The Early Word: Another Smith for FedEx board, more booze in Collierville

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Updated: August 26, 2025 6:23 AM CT | Published: August 26, 2025 6:20 AM CT Premium

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Good morning, Memphis. Every dog has its day, and that day is today. Tuesday, Aug. 26, is National Dog Day, so give those good boys and bestest girls some extra scritches and treats.

Now, our reporters have been sniffing out some stories, so let’s dig in ...

In the family: Here’s what a Richard Smith vote to the FedEx board could mean.

Power or pirouettes? Memphis-Shelby County Schools has two very different offers for reuse of Elvis Presley’s old alma mater.

Not locked in: The Shelby County Commission has pushed the new jail issue down the road, but one county leader told them Trump-created “crisis” is coming.

Beer-ly legal: Hey, Collierville, you can finally dance and drink a beer in the same place

Former Tiger suspended: A player for the 2023-24 team has been suspended by FIBA over a fight on the court

Going deep: There’s a shocking omission from the Memphis Tigers football depth chart.

Simon and the sleepers: Coach Penny Hardaway gave an update on a South Sudanese center’s journey to the U.S. and some sleepers on the roster.

If you’re already a subscriber, you shouldn’t be seeing this shortened version of The Early Word. But if you are, let us know! Shoot an email to: gthroneburg@dailymemphian.com.

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Bianca Phillips

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.


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