Calkins: Kendric Davis was promised the NCAAs. Now it’s close to coming true.
Penny Hardaway texted Kendric Davis prior to Sunday’s game. After the win over Cincinnati, Davis and the Tigers are one step closer to the subject of that text.
Tigers so near, yet still far away from dream
When Memphis pulled out a close win over Cincinnati at FedExForum on Sunday, it marked another step toward securing what Kendric Davis has wanted all along: a trip to the NCAA Tournament.Related story:
Memphis defensive back entering transfer portal
Ladarian Paulk played in nine games while logging eight starts for the University of Memphis Tigers.
Griggs buzzer beater gives Memphis women’s basketball sixth straight win
Sunday’s win marks the first 18-win season for the Tigers since the 2015-16 season. Also, Memphis has 10 road wins for the first time since 1985.
GiveCamp Memphis returns in-person, links tech experts with local nonprofits
The event gave local nonprofits the ability to seek help from tech professionals for things like website development, logo revisions and social media campaigns.
‘To save lives, you’ve got to try to intervene.’
Youth Villages’ Memphis Allies outreach program officials “lost sleep” over Ezekiel Kelly, who was indicted for charges connected to the September 2022 shooting spree. Now, they hope to rescue others like him while they still can.
Art Gilliam’s WLOK radio stations still stand for activism
Gilliam’s influence allowed many Black voices to be heard through WLOK.
Collierville gauges population growth, impact on schools
Collierville Schools hired consultants to study the projected growth within the district. The study also reviewed whether current facilities will fit the expected needs.
Grizzlies demolish conference-leading Nuggets
This battle between the West’s two top teams evened the season series 1-1, with a third and final (for now) meeting coming next Friday in Denver.Related story:
New dad Tyus Jones breaks slump, gets postgame assist
The best assist of all came after the final buzzer, from pint-sized point guard in training Tyus Jones Jr., the toddler who climbed into his dad’s lap at the postgame dais and got things started.
Six former Tigers inducted into M Club Hall of Fame
Former basketball star Omar Sneed, former football offensive lineman Wade Smith and four other former players were officially inducted into the University of Memphis M Club Hall of Fame.
Agriculture and technology merge at Mid-South Farm and Gin Show
Three hundred thirty exhibits help attendees deal with ever-evolving issues including environmental challenges, international trade issues and supply chain problems. Memphis Farm and Gin Show plants seeds for next generation of farmersRelated story:
Horn Lake outlining long-range goals
The DeSoto County town’s planning department is plotting a comprehensive course, the first in about two decades.
Saturday prep report: Whitehaven ousts Southwind in region quarterfinals
Overachieving Tigers close game on 9-2 run; Briarcrest advances to the Division 2-AA semifinals, and Maggie Graham becomes Memphis’ first four-time state wrestling champion.
Echols: ‘I know that peace that they’re talking about’ at Asbury University
“I’ve experienced all of that, and Scripture backs those descriptions as by-products of walking with Jesus. Once you’ve seen stuff like that, it’s hard to keep it to yourself. It’s kinda like this: When you have tasted Pancho’s cheese dip, you can’t not tell other people about it when they come to our city.”
Haltom: Remembering my hero and friend Tim McCarver
“Tim McCarver became my favorite player not just because he was a great catcher, but also because he was from Memphis, my hometown.”
Hutchinson: Made in the USA isn’t always true
If it’s important to you that a product is truly made in the United States, research the reputation of the manufacturer or marketer making the claim, including with the BBB, to be sure they’re trustworthy.
Movers & Shakers
Westminster Academy, Memphis Goodwill Excel Center, Tioga and Lehman-Roberts and sister company Memphis Stone & Gravel announce promotions and additions.
Westwood shooting leaves one dead, four injured
Officers said they arrived at Methodist South Hospital around 4 a.m. Sunday, where five shooting victims had been transported by private vehicles.
Metro
The Early Word: Paulette’s hires new Guy; Task Force opinions are all over
Candidates get in line for county ballot, another inmate died at 201 Poplar and the Tigers actually win a game.
Ford Megasite The AM/DM podcast: BlueOval’s pivot to gas-powered trucks
Education Is Tennessee’s ban on religious charter schools unconstitutional? Attorney General says likely.
Premium Elections With term limits looming, most suburban incumbents still all-in for 2026 races
Premium Education U of M fires head of foundation, leading board to resign
Business
The AM/DM podcast: BlueOval’s pivot to gas-powered trucks
The shift to gas-powered trucks means West Tennessee isn’t tied to the nation’s precarious EV market.
Ford Megasite Ford shifts gears: Will produce gas-powered trucks, instead of EVs at BlueOval City
Premium Real Estate Grant family tree branching out with development, homebuilding efforts
Premium Real Estate Downtown mid-century high-rise bought for more than $3M
Premium Business From worry to relief: Stanton neighbors welcome Ford’s gas truck pivot — and the promise it brings
Sports
Grizzlies lose to Thunder for 15th straight time
Against Oklahoma City, the margin for error is thin. That is especially true for a Grizzlies roster missing eight players. Box score: Thunder 119, Grizzlies 103 Jaren Jackson Jr. named Western Conference Player of the WeekRelated content:
Memphis Tigers Basketball Memphis handles Alabama State to snap 3-game losing streak
High School Sports Daily Memphian postseason football awards: Southwind duo claims offensive, defensive honors
Memphis Tigers Football Charles Huff’s coaching staff at Memphis starting to take shape
Memphis Grizzlies Box score: Thunder 119, Grizzlies 103
Food
What to order: Surf and turf at Porch & Parlor
While Porch & Parlor is a known destination for celebrations and formal gatherings, it’s also equally appropriate for an impromptu dinner on a Monday night.
Premium Recipes Recipe Exchange: P.O. Press’ butter cake
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 North Mississippi How a Southaven principal found her calling as DeSoto County’s Administrator of the Year
Arts & Culture
Herrington: My favorite films of 2025
The movie industry has been imperiled for at least a couple of decades now, but good — even great — movies are still being made. Here are 10 favorites from 2025.
Premium Music Arts Beat: What Memphis arts and culture looked like in 2025
Opinion
Opinion: The good side of going viral
“Social media provides profound community benefits: the power to spread messages, support causes and connect neighbors.”
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball Buckley: Dug McDaniel seems to care. But do all the rest of the Tigers?
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: BlueOval’s pivot to gas-powered trucks
The shift to gas-powered trucks means West Tennessee isn’t tied to the nation’s precarious EV market.
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Christmas music and holiday spirit
Games
Sudoku: Dec. 22
Are you ready for today’s puzzles?