The Early Word
The Early Word: Food pantries hit hard in SNAP crisis; Ja makes the Suns set
ICE fears keep some kids out of school, Bartlett sets new limits for elected leaders and a Downtown sushi spot fuels the Grizzlies.
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 1115 articles by Bianca Phillips :
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October 2025
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Task force sparks boycotts; MSCS responds to ICE fears
Former Evolve CEO is still in jail, but Lindsey Whiteside is going home. Plus, what’s next on tap for the old Tamp & Tap.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Task force hurts some restaurants and stops sharing ICE stats
Expired tag renewals jump, the Tigers football team is still a contender and we try to determine if the Orpheum is really haunted.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Sobering news for a liquor store and big news on Little Italy
Whiteside arrested on new charges, IP lays off workers and Bartlett tries to save its only golf course.
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The To-Do List Party like a vampire at Cameo and watch ‘Frankenstein’ come to life
This week, meditate with a Buddhist monk at Crosstown, view Mexican art at the University of Memphis and hoist a stein in Overton Square.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Grizzlies game day is here! And In-N-Out is coming someday
Crime keeps going down, DeSoto County parents are pulling kids from school and a long-needed fix is coming to the Central Library.
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Arts & Culture Monster bash: Halloween parties for grown-ups, trick-or-treating for kids
Sip boos — er, booze — at brewery parties, haunt the South Main Arts District for a spooky Trolley Night or take your kids trick-or-treating ahead of the big day.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Memphis is left out of Guard lawsuit; PD’s office struggles
No Kings protest organizer addresses Cohen controversy, Frayser students can name their own high school and Ja Morant is back just in time.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: ‘No Kings’ in the city, but a Downtown bar may have ghosts
Memphis gets proactive about potholes, county may have a plan to pay Halbert’s rent and we look at Coach Cal’s most memorable games.
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The To-Do ListBrew parties for coffee or beer lovers, plus art on the river
This week, local theaters perform murder shows, Crosstown showcases Vietnamese culture and you can make pottery at Chucalissa.
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Podcasts The AM/DM podcast: Happy Grizz Week! Plus, art on the river, beer in CY
This weekend, there are lots of chances to score Memphis Grizzlies swag ahead of Wednesday’s home opener. Plus RiverArts Fest and Repair Days bring art to the riverside, and beer fest brings lots of beer to Cooper Young.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Troopers don’t play by MPD’s rules; Palladio’s story may go on
JJJ makes a surprise return, an Uptown brewery patio goes to the dogs and we tell you where to get wired this weekend.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Lee Harris may sue task force; Bill Lee says it’s here forever
Hotel developer is buying a Downtown office building, Orgill opens a hardware-store owner’s dream and hipster workwear comes to Memphis.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Cops allegedly race Corvettes; pastor gets house arrest
Collierville has a new prosecutor, Silverfield is feeling “angst” over UAB game and we look at scores from students with private-school vouchers.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Bauhaus in Frayser is for sale, but beware of Pig Man
The National Guard’s been here before, the library removes banned books displays and we tell you where to find sushi for breakfast.
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The To-Do List One Artoberfest, two Oktoberfests and Beale Street’s new hoodoo museum
This week, Monster Market opens, Slowdown Cinema screens a vampire classic and Brantley Ellzey takes over Crosstown Arts’ galleries.
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Arts & Culture Where to scream, get lost and pick a pumpkin this spooky season
Let our Halloween guide to haunted houses, corn mazes and pumpkins patches help you prepare for the season.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Wealthier families get school vouchers; Guard arrives today
South City is finally done, Morant says his ankle is “good” and Banana Ball is coming.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Guard may be here a year, and Pearson takes on Cohen
International Paper building has sold, Monster Market is back and Coach Tuomas Iisalo is looking at the bright side.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: High school science center opens, a Cracker Barrel closes
National Guard comes this week, City Council urges meeting to rethink Regional One and the last ex-cop charged in Nichols’ death goes free.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Task force is pulling folks over; how is it tracking arrests?
County tries to fix its cash-flow crunch, the Grizzlies get off to a rusty start and we’ve got your guide to spooky-season fun.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: The Station’s on the rocks; Skelly brings bones to the yard
Tigers football team is still undefeated, and the Showboats and Chris Brown both cancel over Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: TV sports guy walks away, and First Watch plans a second
State’s county bond ban doesn’t matter right now, Google is going hard on West Memphis and The Liquor Store has beef with its catfish.
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The To-Do List Jam out at Mempho, and do the Time Warp again at the Orpheum
This week, eat mooncakes at Crosstown, taste your way around the Medical District and show your commitment to Sparkle Motion at the Pink Palace.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: State rejects county budget; feds want to ‘bulldoze’ crime
Social Desiii offers tastes from every Indian region, the Grizzlies have plans to fill a Bane-sized hole and it’s all gravy for Soul & Spirits.
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