ANOTHER FLORIDA GUN LAW WAS UPHELD TODAY BY THE FEDERAL APPEALS COURT...
IT MEANS THE MINIMUM AGE TO BUY A GUN WILL REMAIN AT 21 YEARS OLD, FOR NOW.
THAT LAW PASSED AFTER THE PARKLAND SCHOOL SHOOTING.
THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION CHALLENGED IT SHORTLY AFTER IT WAS SIGNED.
THE COURT RULED THAT THE LAW IS IN LINE WITH CURRENT GUN REGULATIONS IN THE U-S.
​ HOWEVER, HOUSE REPUBLICANS FILED A BILL DURING THIS SESSION TO LOWER THE AGE BACK TO 18.

TODAY IN TALLAHASSEE, LAWMAKERS FROM THE FLORIDA SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE DISCUSSED TWO AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SAFETY BILLS.
ONE OF THEM IS CALLED THE "TYRE SAMPSON ACT."
THAT BILL INCLUDES NEW CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES IN FLORIDA.
​
IT WOULD ALSO ALLOW STATE REGULATORS FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO CONDUCT UNANNOUNCED SAFETY INSPECTIONS.

IT'S HAPPENING JUST SHY OF ONE YEAR, SINCE THE RIDE MALFUNCTIONED, KILLING 14 YEAR OLD TYRE SAMPSON...
THE OWNER OF THE FREE FALL RIDE AT ICON PARK IN ORLANDO REACHED A QUARTER MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT WITH THE STATE.

THE COMPANY, ORLANDO EAGLE DROP SLINGSHOT, AGREED TO NOT OPERATE OR REAPPLY FOR A PERMIT TO OPERATE A DROP TOWER IN FLORIDA AND NOW IT'S BEING DISMANTLED.
DEMOCRATIC STATE SENATOR GERALDINE THOMPSON FROM ORANGE COUNTY IS SPONSORING THE TYRE SAMPSON ACT.

“Well we should not put profits over people and so that’s why this is so important for 50 dollars or less you put in an additional restraint that could have safeguarded the life of Tyre Sampson and that’s why thats so important.”

TYRE SAMPSON'S FAMILY HAS BEEN DEMANDING ACTION AND FEELS THIS HAS BEEN A LONGTIME COMING..​

FLORIDA GOV. RON DESANTIS HAS SIGNED THE DEATH WARRANT OF THE MAN DUBBED THE "NINJA KILLER".
ACCORDING TO DOCUMENTS, LOUIS BERNARD GASKIN MURDERED A FLAGLER COUNTY COUPLE IN 1989.
THE JURY FOUND HIM GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN 1990, AS WELL AS THE ATTEMPTED MURDER, ARMED ROBBERY, AND BURGLARY OF ANOTHER NEARBY COUPLE THE SAME NIGHT.
HE WAS DUBBED THE "NINJA KILLER" BECAUSE HE WORE ALL-BLACK NINJA CLOTHING DURING THE CRIMES.
DESANTIS SET AN APRIL 12 THE EXECUTION DATE.
THE STATE SUPREME COURT SET A MARCH 31ST DEADLINE FOR ANY NEW APPEALS.
THIS WOULD BE FLORIDA'S SECOND EXECUTION THIS YEAR, AFTER A LONG PAUSE DATING BACK TO 2019.

​memphismirror.com/?p=2515&preview=true

Tamara Davis, 26 and boyfriend, Joe Fifer, 22, were robbed and shot while walking to their apartments. Davis was pregnant with her first child.
Jan. 12 Trezevant High School gathered together to remember Ryan Gilliam who was murdered during a robbery. He was 18-years old.
These are just a couple cases out of  two dozen that have occurred at the beginning of 2016. Memphis Police Department officer Oliver Lacy stated that, “There has already been 12 homicides, just 13 days into 2016.
Crime in Memphis is at the top of the agenda for citizens in the Bluff City after the Memphis Police Department released figures for the first two months of the year showing an increase in crime of 22 percent with murder increasing by 47 percent.
This comes as Memphis residents are asking their city leaders to address the crime issue.
“I can’t walk to my car without wondering if someone is going to rape me,” said Rose Thurman, 52, of Memphis. “We always hear about a perpetrator preying on women and how they can attack you in dark places, and my biggest fear is having that happen to me.”
 The city has ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the country. Jim Strickland, newly elected Memphis mayor, has made it his duty to reduce the crime in the city.
Recently, with an interview with ACTIONNews5 Strickland said, “We have to be tough on crime, getting more police officers out on the street, fewer in the administration building, and not answering every auto accident.”
Richard Janikowski, retired crime expert, in a recent  analysis said “Memphis needs 2,400 officers to effectively police the city, right now only 2,282 officers are employed.”
The only thing keeping the police department from collapsing is paying a large amounts of money on overtime for the positions not filled and ton of money on out-of rank pay, said Janikowski.

