Most of those checking out qualifying petitions Monday, Dec. 22, are looking to run in the May 5 Shelby County Democratic primaries. There are already some interesting trends.

Here are three things we know about Memphis as it gets set to open an 18-game American Conference slate with a matchup against North Texas on Dec. 31 at FedExForum.

Lausanne linebacker Huntsman is the top freshman, while Middle College’s Staples claims Coach of the Year.

This jigsaw puzzle features a photo of the former Memphis College of Art space in Overton Park and was taken by Brad Vest.

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

Happy Smiles Dentistry is opening a new location in Olive Branch, continuing its practice of providing service to children and helping Medicaid families. But first, the dentist office awarded a total of $5,000 to local nonprofits. 

Some say the National Guard “shouldn’t be here,” while others say Memphis “got the message.” The Daily Memphian captured a snapshot of where Memphians stand on the Memphis Safe Task Force and its impact.

Harbor Town mainstay Paulette’s Restaurant has a new executive chef at the helm, and he’s resurrected and revamped some of the restaurant’s signature dishes. 

Ready for today’s sudokus?

Against Oklahoma City, the margin for error is thin. That is especially true for a Grizzlies roster missing eight players. 

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Box score: Thunder 119, Grizzlies 103

Jaren Jackson Jr. named Western Conference Player of the Week

Grizzlies provide update on Brandon Clarke

Grizzlies make roster move, add a center

Box score for the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, Friday, Dec. 22, 2025.

Led by point guard Dug McDaniel’s 23 points, the Tigers picked up an 88-67 win over Alabama State on Monday night at FedExForum.

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Box score: Memphis 88, Alabama State 67

Box score for the NCAA basketball game between the Memphis Tigers and the Alabama State Hornets at FedExForum on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office did not say what is believed to have caused the man’s death, which remains under investigation. 

The partial closing is due to a new cottonseed oil joint venture between Chicago-based Archer Daniels Midland and Pine Bluff, Arkansas-based Planters Cotton Oil Mill Inc.

The first day Monday, Dec. 22, of the period to get on the May 5 Shelby County primary ballot opened to a crowd of contenders Downtown and those who are already working on their campaigns.

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Who’s running in the 2026 Memphis school board election?

Here is a running list of Memphis Tigers entering the NCAA transfer portal, including several following former coach Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas.

No official announcements have been made yet, but newly hired Memphis football coach Charles Huff is filling out his staff. 

As a junior in high school, Cam Spencer created a recruiting profile for himself. His self-belief may be his biggest strength. 

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

Today’s photo is of the newly restored pipe organ at St. Patrick Catholic Church and was taken by Patrick Lantrip.

Are you ready for today’s puzzles? 

The state law banning religious charters has not yet been legally challenged, nor has any lawmaker proposed legislation to amend the current law.

Even though we haven’t quite reached 2026 yet, candidates for elections in the Northeast Shelby County suburbs already are making their intentions known with many of the incumbents running again.

In this week’s “Ask the Memphian,” we explain how that distance came to be and compare it to other populous cities across Tennessee.