“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.”

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.

“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?”

“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.”

“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.”

State Sen. Taylor to DA Mulroy: “Stop trying to be a social justice warrior, aggressively prosecute the laws as written and passed by the General Assembly, and do your job!”

Jared Barnett: “With so many options, it’s easy to simply give to organizations that we are most familiar with. While this relational philanthropy represents the tight-knit nature of our community, it also limits the impact of our giving. It’s time to exchange relational philanthropy with effective philanthropy.”

Elizabeth Cawein says about Memphis music: “2024 has been full of wins so big, so long-anticipated, so hard-fought, that I had to spill some digital ink celebrating them all.”

“I will admit I go overboard. It’s not exactly ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’ but I try my best. And some of my yard decorations may not immediately lead you to think ‘Christmas.’”

“Whether you are handed a roster of registrants or whether you run the tryouts and hand-select the team yourself, find a way to work in every player, every game.”

“Anger wrestled my grief to the mat. ... The news of uncle’s death had cracked open my heart, but a great many griefs came pouring out.”

The history of Thanksgiving can help us appreciate the miracle of being alive in this time and place, and the timeless gift of gratitude can ground us through any storm.

A Florida woman claimed to have more than 10 years of experience in grant writing. In reality, her last known employment was at a Krystal, and she was on probation for stealing cash deposits from it.

Candace Echols says The Retreat House is “A place that feels like a massage, a nap, a good book, a cup of coffee and afternoon recess on a countryside playground — all together at the same time.”

Joshua Henry Narcisse: This year I am a widower. And I am approaching these coming weeks with curiosity. I am interested to see what these hard and happy days will bring.

Two Memphis schools are now several months into their decisions to go completely phone-free during classroom hours. Last week, Candace Echols checked in with both campuses to see how things are going.

“It isn’t new for bitterness and meanness to enter into American politics. It existed even from people we consider to be the founders of the nation.”

“Seventy-two hours from now, everybody will be in the same boat: The votes will have been cast, and once the votes have been counted, we’ll all know who won. And ... we will all know who lost.”