Statistics show that a typical American child will view more than 200,000 acts of violence, including more than 16,000 murders before age 18 whether television or exposed to it, written by Eugene Beresin.
13 year-old LeTara Jones was shot and killed when her brother’s friend  was playing with a gun and discharged while Jones was down stairs holding a infant. Soon after, her brother shot and killed the suspect.
This type of case really have residents wondering whether Memphis is safe enough for their children.
“I have concerns about the violence that takes place here. I moved here in 2010, and too know that we are the second most dangerous city is a wake up call, said Laurie Bridgefield, 30, accountant. I’m a single mom and when my children aren’t in my presence I’m always afraid that something will happen to them.”
Within the city there has been multiple crime prevention tactics that are being put into action.
Memphis pastors and Police Department are joining forces to implement a community outreach, which could help bridge a gap between the police and community and hope fully reduce crime.
Arlen K. Parham,  pastor of I’m APART M.B Church said “ We are trying to get kids involved and get more people in attendance at church, the problem is starting from our streets and shedding blood all over our city.”
The community is putting into action neighborhood watches, organized watch groups, provide our youth with mentors and outreach within the communities.
“We are hoping as a unit that we can change our city,” said Rev. Montgomery.
Some residents do no think that our city or community isn't doing enough.

"They (the city officials) say they have been "trying" to help our community for years, so how is it that everything is getting worse? Ill tell you why because they aren't helping it", said Laurean Gibson, citizen of Memphis. "Putting out a few flyers and setting up booths for a few hours  are not going to help.Our community needs consistency."
 
 
Here are the Crimes that were Committed just in January alone:
https://www.google.com/fusiontables/DataSource?docid=15rXSUabxUrCYT5awX8ScghYBq13oitfl-ssIsXjA#rows:id=1

Despite 30-degree temperatures on the night of March 19, a record crowd turned out for Malco Theaters Time Warp Drive-In to kick of the 50th anniversary of the drive in theater at 5310 Summer Ave. in Memphis.
This will be the third annual revival of dusk-to-dawn throwback cinema at the Summer Quartet Drive-In that will be heavy on music, comic books, martial arts and auteurs.
They started this year off with a slew of Martin Scorsese films such as, "Goodfellas" (1990), "The Departed" (2006), "Taxi Driver" (1976), "After Hours" (1985).
With the temperature dropping by each hour the attendance was at 3,950 attendees according to the ticket sales.
"I was very surprised in the turn out, especially with the temperature," said "Milly Rose, 56, concessions stand cashier, five years. "It was packed tonight, but when the summer arrives it will double."
This year's program carries a particular resonance: This year marks the golden anniversary of the Summer Drive-In, which opened on Sept. 1, 1966, with two screens and such films as "The Glass Bottom Boat" and "How To Stuff a Wild Bikini."
In recognition of this birthday, the Time Warp theme this year is "Fifty Years of Summer."
Targeting classic movies, the audience that usually ranges from 15 and up, were mostly in count for millennials.
There's been a resurgence in interest in retro-cinema, especially among millennials," said Matt Martin  "The drive-in allows people to go back in time and see some great movies they might never have heard of.”
 
