This Week in Memphis: Elvis’ birthday and suburban school board races open
Also happening this week: Saturday marks the three-year anniversary of Tyré Nichols’ death.
Calkins to leave local sports talk radio after two decades
Geoff Calkins has been a fixture in Memphis sports talk radio since 2004. He’s giving up his daily show this week.
National Guard numbers swelled in mid-November, documents show
In the days before a Nashville judge ruled on the legality of Gov. Bill Lee’s deployment of the Tennessee National Guard, hundreds more guardsmen surged into Memphis, according to public records.
Venezuelans in Memphis feel euphoria now that ‘nightmare’ is over — but dreams for future uneasy
Venezuelans in Memphis cheered the removal of their home country’s president but express fear and uncertainty about what comes next for the beleaguered South American nation.
After US topples Maduro, Memphis-area leaders react
The Memphis area’s representatives in Washington, D.C., reacted hours after the military operation that took Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro into custody for trial on federal drug charges in the U.S.Related story:
Love it, Like it or Hate it: Reviewing Memphis’ narrow win at Rice
Who, exactly, are the Memphis Tigers? After needing several made free throws in the final minute to hold off Rice on the road, players didn’t pretend to have the answers.
Tigers football tracker: Who did Memphis sign in the transfer portal?
The NCAA transfer portal is open, and the Memphis Tigers are likely to have several new additions by the end of the process.
Milton Nichols, former Olive Branch mayor dies
Milton Nichols held the mayor’s office for 20 years from 1977 to 1997. He then won a seat on the DeSoto County Schools Board of Education, serving from 2011 to 2023.
McLendon rolls out legislative priorities, including removing sales tax on groceries
With the Mississippi legislative session opening this week, state Sen. Michael McLendon has put together his wish list of issues he would like to see addressed for his constituents.
Lymphatic massage gains momentum in Memphis
Lymphatic-drainage massage is gaining traction across Memphis as practitioners and clients alike tout its gentle techniques, postsurgical benefits and surprising impact on overall wellness.
Martin: Memphis escapes Rice. Tiger fans should probably get used to days like this.
It’s a win, to be sure. The Tigers are 2-0 in league play and have won three in a row. But can you really look at this team and think the arrow is pointing up?
Memphis ekes out win over Rice for first road victory of season
On Saturday afternoon, Memphis (7-7, 2-0 American Conference) needed to string together enough plays late to defeat Rice in Houston.Related content:
Anyone can do science: How a little girl from rural Louisiana became a research leader at UTHSC
About a year and a half ago, Dr. Jessica Snowden became the vice chancellor for research at UTHSC as well as a professor in the College of Medicine — and she has big plans for the university.
Check out The Daily Memphian’s past health and wellness content.
He won awards as a powerlifter and bodybuilder — and at 71, he’s not done yet
Tips for living a long, full life from two octogenarian doctors
Fire and ice is a very hot — and then very cold — health trend
‘It’s bonkers’ — how Ozempic, Wegovy change lives of those who struggle to lose weight
Opinion: A Memphis treasure is being lost
“Memphis has always been a place where faith and public life intertwine.”
Echols: A friendship 84 years in the making
“In a world where loneliness is an epidemic, I wondered what could possibly go into cultivating a friendship like this one.”
What Daily Memphians think*
“Love it: They won!” — Carol Nokes about Love it, Like it or Hate it: Reviewing Memphis’ narrow win at Rice
“Mayor Nichols was a fine man and a strong leader for the city of Olive Branch.” — Debra Goode about Milton Nichols, former Olive Branch mayor dies
“Having taught at MTS for 25 years, it saddens me deeply that the good work of theological education that has helped undergird the soul of Memphis and beyond will soon be over.” —Lee Ramsey about Opinion: A Memphis treasure is being lost
* Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
Movers & Shakers
Memphis University School announces promotions and additions.
Sudoku: Jan. 4
Are you ready for today’s puzzles?
Daily Jigsaw: The Brooks Collection
Today’s puzzle is the inside of The Brooks Collection in Collierville and was taken by Patrick Lantrip.
Metro
Trump claims Memphis crime drop due to Task Force
President Donald Trump linked Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime to the alleged presence of Venezuelan gangs in American cities, including Memphis.
Public Safety Memphis saw lowest number of murders since 2015
Premium Public Safety Shelby County traffic fatalities are way down, and MPD credits outside manpower for the decline
Shelby County Top County Commission votes: MSCS board elections, budget, ethics
Premium State Government State senator to introduce legislation targeting school board member who supported Lindsey Whiteside
Business
Buckley: Is the Liberty Bowl doomed? Far from it, one Memphian says.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl executive director Steve Ehrhart addresses the future of the game, which saw Navy beat Cincinnati in the rain after a week of fun in Memphis.
Business XAI buys building for 3rd Memphis-area data center in Southaven
Premium Real Estate First Horizon building next to former Houston’s sold
Business Start your engines: Former Memphis Motorsports Park to reopen
Health Care Want to be healthier? Local app makers are looking out for you.
Sports
Box score: Memphis 76, Rice 70
Box score for Saturday’s NCAA men’s basketball game between the Memphis Tigers and Rice Owls played at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston.
Premium Business Buckley: Is the Liberty Bowl doomed? Far from it, one Memphian says.
Sports Blake Horvath leads Navy to victory over short-handed Cincinnati in AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Memphis Tigers Football Memphis officially announces coaching staff hires
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Martin: Uncomfortable conversations coming for Memphis basketball, and more 2026 Memphis sports predictions
Food
Marshall Steakhouse owner decides against selling
Marshall Steakhouse’s original location will not sell. The owner is keeping it and adding options so guests can stay a while.
$15 Deals $15 Deal: Soul Fish’s crawfish tacos have crunchy inside and chewy shell
Premium Table Talk Table Talk: A year-end roundtable ... minus the table
Suburbs
Bailey: Hold the jerky for a year. Buc-ee’s ain’t comin’ to Fayette County yet
Well, if you were planning on having some Beaver Nuggets this year from the Gallaway location, you need to put your taste buds on hold.
Premium Millington ‘Save the Harrold’ campaign reimagines historic Millington building
Premium North Mississippi How a Southaven principal found her calling as DeSoto County’s Administrator of the Year
Arts & Culture
Dixon opens third installment of ‘Black Artists in America’
Also in January, Central High alumni get separate exhibitions at the Buckman Center and the Botanic Garden.
full access Visual Arts Memphis Movies This Week: A promising note on ‘Song Sung Blue,’ a ‘Plague’ in theaters
Premium Music Arts Beat: Hear Detroit jazz, Memphis soul and a ‘Genius Grant’ winner in January
Opinion
Opinion: Why the Shelby County Clerk’s Office deserves our attention
“At its best, the Clerk’s Office is where the government meets everyday life, where efficiency, fairness and accountability translate directly into better public service.”
Premium Otis Sanford Opinion: Increasing voter turnout is laudable. Feagins’ mayoral candidacy is not.
Podcasts
Two of the biggest Memphis stories of 2025 have a surprising connection
On Behind The Headlines, reporters discuss top local stories of 2025, including the link between the Memphis-Shelby County Schools ouster of Marie Feagins, and the arrival of the National Guard.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Veganuary makes the case for plant-based eating
Games
Daily WordRow: Jan. 4
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.
Games Daily Jigsaw: The Brooks Collection
Neighborhoods
Westwood teetered on the edge of closure for years. Will a middle school merger save it?
Chickasaw Middle could close at the end of the school year, one of five closures MSCS officials have proposed. The students would move to the Westwood High campus, making it a school for sixth-12th graders.