School takeover, immigration and access to contraceptives are set to dominate the 2026 Tennessee General Assembly. Here's what Memphians should know ahead of the gavel.

Former Memphis Police Association president Mike Williams picks a race. Also, a nonendorsement by U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a new city policy director and a review of the Election Commission’s revamped website.

Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus. 

Once the new restaurant, 320 apartments, new retail and parking garage are fully operational, the economic impact to the local economy is estimated at $61.9 million. 

“I plead guilty,” Former Evolve Bank & Trust CEO Robert Hartheimer said. “It is a decision by me because I’m guilty.” 

A decision expected by Jan. 23 could impact the AutoZone Liberty Bowl’s conference affiliation contracts and spur a renewal agreement with its Memphis-based title sponsor.

With a losing streak, new injuries to Ja Morant and Cedric Coward and a crowded coming schedule, this Memphis Grizzlies season may be at a crossroads. 

Standouts from Bartlett, Central, Houston, Lausanne and Wooddale up for consideration this week. Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Standouts from Collierville, Harding, Houston, Hutchison and St. Agnes up for consideration this week. Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Today’s puzzle is of the mural outside of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and was taken by Mark Weber. 

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

Ready for today’s sudokus?

Two schools will exit the nearly defunct, state-run Achievement School District this summer. Their fates lie with MSCS officials, who have yet to decide if the schools will remain open or be closed.

In the wake of Geoff Calkins’ departure from local radio, 92.9 FM ESPN has a new lineup of shows. It starts with Jason Smith and John Martin at 9 a.m.

Officials in Bartlett and Lakeland have plans for the coming year, some that include the directions for their suburbs, but also whether they intend to seek new terms.

Germantown’s first-ever TIF is under review for The Standard Germantown, the mixed-use development replacing Carrefour at Kirby Woods. 

Decades ago, drivers planted a plastic Jesus on their car’s dashboard to provide a bit of religious safety as automobiles became more prevalent on the road. 

The season sweep by the Lakers will sting, but the immediate worry for Memphis is the health of its budding rookie Cedric Coward.

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Box Score: Lakers 120, Grizzlies 114

Austin’s 26-yard touchdown reception with 55 seconds left in the game was the final score in an electric fourth quarter that saw four lead changes, including three in the final four minutes.

Also happening this week: Saturday marks the three-year anniversary of Tyré Nichols’ death.

Who, exactly, are the Memphis Tigers? After needing several made free throws in the final minute to hold off Rice on the road, players didn’t pretend to have the answers. 

The NCAA transfer portal is open, and the Memphis Tigers have several new additions.

Related content:

Memphis Tigers football portal tracker

“In a world where loneliness is an epidemic, I wondered what could possibly go into cultivating a friendship like this one.”

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

Today’s puzzle is the inside of The Brooks Collection in Collierville and was taken by Patrick Lantrip.