The Early Word
The Early Word: State money goes Downtown, and Ford pleads guilty
New Taylor bill targets legal immigrants, Calvary Church sheds light on painful past and the Grizzlies finally get a home win.
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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February 2026
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The To-Do List Pro cornhole comes to town, and the Dixon celebrates 50 years
In this week’s To-Do List, a new Pink Palace exhibit explores the science and culture of food. And Urban Earth hosts a workshop on air plants.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: The meltdown begins; Jerri Green refreshes the PD’s office
Tigers lose a heartbreaker, Grizzlies fans win free nuggets and we recount a 1920s Memphis murder case that reads like film noir.
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January 2026
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Weekend plans may be out, but booze at The Station is a go
International Paper splits, the Tigers finally win and there’s a new place to get salad in the snow.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Memphis may plow ahead, and sober DUIs are a thing
Central High jazz band has had a tough year, the Grizzlies are on a losing streak and we pay homage to brave restaurant workers.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Memphis’ song of ice on streets and fire at Annesdale
Robert Pera’s company came up in allegations around the Russian war effort, Nike cuts local jobs and big decisions are coming on booze and golf.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Memphis not working with ICE, but places are closed for ice
Republican lawmakers go after Mulroy again, tulips are coming to the Dixon and we try to navigate the Morant Maze.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Baby, it’s cold outside, and the sun is setting on Westy’s
Noem brings up Memphis after Minneapolis shooting, and lawmakers want a Texas-style school takeover.
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The To-Do ListNew Spillit film fest shares true stories; sober is sexy at Complicated Pilgrim
In this week’s To-Do List, Eastern European Jewish music meets punk at the Buckman, and the music of Alanis Morissette is the soundtrack for a show at Playhouse.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Forecast is snow joke, and Buster’s owner takes another shot
Funeral home drops Brent Taylor’s name, Chef Jimmy Gentry gets his flowers and the Tigers don’t know what happened.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: 1994 ice storm may drop in, but troopers are here to stay
Craig Brewer’s new film gets an Oscar nom, more affordable housing is coming and there’s a vegan restaurant for sale.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Ja wants to stay, and another candidate wants Cohen to go
Locals talk about the root causes of high crime, bad diets and sedentary lifestyles. Plus, big bucks are coming to Beale.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Vigil mourns Good, and a bill would bar where ICE can go
Mississippi leaders tout the new xAI data center, Gussied Up gives an update and the Tigers land a quarterback.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Lee Harris talks jail reform, and a wing spot flies the coop
State Republicans plan immigration crackdown, Beale Street gets a big boost and the “face of MIFA” is stepping down.
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The To-Do ListFormer Vice President Harris is here; plus, ways to serve on MLK Day
In this week’s To-Do List, cozy up with a book at Loflin, revive your dying houseplants with tips from Carmeon Hamilton and mask up for a rave at the Cadre.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Cohen takes action over ICE violence; Ja keeps it short
Man dies after Task Force chase, GameStop is gone and the Tigers made Hardaway “really proud.”
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The Early WordThe Early Word: BBQ fests may meat in the middle; plus, where to rise and wine
General Assembly is back in session, and the Hyde family may get its own street. Plus, Ja talks in Europe.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Task Force cases strain DA’s office; more AI is coming
Halbert won’t be living rent-free anymore, Bane has no hard feelings and we remember lives lost in 2025.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Ja-dropping news, something sweet and a rare coin story
Gov. Lee turns down funds to feed hungry kids, Hardaway is “totally disappointed” in his Tigers and we get a deeper look a xAI’s power usage.
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The To-Do List Be a blacksmith for a day, and celebrate the Goblin King’s 40th birthday
This week, Novel hosts a Broadway party, local cartoonists gamify art and Good Fortune’s head bartender takes over an Edge District bar.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Liquor store gets its shot; school-board hopefuls must wait
A gyno was found guilty, Dillon Brooks runs his mouth and Calkins thinks you should be an Ole Miss fan tonight.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Republican chair resigns, and school takeover is back
Military lawyers have arrived, Southaven residents make a case against xAI and the Grizzlies break a year-long losing streak.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Ex-bank CEO pleads guilty, and the xAI fight goes south
State lawmakers have big plans, the Grizzlies are broken again and two nonagenarians find love all over again.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Calkins retires from radio, and here’s a look at 2025 crime
Local Venezuelans react to Maduro’s capture, MSCS could close two more schools and we look at the local origins of Dashboard Jesus.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Paulette’s hires new Guy; Task Force opinions are all over
Candidates get in line for county ballot, another inmate died at 201 Poplar and the Tigers actually win a game.
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