The Early Word
The Early Word: Grindfather pleads guilty, and third graders face retention
City candidates pull petitions, Arlington school board members may double their pay and JJJ peddles caffeine gummies.
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 959 articles by Bianca Phillips :
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May 2023
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Long COVID life, Tyus Jones’ mama and Mayor Z-Bo?
TennCare coverage is running out for some, barbecue fest is up in smoke and a Lakeland restaurant is raising the (sports) bar.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Mayoral residency is settled; animal shelter has ruff news
Activists push back on MSCS ban, Hollywood stars make a barbecue fest cameo and a group demands an apology from Ja Morant.
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The To-Do List The To-Do List: Bikes, drag, ‘Serial Mom’ and Joyce Cobb
This week, take a “mammoth” hike at Shelby Farms, meet the musicians buried at Elmwood and explore a revamped South City during MEMFix.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Nichols lawsuit may bust city budget; Southaven truck drivers face fines
FedEx pilots authorize strike, cathead biscuits are coming to Harbor Town and Phillip Ashley Rix is writing the book on chocolate.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Bonner, Turner lead poll; Ja has ‘more work to do’
Brian Kelsey’s plea reversal is rejected, some of Calvary’s organ pipes are found and a “mad” idea takes shape at Crosstown Concourse.
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Food MIM Guide: Barbecue fest brings smoke back to the water
The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest returns to the redesigned Tom Lee Park this Wednesday. And we’ve got tips on tent etiquette, where to eat, where to park and what to bring.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Morant misses millions; Sugar Ghost plans new haunt
Memphis City Council can join the residency suit, the county wheel tax could be in trouble and we remember Arun Gandhi.
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The To-Do List The To-Do List: Dogchella, Mother’s Day and lots of ballet
This week, Memphis in May celebrates Malaysia, Opera Memphis honors soldiers and Motownphilly’s back again.
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Arts & Culture MIM Guide: How to celebrate Malaysia this week
It’s Memphis in May’s “international week,” and we’ve got your essential guide to celebrating this year’s honored country of Malaysia.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Uptown greenline, Downtown bike cops and zebra crosswalks
Memphis mayoral residency lawsuit narrows, MSCS’ superintendent search talks gets tense and we remember Steve Pearl.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: City Council sues the city; Cabigaos are guarding Hen House
General Assembly will address gun reform, Hardaway struggles in the NIL era and Bartlett may have the best margaritas.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Music Fest-goers give mixed reviews; Ballins are up for a challenge
FedEx gets a big tax cut, TVA ‘fell short’ and Bill Townsend is saving historic Memphis one building at a time.
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Music Six things to know before you go to Beale Street Music Festival
In five days, music fans will return to the river for Beale Street Music Festival at the newly redesigned Tom Lee Park. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
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The To-Do List The To-Do List: Beignets at the drive-in, Star Wars Day and Groucho Marx
This week, celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Overton Square, catch 1990s hip-hop act Digable Planets at Minglewood and meet the artist behind Memphis Botanic Garden’s new “Rich Soil” exhibition.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: TD Bank deal is off; Tyre Nichols’ death was a homicide
Police will be out in full force for Music Fest, Justin Pearson faces challengers and Toni Williams is “nontraditional.”
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Music MIM Guide: Beale Street Music Fest’s Downtown Return
This weekend, thousands will descend upon the newly renovated Tom Lee Park for Memphis in May’s Beale Street Music Festival. We’ve got a stage map, festival food tips, must-see music recommendations and more.
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Music Your guide to Memphis in May’s return to the river
After two canceled pandemic years and a weird year at Liberty Park, Memphis in May International Festival is heading back Downtown to its longtime home at Tom Lee Park. And we’ve got your survival guide with need-to-know info for the month’s festivities.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Wealth equals health in Memphis; Annesdale Mansion has a new owner
A Memphis City Council member could lose her seat, Lee says gun safety laws may be coming and we look into Dillon Brooks’ exit.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: City may ban assault weapons; car break-ins plague diners
Highland Street shooter is charged, Germantown says no to Waffle House and Dillon Brooks gets the boot.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Beale, Huey’s shootings lead to crime fears; traffic stop leads to reform calls
The five-year mayoral residency rule is in effect, FedEx plans to furlough workers and Penny Schwinn steps down.
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April 2023
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Superintendent finalist wants back in; plus, mayoral residency 101
DOJ sues state over trans youth care ban, the airport taps a new CEO and we remember Jack Parnell (and his voice).
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The To-Do List The To-Do List: Bouncy houses, books, ballet and Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty)
This week, the Tennessee Triennial highlights Memphis artists, jookers battle in the Ravine and MEMFix returns with a festival in Alcy-Ball.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Grizz stay alive in game five; new eats in Silo Square
FedEx is closing pilot bases, Ya Ya returns to China and pizza is coming to Orleans Station.
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The Early WordThe Early Word: Party won’t stop for buses (yet); voters will decide mayoral residency
Kids out past curfew will go to Greenlaw, Alicia Franklin’s lawsuit may come back and Justin J. Pearson goes to Washington.
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