This week’s crossword puzzle features hints from The Daily Memphian’s recent stories about the Memphis in May International Barbecue Cooking Contest and SmokeSlam. 

Are you ready for it? Here are today’s sudokus. 

“We’re on top of the world,” Brooke Lewis said to a crowd of hundreds a few moments before fireworks erupted over the stage in Liberty Park. 

Former Panther Josh Love almost led the Showboats (1-7) to a comeback victory against his former team, but it was not to be as Memphis lost its seventh straight.

Although the win-loss record wasn’t enough to make the postseason, coach Matt Riser said seeds have been planted to grow a strong future for Memphis Tigers baseball.

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Organizers said the $250,000 in prize money is the biggest purse in barbecue contest history; the Grand Champion took home a $50,000 prize.

“Memphis in May is here to stay,” new President and CEO Mack Weaver told the crowd Saturday at Liberty Park.

Co-hosted by NFL Alumni Tennessee, Meharry Medical College and the Shelby County Health Department, the event featured information for attendees to improve their health and wellness.

One of only six Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles in the world is coming to two Memphis-area Krogers Sunday, May 19, and Monday, May 20.

Tucker Davis scores four times as the Memphis University School Owls win 15th Tennessee Scholastic Lacrosse Association championship in Williamson County.

DJ Allen is the sixth defensive player to commit to Memphis since spring practice ended.

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In the hospital’s first ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic, 22 patients graduated from the Imagine Academy by Chili’s, which is the hospital’s school that is accredited as a special-purpose institution.

Bobby Whitlock grew up in Millington and got his start at Stax Records. He was a member of Derek and the Dominoes, the classic English band that included Eric Clapton, and also recorded with George Harrison, Dr. John, the Rolling Stones and more

Personal finance apps like Brigit may be new, but established consumer protection principles apply. 

The owner of Chloe’s Giant Cookies, who has 2.2 million followers on TikTok, has joined a federal lawsuit to try and overturn a recently passed law that would either ban the popular video app or force its sale.

Three new mental health facilities, which provide diversion opportunities for those struggling with mental health issues, are under development in Shelby County. 

Ready for today’s sudokus?

“We didn’t want to split up,” Sweet Cheeks team captain Alex Boggs said. “Winning is great. That’s not what this week is about. This week is about cutting out from work for a little bit, hanging out with some of your best friends in the world.”

The Weekly Crime Trend Report and the Crime Analytics Dashboard track Memphis Police Department data. Soon, the city intends on adding data from other entities, such as the court systems and the Shelby County DA’s Office.

The proposed 4% tuition hike would raise $2.7 million a year for the University of Memphis; nearly 3% increase in annual fees would net more than $575,000. 

BBQ War is the team that traveled the farthest for this year’s MIM, and despite the team’s name, they’re making new friends left and right. But what they really want are the bragging rights.

“Taxes stink, but they are necessary to accomplish our goals as a city,” Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman said after the meeting.

You can find only two teams competing at both barbecue contests this weekend: Hank’s BBQ from Columbus, Mississippi, and Pork University of Clarksville, Tennessee. 

Abston, 40, waived his right to a sentencing hearing and agreed to the 80-year sentence in Shelby County Criminal Court Division 7 Judge Lee Coffee’s courtroom Friday, May 17. 

The latest financial troubles for The Lake District would seem to push out developer Yehuda Netanel as Lakeland officials hope to salvage some aspects of the mixed-use project.