The Early Word
The Early Word: Santi Claus came to town; plus, Christmas Day movies
Westwood High may be saved from closure, Bartlett hires a new business booster and we look at what the Tigers are doing wrong.
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 1191 articles by Bianca Phillips :
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January 2026
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The Early WordThe Early Word: xAI is expanding, and Marshall Steakhouse is, too
Buc-ee’s fans will have to wait, Airbnb party houses are a hot topic (again) and we explain what the new THC law means for your buzz.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: A look at xAI’s power bills and food worth your gas money
U of M wants to raze two aging halls, the school takeover issue might come back and the Grizz get out-Wizzed again.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Best food we ate in 2025 and new laws that start in 2026
New gas turbines are coming to Southwest Memphis, drag racing returns to Millington area and Le Bonheur unveiled one of the biggest murals in Memphis.
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The To-Do List Hike, paddle, mediate or wrestle your way into a new year
This week, an Elvis tribute artist pays tribute to Elton John, and Navy takes on Cincinnati in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
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December 2025
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The To-Do List Dance to 1990s country hits, and then party like it’s 2026 — because it will be
This week, paint and sip at the Rumba Room, laugh at Flyway Comedy Club and listen to Alex Chilton’s hits at Memphis Listening Lab.
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The To-Do List Carol like it’s 1837, explore a winter wonderland and have a beer with Santa
This week, Central Station hosts its last Ladies’ Night, The PRVLG plays the New Daisy and Lafayette’s is having a “Charlie Brown Christmas.”
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Churches, liquor stores and gas-powered pickup trucks
U of M fired its foundation CEO, the Tigers just keep losing and Cam Spencer is the Grizzly nobody wanted.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Fly into Fred Smith and have a Craig Brewer Christmas
Flip Side bar is flipping its script, MSCS schools get good report cards and you might as well get used to the National Guard.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Feagins has a big day, and the Grizzlies get a big win
The Station isn’t poppin’ bottles yet, more school closures may be coming and a coffee shop is going out with a bang (or, at least a shot).
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Firefighters get raises, but there’s money trouble in higher ed
MSCS board members sue, Collierville opens its biggest fire station and Brandon Clarke may be back tonight.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: BlueOval EV plan is dead; Crosstown CEO’s life was saved
XAI gets to keep its turbine permit, the County Commission is keeping tabs on Wanda Halbert and JJJ is back to his old self.
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The To-Do List Champagne dreams: Where to party on New Year’s Eve
Say goodbye to 2025 with a midnight toast, and then set some healthy resolutions and eat some lucky black-eyed pea soup.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: City loses money on Liberty Park; Aussie PM lost his pants
East Memphis liquor store gives license another shot, sheriff’s deputies will train under ICE and the cobblestones are finally restored.
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Arts & Culture Sleigh what?! Holiday parades, lights, concerts, markets and more
Resist the pull of Netflix Christmas rom-coms on the couch, and go do some seasonal holiday activities. Here’s your guide.
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The To-Do List Lucero plays a Christmas show, and ‘Slay Bells Ring’ in a holiday whodunit
This week, party like Craig and Day Day from “Friday After Next,” spin the Wheel of Fortune and drink natties (as in natural wines) while eating patties (as in burgers).
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Break-ups for Ford, Feagins and Memphis Tigers football
Zach Edey is injured, the old 616 could see new life and Midtown is getting a salad spot.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: ‘Largest development’ comes Downtown, and Huff talks big
Just City’s bail lawsuit goes class action, all is not OK for local pre-K and you might want to wear green to Memphis in May events.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Cxffeeblack has a new HQ; Tami Sawyer won’t face charges
Lucy Elementary students may have to move, fresh produce is coming to Raleigh and two musicians got to be Neil Diamond for a day.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Move over, Ja and Jaren; plus, Huff brings staff over
State could cut languages requirement, feds offer money for seniors’ home repairs and Collierville boasts the best principal.
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Recipes Season’s eatings: Recipes for the holidays
Mix things up this season with our holiday menu of goat cheese dip, a signature dish from The Lobbyist, festive Christmas cocktails and more.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Inmates describe a filthy jail; Huff brings his stuff to Tigers
Operation Viper preceded Task Force, Jelly the pittie needs a forever home and we share the St. Jude Marathon origin story.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Bonner claps back over jail, and a latte coffee is brewing
Young shares a plan for Task Force aftermath, a new effort may derail cargo theft and the Renaissance building has new owners.
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The To-Do List Party in a yurt, stumble in a Santa suit and ice(less) skate at Crosstown
This week, holiday parades kick off across Shelby County, baristas throw down in a latte art contest and WYXR’s “Raised by Sound” offers free live music.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Harris wants sheriff out of 201, and Tigers take out NOLA
A Stax legend has died, a Chicago eatery has left Memphis and two Collierville households want out of town.
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