Grizzlies fall to Nuggets, drop second straight
Ja Morant scored 35 points and tried to force his team back into the game, but the Grizzlies didn’t make enough shots to keep up with the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Related story:
$89M renovation of Downtown Sheraton gets boost from City Council
The 5% surcharge on items bought and rooms rented at the Downtown Sheraton hotel goes to finance a renovation of the existing 600-room hotel by the Renasant Convention Center. City Council passes Klondike tax vote, but residents’ concerns remainRelated story:
MSCS votes to transfer Lucy Elementary to Millington
Memphis-Shelby County Schools and Millington Municipal Schools District approved an agreement transferring ownership of Lucy Elementary by June 2027. Terms set for MSCS to transfer Lucy Elementary to MillingtonRelated story:
FedEx plans additional cost cuts
FedEx has identified an additional $1 billion in cost savings beyond its September forecast and now expects to generate savings of $3.7 billion.
Shelby County government introduces text alert system
The text messages will only be used in the case of major emergencies, major disasters, terroristic acts or imminent danger that could potentially pose an immediate threat to Shelby County citizens.
What to look for in Memphis vs. Alabama State basketball game
Penny Hardaway should be able to rest key players and try out different lineups when he takes on his old college teammate Tony Madlock and Alabama State. Tigers Basketball Insider: Hardaway back to ‘strength in numbers’ approachRelated story:
Residents, leaders frustrated with Downtown crime
“It is really important for us to take care of our Downtown space,” said Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis. “It is the face of the rest of the city.”
Local favorite opens second restaurant in The Lake District, just in time for Christmas
The Villa Castrioti story starts in Cordova in 1989, when Adam and Julie Papriniku opened it in Trinity Commons.
Why running back Raydrian McKneely chose Memphis
The running back said his relationship with coach Ryan Silverfield and the way Memphis runs its offense is what drove him to want to play for the Tigers. Old Dominion transfer becomes fifth Memphis commit in one day Tigers football recruiting: Meet the MemphisRelated stories:
Olive Branch sets $18.8M for newly annexed areas, but there’s a lot more to do
Olive Branch has until 2026 to complete improvements in the annexed areas.
Slain football star never stopped believing
Despite being only 5-8 and 188 pounds, former Northpoint Christian School star Christian Saulsberry had the drive to be a professional football player. Four months after achieving his dream, his life was taken.
The Kitchen Table to open in Vinegar Jim’s space
New restaurant owners Alicia and Brad Glover aren’t going to waste any time in bringing a popular Arlington restaurant spot back to life.
Memphis senior offensive analyst accepts head coaching job
Memphis senior offensive analyst Quinn Gray has accepted a head coaching job at Albany State University.
NFL Week 15: Notable performances from former Tigers
Jaguars kicker Riley Patterson kicked a 48-yard field goal to force overtime that allowed the Jaguars to beat the Dallas Cowboys 40-34.
TSSAA boys and girls basketball scoring leaders
Totals are through games of Dec. 17 and are for TSSAA schools in The Daily Memphian coverage area.
Metro
Memphis leaders lay out reasons for second school closure proposal in Frayser neighborhood
Memphis parent Chajuana Williams said she would miss the family history embedded at Georgian Hills Elementary if district leaders decide to close the school in June.
Premium Education U of M fires head of foundation, leading board to resign
Premium Metro Get your petitions: The 2026 election year is about to begin
Premium Spirit of Memphis Secrets of a 2nd-generation Santa
Premium Education State’s grades of suburban schools range from A to D
Business
Movers & Shakers
The Memphis Library Foundation announces new board members.
Premium Real Estate New approval gives old properties a ‘second chance to create value for Shelby County’
Business Alcohol Commission postpones decision on The Station for three weeks
Transportation & Logistics FedEx reports strong 2nd quarter
Transportation & Logistics Memphis airport being renamed after Fred Smith
Sports
When it comes to coaching, Charles Huff learned what he needed to know in college — and from his father
Charles Huff’s journey to becoming the new Memphis football coach can be traced back to his childhood farm in Denton, Maryland.
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: When it’s late, the Tigers aren’t great. Seriously, what gives?
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Why is Memphis basketball struggling? Penny Hardaway says it comes down to a lack of ‘discipline, sacrifice and buy-in’
Memphis Grizzlies Wizards defeat Grizzlies in second-half rally
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis comes up short on road to Mississippi State for third straight loss
Food
Recipe Exchange: P.O. Press’ butter cake
Chef Jimmy Gentry said what makes this dessert special is it has three different textures in each bite: the crispy caramelized sugar, the moist and tender cake, and the gooey cream cheese filling inside.
Premium Real Estate Food Files: Belltower Coffee Arlington closes, Flip Side pauses service
Suburbs
Trinity Church gets donated property in Collierville
Trinity Church, which has met in a gymnasium at Schilling Farms, will move its congregation westward to a home of its own.
Premium Education State’s grades of suburban schools range from A to D
Arts & Culture
Arts Beat: What Memphis arts and culture looked like in 2025
From arts shows, concerts, to theater productions and beyond, the Memphis art scene blossomed in 2025. Here’s a recap of some of our top arts and culture moments. And some staff favorites.
Premium Arts & Culture Herrington: My favorite films of 2025
Opinion
Echols: Love languages, grace and gift cards
“Being filled to the measure of the fullness of God is better than any gift card out there. It exceeds what our carefully curated lists can bring. And it beats the biggest surprise that could ever be wrapped in a box.”
Guest Columnists Opinion: The good side of going viral
Podcasts
Services helping poor county residents are putting ‘Band-Aids on bullet wounds’
The leader of Shelby County’s Community Services Division talks about the safety net of programs and the balancing act that comes with uncertain money.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Christmas music and holiday spirit
Games
Daily WordRow: Dec. 21
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.