The Early Word: A look at xAI’s power bills and food worth your gas money

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Updated: December 29, 2025 11:54 AM CT | Published: December 29, 2025 6:20 AM CT Premium

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Welcome back to another short work week, Memphis! It’s Monday, Dec. 29, and if you haven’t started making New Year’s Eve plans, we’ve got a few ideas for you in our latest holiday guide.

If you’re looking ahead for the week, check out what’s going on in This Week in Memphis.

Power trip: Here’s a look at xAI’s power bills over the past year.

‘Really dank and foreboding’: That’s how a University of Memphis professor describes the aging Mitchell Hall. But there may be hope for a brighter future.

School takeover comeback? The state takeover of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board might be revived soon.

Worth the drive: It’s time to take a road trip for oysters and pizza.

Meat and taters: Every Thursday, this Downtown’s restaurant serves a “monstrous, 14-ounce portion of beef.”

Born to run: These runners gave new meaning to the Saturday long run. 

We’re in the final days of our 2025 end-of-year fundraising campaign. We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. Please give today to support The Daily Memphian’s work.

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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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