The Early Word
The Early Word: Penny wants you back, and Tonica has its eyes on the pies
Federal judges won’t pause the new voting map, suburban school leaders tell us how they’re doing and we’ve got a rice bowl rec that won’t wreck your budget.
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 1336 articles by Bianca Phillips :
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July 2026
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The To-Do List Art openings, storytelling and live music inside and out
In this week’s To-Do List, we tell you where to catch a mind-bending Jim Carrey classic on the big screen and how to get a peek inside Ballet Memphis’ HQ.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Southaven turns eye to blinds, and the Whistle calls for you
DA’s office releases DEA shooting video, cyclosporiasis cases are on the rise here and a salad spot releases a salad-free menu.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: The Station can stay, but Liberty Park’s manager may go
Young pitches ideas for spending SpaceXAI taxes, the Memphis Flyer has new ownership and Cotton Row is hot right now.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: What’s new at Hattiloo and where to find the Flava
City workers get parental benefits, the state airport takeover firms up and we look back at the life of Henry Hooper II.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: The Station’s rivals take one more shot, and Hive expands
State preps for airport board takeover, the Grizzlies aren’t summer champs and we look at when Ramble On might ramble in.
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The To-Do List Where to watch the World Cup Final and party like it’s 2003 or Halloween
In this week’s To-Do List, we’ve got ways to celebrate 30 years of the North Mississippi Allstars and 30 years of the V&E Greenline.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Collierville gets ‘mor chikin,’ and IP makes more paper cuts
We’ve got your early voting guides. Plus, a Midtown pizza spot faces pushback over its Guard protest, and a historic apartment building may come back from the dead.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Tennessee wants its takeover back, and it’s Ssssnake Day
A suit is filed in an Ole Miss football player’s death, the suburbs get electrification with representation and we meet the Dems running in District 8.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Drama at City Council and much a-doo over salad greens
A long-vacant East Memphis restaurant is finally open, and a long-vacant Downtown hotel may soon be, too.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Boozer oozes confidence; plus, the tea on matcha
Task Force is a political football, a vegan restaurant is closing and not everyone is jazzed about the Memphis Jazz development.
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The To-Do List A very artsy weekend with some pole vaulting and an armored smackdown
In this week’s To-Do List, you can learn to listen like an artist and help some art kids get to Italy.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: A wild public meeting, chicken drama and a burger break
There’s another Task Force fatality, the MSCS forensic audit is out and Ikea wants a road name change.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Burger chain’s belly ache and a possible crackdown on AI
Shelby County Jail heats up, Ragin’ Cajun may not be raging anymore and the Grizzlies are totally centered.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: World Cup defeat still a win for Redbirds; new grocery plans
Candidates for new 5th district have their say, the Grizzlies could get another center and Vitalant wants your blood.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Tomato farmer has a vine idea, and we take you back to 1776
A Memphis crime family faces racketeering charges, a local nonprofit for veterans is calling it quits and pro hockey is coming back.
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The To-Do List Independence Day fun, ‘Incognito’ art and beer mile that’s not really a mile
In this week’s To-Do List, we tell you where to get red, white and boozy and how to see Kirk Whalum play for free.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Judge Coffee is out of court, and Santi is off our court
The state takeover of MSCS is halted, a local “Jeopardy” contestant’s run is done and Celtic celebrates its crash-aversary.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Hello to new state laws and goodbye to Coletta’s on Appling
Court is back in session, gluten-free donuts are coming soon and we reflect on Ja Morant’s greatest hits.
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June 2026
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Ja Morant is gone, and 201 Poplar is closed
County taxes are going up, Coach Cal will get his roses and GG Jackson is here to stay.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: The ‘E’ is back in Elvis; Ardent fight is a broken record
Young is shaking up his office, Millington’s racetrack reno is stalled out and you can help guide the future of Rainbow Lake.
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Metro The AM/DM Podcast: New laws take effect, and fireworks fill the sky
Also this week: The Memphis-Shelby County schools board tackles some hot topics.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Pike Place-style market is coming; Grizz rooks are here
Vegan cafe lives on after owner’s death, Novel’s cafe is expanding Downtown and the Tigers sign a social-media star.
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Metro The AM/DM Podcast: How to soak up the sun or escape the heat
On today’s show, we’ve got a rundown of indoor summer-themed events — and a one outdoor block party that’ll make you sweat.
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The To-Do List Summer parties, West Coast cruising culture and B.B. King’s second chance
In this week’s To-Do List, a band of medical pros play on a rooftop, a 1975 coming-of-age classic is on the big screen and songwriters compete to have the “Last Song Standing.”
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