The Early Word: State rejects county budget; feds want to ‘bulldoze’ crime

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Updated: October 02, 2025 6:30 AM CT | Published: October 02, 2025 6:26 AM CT Premium

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How’s it going, Memphis? It’s Thursday, Oct. 2, which is celebrated around the globe as the International Day of Non-Violence. It’s held every year on the birthday of slain Indian civil-right leader Mahatma Gandhi.

State rejects county budget: Shelby County won’t be able to issue bonds this year, thanks to a rejection of the 2026 fiscal year budget by the state comptroller.

Arrested developments: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wednesday the Memphis Safe Task Force has made some arrests.

Testing, testing: A state lawmaker from Memphis has been chosen as the chair of a national standardized testing board.

Taste of India: A new Collierville Indian restaurant is doing things a little differently

It’s all gravy: The owners of Soul & Spirits have brewed a beer that sounds like it belongs on your Thanksgiving table.

Filling a Bane-sized hole: Here’s how the Memphis Grizzlies plan to replace the hole left by Desmond Bane’s trade.

Midtown eyesore gets new life: A half-finished construction that sits behind the Midtown Krystal will finally get finished.

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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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