The Shelby County Health Department also reported 160 new coronavirus cases on Friday, Sept. 18.

Happy Friday! We’re talking about a new venue for street food, how the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t slowed down two local museums and how the rates are changing (and changing us). 

Three police reform measures cleared the Shelby County Commission on the first of three readings this week. But it amounted to a test vote with more votes in play than were committed. Our commission scorecard shows where the division is on the specific issues.

On “Behind The Headlines,” Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. also said he sees an “appetite” for reform among law enforcement in general but has some hesitation about trying to codify reform measures he’s taken to apply to future sheriffs.

Tentative plans for a 2-mile stretch between Front and Cleveland include better pedestrian crossings, protected bike lanes and landscaping. A public meeting Thursday resumes a process that was paused in March for the pandemic. 

While some churches nearby shrink or close, St. Michael Church on Summer Avenue will soon start construction on a new, $2 million parish office, has begun building two more soccer fields, and has plans for a new parish hall. 

Poverty rates have fallen overall for both Memphis and Shelby County.

Gov. Bill Lee ordered the Economic and Community Development Department to go after private Chinese investment, especially in the electric car sector, the state’s commissioner said.

Watch Gov. Bill Lee’s briefing, with Tennessee updates, starting at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.

With cases declining statewide, Tennessee will allow nursing homes to lift restrictions for more visitation and activities as long as they show no new cases for two weeks.

The average number of new cases has risen from 121 to 164 in the early days of this week. 

The Health Department also reported five new related deaths on Thursday.

New visitation policy goes into effect immediately; it is based on continued downward trend in COVID-19 numbers but could change.

Watch the Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 from Thursday, Sept. 17.

Democrat Gabby Salinas and Republican John Gillespie are getting feisty over an endorsement she received from the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, hinting at a lively race this fall for an open House seat.

A local organization is going through an epic shift, the Grizz are looking for potential, and this weekend is playtime. 

A federal lawsuit contends Memphis police sexually assaulted a Black man during a stop-and-frisk operation and then failed to properly investigate the incident. The suit cites evidence from a Daily Memphian allegation into MPD’s failure to refer brutality claims to prosecutors.

GDS Associates, a Georgia company whose report in February 2019 kicked off MLGW’s examination of cutting ties to the Tennessee Valley Authority, is recommended for the $520,000 contract. 

The NCAA approved a delayed Nov. 25 start date for the 2020-21 basketball season. The University of Memphis will await guidance from the American Athletic Conference on the league portion of its schedule.

New information reveals the second group of athletes affected at the University of Memphis. 

MLGW branch offices remain closed to the public, but have drive-thru service to pay bills. But the drive-thru service doesn’t include working out a payment plan.

Lawmakers could consider new laws for economic incentive accountability after finding out Tennessee collected $18.4 million from 17 companies.

That’s the lowest number of COVID-positive patients in ICUs reported in almost a week.

Bartlett and Collierville will open Saturday. Others could soon follow with standards safety precautions such as masks and social distancing.