Latest news with #Memphis-based
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
xAI looking to raise $12 billion in new funding as Elon Musk promises a new Colossus 2 Supercluster with 550,000 Nvidia Chips
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI is working to secure up to $12 billion in additional funding just weeks after raising $10 billion, as the company races to keep pace in the competitive AI market while burning through massive amounts of cash. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The new funding round is being facilitated by Valor Equity Partners, whose founder Antonio Gracias maintains close ties to Musk, according to the Wall Street Journal. The capital would be used to purchase advanced Nvidia chips for a second massive data center called Colossus 2, designed to train and power xAI's AI chatbot Grok . Massive cash requirements fuel expansion The fundraising effort comes as xAI faces significant financial pressures, with projections showing the startup could burn through approximately $13 billion in 2025. Some potential lenders are seeking repayment within three years and want to cap borrowing amounts to limit their exposure to risk. Musk announced on social media Tuesday that xAI currently operates 230,000 graphics processing units, including 30,000 GB200 AI chips, in its first supercluster called Colossus 1. The new Colossus 2 facility will initially feature 550,000 GB200 and GB300 chips. The Memphis-based Colossus 1 data center, housing 200,000 GPUs, already ranks among the world's largest AI chip clusters. However, the facility has faced environmental controversies, with groups challenging xAI's use of gas turbines for power generation. Despite earlier claims of having "plenty of capital," xAI has now raised at least $20 billion through various funding mechanisms, including a $2 billion investment from Musk's SpaceX. The company was valued at $75 billion in its last funding round, though it remains far from profitability with minimal revenue generation.
Metro
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The ‘truth' behind South Park star's controversial exit 17 years after his death
The son of a South Park star who left the show after an episode criticised Scientology has finally 'set the record straight'. After rising to fame as a singer-songwriter in the 1960s, Isaac Hayes was part of the cast of the animated sitcom during its debut in 1997. He voiced the character of Chef, the lunchroom cook at South Park Elementary, the school where lead characters Stan, Kyle, Eric and Kenny attended. However, nine seasons later, in 2006, a statement was issued in his name following the airing of the episode Trapped in the Closet – which took aim at the Church of Scientology, of which he was a member. At the time many were puzzled by the move, however Hayes never clarified any more beyond that initial statement. He died two years later following complications from a stroke he'd suffered in 2006. Nearly 20 years on his son has now made explosive claims, revealing the 'truth about what really happened'. Hayes began his music career in the early 1960s as a session musician for acts recorded by the Memphis-based Stax Records, later going on to co-write a string of hits including You Don't Know Like I Know, Soul Man and Hold On, I'm Comin. He went on to release his debut album, Presenting Isaac Hayes, in 1968. Although it was a commercial flop, he found success with future releases. The American singer and his song-writing partner David Porter were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, while he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Throughout his career Hayes won three Grammy Awards. In 2006 Hayes revealed he'd suffered a stroke and died two years later, aged 65, after being found unresponsive in his home near Memphis. Part of the original cast of Trey Parker and Matt Stone's series South Park, Hayes voiced Chef Jerome McElroy for nearly a decade. The character was regularly turned to as a source for advice from the children, with Chef also inspired by a dining hall worker Parker met while attending college. Although the show was known for pushing the boundaries with its storylines, a 2006 episode that poked fun at Scientology reportedly didn't sit well with the actor, whose character did not feature in the episode. The episode followed Stan joining Scientology after recruiters became convinced he was the reincarnation of church founder L. Ron Hubbard. Soon after the episode aired, a statement was released in Hayes' name, in which he requested to be released from his contract with Comedy Central and calling out South Park for satirising religious beliefs. 'There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins. As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices,' it read, but did not directly mention Scientology. Responding to the statement, Stone said the actor had never previously expressed concerns about similar storylines. 