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.

Happy (almost) Hanukkah! It’s Friday, Dec. 12, and Hanukkah doesn’t start until Sunday. But if you’re looking for a good latke recipe now, try this one from our archives. I made these last year — with vegan substitutions — and they were just perfect.

For weekend fun, check out The To-Do List.

Breaking up: A new agreement means electric-battery maker SK On can supply products to companies besides Ford Motor Co. 

And another break-up: Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins needs a new lawyer.

And one more ... Memphis Tigers athletic director Ed Scott addressed former coach Ryan Silverfield’s departure.

Eyes on the schools: Memphis-Shelby County Schools can see live cameras feeds from its schools — all from one control room.

‘Everyone wanted to work with him’: Real-estate developer Michael Lightman died Tuesday.

From club to cowork: The building that housed the old 616 and Club Spectrum is finally growing up.

We got the Beet: Y’all, it’s hard out here for a salad lover in Midtown, but that’s changing soon. 

Edey is out ... with a new injury. 

Attention criminals: DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton doesn’t want you there.

“I’ve been involved with The Lake District since 2012 and shepherded a lot of things through this,” a representative for the developer said, adding he could “see this development in my sleep or my nightmares.”

Standouts from Hillcrest and Arlington setting the pace so far.

This $12 sandwich is one of By the Brewery’s most popular items whether it’s breakfast or lunch. 

“I’ve been involved with The Lake District since 2012 and shepherded a lot of things through this,” a representative for the developer said, adding he could “see this development in my sleep or my nightmares.”

The TV show stars three women and an Orange Mound skating rink, with appearances from local musicians and shots of Memphis streets and neighborhoods. But the story, like the city it’s based on, is much more complex. 

“Sometime next year, unless Congress changes course, health insurance is going to become a lot more expensive for hundreds of thousands of people in Tennessee.”

This weekend is awash in holiday parades — and you can even see Daily Memphian newsletter editor Bianca Phillips in person, during a Downtown parade. 

Ready for today’s sudokus?