman of the five-member body.
County and Army Corps study Loosahatchie Basin flood areas
A $450,000 joint county-federal grant would study 10 areas of land in northern Shelby County for flood control projects that could double as public recreation areas when they are not underwater. One project is already underway near Big Creek in Millington.
Tennessee House delays hair discrimination bill
The CROWN Act, which bans discrimination against people for wearing natural hairstyles such as braids, locs or twists, was delayed Tuesday, April 13 in the House Commerce Committee.
New health directive expected this week, mask mandate could be gone in a month
A more permissive health directive could be issued in 30 days if numbers hold steady.
Former Memphis guards Damion Baugh and Boogie Ellis find new homes
The two entered the transfer portal shortly after the Tigers won the NIT championship.
U.S. recommends ‘pause’ for J&J vaccine; Memphis to offer Pfizer in its place
The CDC and FDA are investigating clots in six women in the days after receiving the J & J vaccine, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million J & J doses have been administered in the U.S.
Health officials: 2,000-3,000 locally have received J&J vaccine
Doug McGowen also says doses were wasted last weekend when the size of the line at the Pipkin Building site was overestimated. He says fewer than 100 doses have been lost since the city took over vaccine distribution in late February.
Ex-Memphis assistant resigned following Title IX complaint
John Simon was placed on administrative leave Feb. 22 and resigned on March 15.
Arbo’s is the new dip on the block, and owner thinks there’s room for all
A new cheese dip has launched in this cheese-dip-lovin’ city. Andrew Arbogast has taken his dad’s recipe and brought us Arbo’s.
Coronavirus: New cases under 150 again
The 111 new cases come from 971 tests, giving the day a positivity rate of 11.43%.
Lakeland school board approves 2021-22 budget
The $19.25 million for the upcoming fiscal year directs more money to teachers and maintenance of future athletic fields.
Restaurant Reboot: Staffing in pandemic’s wake is a ‘disaster’
With enhanced unemployment benefits and better-paying distribution jobs, restaurateurs don’t know when they’ll be fully staffed. Worse, they’re still uncertain when they’ll be back to 100% capacity.
Opinion: Teacher’s Discipline Act sets schools up for failure
The “School to Prison Bill” prioritizes punishment over care for vulnerable and disadvantaged students.
SCS student, official discuss equity in American education
SCS equity officer Dr. Michael Lowe and Cordova Middle student Justin Crutcher joined a national conversation on equity in Black boys’ educational experiences.
Metro
U of M receives $5M gift for internship program
A portion of the gift will go toward an endowment to fund certain internships in perpetuity.
Shelby County Commission starting budget season early
Business
Cooper-Young development approved for property-tax incentive
The Cooper will be on 5.8 acres at Cooper Street and Central Avenue with 250 multifamily apartments, 27 rental townhomes, a 125-room hotel, surface parking and a 325-space parking garage.
Premium Health Care Moody’s, S&P downgrade Methodist Le Bonheur bond ratings
Sports
Collierville quarterback Grant Troutman to be a Memphis Tiger
Grant Troutman threw for 2,079 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 95 yards and four scores to lead Collierville to an 11-2 record this past season.
High School Sports TSWA High School state basketball rankings
Food
Five Memphis dining trends that could define 2025
“One thing we’ve all learned since the pandemic is that change is the only constant,” restaurateur Deni Reilly said.
Suburbs
Germantown wants more analysis of tax incentives for The Standard
Germantown is in the early stages of a potential tax incentive for the redevelopment of Carrefour at Kirby Woods. While no final decisions were made, some aldermen have concerns with the TIF.
Arts & Culture
Memphis musicians, Stax family remember the legendary Sam Moore
Sam Moore, one half of the legendary duo Sam & Dave, died Friday at age 89. Memphis musicians and fellow Stax alumni eulogized Moore on Saturday.Related content:
Opinion
Conaway: Let’s pick the cabinet
“Aside from the obvious point that we could all suggest better than we’re going to get, the larger point is that we’re all going to need each other as things shake out in Washington.”
Podcasts
Sound Bites: More inside details about No Comment and Fawn
Plus, bar owners Mary Oglesby and Paul Gilliam talk about the state of the service industry in Memphis.
Games
Jigsaw: A colt following
This week’s jigsaw features a photo from the Budweiser Clydesdales’ visit to Arlington, where 500 to 600 people braved the cold weather for a chance to see the world-famous horses.