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By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
In a change to the proposed FY2026 budget, Memphis Mayor Paul Young and city council members agreed to add a 3% across the board raise for fulltime city employees during the Tuesday, June 10 meeting.
Members also agreed to fund $15 million of MATA’s upcoming operations, while holding the second half of its proposed $30 million budget in reserve. Its release would be timed with the presentation of a long-anticipated financial audit of the transit authority. Young told members he has seen a “draft” of the study.
The figure is significantly short of the estimated $45 million needed to fund next year’s MATA operations. Council members also hope to see a proposed budget from the ailing agency before further funding is doled out. MATA is currently being led by an interim team of internal auditors. Young hired consultants from Transpro to run MATA after he fired former interim CEO Bacarra Mauldin in late March.
According to Young, the first portion of money “keeps things moving as it stands today.” Any plans of expanding route schedules or right-sizing the fleet with smaller buses were pragmatically ignored.
“I want to make sure when we allocate the remaining $15 million, it is not going to pay for a Grizzlies suite or a trip to India but is going to make sure we have mechanics and buses online and drivers to do it,” said council member Jerri Green.
Both Green and council member Philip Spinosa led the effort to fund MATA piece by piece.
Meanwhile, the cost of living adjustment for city employees is a compromise between the council and Young’s team. It replaces a proposed 5% raise for union employees that the council
passed in May. That original proposal’s estimated $39.1 million cost would have resulted in a budget overrun and likely would have forced layoffs, too.
“We cannot approve an agreement that would produce layoffs, reduce services and further strain public trust. This plan offers a fair raise across the board without compromising the integrity of service delivery,” said council member Pearl Walker.
Young said the wage increase could come at the beginning of the year, around Jan 1. Members agreed to the raise on an 8–2 vote.
The mayor’s proposed $900 million budget is based on a state-certified $2.58 property tax rate for FY2026. The rate is down from $3.19 in FY2025, after increased property valuations.
The city’s budget is legally required to balance with the rate to prevent a tax windfall.
Over the weeks, the budget total has grown slightly. Young’s first draft of the budget requested $881 million for FY2026, primarily due to the cost of living adjustment.
To meet the scaled-down goal, the administration and council members found $15.5 million in wiggle room from three line items in the budget. The largest chunk, $7.4 million, was reallocated from the city’s fund balance.
Another $5.5 million is gained by designating property tax revenues from the xAI leased and owned properties. The resolution also requires future xAI property taxes to be placed in the general fund’s unassigned balance.
By Candace A. Gray Special to The Tri-State Defender
The Holiday Inn, University of Memphis campus, will soon close. But on Thursday, June 12, the proverbial “doors of the church” were definitely open there during the 32nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon.
As guests proceeded down the red, green and black festive, balloon-adorned hallway from the elevator to the ballroom entrances, uplifting and empowering statements from powerful leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Harriet Tubman, were there to greet them, like the elders welcoming you to the family reunion.
The lobby and grand ballroom were kinetic with community leaders — religious, music, business, city and county, education, political hopefuls — present and accounted for. As Sam Cooke ushered us into the program with “A Change is Gonna Come,” Dr. Telisa Franklin took to the stage for opening remarks and the introduction of the master of ceremonies, Dr. Kevin Andre Brooks.
The opening prayer, led by another Memphis pastor, Dr. Darell Harrington, set the stage for the keynote.
“Thank you for this day of celebration, of liberation.
We’ve come treading the path of the slaughtered.
Thank you for our heroes and sheroes. Allow us to be the change in the world that we would like to see.
Be the agents of change and redemption.”
After his prayer came customary acknowledgements of elected officials, entertainment and exchanges of hugs and pleasantries before attendees sat to share a meal.
Then it was time for the main event, and the gloves came off.
Decorated journalist, commenta-
tor, host and owner of the Black Star Network, Roland Martin, came with a hard-hitting message for the people of Memphis.
Martin started by sharing an anecdote of how a simple text he sent to six or seven people yielded a live, online audience of 200,000 for his “State of OUR Union” program featuring Bishop William Barber II, making Martin’s online show, #RolandMartinUnfiltered, No. 5 of all media outlets the evening of President Trump’s State of the Union Address.
He then clarified that he wasn’t sharing the story to brag but to illustrate a point.
