The Early Word
The Early Word: Ford runs his mouth; what’s up with county money woes?
Hyde Park won’t be getting a grocery store soon, a new bourbon is ducking in and we flashback to 1997 when royalty was on Beale.
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 1159 articles by Bianca Phillips :
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November 2025
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The To-Do List Holiday event creep, plus a silent book club/disco and ‘Wicked’ good crafts
This week, a Tav Falco film gets the live-score treatment, “Romeo and Juliet” is re-told through a feminist lens and an art exhibition reinterprets the tarot.
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The Early Word The Early Word: Family speaks out on jail death, and Feagins runs for mayor
Alleged St. George’s assault may have been perpetrated by a student, a pioneering centenarian has died and we meet the BVO CEO.
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The Early Word The Early Word: Lawsuit fights school vouchers; Grizzlies, Tigers fight, too
Croughnuts are coming to Arlington, birria has arrived at Babalu and Sheriff Tuggle reveals his favorite cereal.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Lee to appeal guard ruling; leaders may go after feds next
Alleged mall shooter claims self-defense, there’s a new minimum wage for city workers and Baron Von Opperbean has an opening date.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: National Guard blocked; county cash-flow crisis fixed
One person was killed in Wolfchase shooting, another AI data center is coming and Ja Morant is out for a while.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Tigers drop two, and we look at what makes guns illegal
Tami Sawyer gets sued, Ja Morant gets injured and we’ve got your pecan pie recipe for Thanksgiving.
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The To-Do List Hop on the Shamrock Shuttle, do yoga with pups and eat pudding with a fork
This week, the Memphis Zoo launches a new holiday lighting show with lanterns, and an Orpheum party goes “Back to the Future.”
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The Early WordThe Early Word: National Guard ramps up, and Newby’s bar serves its last class
Government reopening may come with pay day for state’s U.S. senators. Plus, Catherine & Mary’s is going grandmacore, and there’s a new trail in Overton Park.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: New stomping ground for kids and a bad night for ballers
There are updates on the Lindsey Whiteside case and the alleged assault at St. George’s. Plus, Spillit fills an Indie Memphis-sized hole.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Calvo talks ICE fears; Lakeland may get a mystery grocer
Police investigate alleged sexual assault at a private school, a wet winter is coming and we’ve got your Thanksgiving meal plan.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: What’s next after Task Force? Plus, a weekend of Ws and Ls
Woman is convicted of pastor’s murder, Allen says he doesn’t do cocaine and we suggest what to order a Michelin-recommended restaurant.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Flight cuts hit MEM, but will Ford EV cuts hit BlueOval?
Daniels shares her story in pastor murder trial, Second Line is marching east and minor-league football is coming back to Memphis.
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The To-Do List Booker T. takes the stage, and Stax offers a look inside ‘Bettye’s Bin’
This week, Fire Pit Fridays makes a comeback, Ken Burns’ new film screens for free and Meddlesome hosts what may be the shortest race ever.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Grindfather goes to jail, and top runners come to Memphis
Youth gunshot wounds are trending down, jail inmates are being moved and the Grizzlies extend their losing streak.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: xAI has accident, drug sting nabs coach and a castle is for sale
Pepper spray may be cause for jail death, the city has a new fire chief and two musicians make sure School of Rock rocks on.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: New arrests strain jail, courts; what’s poppin’ on Brookhaven
City of Memphis helps fill SNAP gap, fire chief retires and the Memphis Tigers get clobbered by the other Tigers.
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Recipes Recipe Exchange: Thanksgiving Dressing
In the South, we eat dressing — not stuffing. And here are two versions: one traditional dressing and a plant-based alternative.
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October 2025
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The To-Do List Brandy and Monica reunite, and fests honor Ireland, India and Japan
This week, Memphis rap pioneers take the stage, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art honors the dead and we’ve got your guide to Halloween fun.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Food pantries hit hard in SNAP crisis; Ja makes the Suns set
ICE fears keep some kids out of school, Bartlett sets new limits for elected leaders and a Downtown sushi spot fuels the Grizzlies.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Task force sparks boycotts; MSCS responds to ICE fears
Former Evolve CEO is still in jail, but Lindsey Whiteside is going home. Plus, what’s next on tap for the old Tamp & Tap.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Task force hurts some restaurants and stops sharing ICE stats
Expired tag renewals jump, the Tigers football team is still a contender and we try to determine if the Orpheum is really haunted.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Sobering news for a liquor store and big news on Little Italy
Whiteside arrested on new charges, IP lays off workers and Bartlett tries to save its only golf course.
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The To-Do List Party like a vampire at Cameo and watch ‘Frankenstein’ come to life
This week, meditate with a Buddhist monk at Crosstown, view Mexican art at the University of Memphis and hoist a stein in Overton Square.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Grizzlies game day is here! And In-N-Out is coming someday
Crime keeps going down, DeSoto County parents are pulling kids from school and a long-needed fix is coming to the Central Library.
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