Rebuilding America: How Memphis recovers after global pandemic hit close to home
Retailers, restaurants and non-essential businesses have started to reopen. Masks have become a fashion accessory. And the Memphis economy is slowly coming back to life. More than two months after the COVID-19 pandemic silenced much of the local economy, you can see signs of activity throughout the area. To better understand the reopening — and how key Memphis industries and institutions are responding and rebuilding for the future — about a dozen CA reporters and photographers over the last few weeks have talked with key folks in areas ranging from hospitals to entertainment and cultural venues. Their stories are showcased in today’s “Rebuilding America” special section.
Mark Russell: Covering the reopening of Memphis' economy part of CA's journalistic mission
The Rebuilding America articles build on the comprehensive and compelling reporting CA journalists have done since COVID-19 first emerged in our area.
Healthcare
Memphis-area hospitals adjust to COVID-19 challenges, while more uncertainty looms
From testing employees to curtailing visitors, Memphis healthcare facilities work to be "the safest places there are" while dealing with COVID-19.
Autos
America's drivers can rev up coronavirus-rattled economy — if they buy cars and trucks again
Consumers entered the lockdown in decent financial shape. If Americans start spending again, auto sales could quickly rev up the coronavirus-slowed economy.
Restaurants
Moving forward: 3 of Memphis' oldest restaurants discuss the road to the future
The owners of three Memphis dining institutions discuss the rebuilding of their restaurants in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Retail
Pandemic shook Main Street's retail confidence, but in Downtown hope for recovery abounds
As retailers reopen and applications for new projects roll in, the first signs of recovery for Downtown Memphis retailers become visible.
Residential Real Estate
Should you refinance your mortgage? Here's what you need to know, according to lenders
What is refinancing, who should refinance and why? Experts explain the mortgage refinancing process amid the coronavirus.
Music
COVID-19 brought live entertainment to a halt in Memphis. When will it resume — and how?
Once Memphis-area concert venues are allowed to resume operations, they face a series of tough decisions as they navigate a post-coronavirus world.
Groceries
Filling shelves, fighting illness: The challenge for supermarkets in the age of COVID-19
Cashiers and workers now greet customers with masks instead of smiles, and purchases on certain items are limited. Welcome to supermarket shopping in the age of COVID-19.
Home Services
Memphis home services companies stay resilient amid COVID-19, see cleaning demand rise
Memphis home services firms are seeing some unexpected benefits as they adapt to safety guidelines, according to owners.
Faith
Worshippers will return to find churches changed after COVID-19, leaders say, but also joy
Leaders in churches across Memphis are planning ahead to when their congregations can return, expecting social distancing, extra sanitization and increased online offerings.
In Tennessee, it is up to religious leaders to decide when to resume in-person worship
Some religious leaders have already determined when they will return to public worship while others are still figuring it out.
Travel and Tourism
Memphis' cultural attractions taking 'one step at a time' in reopening amid COVID-19
Graceland, the zoo, museums — Memphis' cultural attractions are taking different approaches to reopening.
Sports
Sports of all sizes are still seeking a way off the sidelines
The costs of being without sports have been steep in a city so heavy in tourism, from the professional teams all the way to youth events.
Ending to the Grizzlies' surprise season up in the air as NBA deliberates resuming play
Whether the NBA resumes play or not, the Grizzlies' 2019-20 season was an ahead-of-schedule success.
What will the new norm for high school sports look like?
There will be increased safety measures in place for the return of high school sports during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Memphis AD Laird Veatch is focusing on and why he refuses to speculate on the future
How will the likelihood of limited (or, no) fan attendance affect Memphis' bottom line in 2021?
When will Memphis be ready for athletes to return to group activities?
Memphis athletic director Laird Veatch said recently he does not want to disclose publicly his plans to have athletes return to campus.
Education
What will school look like this fall? Task forces are planning for several scenarios
Staggered schedules, some virtual learning, temperature checks and "isolation dorms" are some of the strategies schools and colleges could implement.
Tennessee school districts have the summer to prepare for eventualities that may stem from the unpredictability of COVID-19