“Once you show you can do it, it means there’s no excuse it can’t be done again,” said Martin. “It also shows us what happens when Black people move collectively. Too many of us are making excuses as to why certain things cannot happen.”
During his lunch, he asked his tablemates what the largest Black-owned business in Memphis is. No one knew the answer. He found this to be problematic.
“I’m not interested in the same old stories, another city with a Black mayor — but what are you doing while you’re there?” said Martin.
He titled his keynote “I’m Not Satisfied.” For the next 20 minutes he went on to share reasons why he wasn’t satisfied with what is happening in Memphis and to call for Memphians to do more.
“Juneteenth is a day the nation has to utter the word slavery. … It’s a day of complete freedom — to vote, to live, to have jobs, to own businesses, to walk in stores and not be followed, to not have your women raped, to have your children be educated. This has to be the mindset of every person here,” said Martin.
“If you’re celebrating here, you have to be asking yourself ‘What is it we are doing to gain our freedom in Memphis?’” he said.
A great storyteller, he shared more anecdotes and examples about cities (Atlanta, D.C., Chicago, etc.) in America with Black mayors. Then, he asked questions.
“I’m confused. How can this be the place where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, where he talked about economic freedom?” he asked.
“How are you a city that’s 62% Black and you’re in the condition you’re in?”
“How can Black leaders let the economic apartheid continue?”
“There is no way in the world that you are 62% Black and your contract don’t reach 62%.”
“There are Black people in positions, they’re present but they have no presence.”
“When you walk into the room, do folks get uncomfortable? If folks don’t get uncomfortable, you are simply present.”
These statements made some folks noticeably uncomfortable.
Martin continued, “At some point, we have to be unsatisfied. I know there are some folks in the room who say we’re doing a lot. I can’t accept that. I need to see the fruits of your labor. I can’t see why y’all aren’t having a daily march against Elon Musks’ xAI center. I’m confused.”
It was quiet. Ouch. He continued:
“Why when people talk about great black cities, is Memphis never mentioned?
“This is America. If you’re not having money conversations, you’re not having a conversation. Politics and money go together. Dr. King understood that. Why is it that this generation of folks are so soft and unwilling to challenge folks?
“We must challenge school leaders, county leaders, city leaders, Alphas, Deltas, Links, Eastern Stars, pastors. If you came here to check off ‘I went to a Negro event,’ that’s great, but if you come back next year and nothing has
changed, you wasted your time.
“If you are a Black leader, look like a Black leader, walk like a Black leader, talk like a Black leader, say ‘We are not satisfied!’… Fight, challenge, push, prod, we’ll fight ‘til hell freezes over, we will fight on the ice.”
The crowd needed a moment to take it all in before the Five Pillar Awards were given to the honorees, but the show had to go on.
The Cultural Heritage and Celebration award was given to Dr. David and Mrs. Yvonne Acey.
The Activism and Advocacy award was given to Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell Jr. for advocating for policies that uplift our youth.
The Educated and Awareness award was given to Shelby County School Board Member Sable Otey for her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities.
The Community Engagement award was given to Pastor Melvin Watkins Jr. of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Westwood.
The Leadership and Inspiration award was given to Sarah Carpenter, executive director of Memphis Lyft.
A special Pillar of Freedom Lifetime Supporter Award was given posthumously to Ricky Floyd Sr.
Then the Annual Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon was over until next year, but Martin’s “We are not satisfied!” seemed to echo in the room.
By Lauren Burke NNPA Newswire
Citing Trump’s “attacking our democracy,” the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will not invite President Donald Trump to its national convention this year.
The decision marks the first time that America’s oldest civil rights organization will exclude a sitting president at its convention.
In a statement on June 16, the reasons were made clear. “Donald Trump is attacking our democracy and our civil rights. He believes more in the fascist playbook than in the U.S. Constitution. This playbook is radical and un-American. The president has signed unconstitutional executive orders to oppress voters and
undo federal civil rights protections; he has illegally turned the military on our communities, and he continually undermines every pillar of our democracy to make himself more powerful and to personally benefit from the U.S. government,” the statement from the NAACP read in part.
The NAACP’s statement referred to President Trump’s recent decision to send the National Guard to Los Angeles after protests against ICE detentions and abductions sent fear through parts of the Los Angeles community.
