“Terrorism seeks to sow fear, to disrupt our lives, and to make us question our trust in one another. That fear tempts us to retreat, to isolate, to live smaller lives. But that can’t be what we do.”

Hey, Memphians. It’s time to resolve to have fun again in 2025. Go to a Tigers game. Go to a Grizzlies game. Get off your couch and do something.

A public school teacher on vouchers: “Let’s be honest, today we’re far more interested in satisfying our own personal interests and we expect the taxpayer to foot the bill. We are entitled.”

I will remember President Carter as a person of faith who cared deeply about matters of justice and equality.

From the DOJ’s report on the MPD to Elon Musk and the xAI supercomputer, here are Otis Sanford’s top five local stories for 2024.

“For those who love dogs, children or miracles, this story won’t seem far-fetched at all. As a matter of fact, it may strike some as downright splendid.”

“It is Memphians who have made possible the success of one of the largest online local-news sites in the country, one supported primarily by subscriptions and sponsorships.”

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A new plan for the Arthur property in Germantown is starting to make its way through the suburb’s review process, but some long-standing issues remain.

“It’s a remarkable commentary on our community that virtually all that revenue has come from Memphians, all whom have risen to the occasion of saving and supporting local journalism.”

This year’s list gives us strippers, tennis players, boys, daughters, jurors and hundreds of beavers. Plus, there are “Special Jury (of One)” prizes.

“Whether too much or not enough or just the right amount, time is the thread running through every last tidbit of our human existence. ... And time is what this season of Advent is all about.”

“I have often marveled how ‘L’chayim’ and Jewish prayers in general were written when my ancestors were persecuted. ... They still contended that life has infinite meaning and light can and must pierce the darkness. ”

“Rather than demonizing judges when they make a bad call, we need to provide judges with better information, so they can make better calls. And that’s what the DA’s office has done,” writes District Attorney General Steve Mulroy. 

“While I agree that our police department can and should improve, the real question for me is this: Will a Federal Government consent decree yield the true results our community is seeking — will it make Memphis better?”

He may not be Santa, but Thermon Knighten runs the jolliest packing and shipping store this side of the North Pole. Not only that, he does weddings. At The UPS Store. How jolly is that?

Grant Wells, a teacher, joined hundreds of others in support of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins Tuesday night. His explanation for the entire fiasco? “This is Memphis stuff,” he said.

The NBA trade deadline isn’t until Feb. 6, but Chris Herrington looks at a handful of potential targets for Memphis.

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Christmas is and must be within each of us lived out in our decisions, the daily decision to risk sharing of our life with another for the sake of our life together.

The Crisis Intervention Team has strayed far from its initial goals of treating those with mental-health issues more humanely.

All-Defense, All-NBA and All-Star should all be in play for Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. How likely are they?

“It seems ridiculous to feel sad over a chain restaurant leaving town. But for me, it’s as much about the memories as it is the chicken tenders. Because when it comes to meals regularly eaten in community, it’s hard to tell where food ends and friendship begins.”

A Memphis parent realizes how St. Jude “is a sacred space,” now that she, too, has a sick child and is at the marathon thanking people for running.

“This is truly Memphis at its best. Your commitment to this mission is seen and felt locally as it saves and impacts lives globally.”

Some 22,500 people will be running through Downtown Memphis on Saturday. How did it happen? That’s a story worth telling all your friends.

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“The implications of not entering into a consent decree go beyond a mere declaration of hostility; they fundamentally threaten the integrity of our community’s relationship with law enforcement.”