SCS Supt: Muni Schools Will Have "Hiccups"

SCS superintendent: Muni schools will have some hiccups - Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee

Municipal school districts are already working to begin their first school years.  Shelby County Schools superintendent (from which the municipalities are breaking away) predicts some problems.  He says it's the nature of the business.  But he says the municipal districts will have long-term success.  I got this interview following an SCS board meeting.  Basically, I needed a story after a couple of items were pulled from the agenda.  We know that any discussion regarding the "munis" usually gets attention.  

Video Of "Riot" After Teenage Party

Memphis DJ charged with inciting riot at graduation party

A Memphis DJ ended up in jail following a melee at a graduation party for teens.  Police had to disperse the crowd outside the event venue as young people fought to get in.  I was assigned this story only knowing about the arrest.  I got the venue owner to talk and a neighbor gave me cell phone video of the police response.  Social media provided shots from inside the party.

Dead Man's Testimony Convicts Robbery Suspect

Testimony from the grave convicts home invasion suspect

A home invasion victim finally got justice even months after he died.  Jerry Wolfe passed away before the trial.. But was able to testify during a preliminary hearing.  A recording of that testimony was used in the trial and helped convict one of two men accused of robbing him.  The challenge for me was getting the recording.  The judge was gone for the day by the time I was on the story.  Fortunately, a very cooperative criminal court clerk texted the judge and got me the recording.

Principal Resigns After Calling Students "N Word"

Audio recording reveals principal referring to students in derogatory manner

Hearing an audio recording of a Memphis principal refer to students as the "n word" was shocking.  Could she really be saying that?  The recording was taken during a faculty meeting at Florida Kansas Elementary.  The school district confirmed it happened.. And that the principal resigned.  She wasn't interested in talking.  However, the district and school board members weighed in.  The big question:  does similar behavior in other schools also take place?

Elvis Presley impersonator charged with sex crimes

Elvis Presley impersonator charged with sex crimes involving children

The puns were too easy in this story about an Elvis Presley impersonator charged with sex crimes involving a juvenile.  There's nothing funny about the alleged crimes, for sure.  I decided to use YouTube clips of the impersonator to spice up the piece.  There were dozens of videos on-line and even a dedicated website.  We got kicked off Graceland property while attempting to interview folks at a cafe where the impersonator was recently hired.

Suspect Surrender: Coincidence Or Political Calculation?

Mall shooting suspect's surrender becomes issue in criminal court clerk race

Memphis City Councilwoman (and Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk candidate) Wanda Halbert helped arrange a shooting suspect's surrender Wednesday morning.  She was there.. As were news cameras.  One of her opponents quickly took the opportunity to question her motives.  Halbert told me it was about getting the suspect off the streets and that she did it in her capacity as a council member and acquaintance of the family.