The Early Word
The Early Word: Drama at City Council and much a-doo over salad greens
A long-vacant East Memphis restaurant is finally open, and a long-vacant Downtown hotel may soon be, too.
Bianca Phillips
Bianca Phillips is a Northeast Arkansas native and longtime Memphian who’s worked in local journalism and PR for more than 20 years. In her days as a reporter, she covered everything from local government and crime to LGBTQ issues and the arts. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South,” a cookbook of vegan Southern recipes.
There are 1352 articles by Bianca Phillips :
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July 2026
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Boozer oozes confidence; plus, the tea on matcha
Task Force is a political football, a vegan restaurant is closing and not everyone is jazzed about the Memphis Jazz development.
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The To-Do List A very artsy weekend with some pole vaulting and an armored smackdown
In this week’s To-Do List, you can learn to listen like an artist and help some art kids get to Italy.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: A wild public meeting, chicken drama and a burger break
There’s another Task Force fatality, the MSCS forensic audit is out and Ikea wants a road name change.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Burger chain’s belly ache and a possible crackdown on AI
Shelby County Jail heats up, Ragin’ Cajun may not be raging anymore and the Grizzlies are totally centered.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: World Cup defeat still a win for Redbirds; new grocery plans
Candidates for new 5th district have their say, the Grizzlies could get another center and Vitalant wants your blood.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Tomato farmer has a vine idea, and we take you back to 1776
A Memphis crime family faces racketeering charges, a local nonprofit for veterans is calling it quits and pro hockey is coming back.
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The To-Do List Independence Day fun, ‘Incognito’ art and beer mile that’s not really a mile
In this week’s To-Do List, we tell you where to get red, white and boozy and how to see Kirk Whalum play for free.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Judge Coffee is out of court, and Santi is off our court
The state takeover of MSCS is halted, a local “Jeopardy” contestant’s run is done and Celtic celebrates its crash-aversary.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Hello to new state laws and goodbye to Coletta’s on Appling
Court is back in session, gluten-free donuts are coming soon and we reflect on Ja Morant’s greatest hits.
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June 2026
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Ja Morant is gone, and 201 Poplar is closed
County taxes are going up, Coach Cal will get his roses and GG Jackson is here to stay.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: The ‘E’ is back in Elvis; Ardent fight is a broken record
Young is shaking up his office, Millington’s racetrack reno is stalled out and you can help guide the future of Rainbow Lake.
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Metro The AM/DM Podcast: New laws take effect, and fireworks fill the sky
Also this week: The Memphis-Shelby County schools board tackles some hot topics.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Pike Place-style market is coming; Grizz rooks are here
Vegan cafe lives on after owner’s death, Novel’s cafe is expanding Downtown and the Tigers sign a social-media star.
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Metro The AM/DM Podcast: How to soak up the sun or escape the heat
On today’s show, we’ve got a rundown of indoor summer-themed events — and a one outdoor block party that’ll make you sweat.
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The To-Do List Summer parties, West Coast cruising culture and B.B. King’s second chance
In this week’s To-Do List, a band of medical pros play on a rooftop, a 1975 coming-of-age classic is on the big screen and songwriters compete to have the “Last Song Standing.”
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Grizzlies get centered; TCAP shows the kids may be alright
New County Commissioner is accused of misusing grant funds, the Memphis Zoo was hit with a bomb hoax and a barbecue chain comes to Olive Branch.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Grizzlies get Boozer, and the Redbirds get their city money
FESJC’s future is uncertain, SpaceX recommits to building a water recycling plant and a local sommelier wins big.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: A ballpark money mystery and a mayor’s farewell
Man is sentenced for local chef’s death, the House District 93 race heats up and the old Marine hospital apartments will get a refresh.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Food scene is popping, and U of M campus crime is dropping
MSCS sues over takeover, the Tigers’ roster is complete and we meet a senior swimmer who’s headed to the Olympics.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Takeover board elects a chair; Harbor Town gets a sports bar
A Memphis music producer is found dead, an aviation school is flying into Millington and a state department is fighting AI fakery.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Sawyer is suspended, and free art is coming to Downtown
Collierville’s chicken fight continues, MLGW is trying to keep our lights on and a Binghampton cafe says goodbye.
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The To-Do List How to celebrate Juneteenth; plus, brews, cars and the art of protesting
In this week’s To-Do List, the Empress of Soul is on the King of Rock’s stage, and “Jaws” is swimming in just in time for your beach trip.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: MSCS takeover board is ready to roll, and so is a new Sonic
Government tries to silence SpaceX critics, something new to coming to the Memphis sky and we learn how our movie critic really feels about “Disclosure Day.”
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Tami Sawyer’s fraud charges, and SpaceX’s Grok bombshell
County Commission may raise taxes, a meatpacking plant packs it up and four local Wendy’s are saved from closure.
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