This week’s puzzle features a photo of St. Louis Cardinals top prospect JJ Wetherholt playing for the Memphis Redbirds. 

Our political roundup also looks at a push to pretty up Plough Boulevard; a possible contender for Shelby County mayor, and reactions to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.

On Sunday, the Cardinals selected Houston High shortstop Ryan Mitchell in the second round of the Major League Draft. He was the nation’s 26th-ranked high school prospect.

 The Redbirds enter the 2025 All-Star Break 47-44 on the season, following a loss to the Charlotte Knights Sunday at AutoZone Park.

Two weeks after Jarmond Johnson was shot and killed at Memphis Rox, the gym reopened with a joyful, mournful — and ultimately hopeful — ceremonial climb.

Also happening this week: Kids compete in one of the nation’s oldest junior golf tournaments, and seniors learn to line dance.

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

Saturday afternoon screenings of “Sing 2,” “The Sound of Music” and “Grease” will feature on-screen lyrics, encouraging audience members to belt out their favorite songs. 

Before Todd Ondra was hired, Olive Branch’s 17 department heads reported directly to the town’s mayor. 

The Peach Cobbler Factory is one of the country’s fastest-growing quick-service chains, and in Memphis, Otis and Janie Jackson are on a roller coaster of expansion. 

Disputes over who controls Beale Street revolve around the Historical Daisy. The old theater is home to the Beale Street Development Corp. and has witnessed more than a century of intrigue and politics on the street that gave birth to the blues.

Funding will go toward three nonprofits with programs to support children dealing with trauma, death and stress through stage performances, art classes and instruments. 

“I am not a doctor or a minister, and I don’t pretend to be,” Jennie Robbins said. “I’m a champion for this cause, and as far as the philosophy of looking out for this community, that hasn’t changed.” 

Sebastian Stephens, 13, and Isabella DeFir, 20, are releasing their first album as indie rock-pop duo Isabella&Sebastian, and they’re set to play at Bartlett Live Music Series.

“Jack didn’t die because he didn’t want recovery. He didn’t die because he was a bad kid. He died because the systems around him were inadequate, uncoordinated, underfunded and broken.”

A recent article about Brussel’s Bonsai, the largest bonsai nursery in the United States, inspired this week’s crossword puzzle. 

Jaylen Wells (23 points) and Cam Spencer (17 points) helped Memphis pick up its first 2025 Las Vegas Summer League victory. After the game, the team announced that it had reached a buyout agreement with Cole Anthony.

Grizzlies star Ja Morant said he was shocked to see Desmond Bane get traded to the Orlando Magic, but it was best for both teams. 

The Redbirds continued a nine-game homestand and a six-game series with a with a loss to the Charlotte Knights (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) Saturday night at AutoZone Park.

Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was the one supposed to be chasing American and world 400 records, but it was 17-year-old Quincy Wilson who stole the show and set 400 records at the Ed Murphey Classic.

Related story:

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone withdraws from Ed Murphey Classic

The nearly 200-year-old Davies Manor marks its 50th year as a museum. Officials don’t dodge the story of 22 enslaved people who lived there, but the tour also includes light-hearted moments. 

Former Memphis receiver Anthony Miller spent the weekend in his hometown trying to help today’s youth reach their potential.

Word Flower is a fun and challenging game people of all ages can play.

Are you ready for today’s puzzles? 

“In Tennessee, more than 62,000 people are on parole, probation, or community supervision. In Shelby County alone, approximately 7,000 people are released from prison or jail every year. Most of them are ready to work and rebuild.”