"I've been coming for the last three years with my bros and we drink.. A lot," said Correll Sanders, 24. " No, seriously its like a mini party while we watch a great, classic movie while meeting some girls.”
For the special occasion many moviegoers celebrated in their own way by pulling out beverages and food while conversing around a bonfire.
“Me and my wife had our first date at this drive-in when we were dating,”  said Stanley Wilson, 31. “ I know it sounds cliche and corny, but this kick off was important to us just because we love being here and being corny.”
"We are here to introduce you to movies you didn't know existed," said Matt Martin, owner of Black Lodge Video, the only video store left in Memphis, who is a lover of all things cinema stated.
The Summer Twin Drive-In was opened by Malco Theatres Inc. in 1966, with a capacity for 1,600 cars. As the years have gone by, it replaced Malco Theatres earlier Summer Drive-In.
It became the four-screen Summer Avenue Drive-In This drive-in now has a capacity for 2,000 cars.
“This was the first time that I have been to the drive-in and I hope to go back mulitiple times this summer,” said Shelby Garrison. “My favorite movie was the Goodfellas.”
 

​ 
When Onie Johns created her non-profit community center and restaurant called Caritas Village in 2006, she developed this mission statement to guide her work.
"To break down walls of hostility between the cultures, to build bridges of love and trust between the rich and those made poor and to provide a positive alternative to the street corners for the neighborhood children.”
Ten years later, Johns’ Caritas Village in Memphis’ Binghampton neighborhood has had plenty of success in pursuing that mission. So much so that Johns, 71, was honored with the Women’s Foundation Legends Award in 2010.
“I am amazed every day at what God has done with this place,” Johns said. “I thought it would work, but I don't think I ever thought it would work quite as well as it has.”
Johns was born in Ackerman, Mississippi where she attended Ackerman High School and graduated from University Hospital of Jackson.
Johns, who has always had a passion for helping people and wanting to better the community, never began to think about becoming a founder of a non-profit organization.
"I wanted to be a nurse, I always knew that. I wanted to go into the Peace Corps, but I never did that.”
 She worked as a nurse between 1966 and 1975. In 1975,  she began working as medical management in a physician's office while going to school. There was an opening in the front office, and she just never went back to nursing.
She eventually retired as a medical administrator in 2005.
Johns was married in 1966 when she was 20 years old to  Billy Ray Johns who was six years older than her. He also worked for her father.
He was an electrical salesman, and the job moved them to Memphis, then back to Mississippi, and eventually settled in Germantown. They had two children, Christy and Jeff.
Throughout the marriage, she had been involved in volunteering for several social justice–type organizations. Johns volunteered in AIDS ministry, mentored pregnant teens, volunteered with hospice, did a lot of racial reconciliation work.
After 35 years, her marriage ended and she decided to join a 10-month formation class that she felt called to live in Christian community in an inner-city neighborhood.
"I had been going to church in Binghampton for 12 years. I spent a lot of time doing work here, but I'd always feel guilty about going back to Germantown to sleep at night," said Johns.
In 2000 Johns decided to move to the community of Binghampton to live near a Christian community.
" I thought she was crazy," said Kristy Johns, daughter, "but I was understanding and tried to be supportive."
She and two other church member decided to moved into an house in Binghampton in 2000, but I didn't pan out that way.
"Before we moved, one decided it was something he could not do," said Johns. "The other guy only stayed about a year, although he emotionally withdrew after just six months. So I lived alone in the house for three years, but I never felt fear — physically or emotionally."
The house was open to all. She had meals as a community there. There were children's activities, and the den was set up with computers and games. It wasn't unusual for her to come home from her job and find 10 to 12 children waiting on the porch to get into the house. She had night concerts on the lawn — anything to gather a crowd and build relationships.
In 2004, the building that holds Caritas Village was put on the market. 
"I closed on the property in 2005, the same year I retired from my medical administration career. We started with a coffee shop and a cultural center, and now we're filled with programs and activities."
Caritas Village, which is located on 2509 Harvard Ave. in Memphis is catered to artist, musicians, a diverse crowd, great food, and also holds staff from the community.
"I only hire people from the community, I'd see 10 to 15 young men just hanging on the apartment steps across the street doing nothing, going nowhere," said Johns "I thought, We might not be able to do anything with those guys, but if we can catch them before they get to the apartment steps — if we can get a building and provide programs and learning opportunities, it would give them someplace to go and build skills at the same time."
Caritas Village, which has just celebrated its 10 year anniversary, continues to have many special programs throughout the year such as, after school programs, free medical clinics, yoga on Thursdays, aerobics on Friday, and once a month she hosts a feature artist to display their work on the walls.
 "Everything that's here, somebody started,” said Johns. “I just open the doors every morning, and it all unfolds. It's indescribable what goes on here. Miracles take place all over, and I know I was destined to be here."
 
