The Early Word: Best food we ate in 2025 and new laws that start in 2026
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Good morning, Memphis! It’s Tuesday, Dec. 30, and the Memphis Grizzlies play the Philadelphia 76ers at FedExForum.
Gassed up: New natural-gas turbines are coming to Southwest Memphis — and no, it’s not at xAI.
New year, new laws: Here’s a rundown of new state laws that go into effect in 2026.
Our year in news: Our Metro team — the reporters who cover news within the city limits — were busy little bees this year.
Best things we ate in 2025: Every year, the foodies on our staff reflect back on the dishes that brought us the most joy. Here’s this year’s round-up.
Start your engines: The former Memphis Motorsports Park near Millington is making a comeback.
What to do about Ja: Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been the subject of trade rumors for a while. But Chris Herrington comes at us with some logic.
Biggest mural in Memphis? Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital just unveiled a very big painting of bluebirds.
We’re in the final days of our 2025 end-of-year fundraising campaign. We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. Please give today to support The Daily Memphian’s work.
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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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