Memphis leader: President Kennedy inspired me to get into government
I love any opportunity to do a History-related story. I got a chance to do two of them on the 50th anniversary of JFK's assassination. Neither concerned the president's death.. But rather JFK's 1960 campaign stop in Memphis. Congressman Steve Cohen helped relate the impression he got as an 11 year-old boy. I also did this story with TN Rep. Johnnie Turner. She and fellow students were arrested while "sitting in" at the airport during JFK's arrival.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Dirty Schools Drawing Complaints.. Again
Principals complain about dirty school buildings
All of the media were at Tuesday's Shelby Co Schools board meeting to listen for a lawsuit settlement with two suburbs. Concerns aired by board members and the superintendent about dirty schools were mostly ignored. But I took note of the discussion and decided to look into it. Turns out, we did a story back in 2006 concerning complaints against the same custodial services company. I like how my stand-up turned out.
All of the media were at Tuesday's Shelby Co Schools board meeting to listen for a lawsuit settlement with two suburbs. Concerns aired by board members and the superintendent about dirty schools were mostly ignored. But I took note of the discussion and decided to look into it. Turns out, we did a story back in 2006 concerning complaints against the same custodial services company. I like how my stand-up turned out.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Jerry Lawler: 'I'd love a return match with Kaufman'
Lawler: 'I'd love a return match with Kaufman'
I was somewhat surprised this story passed muster.. Since I don't do many features. It was prompted by new rumors that comedian Andy Kaufman was still alive. His connection to Memphis was through a rivalry with wrestling legend Jerry Lawler. We caught up with Lawler at a local comic convention (where he was showing off his Batmobile). He credited Kaufman with giving him national exposure back in the early 80's.
I was somewhat surprised this story passed muster.. Since I don't do many features. It was prompted by new rumors that comedian Andy Kaufman was still alive. His connection to Memphis was through a rivalry with wrestling legend Jerry Lawler. We caught up with Lawler at a local comic convention (where he was showing off his Batmobile). He credited Kaufman with giving him national exposure back in the early 80's.
Friday, November 15, 2013
More Sex Allegations Against Mid-South Sheriff
Employee claims sheriff coerced her into a sexual relationship
I got a call the other day by a woman wishing to speak exclusively with me about what she claims Madison County Sheriff David Woolfork coerced her to do. She's, at least, the third current or former employee to allege sexual harassment. The sheriff is also under investigation related to a domestic violence incident with an admitted mistress. I'm beginning to wonder just how pervasive the culture of sex and power may be within his department. It's something that may very well be revealed in the coming months.
I got a call the other day by a woman wishing to speak exclusively with me about what she claims Madison County Sheriff David Woolfork coerced her to do. She's, at least, the third current or former employee to allege sexual harassment. The sheriff is also under investigation related to a domestic violence incident with an admitted mistress. I'm beginning to wonder just how pervasive the culture of sex and power may be within his department. It's something that may very well be revealed in the coming months.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Mother Of "Risky Business Bandit" Suspect: "Don't Do Drugs"
Mother of robbery suspect: 'Don't do drugs'
I first heard an arrest had been made last week in a series of bank robberies during which the suspect wore sunglasses similar to those Tom Cruise wore in "Risky Business." We finally got confirmation Tuesday that two suspects were actually behind the crimes. I went to a detention hearing for one of them and learned he has a serious drug problem. I was able to speak briefly with his mother and sister in the elevator at federal court. They may not have realized who I was. But the mother did say a few things on camera once we walked outside.. Where multiple cameras were waiting.
I first heard an arrest had been made last week in a series of bank robberies during which the suspect wore sunglasses similar to those Tom Cruise wore in "Risky Business." We finally got confirmation Tuesday that two suspects were actually behind the crimes. I went to a detention hearing for one of them and learned he has a serious drug problem. I was able to speak briefly with his mother and sister in the elevator at federal court. They may not have realized who I was. But the mother did say a few things on camera once we walked outside.. Where multiple cameras were waiting.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Germantown Schools Could Get New Names
Board member suggests renaming retained Germantown schools
This is a story SCS board member Billy Orgel didn't really want me to do. But when an elected official makes a comment during a public meeting.. Well, it's fair game. He suggested the names of 3 Germantown schools be changed if SCS retains control of them. The issue is still being negotiated with Germantown officials as they form their own municipal school district. I found those for and against potential name changes.. And others who thought it was petty compared to the real issues at hand.
This is a story SCS board member Billy Orgel didn't really want me to do. But when an elected official makes a comment during a public meeting.. Well, it's fair game. He suggested the names of 3 Germantown schools be changed if SCS retains control of them. The issue is still being negotiated with Germantown officials as they form their own municipal school district. I found those for and against potential name changes.. And others who thought it was petty compared to the real issues at hand.
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