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.

Hey there, did you know there’s more to The Early Word? What you’re seeing isn’t even the half of it. Subscribe now to read the full story.

Are y’all beaming with joy today? It’s Friday, May 29, and you can catch some laser beams set to music at Shelby Farms Park after dark. 

Family drama: A Memphis City Council member received a warning for trying to use her position to benefit her niece.

Loves boosters? Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman’s shoplifting charge was dismissed on Thursday. 

They’ll be the judges: Here are the judges who will hear the federal case against redistricting.

Stuck in jail: A federal judge is weighing whether a state law unconstitutionally forces low-income defendants to stay in jail.

NBA lottery reform passes: The Grizzlies were the only team to vote against new rules that discourage tanking in the NBA. Here’s why. 

Where there’s smoke: Chef Flavas in Bartlett has served its last bowl of catfish and grits for a while.

Stop worrying about Fred Smith: Turns out the Briarcrest star will workout with the Memphis Tigers this summer.

App for that: If you live in DeSoto County, there’s a new app you can use to search for nearby sex offenders.

It’s all Greek … except for Harry Sinis’ pizza joint, where you can get a $15 deal.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is clearing four buildings on its campus to make the property more accessible, add green space and to save money on upkeep.

On a conference call Thursday, league executives offered an explanation for its new lottery system that likely won’t land well with Grizzlies fans.

Related content: 

NBA Lottery reform passes despite Grizzlies objection

Here’s the tea on Dr. Bean’s business and its eponymous founder. 

Josh Verma made it to the national spelling bee for the third straight year. Even though he was eliminated this week, the Farmington Elementary student deserves notice.

The Lakeland native started out in the children’s programs at Germantown Community Theatre, Playhouse on the Square, Harrell Theatre and New Day Children’s Theatre.

The Grizzlies obviously covet Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. But do they?

Bianca Phillips joins us today to talk about all the wild, wonderful and just plain weird things happening this weekend. 

Hey there, did you know there’s more to The Early Word? What you’re seeing isn’t even the half of it. Subscribe now to read the full story.

Are y’all beaming with joy today? It’s Friday, May 29, and you can catch some laser beams set to music at Shelby Farms Park after dark. 

Family drama: A Memphis City Council member received a warning for trying to use her position to benefit her niece.

Loves boosters? Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman’s shoplifting charge was dismissed on Thursday. 

They’ll be the judges: Here are the judges who will hear the federal case against redistricting.

Stuck in jail: A federal judge is weighing whether a state law unconstitutionally forces low-income defendants to stay in jail.

NBA lottery reform passes: The Grizzlies were the only team to vote against new rules that discourage tanking in the NBA. Here’s why. 

Where there’s smoke: Chef Flavas in Bartlett has served its last bowl of catfish and grits for a while.

Stop worrying about Fred Smith: Turns out the Briarcrest star will workout with the Memphis Tigers this summer.

App for that: If you live in DeSoto County, there’s a new app you can use to search for nearby sex offenders.

It’s all Greek … except for Harry Sinis’ pizza joint, where you can get a $15 deal.