
The Early Word: Much love for Fred Smith but not much luck for Feagins
Want more Early Word than this? There’s more. Way more. Subscribe now to read the full story.
It’s Tuesday, Aug. 12, and you may be ready to work. But some local models and fashion designers are ready to werk — as in, on the runway. Memphis Urban Fashion Week, hosted by designer Prep Curry, starts today.
Feagins not getting her job back yet: A judge made a ruling Monday that wasn’t in former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins’ favor.
Love for Fred Smith: Family and FedEx workers had lots of nice things to say about the late FedEx founder at his memorial on Monday.
School-board shake-up delayed: Shelby County Commissioners didn’t vote Monday on moving all school-board seats to the 2026 election, but they had lots to say about the issue.
Inmate paralyzed at 201 Poplar: A Shelby County Jail inmate was left paralyzed after allegedly being stabbed 17 times.
Save the date: The civil lawsuit filed by Tyré Nichols’ family against the City of Memphis has been pushed to late next fall.
Monkey business: The owners of Magnolia and May just opened a coffee trailer, and the menu is bananas.
R.I.P., Thabo: The Memphis Zoo’s only male lion died late last week.
The Ja and Jaren edition: Chris Herrington explains why it’s “probably not” Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s year to shine.
Ford gets faster: Ford Motor Co. announced Monday that it’s got a new, faster way of assembling electric vehicles.
If you’re already a subscriber, you shouldn’t be seeing this shortened version of The Early Word. But if you are, let us know! Shoot an email to: gthroneburg@dailymemphian.com.
Topics
The Early Word Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
Subscribers to The Daily Memphian help fund our not-for-profit newsroom of nearly 40 local journalists plus more than 20 freelancers, all of whom work around the clock to cover the issues impacting our community. Subscriptions - and donations - also help fund our community access programs which provide free access to K-12 schools, community organizations, and more. Thank you for making our work possible.
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.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.