Reporter
Samuel Hardiman is an enterprise and investigative reporter who focuses on local government and politics. A native Rhode Islander who lives Downtown, he enjoys tennis, golf and reading.
There are 378 articles by Samuel Hardiman :
Memphis City Council approved the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium ownership transfer but with the caveat that the U of M, the City and Fred Jones would continue to negotiate.
The City Council voted 8-2-1 Tuesday, Dec. 19, to approve conveying ownership of the stadium to the U of M Auxiliary Services Foundation and $120 million in cash to help pay for $220 million in renovations.
The University of Memphis awaits a City Council vote next week, Dec. 19, that would transfer ownership of the stadium to the U of M’s Auxiliary Services Foundation. Cost of dorms at U of M will go up 3.5% each year for four yearsRelated story:
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland’s portrait was unveiled Friday at City Hall.
Documents outline the transfer of stadium ownership from the city to University of Memphis Auxiliary Services Foundation.
“We’ve had a number of dialogues over the past couple of months, and I feel confident that she can and will be able to lead us into a better space with regards to public safety.”
If approved by the Memphis City Council in a Dec. 19 vote, the mayoral salary would increase from $170,000 to $210,000 for Mayor-elect Paul Young.
Springer will continue to serve in his role with the City of Memphis through the end of Strickland’s term that ends Jan. 1.
Michael Oher’s legal fight with the Memphis Tuohy family over “The Blind Side” film and using his name, image and likeness has pulled in famed author Michael Lewis.
The council aired its concerns about what the city was receiving for transferring ownership, the future of the Southern Heritage Classic football game, how the City Council learned about the deal and more.
Richard Smith said Tuesday that the family could pull its pledged $50 million gift if the Memphis City Council doesn’t transfer ownership of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to the University of Memphis. Council member’s push for U of M foundation board seats could stall Liberty stadium dealRelated story:
The U of M has said that the city can’t have seats on the foundation board, setting up a potential showdown over the vote Tuesday to transfer ownership of the city-owned stadium.
The council also spent more than $66,000 on travel, staying in hotels in Nashville and Washington, D.C. Taxpayers paid for the travel by picking up the tab for the City Council’s credit card payments.
The complex deal clears the path to focus on FedExForum improvements. FedEx founder to help fund Liberty Stadium renovations; U of M could control stadiumRelated story:
In something of a domino effect, the Smith family donation for the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium will free up cash for the Memphis Grizzlies and the City of Memphis to do renovations at FedExForum. Calkins: Fred Smith rides to the rescue (with $50 million) to forge a stunning stadium dealRelated story:
Ting Internet could start serving Memphis customers late next year.
The Downtown Memphis Tourism Development Zone is likely to face another shortfall in next year’s debt payment, though it should be the smallest seen in the past three years.
The University of Memphis, Greater Memphis Chamber, Moore Tech and others are partnering on what will be known as UpSkill MidSouth.
Focus groups brought together by The Daily Memphian highlight many concerns residents have about the sources of crime and the difficulties involved in increasing public safety.
The city’s Liberty Park bonds are underwater. Documents show just how busy the Midtown Kroger and nearby Chick-fil-A are and how much they mean to the Liberty Park Tourism Development Zone.
The mayor-elect says the city accounts for the possibility of making short-term bond payments on projects such as Liberty Park.
“These first two early appointments show our commitment to excellence and my commitment to creating an administration staffed with problem-solvers who are ready to work on day one,” said Memphis mayor-elect Paul Young.
Austin, Texas-based High 5 Entertainment hopes to be open at Liberty Park in mid-2025, its CEO told The Daily Memphian Wednesday morning, Nov. 1.
Memphis is betting big on Liberty Park, but public records show a big shortfall in covering that bet.
The Memphis City Council Tuesday, Oct. 24, postponed an ordinance dealing with the city extending sewer service into unincorporated Shelby County. Comcast clashes with City Council, rival company in broadband discussionRelated stories: