The Early Word
The Early Word: Ja’s accuser to visit Tigers; mayoral hopefuls talk takeover
MSCS teachers will get a raise, the Grizzlies could play games in Nashville and the Mushroom Queen returns.
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 1261 articles by Bianca Phillips :
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April 2026
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The To-Do List A free Grind City show, a singalong brunch and a Halloween party in April
In this week’s To-Do List, a Kubrick classic screens at Crosstown, Shelby Forest has a fest for hillbillies and Memphis Roller Derby opens its 20th season.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: School takeover is approved, and Bartlett let the dogs in
NBA Commissioner responds to LeBron’s diss, Lakeland has drama and we’ve got the Live at the Garden lineup.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Raises, taxes and ‘desperate’ teams that may want Ja
MSCS board votes to sue over a looming takeover, the city has a new name for the area around FedExForum and Crosstown has an office for you.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: State school takeover powers and a racetrack reno in neutral
OUTMemphis is building a new HQ, the Grizzlies get sweet 16 and Kuya has brunch.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Ted Butler has more putts to give; plus, Elvis’ first home
State cuts some Memphis crime money, Young promises no new taxes and Flip Side is flipping things around.
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The To-Do List Hear music on porches, the Peabody rooftop and at the new Grind City Amp
In this week’s To-Do List, an animal-free circus comes to the Buckman, crawfish are on Riverside Drive and you can watch every episode of the first season of “Twin Peaks” on a big screen.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Meet the Tigers’ new sharpshooter; plus, Big Bill’s is back
Charges are dropped for No Kings protesters, school-voucher expansion passes and we look at how the Live Nation ruling may affect Memphis music.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Teen killed at Shelby Farms; council wants ‘No Kings’ probe
Young’s alleged stalker gets out of jail, Growler’s is up for sale and something “big” and “bad” is coming to Cooper-Young.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Kleiman talks, and voucher expansion comes with a cost
Nichols’ case will detail MPD’s use of force, a farmers market becomes a restaurant and Germantown is ready for snow.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Grizz season is finally over, and kratom may get banned
Chamber CEO is on leave, FedEx pilots may have a deal and Memphis’ “Soul Man” has a new book.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: xAI’s water plant is on the back burner; Fred Smith is a Tiger
Two sue Youth Villages over shooting, a Hernando native is helping with the moon mission and we recommend a sandwich that looks like a shoe.
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The To-Do List Dress like Selena, party with Trekkies and get a tattoo at Graceland
In this week’s To-Do List, the Stax Music Academy takes over Handy Park, Ballet Memphis performs a Shakespeare classic and Novel’s new club lets you walk and read at the same time.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Paused xAI promise, Mongo sale and Second Line’s new spot
Eclipse glasses travel from Bartlett to the moon, the suburbs may get a voice at MLGW and the Grizzlies have a close call.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Hagerty talks Task Force, and a giant sandbox is coming
MSCS finally sets school dates, an “unleaseable” building gets a glow-up and Grind City Amp will open with a free show.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Grizz fans peace out; new office pushes peace over guns
Child-support payments are being held up, Lebanese sweets are coming and a YouTuber takes LeBron to task.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Doctor shortage may be coming; WWII hero gets a degree
Ja Morant’s mansion is for sale, solar panels are having a Memphis moment and Wang’s Mandarin House has new owners.
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The Arts BeatArts Beat: More on baseball movies
More Daily Memphian staffers share their favorite baseball movies.
Some of these can be considered to be more baseball movies than others, but hear us out.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: LeBron talks trash, and BC allegedly led cops on a chase
Pooh Shiesty gets arrested, Hardaway hires a manager and a new restaurant is coming to Clark Tower.
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The To-Do List Easter egg hunts, a pierogi class and thrift shopping to benefit WKNO
In this week’s To-Do List, the ’80s are back at Bar Keough, the women of Memphis jazz are at Crosstown Arts and Blue Suede Vintage has retro finds for all sizes.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: BC goes to jail, and a rapper’s family home gets raided
Partial MSCS audit finds waste and abuse, Halbert’s ouster attempt is back on and Hana Haden has “that dawg” in her.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: No tax breaks for FedEx, but you can get Piccadilly to go
There’s subtle progress on the Grizzlies’ lease, Richmond is super again and baseball is back.
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March 2026
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The Early WordThe Early Word: A mayor, deputies get arrested; MPD cops are put on leave
County Commission cracks down on Ford-style outbursts, Sushi Jimmi is opening a new restaurant and local Iranians share their thoughts on the war.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Protest ends with pepper spray, and an old Tiger returns
Midtown music venue is for sale, the county has a penny problem and we’ve got your guide to crawfish season.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: xAI is worth billions, and Tigers hire new basketball coach
Airport board isn’t worried about a takeover, Frayser is turning 200 and we sample almost everything at Kuya.
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