Chamber claims xAI is “demobilizing turbines,” Tops Bar-B-Q is smoking again on Summer and we meet Jaylen Wells’ mom.

Memphis’ Medical Education and Research Institute is growing, but it needs additional storage space to accommodate that growth, including whole human body donations.

The family of Tyre Nichols and local activists gathered Thursday to protest Wednesday’s not guilty verdict against the three former Memphis police officers charged with killing him in 2023.

A century to the day that Tom Lee rescued 32 people from the Mississippi River, the Memphis hero was honored across the city. “To see a man that did so much so long ago still be recognized today — It’s awesome.”

More than 50 residents and supporters of Frayser came together Thursday in something of a pep rally for the community following two recent episodes of gun violence. And two specific items were mentioned that could provide some encouragement for residents.

Documents show artificial intelligence company xAI considered using dozens of natural-gas turbines to power the second data center. However, the Greater Memphis Chamber said the company is “is demobilizing turbines in Shelby County.”

Humes Middle could be an arts school, Oak Court could house a car dealership and Bar Limina wants to be the “space between.”

Half of the deals would keep current charter school tenants in their buildings. Another Memphis-Shelby County Schools building could be a warehouse, and Elvis Presley’s alma mater could go to New Ballet Ensemble and School. 

“Over the next 24 months, I don’t know if there will be a more critical time to set the city up for success or failure,” Memphis City Council Budget Chair Chase Carlisle said.

Following a not guilty verdict in the trial of three former police officers for the death of Tyre Nichols, Chief C.J. Davis said her departments is “committed to rebuilding trust and working together toward a stronger, safer Memphis for all.” 

Three former Memphis cops were found not guilty on all state charges related to the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols. This was the second time the three men had been on trial in the past year.

Related content:

Tyre Nichols trial: Former MPD officers found not guilty on all counts
‘Shocked,’ ‘gutted': Reaction to the Tyre Nichols verdict

“We should not have to keep witnessing this. We should not have to keep burying our sons, our brothers, our friends,” said state Sen. Raumesh Akbari. 

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent Nichols’ family in its lawsuit against the City of Memphis, called the jury’s decision a “devastating miscarriage of justice” in a statement released to media.

As the Lakeland School System adds a senior class, the district’s budget reflects the increase for the coming fiscal year.

Trump cuts Health Department funds, Growler’s is going local and the new roundabout “will take some getting used to.”

Dr. Michelle Taylor, the head of the Shelby County Health Department, said her organization was jolted by how abruptly the funding was rescinded. 

The civic praise and pride in Tom Lee had its roots in political manipulation by white leaders. But Lee’s place in Memphis history has endured despite the daunting racism of the times in which he lived.

Tom Lee’s story endures because it has avoided the racial trip wires and political calculations of his time. It appeals to Memphians as part of a larger undercurrent in the city’s history.

Related content:

The Making of a Hero: Tom Lee, E. H. Crump and race

Ollie Liddell, the director of bands at Central High, wasn’t sure how his jazz band would get to the Essentially Ellington contest at Lincoln Center. Then Memphians came through for him.

The City Council tries to regulate Downtown parking garages and short-term rentals. 

Rose’s addition comes as two prominent Memphis names leave the board of directors.

The $111 million roundabout near Downtown separates Interstate 55 traffic from local traffic and has been discussed for more than 15 years.

During the closing remarks of the the state murder trial for the former officers, attorneys talk about the “choices” that led to the death of Tyre Nichols.

Gov. Bill Lee had previously only shown his displeasure with bills by working to get them changed or defeated in the committee process, or, in rarer instances, letting them go into law without signing them.

MLGW said that it has discussed xAI using up to 1.1 gigawatts of power at its Tulane Road data center. However, MLGW said that amount of power is not poised to be delivered soon and is not formally being studied.