The White House responded to the NAACP’s June 16 statement. “The NAACP isn’t advancing anything but hate and division, while the President is focused on uniting our country, improving our economy, securing our borders, and establishing peace across the globe. This is the same vision for America that a record number of Black
Americans supported in the resounding reelection of President Trump,” stated White House spokesperson Harrison Fields in a written statement.
Since Trump took office in January 2025 for his second term in The White House there has been a clear anti-Black policy focus pushed by his administration. Trump and members of his cabinet have constantly attacked diversity and inclusion since taking office.
The Trump Administration has also fired without cause several Black officials in top roles such as General CQ Brown, who was Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Dr. Carla Hayden, who served as the Librarian of Congress. It was reported in early April that books on racism, civil rights and the Black experience have been removed from the library at the U.S. Military Academy in Annapolis. The reason was the stated policy by the
Trump Administration against “diversity” and “inclusion.”
“For 116 years, the NAACP has invited the sitting president of the United States to address the NAACP National Convention — regardless of their political party. There is a rich history of both Republicans and Democrats attending our convention — from Harry Truman to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and beyond. We’re nonpartisan and always welcome those who believe in democracy and the Constitution,” the organization led by Derrick Johnson, also stated. Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush addressed racism during their speeches to the NAACP. The organization’s annual convention is one of the largest gatherings of Black leadership in the U.S. each year.
By Terri Schlichenmeyer Special to The Tri-State Defender
Bust a gut.
Laugh your rear-end off. Laugh yourself silly until you almost cried, it’s the best medicine. Had you rolling in the aisles, holding your sides ’cause they hurt. When something’s funny, you know it. But what does humor look like across racial lines? In the new book, “That’s How They Get You,” edited by Damon Young, it might get the last laugh.
When he was a kid in Pittsburgh, Damon Young thought his friend, Var Butler “was the funniest person [he’d] ever met.” Var didn’t go for nasty humor, and he didn’t hurt people who couldn’t defend themselves. Instead, says Young, Var “intuitively knew the power dynamics baked into humor…” And, as he understands now, Var’s humor was honest, homegrown and not “A richwhite-person thing.”
Young says, “What makes Black humor Black ain’t the subject matter, because not all humor involving Black people is Black. Sometimes, it’s just humor.”
You don’t have to be Eddie or Martin or Cedric to be funny. You could be like the many authors of the stories in this book.
In “No One Makes ‘Yo Mama’
Jokes After the Funeral” by Hanif Abdurraqib, bad timing can be awkward, but it can also be wholly, perfectly Mama “sung back to life…”
If you’ve ever wanted to change what folks call you, “The Karen Rights Act” by Mateo Askaripour is your story. That woman’s name says it all. Too much, in fact, but only for offending white females.
Nobody but Miss Ruby cooks in Miss Ruby’s kitchen until Alex Hardy convinces his grandma that he’s capable with a spoon. In “Unmurdered in Grandma’s Kitchen,” his meals for the family haven’t killed anyone yet.
And if you’ve ever been irritated by a coworker, then you need to read “The Necessary Changes Have Been Made” by Nafissa Thompson-Spires. When Randolph gets a new job, it seems perfect until he’s told that his perfect office must now be shared. But his new co-worker definitely doesn’t share his opinions.
Chances are that if you see “That’s How They Get You” on a shelf somewhere, you might grab it, expecting to spend the rest of your day laughing. You’d be wrong.
While the personal essays and fiction inside this book are good — very good, in fact — some of them are downright excellent, and you’ll want to turn around and read them
again on the spot. But many of them are not funny.
One essayist even says it: “It’s funny, really. Not ha-ha funny.”
The stories might be about humor or situations that will make you snort. There’s a theme here, and it’s clever, sometimes sweet, written in perfectly cynical tones. But will you take off your glasses,
wipe your eyes and call someone to share? Not so much.
Absolutely, read this book. It’s an excellent collection, and you’ll enjoy what you find inside “That’s How They Get You.” You’ll also find a whole new group of writers to follow. Just be aware that if you’re looking for ROFL kinds of laughs, it could be a bust.
