ESPN college football expert Paul Finebaum answers The Daily Memphian’s questions as Tennessee’s and Memphis’ seasons end and the College Football Playoff continues.

This week’s jigsaw puzzle features an image of The Peabody Hotel’s holiday gingerbread display.

David Stephens’ contract was extended recently, continuing his service at Bartlett City Schools for four more years. Stephens is the district’s only superintendent since its inception in 2014.

Kaye’s Pints & Scoops own Kameisha Wilson says ice cream is not just for the summer. Here is a ice cream pie she makes every year for the holidays. 

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

A proposal before the state Legislature would allow juvenile court records to be used in criminal court bail decisions. But Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy said he is also working on a local agreement to do the same thing. 

Unless the government intervenes to lower the price or forces insurers to cover the drugs, they will remain out of range for many people.

“We hear a lot about restaurants closing here in Memphis, and they just leave, but this is one that we should say, ‘Thank you for all the things you have done for us. After 40 years, this family deserves all the flowers.”

Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus. 

Hollywood sound designer Watson Wu spent a week in Memphis in 2022 recording sounds at the zoo for “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

Also happening this week: Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day for the first time since 2005.

The MSCS board has a history of lots of citizens showing up at its meetings in a bad mood. The political roundup also tracks how the city’s D.C. representatives voted on the plan to keep the federal government open. Meanwhile, the city council will meet at 4 p.m. in the new year instead of 3:30 p.m.

Memphis linebacker Chandler Martin is forgoing his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft, he announced Sunday on X. 

Nevertheless, state law requires Tennessee districts with D and F schools appear before the Tennessee State Board of Education for hearings. Such reviews could result in corrective-action plans or audits for districts or charter operators.

“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.”

Hundreds of pages of investigative reports on the 2023 plane crash that killed four members of Harvest Church in Germantown are now public, including official interviews, expert accounts on the aircraft and wreckage and more.

“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. ”

Memphis rapper GloRilla’s visit to an Orange Mound high school inspired this week’s crossword puzzle.

Ready for today’s sudokus?

Over their last four victories, the Grizzlies are winning by an average of more than 25 points. In a league where leads quickly evaporate, Memphis has been able to stay on the gas. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 128, Hawks 112

Bane, Pippen combine for 45 points as Grizzlies beat Hawks

The game time temperature was 25 degrees and dropping in the first college football game played in December in 102-year-old Columbus, Ohio Stadium.

Desmond Bane scored 23 points and Scotty Pippen Jr. added 22 points and nine assists as the Grizzlies beat the Atlanta Hawks.

Box score for the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Coach Alex Simmons expects some players who’ve been out with injuries to be back by the time Memphis begins the conference schedule against Wichita State on Jan. 1.

Despite a crowd announced at more than 14,000, Memphis lost big to Mississippi State. What will FedExForum look like when Ole Miss shows up next?