Calkins: Why the Memphis sports year was so disappointing — and what can be done now
The year 2025 was a bummer in Memphis sports — and not just because of the results on the field. But yes, there’s a solution. We asked someone who knows.
XAI buys building for 3rd Memphis-area data center in Southaven
The company already has two Memphis data centers.
The Early Word: xAI is expanding, and Marshall Steakhouse is, too
Buc-ee’s fans will have to wait, Airbnb party houses are a hot topic (again) and we explain what the new THC law means for your buzz.
Herrington: The bad and (yes) good of the Grizzlies’ game of the year
The Grizzlies’ overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers was a disappointing outcome, but also a tantalizing preview.
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.
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.
Buc-ee’s in West Memphis and Fayette County delayed
The large gas station chain announced this week that the West Memphis location would be delayed until 2028 and the Fayette County location until 2027. Both were slated to open in 2026.
New THC laws will reshape how Tennessee eats, drinks and gets high
THC products were a small fraction of one liquor wholesaler’s West Tennessee sales just a year ago, but they are now on track to rival traditional liquor, beer and wine sales.
Memphis Movies This Week: A promising note on ‘Song Sung Blue,’ a ‘Plague’ in theaters
“Stranger Things” fans can watch the finale of the Netflix series in a communal, big-screen setting at Paradiso Cinema Grill on New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day.
Christmas party shooting rekindles fight over ‘party house’ rentals
What was billed as a “Pajama Christmas Party” with a cover charge and offers of free liquor Dec. 20 ended with gunfire and the death of a man shot outside the short-term rental in East Memphis.
Grizzlies can’t get out of their own way in loss to Sixers
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo found himself answering questions about the rotations again after a loss in overtime to Philadelphia. Related content:
First Horizon building next to former Houston’s sold
The building, which was built in 1962, sits next to the former Houston’s restaurant that closed in December 2024 after more than 40 years of operation.
Money, MATA, xAI: Top Memphis City Council votes of 2025
The most important Memphis City Council decisions of 2025 were about the flow of city funds, the city-owned bus system, what to do with property tax revenues from xAI and the council’s relationship with the Mayor’s office.
What to watch as Memphis opens American Conference play against North Texas
The Tigers quest to win the American’s regular-season and tournament titles for the second straight season will start with a matchup against the Mean Green.
How quarterback Blake Horvath helped revive Navy football
Navy doesn’t pay NIL money. Yet heading into the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, the Midshipmen have posted a 20-5 record with Blake Horvath starting at quarterback the past two seasons.
The AM/DM podcast: Ask Me Anything edition
Illinois tops Tennessee in last-second Music City Bowl kick
David Olano’s winning kick, his third field goal of the 30-28 game, came as time expired.
Check out The Daily Memphian’s past health and wellness content.
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
He won awards as a powerlifter and bodybuilder — and at 71, he’s not done yet
Ole Miss defense looks to redeem itself against Georgia in Sugar Bowl
Ole Miss’s defense posted a season-worst performance during a 43-35 loss at Georgia on Oct. 18.
What Daily Memphians think*
“A focus this year needs to be on recruiting at least 1 if not 2 PURE SHOOTERS !!!” — Doug Drum about Buckley: Penny Hardaway had portal problems. Some lessons to be learned.
“Char. Wednesday lunch. Short Rib special. Best fries on planet Earth. Period.” — Bob Lee about Best bites of the year: DM writers dish about their favorite plates of 2025
“Bowls outside the playoffs have now become road spring games.” — Steven Sheegog about Tennessee and Illinois set for Music City Bowl with each team missing starters
* Select comments upvoted by Daily Memphian readers.
Sudoku: Dec. 31
Are you ready for today’s puzzles?
Daily Jigsaw: Ice menorah
This jigsaw puzzle is a photo of the Memphis Chabad Center’s ice menorah and was taken by Mark Weber.
Daily WordRow: Dec. 31
Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.
Grizzlies podcast: Morant returns; trade deadline approaches
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss Ja Morant’s return, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s positive trajectory and the options on the table for the Grizzlies this trade deadline.
Metro
Here’s what hit the headlines in Memphis this year
What were the news highlights of the year in Memphis? A look back at the metro team’s top stories.
unlocked Public Safety New year, new laws: Tennessee legislation that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026
Spirit of Memphis Memphis Zoo welcomes critically endangered baby orangutan
unlocked Metro Runners race round-the-clock in the Moccasin 24-Hour Run
Behind The Headlines How clear is the line between immigration stops and MPD policy?
Business
TVA moving ahead with natural gas turbines in Southwest Memphis
The turbines TVA plans to construct are intended to be used when the electric grid sees high demand.
Movers and Shakers Movers & Shakers
Business Start your engines: Former Memphis Motorsports Park to reopen next year
unlocked Spirit of Memphis Local mission-driven apparel company returns to its roots
Unlocked Real Estate Food Files: Could Cava come to the Mid-South? And, The Artist Table hosts all-you-can-eat ramen.
Sports
Philadelphia edges Memphis in tight overtime game
VJ Edgecombe carried Philadelphia in the fourth quarter, and shot the winning 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in overtime.
Memphis Grizzlies Box score: 76ers 139, Grizzlies 136 (OT)
Memphis Tigers Football When it comes to coaching, Charles Huff learned what he needed to know in college — and from his father
Update Memphis Tigers Football Memphis Tigers football portal tracker
High School Sports CBHS, Collierville runners lead Daily Memphian postseason cross country awards
Food
Best bites of the year: DM writers dish about their favorite plates of 2025
Plenty of fish isn’t just a dating app. It also describes some of our favorite meals of the year.
Unlocked Dining Guides What to order: Belle Tavern’s prime rib — but only on Thursdays
Suburbs
Worth the drive: Hop in the car and give one of these Mid-South restaurants a try
At some point on the way to a good meal, convenience stops mattering and adventure takes the wheel.
Unlocked Business Collierville gift shop keeps it in the family
Arts & Culture
‘Crazy amazing:’ How an artist painted one of the city’s largest murals at Le Bonheur
“We wanted it to look like, no matter what your background is or where you’re from, come to Le Bonheur, and you’ll be at home,” said the artist. “If you’re from outer space and you need to come to Le Bonheur, be from outer space. Or, if you live in a cactus or if you live in a boot, come on by.”
unlocked Spirit of Memphis For Monica Sanchez, Cazateatro is a labor of love
Opinion
Opinion: Cardiac arrest doesn’t wait. Neither should MLGW.
“As organizations set goals for the new year, there’s one resolution that belongs at the top of every leadership agenda: be ready to save a life.”
Podcasts
The AM/DM podcast: 2026 begins
After the countdowns and the ball drops, there’s still plenty happening this week.