The Early Word
The Early Word: Vigil mourns Good, and a bill would bar where ICE can go
Mississippi leaders tout the new xAI data center, Gussied Up gives an update and the Tigers land a quarterback.
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.
There are 1179 articles by Bianca Phillips :
-
January 2026
-
Premium
The Early Word -
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Lee Harris talks jail reform, and a wing spot flies the coop
State Republicans plan immigration crackdown, Beale Street gets a big boost and the “face of MIFA” is stepping down.
-
Premium
The To-Do ListFormer Vice President Harris is here; plus, ways to serve on MLK Day
In this week’s To-Do List, cozy up with a book at Loflin, revive your dying houseplants with tips from Carmeon Hamilton and mask up for a rave at the Cadre.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Cohen takes action over ICE violence; Ja keeps it short
Man dies after Task Force chase, GameStop is gone and the Tigers made Hardaway “really proud.”
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: BBQ fests may meat in the middle; plus, where to rise and wine
General Assembly is back in session, and the Hyde family may get its own street. Plus, Ja talks in Europe.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Task Force cases strain DA’s office; more AI is coming
Halbert won’t be living rent-free anymore, Bane has no hard feelings and we remember lives lost in 2025.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Ja-dropping news, something sweet and a rare coin story
Gov. Lee turns down funds to feed hungry kids, Hardaway is “totally disappointed” in his Tigers and we get a deeper look a xAI’s power usage.
-
The To-Do List Be a blacksmith for a day, and celebrate the Goblin King’s 40th birthday
This week, Novel hosts a Broadway party, local cartoonists gamify art and Good Fortune’s head bartender takes over an Edge District bar.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Liquor store gets its shot; school-board hopefuls must wait
A gyno was found guilty, Dillon Brooks runs his mouth and Calkins thinks you should be an Ole Miss fan tonight.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Republican chair resigns, and school takeover is back
Military lawyers have arrived, Southaven residents make a case against xAI and the Grizzlies break a year-long losing streak.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Ex-bank CEO pleads guilty, and the xAI fight goes south
State lawmakers have big plans, the Grizzlies are broken again and two nonagenarians find love all over again.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Calkins retires from radio, and here’s a look at 2025 crime
Local Venezuelans react to Maduro’s capture, MSCS could close two more schools and we look at the local origins of Dashboard Jesus.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Paulette’s hires new Guy; Task Force opinions are all over
Candidates get in line for county ballot, another inmate died at 201 Poplar and the Tigers actually win a game.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Santi Claus came to town; plus, Christmas Day movies
Westwood High may be saved from closure, Bartlett hires a new business booster and we look at what the Tigers are doing wrong.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: xAI is expanding, and Marshall Steakhouse is, too
Buc-ee’s fans will have to wait, Airbnb party houses are a hot topic (again) and we explain what the new THC law means for your buzz.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: A look at xAI’s power bills and food worth your gas money
U of M wants to raze two aging halls, the school takeover issue might come back and the Grizz get out-Wizzed again.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Best food we ate in 2025 and new laws that start in 2026
New gas turbines are coming to Southwest Memphis, drag racing returns to Millington area and Le Bonheur unveiled one of the biggest murals in Memphis.
-
The To-Do List Hike, paddle, mediate or wrestle your way into a new year
This week, an Elvis tribute artist pays tribute to Elton John, and Navy takes on Cincinnati in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
-
-
December 2025
-
The To-Do List Dance to 1990s country hits, and then party like it’s 2026 — because it will be
This week, paint and sip at the Rumba Room, laugh at Flyway Comedy Club and listen to Alex Chilton’s hits at Memphis Listening Lab.
-
The To-Do List Carol like it’s 1837, explore a winter wonderland and have a beer with Santa
This week, Central Station hosts its last Ladies’ Night, The PRVLG plays the New Daisy and Lafayette’s is having a “Charlie Brown Christmas.”
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Churches, liquor stores and gas-powered pickup trucks
U of M fired its foundation CEO, the Tigers just keep losing and Cam Spencer is the Grizzly nobody wanted.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Fly into Fred Smith and have a Craig Brewer Christmas
Flip Side bar is flipping its script, MSCS schools get good report cards and you might as well get used to the National Guard.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Feagins has a big day, and the Grizzlies get a big win
The Station isn’t poppin’ bottles yet, more school closures may be coming and a coffee shop is going out with a bang (or, at least a shot).
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: Firefighters get raises, but there’s money trouble in higher ed
MSCS board members sue, Collierville opens its biggest fire station and Brandon Clarke may be back tonight.
-
Premium
The Early WordThe Early Word: BlueOval EV plan is dead; Crosstown CEO’s life was saved
XAI gets to keep its turbine permit, the County Commission is keeping tabs on Wanda Halbert and JJJ is back to his old self.
-