Two days last week brought a dizzying array of headlines about SpaceXAI’s operations in the Mid-South. So let’s catch up and break down why it all matters and how it fits into the bigger picture.

M.J. Edwards Riverdale Life Celebration Center continues legacy while expanding offerings to include weddings and other events.

A real estate company is looking into building something big on undeveloped land near SpaceXAI’s Colossus data center.

The many candidates for a wide range of local, state and federal offices were a key theme among journalists on this episode of “Behind the Headlines” on WKNO-TV.

“As Memphis discusses the future of Ardent Studios, I hope we will spend just as much time remembering why Ardent mattered and honoring John Fry, the man who devoted his life to making sure the music, the people and the history of this city would never be forgotten.”

The Nineteenth Century Cub building at 1433 Union Ave., which was built as a private home in 1909, is on the market for $3.8 million.

The CEO of an Ohio-based industrial contractor said SpaceXAI still owes his company about 40% of its roughly $1.5 billion total bill.

SpaceXAI said Thursday, July 30, that it and the State of Mississippi had entered an agreement for winding down some of the company’s sprawling power plant operations in Southaven. 

Related content:

SpaceXAI buys 10 acres in Southaven

The company’s sprawling campus stretches across the Tennessee-Mississippi state line and includes three data centers.

FedEx is planning to expand its operations at the airport with an $18.1 million addition to its international freight facilities, according to a permit.

Varsity Spirit is growing its operations locally by snagging a warehouse space in Southeast Memphis.

Elon Musk appeared to acknowledge that the company had built a new data center, known as “Minihard.” 

IP reported $6 billion in net sales, falling short of expectations and showing an 11.3% year-over-year decline. Overall, the company lost $12 million in the second quarter, or 2 cents per share.

Memphis Escape Rooms is expanding its footprint, opening a location in Bartlett.

The breakfast and lunch diner has a new weekday morning special, “Grumpy Hour,” offering customers any menu entree, except the steak and eggs, plus drip coffee for only $10 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

FedEx announced it is laying off almost 150 workers at two facilities in the St. Louis area.

The number of people visiting Downtown is holding at about 85% of pre-COVID numbers, according to the Downtown Memphis Commission.

A community health hub model led by UTHSC and other partners is expanding across the state, thanks in part to a donation from United Health Foundation.

Also in this edition of Inked: American Deli may be taking over a former Wendy’s restaurant in the Wolfchase area, and an HVAC company bought a Southeast Memphis building.

Also, the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, AutoZone, Southern College of Optometry and Obsidian Public Relations announce promotions. 

The property on the town’s western border could be developed into residential, commercial or mixed-use.

County Commissioner Charlie Caswell Jr. says the ShelbyCares health hub, a partnership between UTHSC and county government, will help “break that generational curse” in North Memphis.

The Pasadena, California-based hot chicken chain will occupy one of the five suites in the former 15,000-square-foot corner space that housed Spin Street before it closed in 2017.

A little more than a year after the death of FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith, his family is becoming more strategic with their investments and philanthropy, said Richard Smith, FedEx executive, director and son of the late magnate.

Facility closures are scheduled to take place Aug. 3.