Stories

Feature Story  The Covid-19 crisis has caused Christina Ueal’s dining table to become a classroom. Her five children, ages five to 15, work on packets provided by their schools at their home in Frayser. (Submitted)

Experts fear COVID-19 could widen Memphis' literacy divides

In Memphis, parents who struggle with low literacy are now homeschooling students who may also struggle with low literacy. Local experts worry that five months with no classroom instruction will widen the city's already prominent literacy divides.

Feature Story On Location: Memphis's film screenings were previously in-person events. Now they've gone virtual. (On Location: Memphis)

Catch two free virtual screenings of Memphis-made films April 18 and 20

On Location: Memphis and the Memphis Music Banq are hosting two free virtual screenings of films made in Memphis by Memphians. 

Feature Story Scott Briggs launched Laid Off Lawn Care after being laid off from his bartending job due to COVID-19 closures. He offers lawn care, landscaping, and gardening. (Laid Off Lawn Care)

Side hustles to the front: Memphis bartenders are using other skills to pay the bills

The restaurant and bar industry has been the hardest hit by novel coronavirus business shutdowns. In Memphis, some food service workers are leaning into their side gigs to pay the bills.

Feature Story Self-portrait by Frank Johnson for MLK50.

Substitute teacher’s plan to revitalize his community derailed by COVID-19

‘We can’t go back to the normal way of doing things because the normal in this country is dangerous." - Frank Johnson. The third in a series of essays from Memphis workers affected by COVID-19, in partnership with MLK50.

Feature Story Pastor Jeffrie Howard, center, walks through diners at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Memphis's Ozanam Food Mission, March 2019. It was one of two area locations that served hot meals daily. COVID-19 has closed many soup kitchens. (Ziggy Mack)

Who's caring for Memphis' homeless as COVID-19 spreads?

People experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Memphis-based organizations share how they're helping their unsheltered clients stay safe.

Feature Story Natasha Norie Standard is an Army veteran and owner of Norie Shoes. (Submitted)

Want to support veterans? Support their businesses. These three are proud to serve Memphis.

Luxury shoes, fresh compost, and happy pets. These veteran-owned businesses are proud to serve Memphis.

Feature Story census2020

Worried about Memphis' recovery post-coronavirus? You should fill out the U.S. Census.

The results of the 2020 U.S. Census will play a part in post-coronavirus recovery efforts. Luckily, you can do your part to be counted from home. 

Feature Story The Panorama Movement gym in Memphis' Fairgrounds area sits empty but its many of its services have continued online. (Submitted)

How three local gyms are helping people stay fit from home

It's more important than ever to stay active. Three local gyms share how they're helping clients while social distancing.

Feature Story The staff of the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center are working remotely now but are still serving existing and new clients with their financial health. (RISE Foundation)

Shelby County residents can get free financial counseling to plan for economic uncertainty

Amid rising unemployment and economic uncertainty, the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center is urging Mid-Southerners to address existing and potential debts now. They're providing free, remote financial counseling to all Shelby County residents.

Feature Story A furry friend helps with Hollywood Feed's same-day deliveries. The regional chain has expanded its same-day service through April 30. (Hollywood Feed)

Hollywood Feed helps customers keep their distance with free curbside pickup and same-day delivery

To help customers follow social distancing recommendations, Hollywood Feed is offering free pickup and extended delivery options through April 30. Did you know the 14-state chain is headquartered in North Memphis?

Feature Story Dr. Susan Miranda conducts research for University of Tennessee Health Sciences Centers' Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in 2014.

Get the facts from local experts. Attend UTHSC's Coronavirus Online Symposium on April 6.

Experts with UTHSC, Le Bonheur, and the Shelby County Health Department will share critical information with medical professionals and the public. The event is free.

Feature Story A child proudly displays an award at C & J Trophy and Engraving, located at 3444 Park Avenue in the Orange Mound-University District area. The business has been open since the 1970s. (C & J Trophy and Engraving)

Local, black-owned C & J Trophy and Engraving has served Memphis since the '70s

C & J Trophy and Engraving is located in the Orange Mound-University District area. It's served Memphis' awards, promotions, and engraving needs since the 1970s.

Feature Story dv1

Domestic violence victims may not be 'safer at home.' Two Mid-South nonprofits are here to help.

Household abuse often increases in times of crisis. These two Mid-South nonprofits are working for victims and survivors in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feature Story Hunter Coleman, 10, works on his homeschool math curriculum using a mix of online instruction and hands-on practice on a dry-erase board. A dry-erase board is a useful tool for practice work across subjects. (Jim Coleman).

Schools closed and suddenly you're homeschooling? I'm Jim, and I can help.

High Ground reporter and seasoned homeschooler Jim Coleman shares his best advice and resources with Mid-Southerners who are now both parent and teacher.

Feature Story Self-portrait at home by Lorin Vincent.

I’m a housekeeper and DJ—my income is now zero. I’m one of the lucky ones.

The second in a series of essays from Memphis workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership with MLK50.

Feature Story neodog

Memphis Animal Services offers $20 "Social Distancing Sidekick" adoption special through March 31

In times of crisis, stress and anxiety increase. A pet can help. Memphis Animal Services is offering a $20 "Social Distancing Sidekick" adoption special through March 31.

Feature Story Self-portrait by Epiphany Jones.

“I needed that job,” says laid-off server living on the edge and afraid of falling

The first in a series of essays from Memphis workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership with MLK50. 

Feature Story A sign on the door of Miss Girlee’s Soul Food Restaurant in North Memphis announces its closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Ashley Davis)

In food deserts, COVID-related restaurant closures are especially devastating.

In food deserts, restaurants and corner stores fill critical gaps in the absence of grocers. Amid COVID-19, North Memphis restaurant owners are grappling with decisions to close knowing the critical service they provide.

Feature Story Andrew Bobowski serves as the principal of KIPP Memphis Collegiate High, located at 2110 Howell Avenue in North Memphis. (Elizabeth Hoard Photography)

Memphis principals share their fears and steps they're taking to keep kids in school from home

Three North Memphis principals share their fears for students, staff, and families. They also share the steps they're taking to keeps kids in school from home.

Feature Story (#cut50)

Virtual event centers vulnerability of inmates amid COVID-19, features Martin Luther King III

Today at 10:30 a.m. and continuing into afternoon: Day of Empathy is a state-based and nationwide event focused on criminal justice reform. This year's event has gone virtual and will focus on the vulnerability of inmates amid COVID-19. Join speakers including Martin Luther King III, Alyssa Milano, and Van Jones.