News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
Personnel files reveal details about former officers charged in Tyre Nichols' murder
SUMMARY: The Memphis Police Department’s Scorpion unit, established in fall 2021, was disbanded after Tyree Nichols’ beating death. FOX 13’s Kayla Solomon investigated the backgrounds of the five convicted officers. Records revealed they had varying levels of experience before joining the unit. Most had criminal justice degrees, but Demetrius Haley had only a high school diploma. Tarius Bean and Justin Smith had limited job experience before recruitment. Desmond Mills had significant law enforcement experience, while Martin, who faced termination for improper conduct, had less. Their selection for the specialized unit occurred despite this limited experience. A federal trial and potential civil lawsuits are ongoing.

In February 2023, just weeks after five former Memphis Police officers were charged with the murder of Tyre Nichols, FOX13 put in a public records request for the personnel records of all members of the SCORPION Unit, the now-defunct specialized Memphis Police unit designed to tackle crime in hot spots.
More than a year later, FOX13 finally obtained those files that show the work history of the officers involved, including years as a Wendy’s cook, work experience with Hurtz and, one officer at the scene, who allegedly had no work history at all. READ MORE: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/personnel-files-reveal-details-about-former-officers-charged-in-tyre-nichols-murder/article_472ac39e-a2bb-11ef-9521-ff1f4d352d8c.html
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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
PM Weather(5/3): More showers and storms developing today
SUMMARY: Showers and storms developed today with ongoing rain, adding to recent heavy rainfall of up to six inches in some areas like Maro County. Temperatures remain cooler than average, with highs in the upper 60s and lows dropping to the upper 40s and low 50s, particularly on the plateau where a jacket is recommended. Rain will continue into the night and through Monday with occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms, but Tuesday looks sunnier and drier as the low-pressure system moves northeast. Rain chances increase again midweek into the weekend, so keeping an umbrella handy is advisable.

A slow-moving upper-level low pressure system will keep the weather unsettled this weekend. Cooler air keeps highs in the 70s …
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
Feds charge alleged white supremacist over 2019 arson at Tennessee school that trained Rosa Parks
SUMMARY: Regan Prater, linked to white supremacist movements, was arrested for the March 2019 arson at the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee. The fire, which destroyed irreplaceable materials related to the Civil Rights Movement, was allegedly set using a sparkler bomb and napalm. Prater’s involvement was confirmed through group chat posts and a white-power symbol found at the scene. Previously, Prater served a five-year sentence for another fire in 2019. Despite the trauma, Highlander remains committed to its mission, continuing its rebuild while honoring its history of civil rights activism.
The post Feds charge alleged white supremacist over 2019 arson at Tennessee school that trained Rosa Parks appeared first on wpln.org
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
Actor Joaquin Phoenix backs push to free two bears in tourist attraction
SUMMARY: Actor Joaquin Phoenix supports calls to free two bears, Daisy and River, held at the Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge, sparking controversy. While some visitors believe the bears appear happy with ample food and enrichment, Phoenix and animal rights group PETA argue the bears suffer in captivity and need to be moved to a sanctuary for proper care. The store claims the bears are non-releasable and their enclosure promotes education about black bears, not profit. They state compliance with USDA and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations. PETA urges people to research before supporting such captive-animal attractions.

Phoenix joins PETA in urging a Pigeon Forge store to release two captive bears, sparking debate over animal welfare and tourist tradition.
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