Ready for a crossword? 

Time only moves in one direction, and if a new year can’t exactly offer a fresh start in the standings, it can perhaps offer a new trajectory. 

The Grizzlies have allowed opponents to shoot 49% or better in each of their last three games. 

Related story:

Box Score: Kings 123, Grizzlies 92

Also happening: Cleotha Abston’s attorney requests Davidson County jurors for his trial, and the Shelby County Commission holds its first committee sessions of the year.

After back-to-back lackluster performances versus subpar opponents, the Tigers know they need to change their mentality. And quickly.

The last day of the calendar year is here, which means it’s time for Martin’s annual tradition of telling you the future regarding the Memphis sports scene.

“There is life after menopause,” said Breia Loft, a certified midwife at Regional One Health who entered menopause several years ago. “I probably feel better now than I did in my mid- to late-40s. Your life is definitely not over: it’s just going to be a little bit different.”

“Eagles are very territorial,” said Debbie Crum. “... They will fight to the death until one of them is gone.” So after receiving a report of two females sparring in a North Mississippi field, the team from Magnolia Wildlife Education broke up the birds’ battle.

Be warned, today’s sudoku is a hard one. 

Here’s our list of the best dishes The Daily Memphian’s food writers and editors ate this year, listed in alphabetical order by restaurant. 

In 2023, Memphis lost artists, activists, coaches, athletes, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, restaurateurs, public servants and the area’s “unofficial LGBTQ historian.” 

Today, we remember them once again. 

Jim Strickland’s years as mayor took Memphis into its third century of existence, through the COVID-19 pandemic and brought it face-to-face with some of the worst crimes and crime waves in its modern history.

Ready for a crossword? 

“We can’t get over the hump to be professional enough to come out and compete,” Memphis Tigers coach says after Saturday’s win over Austin Peay.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin contributed 15 points and 15 rebounds to help the Tigers overcome several struggles offensively.

Related story:

Box score: Memphis 81, Austin Peay 70

Despite a fast start, the Tigers would not be able to match the hot shooting of the Golden Hurricane and suffered the 71-62 loss.

Memphis Museum of Science and History will feature a longtime art teacher’s solo exhibition: A collection of studio and candid pictures from the 1920s through 1950s.

The Saturday parade and block party on Tiger Lane is one of four events in three days that includes Paul Young taking the oath of office as mayor of Memphis Monday at the Cannon Center.

Now that Memphis is about to enter American Athletic Conference play, John Martin looks at where these Tigers are headed.

Crosstown Concourse’s Global Cafe, where immigrant and refugee food entrepreneurs serve up authentic cuisine representing their home countries, is a 2023 Inner City 100 award winner. 

“Doctors peddling phony promises should know that the FTC will use its strengthened authority from Congress to stop them from exploiting Americans struggling with addiction.”

With an ability to cross racial lines, the outgoing Memphis mayor was a boss who knew how to delegate and trust experts but did not abdicate responsibility for making decisions. 

Today’s puzzle is medium. Enjoy! 

Quarterly print art magazine Memphis Current will end its run at 497 N. Hollywood St. with a farewell event on Sunday. The next issue of the magazine is expected sometime before spring 2024.

Illness has smacked Memphis hard over the last few weeks. The Grizzlies were out-rebounded 54-33 in a loss to the Clippers on Friday night. 

Related story:

Box score: Clippers 117, Grizzlies 106