'He has no problem –and he's cashed plenty of checks– with our show making fun of Christians, Muslims, Mormons, or Jews,' he said. Soon after reports started emerging that Hayes had not requested to leave the show and had instead been pushed to do so by fellow members of his church. Over the years claims have been made that Hayes did not have a say in his South Park exit and was instead influenced by others. Last year his son, Isaac Hayes III, said the stroke left the musician and actor 'in no position to resign under his own knowledge'. He also spoke about his belief that members of the Church of Scientology had stepped in and taken it upon themselves to remove Hayes from the show after the controversial episode. His comments came after Stone told The Hollywood Reporter in 2016: 'We knew in our hearts there was something way more going on. Isaac's a really sweet guy. We're still like, 'Isaac, you've got to come out of it'. But he's just brainwashed.' For over 14 years, people have speculated about why my father @isaachayes left South Park. I'm here to set the record dad did not quit South Park. Scientology the episode 'Trapped in the Closet' aired in 2005, my father suffered a stroke just a few… — Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) July 18, 2025 This week he went on to release a lengthy statement about how he wanted to now 'set the record straight'. 'For over 14 years, people have speculated about why my father @isaachayes left South Park. I'm here to set the record straight. My dad did not quit South Park. Scientology did,' he began the post, which was shared on X. 'After the episode Trapped in the Closet aired in 2005, my father suffered a stroke just a few months later that left him unable to speak or make decisions on his own. He was not in any condition to resign from anything. The truth is, someone else within his Scientology circle made that decision and quit the show for him. 'He loved being the voice of Chef. He loved the character. He loved connecting with fans. He would joke with people who recognized his voice, and he truly enjoyed being part of the show. 'The narrative that he quit because he was offended by the satire is not true. That was a cover story created by others. My father never got to speak for himself because his health robbed him of that chance.' He went on: 'So now I am speaking for him. He did not leave South Park willingly. He was forced out by illness and by people who did not have his best interest at heart. More Trending This is for anyone who loved Chef. This is for anyone who admired my father's work. This is the truth about what really happened.' Although the Church of Scientology has never publicly responded to the claims, Hayes told Cracked this week: 'I haven't had any connection with anybody from Scientology since before my father passed away.' Metro has contacted the Church of Scientology for comment. View More » South Park season 27 will stream on Comedy Central on July 23 . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Netflix quietly adds 8 episodes of 'outrageous' thriller – and fans are devouring it MORE: TV soap legend Eileen Fulton died aged 91 MORE: TNA Slammiversary sees WWE icon, 48, return to calls for 'one more match'
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why First Horizon (FHN) Stock Is Up Today
What Happened? Shares of regional banking company First Horizon (NYSE:FHN) jumped 3.8% in the morning session after the company reported strong second-quarter financial results that surpassed Wall Street expectations. The Memphis-based bank announced earnings of $0.45 per share, which was a notable beat Consensus Estimate of $0.41 per share. This also represented a significant increase from the $0.36 per share reported in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue for the quarter came in at $834 million, also topping analyst forecasts of $826.6 million. The positive results were driven by solid growth in both loans and deposits. In a statement, President and CEO Bryan Jordan commented, "We are pleased with our strong performance this quarter, underscoring our unwavering commitment to safety and soundness, profitability and growth." After the initial pop the shares cooled down to $21.53, up 1.6% from previous close. Is now the time to buy First Horizon? Access our full analysis report here, it's free. What Is The Market Telling Us First Horizon's shares are not very volatile and have only had 7 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, today's move indicates the market considers this news meaningful, although it might not be something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business. First Horizon is up 7.6% since the beginning of the year, and at $21.53 per share, it is trading close to its 52-week high of $22.43 from February 2025. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of First Horizon's shares 5 years ago would now be looking at an investment worth $2,315. Here at StockStory, we certainly understand the potential of thematic investing. Diverse winners from Microsoft (MSFT) to Alphabet (GOOG), Coca-Cola (KO) to Monster Beverage (MNST) could all have been identified as promising growth stories with a megatrend driving the growth. So, in that spirit, we've identified a relatively under-the-radar profitable growth stock benefiting from the rise of AI, available to you FREE via this link. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Style Blueprint
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
14 Luxe Memphis FINDS to Elevate Your Summer
