“I have asked some fellow lifelong Memphians who know all about the big city/small town nature of our home to share memories from the Christmases of their earliest years.”

Young Oscar Tshiebwe was selling bricks to provide for his family when he was discovered at Bismack Biyombo’s basketball camp in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Next week, they’ll share the court together. 

“But, as they say, all good things must end. ... Dec. 29 will be my last day at The Daily Memphian, which has served as a five-year encore to 40 years at The Commercial Appeal.”

The $78 million redevelopment of the old Northside High School comes with an ambitious plan to bring back the surrounding Klondike subdivision from decades of blight.

Brad Brownell has plenty of praise for Memphis after a win could get coach Penny Hardaway’s team nationally ranked.

Two of the best players in college basketball shared the court at FedExForum on Saturday. But you wouldn’t have known it by reading the headlines beforehand.

Coach Penny Hardaway’s team returned to FedExForum on Saturday afternoon for the first time in almost a full month — after six straight games away from home — to a raucous White Out crowd and put on a show.

Related stories:

DeAndre Williams reflects on offseason, near-return to Tigers

Box score: Memphis 79, Clemson 77

The University of Memphis women’s basketball team will play in its final non-conference game of the calendar year when it hosts Mississippi State University, Sunday, Dec. 17.

“This is the most expensive community center that we have built, ever,” Memphis Parks Director Nick Walker said of the 22,000-square-foot facility at 4221 Macon Road.

The mother of 20-year-old Atlanta native Jaylin McKenzie, who was killed in December 2022 when visiting Memphis, has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Memphis and various police department officials.

Javante Mackey had 84 tackles, two sacks, seven tackles for loss and a forced fumble for Arkansas State this season. 

“(Neighborhoods) need incremental change to remain relevant and survive. Improving bike networks and pedestrian connections shouldn’t need to wait for the next multi-million dollar project.”

Memphis’ homicide rate, school vouchers and passenger rail were among the topics discussed on this week’s “Behind The Headlines.”

The chess pie is another favorite from Art Seessel’s and Jennifer Biggs’ initial list of the recipes they knew you wanted. 

He face-guarded Bane. He hounded Jaren Jackson Jr. into a miss and then sank a 3-pointer over Ziaire Williams. He drove and finished over center Bismack Biyombo. He scored on baseline cuts and pull-up jumpers. And praised a young Grizzly.

Dillon Brooks scored 26 points and hit a 3-point dagger to bury the Grizzlies in the fourth quarter on Friday. 

Related story:

Box score: Rockets 103, Grizzlies 96

Superintendent Gary Lilly is leaving, so Collierville Schools carried out interviews for a new superintendent Friday.

Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr.’s request for a temporary order of protection from fellow commissioner Mickell Lowery has been denied — at least for now.

The DMC announced Friday, Dec. 15, Brett Roler would be taking the newly created role. 

Ja Morant spoke to the media Friday. It wasn’t some raw apology press conference. But he said all the right things. He said he is learning to “protect his peace.” If the man can do that, good things will surely follow.

Related story:

Ja Morant talks about his return

The Ashmont mixed-use development in Lakeland has moved forward with some amendments, but delays on a proposal for age-restricted multifamily units.

The federal suit against Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., chief jailer Kirk Fields and Shelby County government about the death of Gershun Freeman is scheduled for trial March 24, 2025.

The Tennessee governor has granted one commutation and 22 pardons, including a Sevier County woman convicted of first-degree murder. Two of those receiving pardons are from Shelby County.

Troy P. Owens, one of the lawyers for the Tigers’ four-star signee, went on 92.9 ESPN’s “Jason & John” show and discussed what’s happening with Williams and the University of Memphis.

Documents outline the transfer of stadium ownership from the city to University of Memphis Auxiliary Services Foundation.