Teacher quits over 'violence in classroom' and 'unruly kids'
I was taken aback when I heard this teacher air her grievances during a Shelby County Schools board meeting. Her experience sounded unbelievable. But it's something parents at the school backed up. And I've heard from other teachers as a result of this story. It makes me feel really badly for dedicated, professional educators who may be struggling with this type of behavior every day. Meanwhile, SCS is still "investigating" these claims.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Pastor Sues Talk Show Host Thaddeus Matthews
Thaddeus Matthews faces defamation lawsuit
Controversial radio/cable access TV host Thaddeus Matthews has been a lightning rod for years. He's now focused on "exposing" some Memphis preachers. But one believes Matthew has gone too far. We got wind of a lawsuit and decided to pursue the story. There are many rumors we would never report. But anything listed in a lawsuit is fair game. I wonder if the pastor should've just ignored Matthews. The talk show host says it won't keep him from discussing anything.
Controversial radio/cable access TV host Thaddeus Matthews has been a lightning rod for years. He's now focused on "exposing" some Memphis preachers. But one believes Matthew has gone too far. We got wind of a lawsuit and decided to pursue the story. There are many rumors we would never report. But anything listed in a lawsuit is fair game. I wonder if the pastor should've just ignored Matthews. The talk show host says it won't keep him from discussing anything.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Halloween Masked Men Blamed For Deadly Shooting
Men in Halloween masks blamed for double shooting
My photographer and I were dispatched to this breaking news knowing only that a double shooting had been reported. Neighbors and others informed us that one man was dead before Memphis Police released that information. He and a friend were ambushed while sitting on a front porch. The suspects wore Halloween masks. A tidbit like that always makes a story more intriguing. I also happened to interview a widow who buried her husband hours before a neighbor was killed.
My photographer and I were dispatched to this breaking news knowing only that a double shooting had been reported. Neighbors and others informed us that one man was dead before Memphis Police released that information. He and a friend were ambushed while sitting on a front porch. The suspects wore Halloween masks. A tidbit like that always makes a story more intriguing. I also happened to interview a widow who buried her husband hours before a neighbor was killed.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Potential "Tricks" Prompt Alternative Halloween
Local pastor organizes Halloween treat to keep kids safe
A now-infamous teen mob attack outside a Kroger store and other instances of the "point em out, knock em out" game prompted Pastor Larry Hunter to plan an alternative Halloween. He called the station to inform us. I was skeptical about the truckload of treats he said was being delivered. But, after waiting longer than expected, it arrived. The candy, toys, and other items will be stored until Halloween.
A now-infamous teen mob attack outside a Kroger store and other instances of the "point em out, knock em out" game prompted Pastor Larry Hunter to plan an alternative Halloween. He called the station to inform us. I was skeptical about the truckload of treats he said was being delivered. But, after waiting longer than expected, it arrived. The candy, toys, and other items will be stored until Halloween.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
French Fort Residents Versus Developers
French Fort residents prepare for redevelopment battle
I've always wanted to get into the old U.S. Marine Hospital in the French Fort area just south of downtown Memphis. This story provided the opportunity. There's an ambitious plan to redevelop the area. But longtime residents say they've been left out of the loop. A meeting provided a chance for both sides to come together. It appears there may be a long way to go before many are sold on the proposal.
I've always wanted to get into the old U.S. Marine Hospital in the French Fort area just south of downtown Memphis. This story provided the opportunity. There's an ambitious plan to redevelop the area. But longtime residents say they've been left out of the loop. A meeting provided a chance for both sides to come together. It appears there may be a long way to go before many are sold on the proposal.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Closure Plan Sparks New Debate Over "Old Bridge"
TDOT leaders consider shutting down 'old' I-55 bridge for two years
TDOT's proposed plan to close one of two bridges that cross the Mississippi River at Memphis has sparked a debate. Many are putting pressure on the agency to reconsider. They say it would be "catastrophic." Obviously, it would create plenty of headaches. But TDOT must weigh the long-term benefits of any temporary setbacks. I was able to find one of the chief critics of the shutdown who was more than willing to talk about his reasons why.
TDOT's proposed plan to close one of two bridges that cross the Mississippi River at Memphis has sparked a debate. Many are putting pressure on the agency to reconsider. They say it would be "catastrophic." Obviously, it would create plenty of headaches. But TDOT must weigh the long-term benefits of any temporary setbacks. I was able to find one of the chief critics of the shutdown who was more than willing to talk about his reasons why.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Youth To Adults At Forum: "Get Out"
Memphis' youth voices concerns for community
The Memphis mayor's office organized a series of "youth empowerment forums" following a series of violent incidents.. Including the mob attack on innocent people outside a Kroger store. We were there to cover the event. However, all adults were asked to leave before it really began. That included the media. Of course, I asked the man in charge (a mayor's office appointee) if he'd be leaving too. I didn't stick around to see if he did. I do get the point. It allowed young people to openly discuss things without feeling as if they needed to edit themselves.
The Memphis mayor's office organized a series of "youth empowerment forums" following a series of violent incidents.. Including the mob attack on innocent people outside a Kroger store. We were there to cover the event. However, all adults were asked to leave before it really began. That included the media. Of course, I asked the man in charge (a mayor's office appointee) if he'd be leaving too. I didn't stick around to see if he did. I do get the point. It allowed young people to openly discuss things without feeling as if they needed to edit themselves.
Fire Truck "Browned Out" During Deadly Blaze
Browned out truck unable to service woman in fatal fire
There is a lot of debate in Memphis right now concerning firefighter pay, benefits, and general morale. Issues like this are used as ammunition. In this case, a ladder truck (which hauls all types of equipment) was "browned out" the day a lady died in a nearby fire. Her family is convinced it would not have made a difference. But the fact that MFD says the brown out impact is "undetermined" made it worth looking into.
There is a lot of debate in Memphis right now concerning firefighter pay, benefits, and general morale. Issues like this are used as ammunition. In this case, a ladder truck (which hauls all types of equipment) was "browned out" the day a lady died in a nearby fire. Her family is convinced it would not have made a difference. But the fact that MFD says the brown out impact is "undetermined" made it worth looking into.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
News Coverage = Overgrown Alley Clean-up
Overgrown alleys create haven for thieves, some fear:
Some Midtown residents had concerns about overgrown alleys that are possibly used by criminals, and turned to WMC Action News 5 for help. I sometimes go out on this stories and think "yeah, I'm sure your issue is soooo bad." But I was amazed by how overgrown these alleys were. It was like going on safari in the news car. A few Email messages to the right people got crews out the next morning. One alley looked great by the time I used it for this live shot background. It's always nice when our coverage gets action.
Some Midtown residents had concerns about overgrown alleys that are possibly used by criminals, and turned to WMC Action News 5 for help. I sometimes go out on this stories and think "yeah, I'm sure your issue is soooo bad." But I was amazed by how overgrown these alleys were. It was like going on safari in the news car. A few Email messages to the right people got crews out the next morning. One alley looked great by the time I used it for this live shot background. It's always nice when our coverage gets action.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)