Before the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers made it out of the fridge, we learned that you better get on that Christmas tree purchase. And fast! Christmas trees remain in short supply, thanks to farmers cutting back their crops in the years following the Great Recession. Turns out Christmas trees don’t grow overnight, so they’re still catching up with a reenergized demand.

Thanksgiving week produced a resolution of sorts for one local politician: Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) pleaded guilty to two of five counts in his campaign fraud case, effectively ending what he initially called a “witch hunt.” Kelsey will have to wait a bit longer to know exactly what his future holds; he’s tentatively scheduled to be sentenced June 9, 2023. The two counts carry a maximum sentence of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000 each.

One thing Nashville should be thankful for is the Metro Nashville Police Department’s crime lab. The Daily Memphian and the Institute for Public Service Reporting recently took a deep dive into the crime lab that Nashville built and the fact that TBI’s crime lab left Memphis for Jackson last year. The benefits of a city having its own lab are numerous and proven; they’re also expensive. Nashville spends $8 million per year on its facility. “How do you quantify being able to identify a very dangerous person who poses a real and significant risk to families in our city?’’ asked Don Aaron with MNPD. “With that said, yes, being able to prioritize our own cases and get a quick turnaround in emergency cases is worth the investment.” — Metro editor Jane Donahoe

We hope you enjoy catching up on the latest news stories from our community. If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, we appreciate your support. If not, please consider signing up for unlimited access to all of our local news coverage.

Following the murder of Eliza Fletcher, questions loom about MPD’s systems in investigating violent crime.

Buttigieg to visit FedEx hub at Memphis airport By Bill Dries

Must mayoral candidates live in the city? Depends on who you ask By Bill Dries

Kelsey pleads guilty to two counts in campaign fraud case By Ian Round

Christmas tree crop remains trim this year By Alicia Davidson

Is Shelby County ready for BlueOval City impact? By Bill Dries

Surge in pediatric flu reduces school attendance By Aarron Fleming, Aisling Mäki

Carbon monoxide leak causes Midtown apartments to be evacuated, kills pets By Aarron Fleming

Memphian among Colorado Springs shooting victims By Jasmine McCraven

Memphis Zoo, Overton Park finalize parking agreement By Alicia Davidson

TBI, DCS tell governor: Hiring is easier when we can pay more By Ian Round

.....