Abused Dog Beats The Odds

Dog makes miraculous recovery after locked in closet - Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee

This is a positive outcome to a negative story.  "Lenny" was found locked in a storage room after his former owner vacated a rented home.  Vets say dogs in his condition usually die.  I told one of his new caregivers that it seemed Lenny knew how lucky he was.  He'll soon find a new home with much better owners.  Meanwhile, I got to use my dog in the live shot!  

Indecent Exposure Charge Exposes Killer's Past

Bizarre crime lands convicted killer back in jail

Randy Brazeal has been living in Horseshoe Lake, AR since his release from prison in Arizona.  He was convicted there of second degree murder in the deaths of two 13 year-old girls.  DNA evidence tied him to their rapes, but it was never presented during a trial because Brazeal pleaded guilty.  No one knew he was living in Horseshoe Lake because he did not have to register as a sex offender.  Many there know now and are concerned about their new neighbor.

Cohen And Wilkins Continue Radio Ad Spat

Cohen responds to FEC complaint on recent radio ad

Congressman Steve Cohen has faced a challenger in every election.  This time, attorney Ricky Wilkins is picking apart a radio ad that he considers "insulting."  But a technicality is why he filed an FEC complaint. Coincidentally, Cohen was shooting a television ad at his home when we stopped by.  It provided a good b-roll opportunity for us.  In the end, both candidates admit there are real issues that need to be discussed.

Roofers Save Children From Burning Apartment

Contractors save young children from fire

This story came along at the right time.  I was in the 5:00 newscast on a separate story.. Then needed something for 10:00.  We got wind of an apartment fire where three children had been left home alone.  Fortunately, I was able to interview two roofers credited with getting the children out of the burning unit.  The parents who left their kids at home alone were not interested in talking.

Daughter Charged In Awful Elder Abuse Case

Mother dies after her daughter ignored rotting leg

The elderly, children, those with disabilities.. All are too often the targets of crime.  The suspects in those crimes are often their own family members.  In this case, a 77 year-old woman's mother is accused of neglecting her so badly that her legs rotted.  Imagine the suffering.  Unfortunately, crimes like this may become more common as baby boomers age.  Advocacy groups in Memphis are hoping to implement new programs to help.

Is "Blue Flu" Impacting City's Image?

City's image is least of police, firefighters union members' concerns

Google "Memphis" and there's a good chance the current work stoppage by police and fire will be among the results.  That worries some in the recruitment business.  They already struggle to overcome Memphis's reputation for crime.  Several of the movers and shakers didn't even bother to text me back or return my phone calls.. Apparently unwilling to go on the record.  But "Choose 901" did.

"Blue Flu" Prompts Sick Leave Policy Crackdown

City leaders enforce strict sick leave policy in wake of 'Blue Flu'

The "Blue Flu" has now claimed more than 550 Memphis Police officers.  They're calling in sick in the wake of benefit cuts (that don't take effect until 2015).  The mayor and administrators announced Tuesday that they would more strictly enforce the city's sick leave policy in hopes of bringing the "Blue Flu" to an end.  We'll see if it works..

Senator's Son Charged In Beale Fondling

Alleged fondling by prominent politician's son on Beale

I was originally assigned your typical "downtown security on the 4th" story for Independence Day.  Fortunately, I found some alternatives.  Searching the jail website turned up Carroll Cullerton, charged with sexual battery at a Beale club.  His affidavit stated the alleged victim was "E Moss."  I figured her name may be "Emily" and I was right.  I found her on Twitter and she agreed to an interview.  Another stroke of luck led to the discovery of Cullerton's political connection.  His father is president of the Illinois State Senate.  

Child Found Chained In Backyard Shed

Child found restrained in Memphis home

I was already on my 3rd story of the day by the time the station called and said DCS and MPD were on the scene where a child had been found chained up.  There were plenty of police and others still on the scene when we arrived.  We watched as officers spoke with the boy and tried to make him comfortable.  I'm glad it appears he's alright, at least physically.  The conditions some children must endure no longer shock me.  I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

Polling Site Change Prompts Debate

Poll worker speaks up during election commission meeting

I was assigned to cover the Shelby County Election Commission for the 5:00 news.  I told the producer there was nothing exciting on the agenda.. Just a decision to relocate polling precincts.  Well, I'm glad I decided to check it out.  The normally mundane meeting took a turn when a poll worker expressed concerns about the changes.  Her comments then prompted an uncharacteristic response from the commission chairman.  It ended up providing a bigger story for 10:00.