Memphis tree vendors have officially opened up shop throughout the city for Christmas 2022, and if you haven’t picked out a tree just yet, time could be running out.

Two suburban economic development pros said on “Behind The Headlines” that infrastructure and real estate are Shelby County’s two critical areas as it sees growth from Ford’s BlueOval City in Haywood County.

Yes, Ja beat Zion. And that was fun. But this was a Black Friday performance that had everything. The Grizzlies kept on giving, right to the end. 

Bartlett, Covington and MASE fall in TSSAA state football semifinal games. The Panthers rallied from a 22-point deficit to Hendersonville Beech to take a late lead in the Class 6A matchup.

Penny Hardaway, DeAndre Williams have strong words in support of oft-criticized Tigers guard after he knocks down two 3-pointers in win over Nebraska.

The Grizzlies shot 18-38 from 3, with Dillon Brooks (4-9) leading a deep cast of contributors that included six different Grizzlies connecting from deep in the first quarter alone.

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Box score: Grizzlies 132, Pelicans 111

A wild ride so far in Orlando including Friday’s bounce-back win over Nebraska and some challenging times for Memphis so far this season could pay dividends down the road.

Point guard Kendric Davis’ 21 points and seven assists led the way. Fifth-year forward DeAndre Williams added 16 points and seven rebounds.

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Box score: Memphis 73, Nebraska 61

This game features two quarterbacks who are ranked in the top 20 in the nation in average passing yards and a receiver who leads the nation in average receiving yards per game. 

When the Crazy Cactus on Summer Avenue closed abruptly earlier this year, Francisco ‘Poncho’ Gonzales promised his restaurant would return. Now, the name isn’t back, but the menu is. 

This week brings holiday lights (and Lizzo lasers) galore, a chance to hike off Thanksgiving excesses, monster trucks and various adaptations of the classics.

“We want everybody to have a great holiday. We want them to have a great shopping experience. And we want our businesses to thrive. We want to see Memphis thrive.”

“The reality is we have about 25,000 children living in poverty in this city. It’s one child at a time. We have to attack it at that level.”

As half the country was in a drought — Lake Mead turning into Pond Mead and our own Mighty Mississippi becoming the Measly Mississippi — the ginkgoes didn’t turn yellow. Until they did. 

Chris Herrington ranks the Mid-South’s coffee shops by best atmosphere, best pastries, best outdoor seating and, with a humble asterisk, best coffee. 

“We talk a lot about ‘the Memphis Sound,’ which means something very different if you’re discussing rock or soul or hip-hop. Our goal was to build a lineup that showcases what the ‘Memphis Sound’ means in various contexts.” 

In the musical “It’s Christmas Again,” Lawson Touliatos takes on the role of Jake Young, a teenager who isn’t yet familiar with the true meaning of Christmas. 

The Tigers lost to Seton Hall when a 6-10 player who hadn’t made a 3-pointer all season before Thursday banked one in at the buzzer. So how does the team get ready to play another game Friday? Former Memphis guard Trey Draper tried to help.

Seton Hall forward Tyrese Samuel banked a buzzer-beating 3-pointer off the glass to seal a 70-69 victory for his team.

Related story:

Box Score: Seton Hall 70, Memphis 69

“This time of the year, I feel so good inside knowing I’ll get some clothes and something to eat, and I’ll leave full.”

After years of problems affecting its luster, new Bonne Terre owners have restored the Nesbit, Mississippi event venue and will host a wedding expo in hopes of resurrecting its status.

“That tree is a part of the experience. It’s one of those good old fashioned family experiences that you can have.”

Memphis’ defensive coordinator said his unit tries to take away what teams do well. Against the Mustangs, that means limiting the No. 1 receiver in the country and a top-10 quarterback. 

Last year’s state runner-up, McKenzie High, travels to Orange Mound for a Class 1A semifinal match-up of undefeated teams. Bartlett High plays host to Class 6A semifinal game.

Daily Memphian CEO Eric Barnes interviews Lil Buck and Katie Smythe, the CEO and Artistic Director of New Ballet Ensemble and School, on The Sidebar.