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
After months of waiting, part one of a study into a potential pathway to address the aging jail at 201 Poplar was finally delivered to Shelby County Commissioners during a Budget and Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, June 11.
In the first part of a two-part review, a County Technical Assistant Services consultant accessed the infrastructure, capacity issues and operational inefficiencies of the current lockup. The final chapter is expected to address possible locations for a new facility, along with costs to build from scratch or renovate an existing property.
Much of the first installment was based on a review of Tennessee Corrections Institute inspections that spanned from 2017–2024. Many of the problems that occurred over the period were addressed during recent renovations to the main jail.
“They routinely cited physical plant deterioration. Problems with doors, locks, fire annunciator panels, water leaks and periodic crowding in different areas of the facility,” said CTAS consultant Jim Hart.
Inoperable escalators contributed to the difficulty in managing multiple housing units on multiple floors. Much of the wear and tear was done by inmates. Jails age at a 3–1 ratio compared
to standard facilities. In addition to rigging doors and jamming locks, inmates also routinely flood areas of the lockup.
“I think it’s just going to continue as that building that was opened in 1981 continues to age, I think you are still going to keep investments going into the building,” said Hart. “The question that becomes part of the further discussion is, do we keep putting good money toward an aging facility?”
As a result of deterioration, it is common for as many as 300 beds at 201 Poplar to be unavailable. The 2,813 bed facility can’t meet the basic needs of its 2,753 inmates. The shortfall is exacerbated by inmates with high risk of violence. They are placed in single cells, further eroding the on-paper bed count. The Jail East women’s lockup and the juvenile court jail are also at capacity.
“As we say all the time, we’re busting at the seams everywhere,” said Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, who requested the study earlier this year.
The layout of the main jail also doesn’t weigh in its favor. For example, booking and releasing share a space with several other jail functions, like records and identification, public bond payment, fugitive operations and visitation check-in. Inmates are also released from custody in the annex.
“Annex visitation area serves multiple purposes and sort of becomes a congested, confusing area of operation,” said Hart.
The physical plant also hamstrings medical staff who work by “piece-mealing” a clinic together. For the “sickest of the sickest” inmates, it’s “just totally inadequate,” Hart added
There have been six inmate deaths at 201 Poplar this year. They have been attributed to overdoses, mental health issues, suicides and unknown medical reasons.
A lack of manpower is another issue. With a cascading series of issues and failing infrastructure, shortages are acutely felt. Safety quickly becomes an issue for inmates and staff alike.
“It requires extensive staffing to appropriately manage that facility,” said Hart.
A perusal of 46,000 inmate records from 2023–24 revealed that 67% of inmates are released within seven days. Only six percent were released within 24 hours of being taken into custody. According to Hart, the surface look presented streamlining opportunities. They include intake and booking procedures, inmate classification and medical screening.
“They all sort of delay that process. In many instances, it was just having adequate staff to support the movement of inmates — the processing in, the processing out of inmates to keep that moving,” said Hart.
To address the issues once and for all, three different locations have been taken into consideration. Expanding 201
Poplar in an adjacent L-shaped parking lot is one possibility, but it has its flaws.
“It keeps it sort of connected to what’s going on, but I don’t think it will have the ability to address some of the issues such as the booking and release (or) the limited access on Washington Street,” said Hart.
It is also likely the most cost-prohibitive. A 2007 study, Hart noted, concluded “significant improvements are needed to the CJC [Criminal Justice Center], if that option was considered.”
Converting the Jail East at 6201 Haley Road is another. It could be used to handle all intake and processing duties. If an inmate’s stay goes beyond seven days, he could be transferred to the main lockup.
Other properties on the short list for a new jail include Shelby Farms and the long-vacant Firestone property in North Memphis. A newly-built facility has been estimated to cost $1 billion. The prices for a single new bed could run upwards of $200,000 to $250,000, depending on which way the county goes.
For one commissioner, the findings provided “a better sense of where we stand as a county.”
“I’m processing what I’m hearing. I’ve been looking forward to this presentation for some time,” said commissioner Mick Wright. “I’m glad this was done in two parts.”
By Dalisia Ballinger Special to The Tri-State Defender
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is facing potential legal action from the NAACP over alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act tied to the operation of gas turbines at its Southwest Memphis facility.
