The Early Word: FESJC par-tee’s over; plus, why Elvis is buried at Graceland

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Published: August 11, 2025 6:17 AM CT Premium

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Welcome to the work week, Memphis. It’s Monday, Aug. 11, and the Hotel Pontotoc’s underground bar, The Dame, opens today. 

In other news, the Shelby County Commission still hasn’t decided if it’ll move all the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board seats to the 2026 ballot. But an alternative to that plan is on the agenda for today.

See what else is coming up This Week in Memphis.

The men who tried to steal Elvis: We’ve got the bizarre back story on why Elvis Presley is buried at Graceland

On track or off track? MATA says it can get the trolleys functioning again, but that’s about it.

Party fouls: Sex, drugs and loud music — that’s what neighbors say that problem party houses bring to their quiet communities.

Every dog doesn’t have its day: More than 40% of the 2,000-plus dogs taken in by Memphis Animal Services this year have been euthanized. But there’s hope for the future.

Par-tee’s over: The FedEx St. Jude Championship ended Sunday with a win by Justin Rose. Now, the tournament’s future is up in the air.

Secret ingredient: The pizza at Bar Hustle gets its extra crunchy crust from an unexpected ingredient.

Forest oasis: Meeman-Shelby Forest hasn’t been a forest for long.

Shadyac’s new gig: Former ALSAC CEO Richard C. Shadyac Jr. is launching a new career at age 68.

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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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