The Early Word: Memphis could get flipped, and TBI gets more power

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Published: May 04, 2026 6:23 AM CT Premium

Want to really get caught up from the weekend? You’ll find so much more Early Word when you subscribe.

Good morning, fashionistas! It’s Monday, May 4, and I hope you’ve wearing your fancy pants today, because it’s Memphis Art & Fashion Week.

Flipping Memphis? The Tennessee General Assembly will hold a special session Tuesday to consider redrawing congressional maps in a way that could dilute the Democratic vote in Memphis.

More power to the TBI: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation can now investigate certain local crimes without the request of the Shelby County district attorney.

Not in the Spirit: The Spirit Airlines shutdown may not have a big impact on Memphis.

Med money: A $311 million gift from the state could help the University of Tennessee Health Science Center fix a nursing and physician shortage.

A murder mystery and a record sale: River Records and everything in it is for sale — nearly a decade after its owner was murdered.

Memphis in the movies: Here’s why you don’t see film crews in Memphis anymore.

A dumpling and a dream: MingXia Dumpling owner Shuxia Guo is finally living her dream.

How to meet people IRL: If you’re looking for love, there’s an opportunity this Friday.

Music studio for sale: Young Avenue Sound is for sale, and that includes $250,000 in recording equipment.

Topics

The Early Word Subscriber Only

Thank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.

Did you know we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization? We rely on a mix of revenue from subscriptions (50%), advertising, events and other earned income (25%) and fundraising (25%).

Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian today. 

👉🏽 Your subscription pays for you to read all our journalism.

👉🏽 Your donation powers the work we do to reach everyone else with the news.

We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now.

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.


Comments

Want to comment on our stories? If you’re a subscriber, scroll down to the comments. If you’re not a subscriber, only paid subscribers can add their thoughts, so subscribe now. Our commenting policy can be viewed here