Share with your friends! 422 SHARES 78 Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit From stylish summer staples to timeless entertaining essentials, these luxurious Memphis FINDS prove that July is just as good a time as any to treat yourself. Whether you're shopping for your home and wardrobe — or just in the mood to daydream — these splurge-worthy picks are sure to deliver. WARDROBE Playsuit We love a good playsuit, as it takes the guesswork out of getting dressed. Made from 100% linen and cotton, and complete with a cuffed silhouette, this option is perfect for summer. Find it at Joseph for $725. Pin Trench coat A coat in July may sound crazy to some, but a trench is a great piece for travel and cool summer nights. We love the off-white color of the option below, complete with navy blue accents. Find it at Oak Hall for $750. (Needing styling inspiration? This same coat was featured in our spring installment of What to Wear!) Pin Silk midi This lightweight, floral midi dress is perfect for the July heat and can be easily dressed up or down — whether you're headed to an elevated brunch or backyard soirée. Shop the look at Kittie Kyle for $545. Pin JEWELRY Drop earrings Available at the Kendra Scott storefront in the Shops of Saddle Creek, this pair of drop earrings is a timeless and elegant investment. Crafted in 14K gold for lasting shine, the minimalist design is perfect for any occassion. Find the earrings for $9,950. Pin Gem necklace Known for her bold and modern designs, Memphis-based jewelry designer Carol Blumthal delivers with this striking gem drop necklace. Choose from a green or pink gemstone — or a combination of the two — set in 14K gold and suspended on a sterling silver chain. Find it for $485 at Carol Blumthal Jewelry Design. Pin Pearl studs Classic yet contemporary, these pearl studs are a refined addition to any jewelry collection. Understated enough for everyday wear but still elegant enough for special occasions, they're priced at $3,250 at Sissy's Log Cabin. Pin Chocolate mules We're partial to mules because they're such a versatile shoe, and this pair by SIMONMILLER proves that theory. Plus, the rich chocolate hue is neutral enough to pair with almost anything. Find them at Hemline for $325. Pin ON-THE-GO ESSENTIALS Saint Laurent flap pouch bag With its structured silhouette and minimalist design, this Saint Laurent pouch delivers effortless sophistication. Both practical and polished, it's a versatile piece you'll reach for long after summer ends. Find it at Monkee's of Germantown for $2,400. Pin Mahjong travel set Compact, lightweight, and beautifully designed, this travel mahjong set is ideal for on-the-go game nights. It includes tiles, wooden racks, and a mat — all neatly packaged for easy transport. Get yours for $425.95 at Dappled. Pin FOR HIM Watch Crafted with a sleek blue dial and domed sapphire crystal, this Shinola timepiece blends classic design with modern precision. Plus, the stainless steel bracelet adds a polished finish. Find it at James Davis for $1,850. Pin Bow tie Brackish bowties are a standout addition to any wardrobe, as they're meticulously handcrafted from a blend of goose, pheasant, partridge, and rooster feathers. Perfect for summer event season, you can find this pattern at Lansky Bros. for $225. Pin FOR THE HOME Herend Waldstein plate Equal parts elegant and timeless, this Herend Waldstein dinner plate is sure to sophistication to any summer tablescape — no special occasion required. Plates are available for $390 each at Southern Avenue Company. Pin Varga water glass This elevated drinking glass from Varga features delicate floral detailing that makes it stunning all on its own. Find a single glass for $270 at Babcock Gifts. Pin Chardonnay If you're headed to an upscale summer gathering and want to arrive with something truly special, this Chateau Montelena Chardonnay is sure to impress. As you sip, you'll taste notes of orange blossom, melon, and honeysuckle. Pick up a bottle for $86 at Rootstock Wine and Merchants. Pin Antique chip & dip bowl Elevate your summer entertaining with this antique serving bowl. Whether you're presenting tortilla chips and salsa or something more refined like shrimp cocktail or crudité, this piece adds timeless charm to any spread. It's available for $214 at Ultimate Gifts. Pin Stay luxe, Memphis! ********** Looking for more great local FINDS? Follow StyleBlueprint on Instagram! About the Author Addy Crosby Originally from Lakeland, FL, Addy Crosby is a Florida State University alumna (Go Noles!) who now resides in Nashville, TN. When she's not writing for StyleBlueprint, Addy loves time outdoors, exploring the local craft beer scene, and spending time with friends. Addy also regularly writes for the Development and Alumni Relations department at Vanderbilt University and has been a published writer since her freshman year of college, thanks to her involvement in various campus publications.
Washington Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
St. Jude Children's Hospital's fundraising arm selects new CEO in midst of global expansion
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's fundraising organization, ALSAC, promoted Ike Anand Tuesday to become its new president and chief executive officer. The leadership change comes as ALSAC -- which raised more than $2.5 billion for the Memphis-based hospital in 2024, according to tax filings – navigates a global expansion and an increasingly complicated funding landscape in the United States.
