The Early Word: Inmates describe a filthy jail; Huff brings his stuff to Tigers

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Updated: December 08, 2025 6:22 AM CT | Published: December 08, 2025 6:19 AM CT Premium

Want to really get caught up from the weekend? You’ll find so much more Early Word when you subscribe.

Rise and grind, Memphis. It’s Monday, Dec. 8, and the Collierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen will consider a request from two households who want to deannexed from the town. 

‘Inhumane’ jail conditions: Recent inmates from the Shelby County Jail describe filthy, crowded conditions.

Huff stuff: The University of Memphis wasted no time in hiring a new Tigers football coach.

Before there was a Task Force … there was Operation Viper.

St. Jude Marathon origin story: St. Jude’s biggest fundraiser has humble roots in a small marathon at Shelby Farms.

Jelly needs a home: This dog has lived at the Humane Society for a little over four years, and he needs a home.

Winning weekend for basketball: The Memphis Grizzlies were saved by the bench Sunday night. And the Memphis Tigers were saved by their own offense on Saturday.

The Castle’s makeover: Whoever buys Ashlar Hall is getting a Zillow addict’s dream home.

Your Saturday brunch plan: Maeve’s Tavern in Collierville is adding Saturday brunch. Here’s what to order.

Where’s the music? Here’s where to find a rundown of local music shows.

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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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