The NAACP, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), announced at a news conference in Memphis Tuesday that it has filed a formal notice of intent to sue.
Leaders from the NAACP, state officials and environmental justice advocates outlined the legal action, which stems from xAI’s nearly year-long use of 35 natural gas combustion turbines to partially power its supercomputer without obtaining proper environmental permits or emissions controls. They voiced growing concerns about the public health and environmental impact of the company’s unregulated activity in a historically marginalized community.
“Our goal is that we want to make sure that our elected officials are transparent in what’s really going on,” said Vickie Terry, executive director of the NAACP Memphis branch. “They cannot just come in and do whatever they want to.”
The 60-day notice period required by the Clean Air Act provides xAI or federal regulators, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, time to address the alleged violations before a formal lawsuit can be filed.
The filing accuses xAI of operating a major source of air pollution without securing a Prevention of Significant Deterioration permit and without implementing Best Available Control Technology, as required under Section 165 of the Clean Air Act.
Additionally, SELC attorney Patrick Anderson stated that xAI failed to conduct necessary emissions testing, raising the possibility that hazardous air pollutants are being released into the surrounding community.
Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson called the announcement a historic moment in the region’s long fight for environmental equity. “Today is one of the most significant days in the struggle for environmental justice and clean air in Memphis history, in Mississippi history, in Arkansas history,” Pearson said. “We’re not going to stop until we
see justice.”
Abre’ Conner, Esq., director of the Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, also addressed the stakes of the legal action. “The purpose of today is to, for one, demonstrate that South Memphis is not going to be a sacrifice to Elon Musk, to any billionaire or to anyone who feels that the community’s health is up for sale,” Conner said.
The proposed lawsuit is also a call for accountability and environmental justice in a community long burdened by pollution and neglect. Southwest Memphis residents have endured decades
of industrial encroachment with little oversight or protection. Now, advocates say enough is enough.
“This is about protecting lives, not just enforcing laws,” said Conner.
“Communities like South Memphis deserve clean air, transparency and the same respect afforded to wealthier, whiter neighborhoods.”
As the 60-day window begins, the NAACP and its partners are making it clear they will not allow technological advancement or a billionaire’s ambition to come at the expense of vulnerable communities.
by Dalisia Ballinger Special to The Tri-State Defender
Second Presbyterian Church was filled with laughter, tears and testimonies as 89 fathers crossed a symbolic threshold, one that led them back to their children, their families, and most importantly, to themselves.
The men made up Tuesday’s 21st graduating class of AFIRM (A Father’s Involvement Really Matters), an initiative Families Matter Inc. created to meet fathers where they are, and walk beside them as they improve or rebuild their lives, one choice at a time.
AFIRM’s graduation was the first of three programs recognizing Memphis fathers.
Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell Jr., invited more than 20 men to a ceremony Wednesday to honor their dedication to family.
Today, Commissioner Mickell Lowery, in partnership with the Memphis Urban League and Minding Your Mental Health, will present the Annual Salute to Fatherhood Awards Dinner honoring nine fathers at 2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis.
AFIRM’s graduation wasn’t a formal affair with caps and gowns but a grand family occasion still. Children clapped for their dads. Spouses wiped away tears. And for many men in the room, it was the first time in a long time that they felt seen, celebrated and forgiven.
Graduate Shantuwn Nabors, a graduate and father of six, spoke with quiet pride about the program’s impact on his life.
“They helped me get a job, (to) lower my child support, and now I’m about to start an electrician program. I’m a father of six… just having these resources really gave me a fresh start.”
That fresh start is at the heart of what AFIRM offers along with parenting
workshops and job placement support to child support guidance and emotional healing. Classes are all led by men who’ve walked similar paths.
Since its founding in November 2022, AFIRM has helped more than 910 men reclaim their role as fathers. The program is a collaboration led by Families Matter, along with partners, including Maximus, CodeCrew, The Center for Urban Families and The Carter Malone Group.
Courtney Shorty, another graduate, said the changes went deeper than he expected. “I learned how to communicate better. How to properly channel my anger and deal with the issues I was having with my girlfriend. It’s been game-changing for us. I learned how to be a better human being overall.”
Beside him, his partner Kenesha Bennett smiled through tears.
