The NCAA transfer portal officially opens Jan. 2, and the Memphis Tigers are heading into the new year with a laundry list of needs.

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Activists responding to immigration police calls on behalf of those detained said on “Behind The Headlines” the lines look blurred at times as a police stop is followed by a federal presence.

After one taste of Hard Times Deli’s homemade buttermilk-herb ranch, you may never want to go back to a store-bought bottled ranch dressing again.

Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.

This jigsaw puzzle is a photo of the upgraded dispatch center in Collierville and was taken by Mark Weber.

Ready for today’s sudokus?

With Morant back at the wheel the Grizzlies offense generated 26 fastbreak points, the second most of the season. 

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Grizzlies romp over Bucks in Morant’s return

Box score: Grizzlies 125, Bucks 104

Memphis beat Milwaukee for the eighth straight time, all of them by double digits.

Box score for the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.

Bryant’s music spanned soul and gospel, singing and songwriting, and the Grammy Award-nominated musician co-wrote the Ann Peebles hit song “I Can’t Stand the Rain.”

What’s coming in 2026? Museums, band reunions, new concert venues, landmark anniversaries, a handful of funny guys and portals to parallel universes. 

A group of volunteers makes pillowcases for the incoming residents at Youth Villages, and maybe we all should take that as a reminder to help folks in need all year.

“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.”

If lawmakers can agree this year, change could come quickly to Memphis-Shelby County schools, which is already primed for major upheaval in 2026.

Some Collierville and Germantown students will get Biblical education during school hours next year. It’s allowed by a 1952 ruling by the United States Supreme Court.

Cordova is possibly being “considered” for a buzzy fast-casual chain restaurant’s new location. Downtown’s The Artist Table will host an all-you-can-eat ramen dinner to send off its first chef-in-residency.

Overall, school officials have identified more than $400 million in deferred maintenance needed for the campus’ 133 buildings.

With 3,500 employees and facilities in nine communities in the eastern part of the U.S., the Memphis-based company makes snacks for some of consumers’ favorite brands. 

Are you a Wordle fan? Try WordRow, a similar game. It’s free to play.

This jigsaw puzzle is a photo of the chestnut weevil and was taken by Michael Charles.

Are you ready for today’s puzzles?

Three things always keep food writer Erica Horton from eating at Libro. But not this time. 

Today’s puzzle is of Kennison Klye as Santa Claus and was taken by Patrick Lantrip.

“I’m not sure if Jesus would find Christmas in a juke joint off 51, but I did. And if he came back today, I like to think he would order a Bloody Mary and smile, watching the children gather unto the mic on a stand, the youth reassuring the adults that yes, Christmas was still with us.”

“I say as a retired police detective: If Memphis wants fewer repeat offenders, fewer victims, and stronger communities, we don’t need to look far for solutions. We just need to open the doors that lead to work.”