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.

Want to really get caught up from the weekend? You’ll find so much more Early Word when you subscribe.

Welcome back! It’s Monday, Oct. 26, and we’re still talking about data-center moratoriums, folks. Today, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners will vote on a pause, as well as new regulations, for future AI facilities. Commissioners will also consider pulling out of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ lawsuits fighting the state takeover.

Moving out east: Bass, Berry & Sims is moving to East Memphis after more than 25 years Downtown.

From Millington to Slovenia: A fugitive on the lam over a Millington murder was recently found in a Slovenian bar — all thanks to a social media post.

Medical bill: The old Commercial Appeal building has been demolished to make way for a new Regional One, but there’s still no plan to pay for the hospital.

Rest in peace, Popeye: Russell’s Farm Supply in Collierville caught fire last Thursday, killing the store’s longtime mascot.

Call him Ty JA-rome: The Memphis Grizzlies are now 3-0, thanks in large part to the new starting point guard.

Must love oysters: Food writer Jennifer Chandler says you’re guaranteed to fall in love with Felicia Suzanne’s Oysters of Love.

Mayor’s master plan: Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery now has a 92-page plan to guide his future decisions.

On a positive note: Since 1966, the Memphis Youth Symphony has been training young musicians for careers in classical music.

Jenny Davis played in the orchestra as a teenager. As executive director, she’s adding ensembles, outreach and opportunities for students across the city.

A ferocious finish helped the Grizzlies push their winning streak to three on Sunday in Sacramento. 

Related content: 

Box score: Grizzlies 123, Kings 112

Rebecca Severs joined Holly Whitfield on “Sound Bites” to talk about running Midtown staple Bari Ristorante e Enoteca, working with her husband and three sons and the restaurant’s Italian wine and cheese programs.

Before the vote, some Lakeland residents voiced concerns about rezoning the area. 

“Reflections,” designed by local artist Arnold Thompson, was erected in the 6-acre L.E. Brown Park in South City. The park, located at 617 S. Orleans St., contains a multicolored playground and adjoining pool.

“Blackburn’s critics turned a campaign joke into a racial indictment — and treated their outrage as evidence.”

This week is for early voting, the State of Downtown, The Daily Memphian’s “Developing Memphis” seminar, Halloween and the end of Daylight Saving Time.

Today’s puzzle features the board game Litter Box, created by Memphian Reuben Brunson. Patrick Lantrip took the photo.