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 more Early Word than this? There’s more. Way more. Subscribe now to read the full story.

How about those taxes, Memphis? It’s Tax Day — Wednesday, April 15 — and that either means nothing (if you did your taxes early), or it means you’ll need a stiff drink later. If you’re in the latter camp, godspeed! And here’s a cocktail recipe.

In better news, today is the first day to vote early in the Shelby County general-election primaries. We’ve got a guide with all you need to know before you head to the polls. 

Teen killed on senior skip day: A 17-year-old junior was killed Tuesday in Shelby Farms Park. 

Council wants ‘No Kings’ probe: The Memphis City Council plans to question the police chief soon on “No Kings” protest violence.

Mayor’s alleged stalker released: The man charged with attempting to kidnap Mayor Paul Young last year is getting out of jail — but with conditions.

XAI sued: The NAACP is suing Elon Musk’s xAI for alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act.

Big, bad opening: A breakfast chain is opening in the old Mulan in Cooper-Young.

Clubhouse tees off: Something new is coming to the recently renovated Links at Audubon golf course.

Another music venue for sale: If you’re looking to get into the music business, now is the time.

Two new Tigers: The Memphis Tigers landed two commitments from the NCAA transfer portal: Rihards Vavers and Brandin Cummings.

Better call Saul: Actor Bob Odenkirk of “Breaking Bad” fame is back on the big screen.

The Memphis Area Association of Realtors is recognizing William B. Dunavant III and Michael Lightman Sr. amid a night of other winners at its 25th annual Pinnacle Awards.

When it comes to the Grit and Grind era of the Memphis Grizzlies, Marc Gasol was the oil that made the machine hum. When it comes to the franchise, he’s the No. 1 player. 

An indoor farmers market is becoming a small farm-to-fork restaurant. 

One Shelby County suburb is putting restrictions on vaping at 21-and-up venues. How are other suburbs handling vaping and smoke shops?

Hundreds of Native Americans and others gathered at Chucalissa Saturday for the first homecoming festival at the Choctaw site in more than a decade.

Did the Grizzlies mistreat Ja Morant? No, of course not. But it’s telling (and unfortunate) that the question had to be asked. 

Today we’re talking about kratom: What it is, where you get it, what the Tennessee General Assembly is considering doing about it, and even how to say it. 

Are you ready for today’s puzzles?