The Early Word: MSCS trims jobs; MLGW sues trimmers
Happy Tuesday, fam. It’s June 11, and Downtown’s Center City Revenue Finance Corp. will consider an extension on a tax-incentive deadline for Uptown’s Dixie Greyhound redevelopment. That project is expected to bring apartments, commercial space, artist studios and a self-storage business to the former Greyhound bus station.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins plans to eliminate 1,100 positions — 450 of which are already vacant — to reduce the district’s budget shortfall, according to an email Feagins sent on Monday. That means about 600 people will lose their jobs. Feagins said some of those staffers can apply for other positions, and invitations to do so have already been accepted by a number of staff. But titles and salaries may change.
Memphis Light, Gas and Water is suing former tree-trimming contractor Asplundh, claiming the company dropped its employee headcount in Memphis over a three-year period. And that, the lawsuit claims, put the city at risk of power outages from downed trees. MLGW says Asplundh instead sent its employees to other states where they could make more money. The utility hired three new firms last year to replace Asplundh, which it alleges cost about $16 million.
Plus, rideshare drivers talk safety after an airport shooting, gun control won’t make the August ballot and Memphis Made is leaving Midtown.
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Bianca Phillips
Bianca Phillips is a Northeast Arkansas native and longtime Memphian who’s worked in local journalism and PR for more than 20 years. She’s a diehard morning person who spends her free time running marathons and ultras. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South.”
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