Onie Johns:
The name Onie- was her grandmother's name.
In college she earned money by- "Sewing. I made clothes for people in the dorm, cheerleading uniforms, a friend's wedding dress, tailoring jobs — but I don't sew at all anymore."
Your favorite television program? "The last time I watched TV was Sep. 11, 2001. I do own a TV, but it's in the den."
Your greatest extravagance is? artwork and stationery! I have drawers of stationery.

​Patel Manherlal T Living Trust/Hospitality Builders of America, Inc., a new business, came upon the counsel to request in North Memphis to allow uses of convenience store with gas pumps, hotel, retail, restaurant with drive­-thru lane and truck washing.

"There is always a need for improvement in Memphis, said officer Moultry,of  Memphis Police Department, "so when they conduct these sessions I do see new and improved ideas that can better the city."

City Council members held the meeting at city hall on Feb. 16 to discuss city businesses and passing of bills.

Many potential business owners and entrepreneurial citizens came forward that evening to ask for request and permits to build and advance their business.

The council had a few concerns when it came to the business in a high-risk area, and wondered if that was something that the area was in need for.

"We are trying to build that particular area and even though we have been deemed high risk I still will like to see our plan come to action after this disappointing meeting, said Scot Woodard, Representative, Patel Manherlal T Living Trust/Hospitality Builders of America, Inc.
The board members concerns were that many business that have tried to obtain a spot in that area of the city have created a business, but most have not been successful.

“We’re not sure if the area needs another gas station/restaurant combination, what makes this business different from the others?” said Vice Chairman Ford.
Jan 19. The council did pass a proposal in North Memphis for ordinance that rezoned a 178-acre area adjacent to a successful Nike store.

 More than $300 million distribution center into an “Employment District.” The area consists mostly of vacant land at the corner of Frayser-Raleigh.

The proposal was passed due to Memphis low-rate of employment, something that was much needed.
“I think a gas station and dive-thru is not preferably needed, said Lisa Downing, local North Memphis resident, we have one on every block. They need to first change the community, then bring in businesses that can help increase it.”

The request was rescheduled for a public hearing date due to the concerns mentioned by the board.

Memphis, TN -- Staff members at Richardson Towers on the University of Memphis campus   reported that on Dec. 18 they found marijuana residue and alcohol bottles in the residence hall during the winter break even though the building was supposed to be closed.
Richardson Towers, which holds one-thousand students, and on schedule for demolition was vacant at the time of the incident.
The officers found what appeared to be marijuana residue on the sink in a dorm room, and empty liquor bottles.
"Rarely, do we have drug-related calls or offenses on campus", said officer James Greenleaf, University of Memphis campus police officer, "There are moments that we do get a few calls, but that’s every blue moon."
Three men were found at the scene of the crime, and were charged with alcohol policy violation and simple possession.
Suspects, Michael Hargrove, 25, Michael Courson,31, and Brown Ben, 19, were students of the university and one under the legal drinking age. 
Memphis Defense Attorney,Michael Shipman, states that underage drinking is severe and have penalties up to 90 days in prison. Marijuana possession has a maximum penalty up to one year in jail plus a fine of five thousand.
A student convicted of marijuana possession also will lose his or her driving privileges for six months for the first conviction, one year for a second conviction and two years for a third or subsequent conviction.

"A conviction for any  drug offense, even if it is a misdemeanor, is permanent,"  said Michael Shipman, Tennessee criminal attorney.
University of Memphis policy states: “Any drug uses have disciplinary action including and  up to immediate discharge for an employee and permanent dismissal of a student. Federal and state laws provide additional penalties for such unlawful activities, including fines and imprisonment.”
The campuses were closed, so campus officer came to the conclusion that the suspects broke into the building.
“The suspects must somehow found a way to break in, after students left for break, the buildings are locked, unless students are left in the building,” said John Hudgens, campus police officer, “ Richardson Towers was vacant.”

The campus hasn't had many offenses and has even been compared to being one of the safest campuses in Tennessee, by the top 10 college list in 2010.

