Latest COVID case data hits — yet another — new high
Today’s number of new COVID cases beats the area’s previous high, reported Dec. 27, by more than 700 cases.
Tennessee receives first shipment of oral COVID antiviral
The Tennessee Department of Health is coordinating with Walmart pharmacies to distribute Paxlovid by Pfizer and molnupiravir by Merck. Both drugs will be available for free, but will require a prescription.
Here’s where to get a COVID-19 test this weekend
Staffers at local testing sites have been impacted by COVID infections, much like other local workplaces, causing a strain to the system.
COVID task force briefing: ‘If you’re unvaccinated, let this be the day ... you change that’
Shelby County Health Department director Michelle Taylor urges masks and self-isolation for anyone experiencing mild symptoms. Residents are asked to avoid emergency rooms unless it’s a true emergency.
Grizzlies Insider: A Grizzlies New Year’s resolution
As 2021 grinds to a halt, your Insider has a suggestion for 2022.
The To-Do List: New Year’s Eve edition
If you decide to leave your couch this New Year’s Eve, here are a few options to welcome the year 2022.
Mixed-use development planned for South Main
Butler Row would span more than 2 acres, including the intersection at East Butler Avenue and B.B. King Boulevard.
Calkins: The Penny Hardaway era is not going well
Memphis lost to Tulane for the first time since 2016. That was the last season for Josh Pastner. Which doesn’t mean this will be the last season for Penny Hardaway, of course. But things are not going well.
New Health Directive recommends ‘alternative work solutions’ where feasible
The new year comes with a new health directive to permit ‘increased social distancing and to facilitate appropriate quarantine and isolation measures.’
Grizzlies add Xavier Tillman Sr. to health and safety protocols
The Grizzlies will have seven players out when they play the Spurs on Friday night.
$10 Deal: Two can feast for $20 at Las Delicias
Las Delicias is a solid choice for Mexican food and a destination for guacamole and chips. It’s also a real bargain.
Memphis-based Connect Music connects artists to top streaming platforms
The rapid shift from physical to digital created a need for services that can aggregate the data and distribute it for consumption, which is where Connect Music found its opening.
Nail Haven Salon & Spa to open in Whitehaven
“My goal is to be a part of the revitalization of Whitehaven,” owner Yulonda Ewing said.
Herrington: Desmond Bane’s breakout season, from every angle
If there was a redraft, where would Bane be taken? Some comps also can give an indication of how he’s doing and where he might be trending.
Edge District development to go before Design Review Board
The folks at cnct. development say infill projects are as important to revitalizing the Edge District as larger projects like Orleans Station and The Ravine.
Listen to Grizzlies writers discuss Ja Morant’s great week
The Grizzlies can play short-handed, but how will they look when everyone is healthy?
Watch the COVID-19 Task Force briefing
The latest COVID-19 Task Force briefing begins at noon, Thursday, Dec. 30.
Metro
Gov. Lee: National Guard should be ‘force multiplier’ for MPD
Gov. Bill Lee described the Memphis Safe Task Force as a “long-time” mission that could last six months or longer. Mayor Young’s strategy for working with the National Guard What Mayor Young said is reducing crime in Memphis C.J. Davis to remain Memphis’ top cop amid National Guard deployment ‘The world will get an opportunity to watch us succeed,’ Mayor Young saysIn our coverage:
City of Memphis Substation fire left thousands without power in Memphis
City of Memphis City of Memphis questions legality of its employee unions
Business Sunday Tops Bar-B-Q fire suspected as arson
Business
Inked: Overton Park apartments prepare for residents
Also, mother and son lease space at Regalia Shopping Center, and six multifamily complexes were sold in a foreclosure auction.
Business Networking event adding pitch competition, creatives night
Real Estate The latest on Google’s West Memphis data center? It could add water recycling.
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Sports
Dandy Dozen: Briarcrest makes a big jump; Germantown remains on top
Briarcrest moves up four spots following a big win over Nashville Father Ryan. Arlington, meanwhile, debuts ahead of Friday’s region opener against No. 6 Collierville.
Premium Sports Redbirds recap: Big sixth inning carries Birds over Saints
High School Sports At Bolton High, a revived girls soccer program is playing for pride and joy
Premium Memphis Tigers Football Breaking down the Tigers’ unblemished home record against power conference schools since 2015
Food
Eat more chicken again on Union Avenue
The Chick-fil-A, which opened in 2009, closed on May 29 for renovations of the 4,400-square-foot building at 1980 Union Ave.
Suburbs
Horn Lake mayor defends tax cut amid criticism
A former Horn Lake alderman says the current administration could have done more to lower the millage rate to help property owners. Mayor Jimmy Stokes said they did what was necessary.
Arts & Culture
New concert series launches at Harrell Theatre in Collierville
While the 2025-26 season is a pilot there is opportunity for it to grow as the suburb has added emphasis to expanding its arts offerings.
Opinion
Calkins: Memphis has a rich history of playing the SEC. Is it coming to an end?
For almost exactly 60 years, SEC teams have been traveling to the Liberty Bowl to play Memphis in football. Saturday might be the beginning of the end.
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: How a new MPD position rankled the department
In the wake of Tyré Nichols’ death, the Memphis Police Department decided it had an absence of supervision in the field, and set out to fix that problem by creating a new position — the second lieutenant. But that solution caused a string of other problems.