News Analysis: week 3

Local

Madison, WI- A local police officer has been placed on administrative leave for protective services, after an inmate plotted the officer's death. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, Alijouwon Watkins (20), a current inmate at Dane County jail has been accused of constructing a plot to kill the female officer following his arrest by her, in June, 2015.

According to Police Chief Mike Koval, Watkins sought the help of another inmate to carry out the plans. Although the plans went as far as Watkins transferring money into an account to fund the plans, the aiding inmate contacted authorities instead. WRN stated that Watkins was able to obtain personal information about the officer; including her name, date of birth, personal cell phone number, work hours as well as the district in which she was assigned.

No charges have yet been made, however Watkins does face tentative charges of conspiracy to commit homicide as well as conspiracy to commit perjury. WKOW stated Watkins is already facing five felony and three misdemeanor charges for the June, 2015 arrest which  was classified as a domestic battery case.

Watkins' trial was set to begin on Monday for the June, 2015 arrest, however may be delayed as a result of the most recent plot.


Reasoning

I chose to brief this news story because although it was covered across multiple, local news outlets; this story was not widely known. Additionally, I think it is important to raise awareness of the dangers our law enforcement, be it police officers, judges etc. face every day. This story demonstrates the dangers a job can possess even after that job is done. I also chose to cover this story because of the inmate who chose to contact authorities rather than carry out the plans for money. Too often, those who are incarcerated are only seen as such however this story provided evidence that it is possible to do good despite having that classification.



National

Orlando, FL- Mayor Buddy Dyer has declared a state of emergency for the city of Orlando after a gunman opened fire in a nightclub early Sunday morning, killing 50 and injuring at least 53 others.

According to CNN, Omar Mateen (29) entered 'Pulse' nightclub around 2:00am Sunday morning, armed with a legally obtained assault rifle and handgun as well as a "suspicious device" strapped to his body, Police arrived on the scene within minutes, however Mateen held hostages within the nightclub until around 5:00am. Nine police officers were engaged in gunfire with Mateen, and were forced to detonate a controlled explosion in order to distract the gunman and break into the club. The gunman was killed during the gunfire exchange.

The Washington Post stated that this is the nations deadliest mass shooting in the country's history. While authorities have not stated a possible motive at this point, after further investigation; homophobia is a possibility as 'Pulse' was widely known as "the hottest gay bar in the heart of Florida."

In a news briefing, Police Chief John Mina said "It's absolutely terrible, fifty victims in one location, one shooting, is absolutely one of the worst tragedies we've seen." WESH urged witnesses to talk with Orlando police headquarters, and for anyone who is able; to donate blood.

The investigation remains ongoing.


Reasoning

I chose to brief this news story for many reasons. From a journalistic standpoint this story is extremely timely and newsworthy. However, this is also an incredibly tragic event. As a nation, this is the worst mass shooting in our nations history, following the Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook shootings. For the LGBTQ community, this event is a detrimental loss not only in all of the progress they have made in terms of tolerance and equality of treatment.


International

Petra, Jordan- A massive fourth century BC monument has been discovered in Petra according to National Geographic.

The study was published by archaeologist, Sarah Parcak a National Geographic fellow and Christopher Tuttle, the Executive Director of Council of American Overseas Research Centers; in "American Schools of Oriental Research." In the study, the structure is described as being the length of an Olympic swimming pool and twice the width. BBC states that the surface pottery suggests the monument was built in the mid- second century BC when Petra was at its peak. Its structure consists of a 184x161ft platform with a slightly smaller platform enclosed within. The smaller platform was paved with flagstones, with the east side of the interior platform being lined with a row of columns once crowning a grand staircase.

Tuttle credited the use of satellite images, drone photography and ground surveys for the discovery. In a statement made to CNN, Tuttle explained "I've worked in Petra for 20 years, and I knew something was there, but it's certainly legitimate to call this a discovery."

The monument is speculated to be a possible ceremonial spot, located just half a mile south of the center of the ancient city. Currently, there are no other structures similar to the one discovered in Petra.


Reasoning

I chose to brief this news story because of the timeliness and the content. History and archaeology has always fascinated me, so for a new monument of this caliber to have been discovered is very exciting. This ancient city has been a well known tourist cite for many years, bringing in hundreds of thousands of tourists each year and this new discovery may help bring those numbers back after a recent decline.