The Early Word: Ex-bank CEO pleads guilty, and the xAI fight goes south
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Welcome back to reality, Memphis. It’s Tuesday, Jan. 6, and all students across Shelby County return from winter break today. That means the holiday season is over for real, for real.
Ex-CEO pleads guilty to child porn: The former CEO of a Memphis bank learned Monday how many years he faces in prison.
XAI fight goes south: A group of Southaven residents are demanding a public town hall about xAI.
General Assembly preview: Here’s what to expect when the 114th Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes.
Going private: Most Tennessee students don’t use vouchers to exit low-performing public schools.
Love lost and found: These nonagenarians were high-school sweethearts who went their separate ways. Now, they’re dating again.
Flashback to 2024: Remember when the Memphis Grizzlies set an NBA record for the most games lost due to injuries? It starting to feel that way all over again.
On politics: Former Memphis police union president Mike Williams was torn between two county races. Now, he’s made a decision.
Float on: If you’re looking to zen out in 2026, try letting go of your senses.
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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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