The left-hander helped Philadelphia reach the World Series in 1993. He was a 1983 graduate of Craigmont High in Memphis.

This season the Grizzlies got younger and still got better, but ultimately came up short of their potential. With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. in place, the future is bright. It’s also pressing. What’s next?

The Grizzlies ended their season with a loss to the Warriors Friday. Was it the best season ever? Maybe. It was absolutely the most fun. 

The pool at the Mike Rose Aquatics Center on the U of M campus will be named in honor of the man who had an “endless belief in people.”

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest concludes at Liberty Park as winners are announced, and hope sizzles for a return to Tom Lee Park in 2023.

Clarene Pinkston Russell, who was often called Collierville’s historian, died Friday afternoon. She served the town for decades and shaped its future.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland went after critics of his backing of the state truth in sentencing law and his description of 201 Poplar as a “revolving door” for criminals during a lively interview on “Behind The Headlines.”

The problem that delayed the certification was combining tabulations from two different systems into a single statement of votes cast. 

Cornbread salad is a staple at the Big Bob Gibson family supper during the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and a great addition to your summer picnics and cookouts.

It’s getting hot around here. Record heat pounded competitors at the Division 2-AA regional track meet; flames licked meat at the 2022 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest; a Downtown mural includes sizzling new technology, and it doesn’t get any hotter than FedExForum when the Grizzlies win.

Stop Poverty with Policy is hosting a community forum and picnic for Memphis Area Transit Authority public transit riders.

The $70 million skilled nursing facility will benefit the estimated 65,000 to 75,000 veterans living in Shelby, Fayette and Tipton counties.

Douglass’ Juneteenth art auction has been postponed due to COVID-19. However, the festival is still set for Father’s Day weekend.

Black Seeds Urban Farms’ event will feature music performances from local artists and food from vendors like Sun of a Vegan and Street Kitchen. 

Arlington Middle School and Arlington High gain recognition from the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, and teacher Latisha King receives the state’s Excellence in STEM Teaching Award.

The $150 million Ashmont project continues to face questions.

“Until our society can see the truth about abortion, we will continue failing the women who need us the most. People like my grandmother.”

The emphasis on creative thinking, collaboration, problem solving, and engaging with the real world is one of the things that differentiates XTH from other high schools throughout Shelby County and around the country. 

Two former University of Memphis basketball players prepare for the NBA draft combine in Chicago on May 18-20.

The Memphis gathering was one of several Planned Parenthood rallies in cities across the United States. The marches were organized after a U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion leaked May 2 suggesting the landmark Roe v. Wade law could be restricted or overturned in the future.

Just so you know, this is not the full Early Word, and you’re missing out. Become a subscriber, and you’ll get the full story in your inbox every week day.

Great Scott, Memphis! It’s Friday, Nov. 14, and where we’re going, we don’t need roads. The Orpheum Theatre is having a “Back to the Future”-themed soiree tonight. Bonus points if you show up in a DeLorean. 

For more, check out The To-Do List.

National Guard ramps up: Lots more National Guard members were deployed to Memphis Thursday. 

Whiteside back behind bars: Former youth pastor Lindsey Whiteside is in custody again and has a new trial date.

Shutdown end’s may come with pay day: The federal government reopening came with a chance for Tennessee’s U.S. senators to get a big payout.

‘Whole again’: Overton Park’s public land just grew by 12 acres.

End of an era — again: “The college bar you never graduate from” has is serving its last class.

Going grandmacore: Catherine & Mary’s is getting a fresh look that’s more old than new. 

Speaking of grandma vibes ... There’s a new breakfast spot in Bartlett, and the owner will serve you grits while wearing a muumuu. 

Starbucks strike starts late: Memphis workers won’t strike until next week, but they want you to stop going there now.

Tigers need ‘chaos’: Here’s the miracle it would take for the Memphis Tigers to win a football championship.

Kuya, which is planned for the former Bedrock Eats & Sweets space, would have a pan-Asian-American menu with craft cocktails, beer, wine, sake and small bites. 

There was a level of legitimate concern in Memphis coach Penny Hardaway’s voice after the Tigers’ 83-77 road loss to the Rebels.

Mane Street Seasonings is Memphis through and through. 

Air Force Capt. Kenneth Wells was held captive in Vietnam for 466 days. He was honored for his service during the Veterans Day celebration in Bartlett.

Nick Barbian joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the goals for the outdoor venue located at Grind City Brewing in North Memphis.

Mauricio Calvo, the president and CEO of Latino Memphis, says that the arrival of ICE hasn’t just hurt his community. It threatens to turn Memphis into a “ghost town.”

Michelin stars have been a thing in Europe since 1900, when the first guides were published in France. But this year marked the first time the Michelin Guide came for restaurants in the American South. 

Are you ready for today’s puzzles?