The Early Word: National Guard blocked; county cash-flow crisis fixed

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Published: November 18, 2025 6:21 AM CT Premium

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Happy Tuesday. It’s Nov. 18, and the Memphis City Council will consider what to do about the Wolf River Bottoms, which is best-known as a place to ride four-wheelers and dump old tires.

Guard deployment blocked: A judge has ruled that Gov. Bill Lee didn’t act legally when he deployed the National Guard.

One dead in mall shooting: A shooting at Wolfchase Galleria Monday left one person dead.

County cash-flow fix: The Shelby County Commission voted Monday on a fix to the county’s payroll problem.

More AI is coming: A Canadian tech company is looking at a spot on Getwell Road.

MSCS board may sue: The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board may fight back against changes to their election cycle.

Point guard probs: The Memphis Grizzlies are already off to a rocky start, but the latest Ja Morant news adds, um, injury to insult.

Chick this out: If you’re the type who doesn’t mind waiting in long drive-thru lines for a chicken sandwich, here’s some good news.

Leg warmers coming to a store near you: A Chicago-based clothing retailer is opening its first Memphis store.

School meets hospital: A new pilot program pairs Le Bonheur patients with University Schools.

Gift happens: Our staff has some holiday gift ideas for you.

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Bianca Phillips

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.


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