Secrets of a 2nd-generation Santa
Kennison Kyle has been a Santa since the late 1990s, and his magical world includes canned corn, home visits and makeup lessons with his father.
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.
At Rollin Cafe, cinnamon rolls are a family affair
Rollin Cafe is a family-run breakfast and lunch spot known for its cinnamon rolls, but that’s only part of the story.
Get your petitions: The 2026 election year is about to begin
Candidates in the May 5 Shelby County primaries start picking up the paperwork Monday, Dec. 22, to get on the ballot. Here’s what you need to know about the start of the 2026 election year in Memphis and Shelby County.
Memphis quarterback AJ Hill to enter transfer portal
Freshman quarterback AJ Hill is entering the NCAA transfer portal, which officially opens on Jan. 2.
Buckley: When it’s late, the Tigers aren’t great. Seriously, what gives?
Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers are having late-game woes, and Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State was no exception. But Curtis Givens III says it’s fixable.
Why is Memphis basketball struggling? Penny Hardaway says it comes down to a lack of ‘discipline, sacrifice and buy-in’
“That’s the main reason — one of the main reasons — why we’re 4-7,” Hardaway said. “Because of the (lack of) discipline, sacrifice and buy-in — in every facet of what we’re trying to do here at Memphis.”
Wizards defeat Grizzlies in second-half rally
The Wizards snapped a seven-game losing streak in Memphis, where they hadn’t won since Jan. 5, 2018. Santi Aldama led Memphis with a career-high 37 points and 10 rebounds. Related content:
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.
U of M fires head of foundation, leading board to resign
The University of Memphis has fired the head of its foundation, prompting the entire board to resign from the organization that oversees donations to the school.
Memphis comes up short on road to Mississippi State for third straight loss
Despite an 18-point performance from guard Curtis Givens III, Memphis was unable to pull out the win in Starkville as the Bulldogs prevailed.Related content
DeSoto Schools honors administrator who left corporate world for her 6 kids
April Rucker has a new title to go with her job as principal at Southaven Intermediate School. She is also the Administrator of the Year for DeSoto County Schools.
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.
Aspiring skateboarders coast in for free boards, helmets and gear
The sport is on a roll in Memphis and organizers of a Hickory Hill event aim to help kids get the equipment and training they need.
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.”
Chambliss and Ole Miss ace their test without Kiffin and beat Tulane in the CFP
Trinidad Chambliss ran for two touchdowns and passed for another, and No. 6 Ole Miss looked unfazed by the defection of coach Lane Kiffin, beating the Green Wave Saturday in Oxford.
What Daily Memphians think*
“The ‘growth’ metric has been overdone anyway. Focus on proficiency. ... ” — Michael Harwood about State's grades of suburban schools range from A to D
“Feel sorry for Brendon Lewis when many of his best players were hurt or refused to play.” — Norman Dean about NC State Wolfpack chews up Tigers in Gasparilla Bowl
“This shows me Mr. Whitlow is a class act. THANK YOU for doing what you felt was right. ...” — Hall Prewitt about Memphis senior William Whitlow Jr. 'not mad' at teammates who opted out of bowl game
* Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
Movers & Shakers
The Memphis Library Foundation announces new board members.
Sudoku: Dec. 21
Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus.
Daily Jigsaw: Mr. Football leads winning team
Today’s photo is of two-time Mr. Football winner, Kelvin Perkins at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl High School All-Star game and was taken by Wes Hale.
Daily WordRow: Dec. 21
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.
Metro
Man sentenced for aiding former cop in murder cover-up
“The same mud that covered my son’s body now covers our trust in law enforcement,” said the father of the man who was killed by a former Memphis police officer.
State Government Tennessee Democratic leader urges cannabis reform following Trump executive order
Premium Education MSCS gets better report card in third year of state letter grades
City of Memphis National Guard could be in Memphis well into 2026 after court ruling
Shelby County Services helping poor county residents are putting ‘Band-Aids on bullet wounds’
Business
FedEx reports strong 2nd quarter
FedEx Corp. reported strong second quarter earnings despite air-traffic constraints, the grounding of 25 MD-11 planes, industry weakness and global trade-policy changes.
Transportation & Logistics Memphis airport being renamed after Fred Smith
Business Alcohol Commission postpones decision on The Station for three weeks
Premium Real Estate Downtown mid-century high-rise bought for more than $3M
Premium Real Estate New approval gives old properties a ‘second chance to create value for Shelby County’
Sports
Buckley: Dug McDaniel seems to care. But do all the rest of the Tigers?
Perhaps not everyone has bought in. Perhaps not everyone cares. Perhaps some are simply cashing a check. A leader like Dug McDaniel would know.
Premium High School Sports Briarcrest’s supporting actors are stepping into starring roles
Player of the Week Standouts from Freedom Prep, Soulsville voted players of the week
High School Sports Daily Memphian postseason girls soccer awards: Gryphons goalkeeper is player of the year
High School Sports CBHS, Collierville runners lead Daily Memphian postseason cross country awards
Food
Boscos, Memphis Made commemorate ’94 ice storm with Christmas ale
Three decades after the ice storm of 1994, that moment in time has been bottled — well, casked — into a Christmas ale.
Premium Table Talk Table Talk: Team Car Cafe may be closing but it’s going out with a bang
Suburbs
Arlington welcomes 125th anniversary with open doors
Arlington is celebrating its 125th birthday by looking back at its origins, which includes food trucks, fireworks and a ribbon-cutting for a renovated home that is almost as old as the town.
North Mississippi DeSoto County judge charged with DUI after Hernando traffic stop
Arts & Culture
From Memphis to Milwaukee: Craig Brewer’s journey to his biggest moviemaking stage yet
“With a Christmas Day release in theaters coast-to-coast, with two big stars and a repertoire of well-loved music, ‘Song Sung Blue’ is a pretty good advertisement for the musicians and studios of Memphis.”
The To-Do List Carol like its 1837, explore a winter wonderland and have a beer with Santa
Opinion
Opinion: Chanukah is about the strength of faith and finding light even in the darkest of times
“Whether Chanukah falls in middle or late December, this is the season when long anticipated movies are released, including the second movie installment of the iconic Broadway musical ‘Wicked.’”
Opinion ‘A strong Fourth Estate is essential to a healthy democracy, and it starts locally’
Podcasts
Grizzlies podcast: Jaren Jackson Jr. finds the flow
Jaren Jackson Jr. has struggled this season but found offensive success in wins over the Clippers and Timberwolves. Will this version of the All-Star stick around?
Metro The AM/DM podcast: Christmas music and holiday spirit
Games
Daily Jigsaw: Huff has the stuff
This jigsaw puzzle is a photo from the introductory press conference for new Memphis football head coach Charles Huff, and it was taken by Mark Weber.
Games Daily Jigsaw: Chamber chair
Neighborhoods
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.