Last Christmas, in a mountain of boxes, wrapping paper and ribbon, the on-site gift-wrapper at Saddle Creek had an epiphany.

Breaking the turkey down before cooking frees up the oven on Thanksgiving, makes for a tasty bird and gives you the best turkey gravy you’ll ever have.

A reporters’ roundtable on “Behind The Headlines,” looks at the November midterm election results in Shelby County and the campaign for Memphis Mayor that ends with an October 2023 Election Day.

“Every vote does indeed count. But election information should be more accessible to everyone, and candidates need to spend time with who they want to represent.”

Jackson’s “double triple” in the game — three 3-pointers and three blocks — remains an unusual feat, just not so much for him. He did it six times last season alone, in a year where he shot poorly. 

Panthers grind out a victory to set up a semifinal home game against Hendersonville Beech. Covington and MASE also advance.

Memphis’ performance featured encouraging and discouraging aspects and everything in the middle. Here’s what we loved, liked and hated about the Tigers’ loss to the Billikens.

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The superstar guard appeared to turn his ankle while positioning himself for a rebound in the fourth quarter. 

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Grizzlies anxiously await details of Ja Morant injury

Box score: Grizzlies 121, Thunder 110

The group formed just months ago to lobby the logistics giant for changes has disbanded and denounced calls for a work stoppage on the day after Thanksgiving.

The University of Memphis women’s soccer team shut out Mississippi State, 4-0, in an NCAA tournament second-round match, Friday, Nov. 18, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

“When people know we’re coming, they show up in hot dog outfits, bring their weenie dogs, and that’s really all normal for us,” said one of Oscar Mayer’s hotdoggers. 

John Barker, deputy superintendent for strategic operations and finance, is retiring. Yolanda Martin, chief of human resources, is resigning. Both were investigated recently with no evidence of wrongdoing.

But the city’s financial commitment for the expansion USFL franchise appears to be minimal in the first year of what Mayor Jim Strickland hopes extends to a three-year contract.

Penny Hardaway “never thought” he’d coach two of his sons at the collegiate level but the fifth-year coach said the opportunity is “pretty cool.”

Negotiations are underway related to the Germantown namesake schools, but it’s unclear if an agreement will be reached prior to deadline. 

The Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation all rely on Twitter to get information out to the public. 

Memphians who have lost a loved one to suicide will gather on Saturday, Nov. 19, to find connection, gain understanding and share hope. 

Jermarcus Johnson, who was wanted for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, turned himself in today. 

Memphis’ football team is 8-0 against FCS opponents since 2013. The Tigers host North Alabama at 1 p.m. Saturday.

“I thought the support at the polls was overwhelming. We have nothing to hang our heads about,” Bartlett police officer Brent Hammonds said. 

Memphis goalkeeper Colin Welsh made five saves during the match.

Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss the problems created by Desmond Bane’s absence for the Grizzlies. 

Memphis leaders haven’t publicly disclosed how the proposed sports venues enhancement funding would be allocated between the FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, AutoZone Park and a proposed new soccer stadium. But it’s clear that the Forum and former Liberty Bowl are the top priorities.