Mayor-Elect Strickland Discusses City Hall Shakeup

Strickland discusses city hall changes ahead of taking office

I requested an interview with Memphis Mayor-Elect Jim Strickland late last week following word that a number of division directors and others would be shown the door.  The holidays and tornado coverage put the story on the back burner.  I finally got a sit down with him and he broke more news.  Embattled Memphis Animal Services administrator James Rogers would be let go as well.  Strickland also discussed short and long-term plans.  He officially takes office January 1st at noon.

Woman Pistol-Whipped, Robbed In East Memphis

Woman pistol-whipped outside shopping center

I had a story on another topic already shot when we were diverted to this one.  Scanner traffic suggested a woman was pistol-whipped and robbed in a popular East Memphis shopping center.  I discovered it happened outside an upscale furniture store.  We interviewed some other shoppers in the area.  I also spoke with the woman's boyfriend or husband.. But neither wanted to speak on camera.  In my live shot, I referred to fingerprint dust that was still on the victim's car.

Teacher Accused Of Fondling Student At School

SCS teacher suspended; accused of sexually assaulting student at school

We were the first to find out a Kirby High School teacher was arrested for allegedly fondling a student.  Police said it happened inside the school.  I was still anchoring the 4:00 news when I learned I would be doing the story for the 6:00 newscast.  I hurriedly gathered some information between 5:00 and 6:00 and presented the facts at 6:00.  My photographer and I then headed to the Kirby High area to get reaction to the arrest.  I even spoke with the alleged victim's mother over the phone.  We stayed out in the live van, edited the story, and had a full report for the 10:00 news.

MPD Officers Replace Boy's Stolen Xbox

MPD officers replace 11-year-old's stolen XBox

This was a nice change of pace.. A positive story.  It was about a number of Memphis Police officers who bought a new Xbox for an 11 year-old burglary victim.  Someone broke into the family's house while they were at church.  The officer's told us they were most impressed that this young "man of the house" was more concerned about his mother than the stolen items.  Officers returned shortly after taking the report with a new Xbox and three new games.  Game Stop donated an additional controller.  It's clear in Facebook video that went viral.. The boy and his family were thankful.