BreAnna Boyd

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STORY A


Pit Bull's Being Put Down by BreAnna Boyd

    Animal Euthanasia is one of the most heavily debated topics among pet owners. Some pet owners in the Mid South are voluntarily choosing this means as a way out.

    Michael Simmons is an owner of three pit bulls. He originally had four but was forced to put it down due to vicious attacks. The pit bull attacked a total of 11 people in 2010. Simmons claims the dog got out of the backyard and attacked on site. Since the dog was put down, he enjoys spending time with his three pit bulls that he raised. He says they are great dogs that aren't vicious as long as they are properly trained.

    Pope animal clinic has been receiving a large number of walk ins from pit bull owners requesting that their dog be put down. Doctors must have documents from the owners stating that the dogs have been vicious before they can legally be put down.

    Dr. Mitchell is one of the veterinarian's at Pope Animal Clinic. He has talked to
a few owners concerned about the safety of their family's and neighbors around them. If an owner can present the proper documents to prove any vicious attacks from the animals, then the procedure can be done.

    Once it's time, doctors use injectable anesthetic drugs. A huge overdose of the drug is injected, to where the animal becomes unconscious. The drug causes the brain to depress and respiratory and circulatory systems shut down.
   Some pit bull owners are afraid, but there are still some that keep hope alive.   
Recommended Links:
Huffington Post
Philippines
Bully Breed Blog

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Penny Hardaway Gives Back

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FEATURE STORY

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway Is Giving Back To The Community by BreAnna Boyd

      Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway is a former All-Star NBA player. He was born and raised in Memphis, TN by his grandmother who established his famous nickname. 
    Penny was apart of a AAU basketballl team growing up, which inspired him to create his own. 
    After retiring from basketball, he partnered with Methodist Hospital to form a gymnasium for the youth in the community.
    Tryouts for the team are typically held over the summer. Penny's AAU team gives the youth in the community an opportunity to work with a former basketball player to get hands on training. 
    His mission is to better the Memphis community, and to teach kids that not having a parent in life should never be an excuse to fail. 
    The team consists of 6th-11th grade students forming a total of six teams. He understands that there are youth that long for positive role models. Penny has even more for the city in the new future. 

To get more information on Team Penny, please visit http://www.iam1cent.com/
    

Recommended Links

CA - Hardaway Makes Impact
CNN- Hardaway Brings Hoop Dreams To Inner City
YouTube - AAU Basketball: Team Penny

The New Memphis Institute is committed to moving Memphis Forward

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MEETING STORY

The New Memphis Institute focuses on transforming the city of Memphis by BreAnna Boyd

   The New Memphis Institute, formerly known as The Leadership Academy of Memphis, is moving the city forward by informing new residents about what Memphis can offer. 
   The Institute believes that in order to see constant improvement in the city, recruitment among businesses must take place. There are many new residents who came from other cities to Memphis for jobs, school, and family. New Memphis' concern is keeping these new residents here. 
    The Institute holds annual meetings that focuses on shedding light on the city by reflecting on its past and the improvements made today. The New Memphis Institute was the first to develop strategic programs ensuring that Memphis has the talent needed for the future. 
    In addition to the Institute's many developments, it has partnered with as many as 80 organizations across the city to help execute the mission in moving Memphis forward. New Memphis programs reach across the city, including individuals from all backgrounds. Through recruitment, development, and outreach, the emerging new talent engine is creating a new Memphis.
     An emerging city drives tourists which promotes new attractions. Beale street is one of Memphis' main attractions. Tourists come from all over the world to experience the sound of blues and taste Memphis' own barbecue.  
    A recent U.S. Census study showed that Downtown Memphis is currently on the rise. This means that business is improving in the heart of downtown which brings more jobs and more opportunity. 
Recommended Links
The Leadership Academy is now the New Memphis Institute. 
Downtown Rising 
Beale Street in Memphis

The New Memphis Institute

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The New Memphis Institute Scripts 

The Issue of Equality in the Workforce

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ISSUE STORY

The Issue of Equality in the Workforce by BreAnna Boyd

    The issue of equality among gay and lesbian couples in the workforce is a huge controversial topic. The local AFSCME chapter hosted an event supporting a non-discrimination ordinance.
    Their plan is to make the ordinance all inclusive for the city of Memphis. Chad Johnson, the executive director for AFSCME stated, "There should be no discrimination in the workplace. Where I was raised, equality is never a sun."
    Another speaker at the event was a transgender by the name of Ellyahnna Hael who also spoke in support of the ordinance.
    One 2011 study found an estimated 9 million, or approximately 4% of the U.S. population is lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), and .3% is transgender.
    A recent study showed that 27.1% of all LGB employees experienced discrimination, and 27.1% of LGB employees experience harassment.
    Some victims feel like they have to work in specific environments in order to be accepted.
    There are many companies who abide by the non-discrimination acts for gay and lesbians, ranging from grocery stores, to shopping centers, and most importantly beauty salons.
    The AFSCME chapter plans to put this non-discrimination ordinance in place throughout the entire city of Memphis.

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Executive Director Chad Johnson speaking in support of the non-discrimination ordinance.
Recommended Links
Local AFSCME Chapter
Wendi C. Thomas: Equality for gay, lesbian citizens overdue
Many want anti-discrimination order tweaked


    Do you support the ordinance?

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    Contact BreAnna Boyd