The Early Word: Civil-rights activists rekindle as judge sides with voter map

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Updated: May 15, 2026 6:46 AM CT | Published: May 15, 2026 6:16 AM CT Premium

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Pump up those bike tires, Memphis. It’s Friday, May 15 — Bike to Work Day. For fun things to do this weekend, including some that you can ride a bike to, check The To-Do List.

Map quest: A federal judge ruled in favor of Tennessee’s new congressional map on Thursday, but the fight isn’t over.

More on the Task Force shooting: The man who was fatally shot by a Memphis Safe Task Force agent was wanted on three charges.

The more things change … Meet Arleen Sirota and Dekater Horton, who met during the civil-rights fight in 1968 and just reconnected this week.

Save the date: Well, here’s something that almost never happens: A restaurant is opening ahead of schedule.

Going back for seconds: Who might the Grizzlies pick at No. 32? We’ve got a look.

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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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