Latest news with #Memphis
TechCrunch
33 minutes ago
- Health
- TechCrunch
NAACP calls on Memphis officials to halt operations at xAI's ‘dirty data center'
The NAACP is calling on local officials to halt operations at Colossus, the 'supercomputer' facility operated by Elon Musk's xAI in South Memphis. As reported in NBC News, leaders from the civil rights group sent a letter Thursday to the Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Light Gas and Water criticizing the organizations' 'lackadaisical approach to the operation of this dirty data center' and calling on them to 'issue an emergency order for xAI to stop operations completely' — or if there's no order, to at least cite and stop the company from allegedly violating clean air laws. The letter expressed particular concerns around the gas turbines that xAI runs to power Colossus. The company has applied for a permit to continue operating 15 gas turbines at the facility, although the NAACP said authorities have 'allowed xAI to operate at least 35 gas turbines without any permitting' over the past year. City officials have previously said xAI did not need permits for the turbines' first year of use. These turbines reportedly emit hazardous air pollutants, including formaldehyde, at levels exceeding EPA limits. The NAACP's letter also pointed to the turbines' nitrogen-oxide emissions. Noting that the Colossus facility is located near South Memphis' Boxtown neighborhood, which the letter described as a 'historically Black community,' the NAACP said the location perpetuates 'the trend of industries adding pollution to communities who do not cause the problem.' 'Instead of [the Shelby County Health Department] working to reduce health issues known in the area including that cancer risks are already four times the national average, it has allowed xAI to operate above the law,' the NAACP added. The NAACP's letter is addressed to Shelby County Health Department Director Michelle Taylor, as well as Memphis Light Gas and Water's commissioners; Taylor is leaving her role in Shelby County to become the commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department. Techcrunch event Save now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second. Hear from leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more during a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking. These low-rate deals disappear when the doors open on June 5. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW TechCrunch has reached out to the NAACP and xAI for comment. A spokesperson for Memphis Light Gas and Water told NBC News that it had not yet received the NAACP letter.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Mavericks Reportedly Exploring Pathway To Land Multi-Time All-Star
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 18: General manager of the Dallas Mavericks Nico Harrison looks on before ... More the game of the Play-In Tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) The Dallas Mavericks voluntarily kick-started one of the most topsy-turvy months-long roller coaster rides in NBA history. They discretely dealt beloved franchise star Luka Doncic to a hated rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. The backlash was unlike anything Rick Welts has seen in the Mavericks CEO and Hall of Fame executive's over 50 years of working in professional basketball. But then came another improbability: Dallas defied the odds at the NBA draft lottery, overcoming a 1.8 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick. By moving up a record-setting 10 spots, the organization is now in a position to bring in a new face of the franchise, generational prospect Cooper Flagg. "I don't think there's ever been quite a reversal of fortune in our league as happened that night," said Welts at The Wall Street Journal's "The Future of Everything" event at The Glasshouse in New York City on Wednesday. Adding a potential superstar who doesn't turn 19 until December on a rookie contract could keep the Mavericks competitive into the foreseeable future. But with Flagg's ability to make an immediate impact and a roster with stars in Anthony Davis, 32, and Kyrie Irving, 33, Dallas is also looking to strike now. According to Marc Stein on the NBA insider's Substack, The Stein Line, Dallas is pondering if there's a pathway to bringing Jrue Holiday aboard this summer. "League sources say Dallas is expected to at least explore whether there are any feasible trade pathways to Boston's Jrue Holiday — complicated as that would likely be given the three years and $104 million still left on Holiday's contract." The 15-year veteran averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals this season. Upon the campaign's conclusion, he expressed his desire to remain with the Celtics. "I think we still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win a championship again," voiced Holiday at exit interviews. "I think the talent that we have on this team, not only on the court but the coaching staff, all the way up to [Celtics president of basketball operations] Brad [Stevens], has been amazing. The opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of it." However, Jayson Tatum's franchise-altering injury may force Boston's hand. The Celtics might spend this summer getting under the second apron to create more financial and roster flexibility long term. As of now, the 2023-24 NBA champions, who have spent the last couple of seasons over the second apron, do not have access to the taxpayer mid-level exception, a valuable tool that could've helped them remain competitive without Tatum. They can only trade the 28th overall selection in this year's draft, plus one of their first-round choices in 2026 or 2027, and a 2030 pick swap. They've parted with their 2028 and 2029 first-round draft capital. They cannot trade their 2031 pick since their 2032 first-round selection is frozen. There are also steep financial repercussions for the franchise's exorbitant payroll in recent years. For instance, even if Boston gets under the second apron this summer, the Celtics will have to pay approximately $5.5 for every dollar spent at their repeater rate. That means Sam Hauser's team-friendly $10 million salary for the upcoming season effectively escalates to $55 million. So, while the organization's preference is likely to keep Holiday, he's on the books for $32.4 million for the 2025-26 campaign. The two-time NBA champion turns 35 in June. With the Celtics' championship hopes deflated by Tatum's injury, there's a ripe opportunity for a team like the Mavericks to acquire the two-way guard. Holiday, a six-time All-Defensive team selection, would help a team in need at that end. He'd also give them another ball handler, helping Dallas navigate the time Irving misses while rehabbing from a torn ACL. The cost of adding a decorated player who's a valuable voice in the locker room and brings emotional stability with his even-keeled approach on the court, could entail a package along the lines of center Daniel Gafford going to Boston while a third party receives a player like forward P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell. That team, likely one with cap space, like the Brooklyn Nets or Detroit Pistons, would also figure to add draft capital for taking on those contracts. It's an illustration of how the Celtics could be in store for a dramatic roster makeover this summer. That figures to benefit multiple teams. Perhaps none more than the Mavericks if they pull off a trade for Holiday.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Expungement clinic offers fresh start for people with criminal records
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk's Office is offering those who live in Shelby County a second chance to have a clean criminal record. This weekend, the criminal clerk's office is hosting its community Expungement Clinic. For someone with a criminal record, it can impact their ability to secure a job, find a home, or even gain higher education. Former Summer Drive-In property sold The organizers say, 'These events help people get a fresh start and provide access to second chance jobs and community resources to help them stay on track.' The clinic will be held at the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood, located at 620 Parkrose Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Memphis Police Investigating South Memphis Shots Fired Scene
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shots were fired early Saturday morning near a gas station in South Memphis, police confirm. Officers say they responded to the intersection of East E.H. Crump and South Third Street regarding a shots fired called at 12:13 am. Memphis Police have not released any possible injuries or suspect information, but this is a developing story. If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
17 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Rookie Stat Prediction: Ashton Jeanty
2025 Rookie Stat Prediction: Ashton Jeanty The Las Vegas Raiders made a tempo setting move when they took Memphis running back Ashton Jeanty at the top end of round one in the 2025 NFL Draft. A Heisman finalist and one of the best players in the country, Jeanty is a slam dunk for a team wanting to forge a new identity under head coach Pete Carroll. With Las Vegas boasting a new quarterback in Geno Smith who can put up the deep ball as well as anyone in the league, Jeanty should have plenty of opportunity with teams unable to load the box against him. Given Jeanty should be the easily number one back on the team, and that he should be the tempo setting engine that makes the offense move, he should see plenty of action throughout the season and be one of the leagues most productive backs. Given his skillset and the amount of opportunity he will get, expect Jeanty to be the heavy favorite for 'Offensive Rookie of the Year' as he should be one of the top producers at his position. Prediction: 1,300 rush yards, 550 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns
