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Wharton goes online to explain school funding

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton posted a pair of videos online Thursday night about the ongoing battle between the city and Memphis City Schools.

The first video, according to Wharton, explains "the origins of the dispute" between the two. The second video explains "the ramifications of the Memphis City Council's 2008 decision to pull their funding from Memphis City Schools on our property tax rate."

How Did We Get Here? from Mayor Wharton on Vimeo.

Property Tax Pennies from Mayor Wharton on Vimeo.

Lawyers: new evidence clears West Memphis 3

Defense attorneys told the Arkansas Supreme Court Thursday that DNA evidence proved Damien Echols wasn’t at the scene where three little boys were murdered in 1993.

Action News 5’s Janice Broach is in Little Rock and will have the latest news on this case throughout the day.

“Devil” actor talks with student journalists

Actor Bokeem Woodbine is spending long days promoting his new movie, “Devil” which is in theaters now. Prior to its release, he talked with student journalists.

M. Night Shyamalan’s new film is a part of his “Night Chronicles” series. It’s the story of a group of people trapped in an elevator with the devil.

Woodbine said when he’s not busy with work, he likes to hang out with his wife, exercise and watch boxing with his friends in his spare time. He has been busy being on the road, radio and doing interviews.

“I like being active in the promotion, I’m a part of it”, Woodbine said.

“Devil” came in third place in its opening weekend at the box office.

LeMoyne-Owen welcomes largest freshman class in decade

About 500 incoming students took the new student oath during LeMoyne-Owen College’s Annual Fall Convocation on Sept. 22. During the event, held at Metropolitan Church, students were charged to be visionaries. This is the largest incoming freshman class since 1998.

The theme of the ceremony was “Where There Is No Vision.” President of the college, Johnnie B. Watson gave the convocation address.

“Many of you sitting here today have already visualized the contributions you are going to make to science, education, and social service, and the overall improvement of the world in which we live…If you can dream it, you can achieve it,” Watson said.

The convocation was presented to over 1100 students, faculty, staff and alumni. The LeMoyne-Owen Concert Choir performed two songs and the Student Government Association gave the acceptance charge.

TDOT wants input on bicyclists’ input on highways

While Memphis cyclists are still celebrating the city’s commitment to miles of new bike paths and the upcoming opening of the Greenline, the state wants to know what bike riders think of its highways.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has posted a survey online and wants to hear from cyclists who have traveled on the state’s highways.

“Input from the survey will help guide the department in developing a comprehensive bicycling network, assess state routes with respect to bicycle suitability, and determine future action items relevant to furthering the goals of TDOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian plan,” a representative said in a written statement.

The survey will be available until Oct. 30. Click here to take it.

Photo courtesy Flickr user Ian Sane.

Bellevue Orchestra playing free concert

Music lovers have a chance to hear a free concert featuring Bellevue Baptist Church’s 57 piece orchestra.

Here’s some information from the press release:

“The evening will feature performances of Holst's "Jupiter" from The Planets; Bach's "Jesu Joy;" Sarasate's "Carmen Fantasy," featuring a solo by University of Memphis violinist Aubrey Mills; Tchaikovsky's "Finale from Symphony IV;" Grieg's "Morning Mood;" and Vavilov's "Kyrie," featuring a soprano solo by Mrs. Lisa Parker.

The concert will be Saturday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Photo courtesy Flickr user nosha.

Local teacher takes part in Education Nation

A local math teacher is in the Big Apple this week participating in NBC's Education Nation. 

Steven McKinney, an algebra teacher at Booker T. Washington, was invited to the summit after his students scored above average on the TCAP Achievement Test. 

Nearly all students at BTW receive free or reduced lunches due to their parents' income. According to McKinney, the school takes a unique approach in reaching these inner-city kids.