The U of M's director of police services, Bruce Harber, said "We're very safe here. Break ins aren't normal and we are going to try every thing in our power to prevent anymore incidents”
Campus police has not heard if whether the suspects were dismissed from attending the university.

While the basic principles of journalism remains the same, the way it reaches our audience and the tools required to do the job, such as accuracy and fairness in reporting, will constantly change. Gone are the days of sitting in front of the television watching locally produced newscast, where the anchor and producers feed us the daily news. News can and does travel fast and wide, but is it because of the time and effort put in, or are iPhones and social media junkies taking over the job? Stephanie Scurlock, WREG Memphis Anchor/ Reporter, tells what she feels about the longevity of the business.


“The industry is a lot faster. The days of waiting to get information on the 5pm and 10pm news are over. It’s simply non-existent because of how the industry has changed. News agencies must adapt to social media and the internet to have the news of the day at the fingertips of the public.”


In the recent nationwide case of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, footage went around the world in seconds because of phone video showing a police officer standing over a dead Brown. Some wonder if it would have got any coverage at all if the witness would have never shot footage of the killing. Could it have been a different headline if the witness never filmed it? One man does think that journalism is not needed anymore  and that it’s a dying way for news to get out.



“ I’ve always read the newspaper, even when I was a teenager, but there were no cell phones and no God-forsaken Facebook, it was words on paper,” said Paul Jake, 64, from Germantown, TN, former mail associate at the New York Times. “I always thought that journalist were low paid and not much of a career because we know what we see on TV. They are just repeating what I saw in the paper the day before. I also think that everything is opinionated now, when my grandkids show me some stuff on You-Tube and videos that they think are hilarious about people stating their own opinions on worldwide issues, they are funny, but a joke.”

Everything evolves over time so there is no denying the evolution, but who has it effected the most? Anchors and technology support in news areas had to learn new technologies and systems to keep up with today’s speedy nature. Robbin Walker WREG Memphis Editor—18 years employed, explains how her job has evolved over time.

“I started off as an intern in the mid-90s and when I graduated they wanted me to work full time as a junior editor. When the job first began we used VHS tapes, from what the camera men shot the previous day. I had to go through so many tapes and edit each one and compile them all together, a very strenuous process,” said Walker. As the times changed we started using different software systems that I had to study, to keep with how fast things were changing.”

            With the rise of social media, written publications have been put in jeopardy. The Newspapers are shutting down and getting sold off because of the fast pace stories from internet and media. Local Memphis, Tennessee newspaper the Teen Appeal has been said to shut down Dec. 31st due to lack of funders.
 “It would be a shame to let this project die and I’m just surprised that I haven’t been able to attract another funder with the vision we have for this project that is unique in this country,” said Dr. Arant, Head Chair of University of Memphis Journalism Department.

Social media outlets such as Twitter and Instagram have been used from Newsrooms to put updates every hour, to keep their readers updated. The death-watch is coming for more than just humans.
The emergence of social media has changed journalism. The use of the internet has enabled almost anyone to be journalist. They can build an audience, tell a story, and inform the public with the click of a button.



“The business is getting busier. It’s a 24-hour day world, and if you don’t adapt to what your viewers want, you’re dead,” said Austin Onek, WREG Memphis News weather anchor. “If you don’t monitor and find out more about what’s going on in the way that people want their news, they’re going to get it someplace else. If we don’t keep adapting to the business we are going to be in the same place as newspapers are right now.”


Technology, as always has changed an entire industry and created a new role and different avenues for people to give and receive news. Anyone can publish or share information with the world. Yes, journalists still tell stories, and they still exist to inform, but they do more than that. The business of journalism is moving away from lecture to conversation.

“People don’t sit down at 5 o’ clock anymore and watch the news like they use too,” said Elise Preston, WREG news anchor.  “Everyone goes online. Papers have an online presence, so people have read the news of the day, most of the time, before they watch it on TV. I like newspapers still and actual print journalism because you get a different visual. I guess Technology in general is the biggest thing I’ve seen change. There is more push for web and digital we’re using Twitter more. When I started those outlets were already out, but didn’t have as big of a presence.”
​
Journalists of today use social media and even made names for themselves using it. The elements of good journalism and how the information is presented will always change. With that being said, journalism is journalism. Good journalists, whether on podcast, or through the television will still be needed to report the information and present to an audience.