The Early Word: More daycare issues; meet our new Daily Memphian CEO

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Updated: August 20, 2026 12:19 PM CT | Published: August 20, 2026 6:26 AM CT Premium

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Wakey, wakey, Shelby County! It’s Thursday, Aug. 20, and if you’re hoping to get on a municipal ballot ahead of the Nov. 3 election, today at noon is your deadline.

More daycares connected to Kid University: Cordova daycare Kid University closed this week after a six-year-old died. But records show the owner operates six other childcare centers in the Memphis area.

Jailer found guilty in inmate death: A Shelby County corrections deputy will be sentenced next month for the 2022 death of Gershun Freeman.

Money for power: Data centers in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s coverage area may soon have to pay the full cost of their own power.

Splitting shots: The leader of the Shelby County Health Department says vaccine changes will make things harder on families.

Sawyer on track for trial: Suspended Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer’s lawyer has his work cut out for him.

‘Lack of understanding and professionalism’: That’s what Collierville town administrator says is at the heart of her decision to place the town’s fire chief on leave.

Shared earth: Some people crowdsource money; Marisa Mender-Franklin crowdsourced land.

Meet our new CEO: The Daily Memphian has a new leader.

Getting right to work: The new, (mostly) state-appointed airport board wasted no time getting stuff done at its first meeting Wednesday.

All you can eat: Forget birdies; this year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship was about the burgers.

Rolling out: A cleverly named cannabis dispensary is opening a second location in Olive Branch.

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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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