“I’m really proud of him,” Bennett said. “A lot of young men, a lot of
fathers, are scared to take this step and try to do better for themselves. But he did it. And I’ll support him to the end. I didn’t have a father growing up, so seeing him want to be a good one to our kids, I love it.”
Tyrone Ballinger, husband of this writer, said his wife introduced him to the program when he was at a low point in life. “I was struggling with child support and felt stuck,” Ballinger said. “This place didn’t just help me. It gave me a brotherhood. Men who understand. Men I can talk to.”
That sense of belonging is intentional, according to Miangelo Taylor, Families Matter’s lead facilitator and certified master trainer.
“So many of these fathers come from backgrounds where they didn’t have a father. Not all, but many. They weren’t taught how to love themselves, or even that they had worth,” Taylor said. “I believe self-worth is the cornerstone of
behavioral transformation. And that’s what we’re offering them here,”
The fathers received certificates, and in some cases, financial stipends. Many will now join the Crusaders, a new grassroots initiative designed to spread awareness about AFIRM and reach more fathers in need of support, encouragement and a path forward.
During Commissioner Caswell’s ceremony at the Vasco A. Smith Jr. County Administration Building, each father received a proclamation acknowledging the work they’ve done to better themselves and create stronger homes and brighter futures for their children.
As the ceremony closed, AFIRM’s Executive Director Carol Jackson, shared a message about a father’s role.
“When God places the seed in a man and that seed creates a child, that father becomes essential to that child’s life. When a father doesn’t understand
his value, it’s a loss for everyone — the child, the family, the community. We’re here to remind these men that they are not just needed — they are sacred.”
“So many of these men have already achieved great milestones. “They’ve completed the steps laid out by this program,” Caswell said
“And far too often in our communities, moments like these go unnoticed. That’s why we took it a step further, honoring them through the county, putting their names in the official record and letting them know we see you. We recognize your transformation. We see you as leaders,” he added.
DeAndre McLeakes said in addition to skills training, the program was transformative and faith building for him.
“Honestly, this program was needed,” McLeakes shared. “The training has been great. My communication skills are better. My patience is better. I give a lot of the credit to the Families Matter AFIRM Program, but also to Jesus Christ for pulling me through. It feels amazing to be recognized for my efforts as a father and as a leader in my community,” McLeakes said.
Salute to Fatherhood dinner
Commissioner Lowery’s Salute to Fatherhood dinner Sunday recognized and rewarded deserving, responsible and involved fathers.
Dr. J. Lawrence Turner, Senior Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, was the keynote speaker.
“This special occasion is an extension of that reward and celebrates the commitment, love, and leadership of outstanding fathers, grandfathers, and father figures across Shelby County,” Lowery said in a press release.
Salute to Fatherhood honorees are: Hershel James, Edd Williams, Carlos Fifer, Daniel Watson, Andre Wharton, Charles Porter, Michael Hooks Sr., Andy Sawyer, and Darrell Cobbins.
— To learn more about AFIRM, visit https://familiesmattermemphis.org/ afirm/
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Request for Bids
MSCAA Project Number 23-1476-10-01
Runway 9-27 Service Road Rehab Construction
Sealed bids for Runway 9-27 Service Road Rehab Construction will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on 07/15/2025. Bids will not be received at any other location. Within 30 minutes thereafter, the bids will be opened and publicly read via phone/video conference (information for the phone/video conference can be found at www. flymemphis.com). The Bid Documents, including a description of the scope of work, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on or after June 17, 2025 on the Authority’s website www.flymemphis.com
A virtual pre-bid conference will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 9:00 am Local Time via video conference. The link to the video conference can be found at www.flymemphis.com . The project site will be available for inspection immediately following the meeting. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED those wishing to submit a bid to attend the pre-bid conference and make a site visit. All attendees should register for the site visit by sending an email to bidquestions@flymemphis.com
All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Each bid must be made by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and be accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. The successful bidder must execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in the amount of 100% each of the Contract Price and meet the Small Business Participation Program (SBPP) participation goal for this project, which is 18%.
The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies.
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By
order of:
Terry Blue, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County
Airport Authority
In May, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey delivered a message of hope, urgency, and civic engagement to Memphis leaders and newly minted law graduates—just weeks after completing a record-setting, 25-hour filibuster on the floor of the U.S. Senate.
