Also happening this week: The University of Tennessee Athletics’ department brings its “Big Orange Caravan” to Memphis.

Hundreds of people packed into Fairley High’s gymnasium in Whitehaven on Friday evening largely to vent their frustration about the artificial intelligence company’s use of natural gas turbines.

Chunrong Jia, a professor in the University of Memphis’ division of epidemiology, biostatistics and environmental health, modeled the impact of what xAI’s turbines would have on air quality in Southwest Memphis.

With the Redbirds’ future at AutoZone Park potentially in question, the City of Memphis’ capital improvement budget contains at least one notable absence. 

City officials have appointed four new members to the newly reconstituted Memphis Animal Services advisory board, with more likely to follow. Now comes the hard work: improving the shelter and saving more animals.

To many, xAI is just another chapter in what residents said they think is a legacy of industrial racism and pollution. The debate centers on one central question: Is Colossus worth the cost?

Council Chair Ford Canale and Council member Philip Spinosa are working on a proposal they hope will not draw the attention of Airbnb lobbyists in Nashville who undid some of the regulations council members put in place in 2016.

Although the capital and operating funds are separate, the new capital projects are expected to push attendance up, which raises more money for the zoo to operate.

The council hears about a proposal to enforce standards for lighting and cleanliness of Downtown parking garages and votes on a move to extend the life of a temporary Downtown surface parking lot at Beale and Main streets.

Darren Goods is a veteran former Memphis police officer who, before his retirement, was part of the police brass, including leading several specialized units that focused on violent crime.

XAI is being taxed on $2.2 billion in investments, not the $12 billion the Greater Memphis Chamber touted throughout the past year. 

Memphis Public Libraries marked the 1893 opening of the Cossitt on Saturday, April 12, with discussions of the history about public libraries in the city that touched on racial segregation and more.

With video appearances by Trek luminaries Jonathan Frakes and Armin Shimerman, Star Trek Day returns to Memphis this Sunday. The event will also raise money for pancreatic cancer patients. Make it so.

The four days of intense rainfall set a new record for the period in Memphis and raised the level of the Mississippi River at Memphis dramatically. 

The groups are urging the Health Department to issue an emergency order to stop xAI’s operation of what appear to be dozens of natural gas turbines in Southwest Memphis. 

“I can’t remember seeing a full bus,” Council member Dr. Jeff Warren said. “If we are not filling those buses up, why are we buying the big buses?”

Mayor Paul Young’s second budget proposal as mayor trims $30 million in red ink Young says began his budget planning process. 

The tax increase puts together the last public dollars for a renovation intended to keep the Memphis Grizzlies in the city for the long term. 

Complicating the budget proposal for Memphis Mayor Paul Young is an estimated $7 million hole in revenue because of problems at the Shelby County Clerk’s Office.

In the latest installment of Ask the Memphian, we take a look at why this city is so bad for allergy sufferers.

Also happening this week: Mayor Young presents his budget proposal, and DA Mulroy nerds out with Star Trek fans.

The U.S. does not have enough electricity to continue powering the artificial intelligence boom, according to experts and studies, which raises questions on how Memphis can provide power to xAI’s supercomputers.

Flash floods covered roadways throughout the area Thursday as rain continued. Meteorologist Erik Proseus said Friday may be less severe, but Saturday’s forecast is again worrisome.

Related content: 

What to know about this week’s severe storms

The Memphis Police Department offered tips Wednesday, April 2, to help citizens stay safe despite the potential weather.

This is the first time the forecast has hit a 5 — the top of the National Weather Service’s risk scale — since 2023, said an NWS meteorologist.