The Early Word
The Early Word: Firefighter raise talks get heated; state fights guard ruling
Library workers may have to reapply for their jobs, the Grizzlies’ luck runs out and The Lobbyist’s tubers are yam good.
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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December 2025
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Sports guys talk Tigers coach; Hattie B’s heads for the ‘burbs
Big changes are coming to Frayser schools, an ex-Memphis cop is sentenced for murder and the DA’s office remembers lives lost.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Silverfield is out, but the lights at San Diego Cantina are on
The road to American citizenship is very long, Belly Acres isn’t going belly up and the Grizzlies give us something to be thankful for.
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November 2025
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The To-Do List Friendsgiving comedy, holiday shopping and all of the lights
In this week’s To-Do List, we’ve got a rundown of what to do on Thanksgiving Day. And then the Memphis Symphony Orchestra is ready to get you into the holiday spirit.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: New charges in St. George’s case, assaults on Task Force
Judges tell sheriff and clerk to get it together, Belly Acres goes belly up in Bartlett and Richmond wants to be MSCS’ leader for the long haul.
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Recipes Where to see holiday lights, short list of what’s open on Thanksgiving
Our Thanksgiving guide will help you prep your holiday menu and plan what to do after the big meal.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Bondi talks crime decline, and Edey takes a hit to the head
Mom sues MSCS for handcuffing her kid, Sexton says Shelby County should pay for its own jail and the city’s library director is checking out.
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The Early WordThe 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.
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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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