The visit, which included a gathering of local political, business, and civic figures, and a commencement address at the University of Memphis Law School, came at a pivotal moment in Booker’s national advocacy efforts. In April, the senator drew national attention for holding the Senate floor for more than 25 hours in opposition to proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and Social Security. During his marathon speech, Booker read personal stories from Americans facing economic hardship, aiming to highlight the real-world impact of policy decisions.
Following a stop in Nashville, Booker arrived in Memphis on May 10 with characteristic enthusiasm, reconnecting with a city he described as “familiar and inspiring.” He addressed a private midday event hosted by entrepreneur Craig Weiss, with a crowd that included Memphis Mayor Paul Young, who
introduced the senator.
“Senator Booker was thoughtful, engaging and very direct about what citizens need to do to change the course of this country,” said Mary McDaniel, a Memphis entrepreneur who served on the event’s host committee. “A major takeaway is that we all have to be committed to letting our elected officials know what we think about their actions.”
Notable attendees included Congressman Steve Cohen, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, City Councilman J.B. Smiley, Commissioner Mickell Lowery, and Michigan State Sen. Joe Tate, who is currently running for U.S. Senate.
Later that day, Booker addressed the 2025 graduating class of the University of Memphis Law School at the invitation of Law School Dean and former Memphis mayor Jim Strickland.
“We were honored to have Senator Booker as our commencement speaker,” said Strickland. “He inspired our graduates to serve their clients and communities with purpose.”
The visit reinforced Booker’s national message: that public service begins with listening to people’s stories, standing up for core values, and encouraging civic responsibility at every level of leadership.
By Tim Reynolds Associated Press
The Orlando Magic wanted to find scoring and shooting this summer. Grizzlies Desmond Bane was their answer, and the first big move of the NBA summer — before the NBA summer even officially begins — has arrived.
The Magic are completing a trade to acquire Bane from Memphis in a deal that sends Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and a big amount of draft capital to the Grizzlies, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Sunday.
Part of the package of picks going to Memphis are three of Orlando’s future first-round picks, including the 16th selection in the draft set for later this month, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was still awaiting NBA approval. Another first-round pick that originally was Phoenix’s in 2026 also is part of the deal, along with a possible pick swap.
ESPN first reported the agreement.
Bane averaged 19.2 points this season for the Grizzlies, plus he connected on 39% of his shots from 3-point range. He would figure to be an upgrade for a Magic team that has made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons — going out in the first round both years — but has sought more shooting to pair with star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Bane has an ignitability to his game that the Magic have long lacked from the perimeter as well. He has scored 30 points in 29 different regular-season games, topping the 40-point mark twice. His career high for 3-pointers in a game is eight; the Magic haven’t had anyone make eight 3s in a single regular-season game in more than four years.
And the 3-pointers, for a Magic team looking to become a serious contender in the East, are a big deal.
Orlando was last in the NBA this season — by significant margins — in both 3-pointers per game (11.2) and 3-point percentage (.318). The Magic were 28th in scoring (105.4), barely ahead of Brooklyn and Charlotte (both 105.1).
Orlando won games with defense, and Bane will fit in on that end as well. He averaged 1.2 steals per game this
season.
Bane was Memphis’ most productive 3-point shooter this season and the Grizzlies’ third-leading scorer behind Ja Morant (23.2 points in 50 games) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.2 points in 74 games). He is an 88% free throw shooter for his career, which should help an Orlando team that was average at best in that department last season — 77.5%, or 19th in the 30-team league.
It’s not a surprise that Memphis is shaking things up, after a season in
which the Grizzlies fired coach Taylor Jenkins late in the year and got into the playoffs — only to get swept by Oklahoma City in Round 1.
“Disappointing season, a lot to sort through here, 48 wins, good for an 8 seed,” Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman said after the season. “But who cares? It’s not good enough.”
Caldwell-Pope — a two-time NBA champion, having won titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and Denver in 2023 — started more games than anyone else on the Magic roster this season. He was in the opening five 77 times, averaging 8.7 points on 44% shooting.
Anthony averaged 9.4 points in his fifth pro season, all with Orlando. His five years there were decidedly up and down; sometimes he would start, sometimes he would be out of the rotation entirely.