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🌱 Patch AM: How Oak Court’s big redevelopment could affect Big Jim’s tree lot

You won't want to miss Super Saturday - New Years Eve on the Memphis Patch calendar

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Hi there, Memphis! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Oak Court’s big redevelopment could affect Big Jim’s tree lot
  • What IHRA’s big 2026 plans mean for Memphis-area racing fans
  • How a Midtown shooting left one man critically hurt Wednesday afternoon

Also on today's calendar: Super Saturday - New Years Eve and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Memphisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Memphisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Warm with sun and some clouds, with a high of 71 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Friday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 74, low: 61.
  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 75 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'Big Jim' marks 46 years of Christmas trees, holiday cheer in Memphis (commercialappeal.com) — A longtime Memphis holiday tradition is still going strong at Oak Court Mall, where “Big Jim” Wade has sold Christmas trees and pumpkins for generations of local families. The Raleigh church lot where he started in 1979 is long gone, but his Poplar Avenue stand remains even as the mall property undergoes major demolition and redevelopment. Neighbors can still find his festive lot at 4465 Poplar Ave.
   

2. IHRA buys Memphis International Raceway, plans major 2026 race weekends (wreg.com) — A major racing venue just north of Memphis is coming back to life, as the International Hot Rod Association has bought the former Memphis International Raceway in Millington and scheduled two big race weekends for October 2026. Local leaders, including Memphis Mayor Paul Young, say the revived track should boost tourism, support nearby businesses, and give Mid-South families a new destination for motorsports and events.
   

3. 1 detained after victim injured in Midtown shooting: MPD (wreg.com) — Memphis police say a man is in critical condition after being shot Wednesday afternoon in Midtown, with officers tracing the incident to the 1400 block of Snowden. The victim arrived at a hospital by private vehicle, and investigators later detained a female suspect and recovered a white SUV believed to be involved. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
   

4. Neighbors direct anger at rental property owner after deadly shooting: ‘Still looks like a crime scene' (actionnews5.com) — Neighbors in an East Memphis cove are furious after a deadly shooting at a VRBO rental left trash, debris, and what they say still looks like a crime scene days later. Residents are demanding accountability from the property’s owner and answers from Memphis police about why officers reportedly took nearly two hours to respond to repeated 911 calls.
   

5. See Memphis NICU babies dressed up for Christmas (commercialappeal.com) — Families with babies in Memphis NICUs are getting a little extra holiday cheer, as Regional One Health and Baptist’s Spence and Becky Wilson Children’s Hospital dressed up their tiniest patients for Christmas. Photos show local NICU babies in festive outfits and even visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, bringing some joy to parents spending the holiday in the hospital.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

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Ok Memphis! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
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