The Early Word: New laws start this week; plus, how you can fix potholes
Want to really get caught up from the weekend? You’ll find so much more Early Word when you subscribe.
It’s Monday, June 30, and welcome to a short work week. As of today, Santi Aldama is a free man — or, a free agent anyway. The 2025-26 NBA season officially begins today with the start of free agency, and that could mean big things for Aldama.
Also, the Shelby County Commission is still talking about the county budget.
New laws: See what the new laws will go into effect Tuesday.
Holes, holes, everywhere holes: Turns out you could do something about the city’s pothole problem.
Fatal shootings at climbing gym: Two men are dead after a double shooting Sunday afternoon.
Gun in 201: A man turned himself in for allegedly bringing a gun inside the courthouse.
Last day on the bench: Judge Paula Skahan has “had enough.”
Every day is Thanksgiving: One Memphis soul-food institution serves your favorite holiday meal year-round.
For the birds and bees: Looking to create your own pollinator garden? We’ve got tips.
Taylor’s time at the top: The outgoing Shelby County Health Department director says she’s leaving the department in better shape than she found it.
Pennies to be pinched: By early next year, the U.S. Mint will stop making pennies. What does that mean for Memphis?
Topics
The Early Word Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
Subscribers to The Daily Memphian help fund our not-for-profit newsroom of nearly 40 local journalists plus more than 20 freelancers, all of whom work around the clock to cover the issues impacting our community. Subscriptions - and donations - also help fund our community access programs which provide free access to K-12 schools, community organizations, and more. Thank you for making our work possible.
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.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.