It’s a time of beginnings and endings. 

“Memphians have been given a false choice: either accept AI data center development without safeguards or be left behind. Memphis must treat clean air, clean water and affordable energy as non-negotiable, as other cities and regions have.”

Millennials are finding time to be a little crafty and picking up the same hobbies — like sewing and baking — their grandmothers might have enjoyed. 

When the TVA Board of Directors approved the new rate class for data centers in Memphis on Aug. 20, it held back some important information. 

Also in the political roundup: more from state Senator Brent Taylor on Behind The Headlines, a closer look at the 5th Congressional District Democratic primary results and Mongo’s campaign art.

The Monday, Aug. 24, session of the Shelby County Commission is the last of the four-year term for eight of the 13 commissioners. Here is a rundown of the old commission versus the new body that takes office Sept. 1 and a few last-minute moves on Monday’s agenda.

“Some of my neighbors feel unheard, and that is a gap we have to close. But a blanket moratorium fixes none of the problems. It stops new construction jobs and increases in the tax base while leaving the plants already running exactly where they are.”

Charles Roberts talks about his medical career, advances in childhood cancer research, the opportunities and challenges ahead, and meeting one of the most important figures in U.S. men’s ice hockey history.

All Memphis-Shelby County Schools campuses will close Monday, Aug. 24, due to a destructive weekend storm. Collierville Schools delayed start times Monday, but no other suburban school systems had changed schedules. 

Also happening this week: Germantown appoints a new school board member. 

Memphis Light, Gas and Water CEO Doug McGowen said the storm that blew in Saturday evening was the 7th most destructive by outage minutes in the utility’s history.

Related content:

600 employees and contractors working on power restoration, MLGW says

Heavy thunderstorms trigger widespread power outages

MLGW officials have warned that full restoration may not happen until Thursday.

“Addressing the domestic violence part of our violent crime challenge must involve providing more support for domestic violence victims, more accountability for the perpetrators and efforts to change behavior.”

Quentin Ratliff, 39, was known in Olive Branch as “The Dancing Man.” He was killed by a car Friday morning. It was the latest tragedy in a brutal week for cyclists across the South. 

Local watchdog and activist Joe B. Kent, who regularly harshly criticized local politicians, officials, and organizations at public meetings, died at age 63. 

MLGW officials estimate power won’t be restored until Thursday, and are asking residents to conserve water by not watering lawns or washing cars.

While the Native Plant Palooza at the Lichterman Nature Center on Saturday was a fun family outing, it also doubled as a chance for folks to issue warnings about the importance of native plants to the area.

The “Behind the Headlines” interview with the Republican nominee for the 9th Congressional District also covered Taylor’s support for limiting birthright citizenship, war in Iran, the economy, the Epstein files and whether President Donald Trump won the 2020 election.

A sudden personnel change at Holy Rosary Catholic School has sparked outrage, a petition with hundreds of signatures and a demonstration by parents demanding answers from the Catholic Diocese of Memphis.

SpaceXAI asks for more power, but it’ll have to pay. Plus, the fired city court clerk wants her job back, and The King gets his own street.

If it’s Friday, it’s time to tune in for chitchat about local Memphis events. 

Sean Tindell made his case to supporters in Southaven on why he should be Mississippi’s next attorney general.

Robert Hartheimer, the former Evolve Bank executive convicted of child sexual abuse material charges, will keep his 51-month imprisonment term following a failed appeal by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland and Millington voters will have their respective school board and local legislative elections. Two suburbs, Germantown and Lakeland, have contested mayoral elections on the ballot.

After two of three municipal judges fired her, City Court Clerk Sukita Johnson is appealing that decision to the City Council, arguing that the judges overstepped their authority.