The Early Word: xAI is power hungry; Yelp says Memphis ’cue is not No. 1

Bianca Phillips By , Daily Memphian
Published: May 07, 2025 6:22 AM CT Premium

Are you ready to get Real, Memphis? It’s Wednesday, May 7, and today is the deadline for getting your Real ID if you need to fly or access federal buildings. Of course, you can still get one after today, but expect to be asked for one (or a passport) now when you fly.

In the days leading up to the deadline, people reported very long waits, and some Memphians even drove hours away to find less-busy DMVs. So, if you’re not flying soon, it might behoove you to pretend like the DMV is a new Trader Joe’s, and just wait until the crowds die down. 

Memphis Light, Gas and Water said xAI’s new, under-construction Whitehaven location could eventually require enough electricity to equal 40% of Shelby County’s demand. And if that’s going to cause grid-reliability problems for the rest of us, MLGW says xAI will be out of luck. In other xAI power news, the Elon Musk-owned company plans to remove some of its controversial natural-gas turbines at its original Paul R. Lowry Road location in the next two months, according to the Greater Memphis Chamber. That’s because MLGW connected the first of two 150-megawatt substations, meant to power xAI, a few weeks ago. 

Sure, internet top ten lists should be taken with a grain of salt, or in this case, a sprinkle of Corky’s Dry Rub seasoning. But y’all, Memphis was way down in the No. 4 spot on Yelp’s list of Top 10 BBQ Cities in the U.S. (I don’t even eat meat, and I’m offended.) Yelp says it analyzed consumer interest, total barbecue business count and average ratings to create the list. But at least one local pitmaster isn’t buying it. 

Plus, Trump’s administration cuts Health Department funds, Growler’s is going local and the new roundabout “will take some getting used to.”

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Bianca Phillips

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. In her days as a reporter, she covered everything from local government and crime to LGBTQ issues and the arts. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South,” a cookbook of vegan Southern recipes.


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