Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Podcast court report exclusive: 'Labradoodle' charges face motion to dismiss; Is Selinger end-running PUB with low-cost utilities pledge?

Among local media, only TGCTS was in court today to hear the testimony of witnesses in a case alleging a puppy breeder neglected dogs seized by the Manitoba government and sold under questionable circumstances by the Humane Society. And only TGCTS can report on the reaction in the courtroom today by the Crown Attorney, when defence lawyer Gene Zazalenchuk presented a motion to dismiss the charges immediately after the prosecution closed their case, citing a "fatal" flaw in the proceedings. Exclusive details in the CCPS Update today.

The front-end of the show takes a hard look at the Joe Namath-style 'guarantee' by Greg Selinger that electricity, home heating and auto insurance rates would always be the cheapest nationwide. This raised two issues: is Selinger planning to neuter the Public Utilities Board, which sets pricing rates and has repeatedly turned back rate hikes proposed by the Crown Corporations? And, is a 'rate stabilization fund' just another way of saying 'slush fund' ?

A Free Press opinion column - published in the guise of a news story - claiming that crime rates are falling and the provincial election pledges to deal with criminals here and now are somehow misguided and more hugs are what is needed. Oh, and that crime is only a 'perception' in the suburbs and not the new reality. A FP reader hit the nail on the head about the spin, and we give voice to those views. Another FP story where the details don't match the headline - you think a review that finds 30 pathology reports required a change in treatment isn't "major" ? Smart readers called out the broadsheet on that one today as well. Almost time to revive our "Lessons in Journalism" segments ?

A brief comment about the tragic plane crash involving the Lokomotiv hockey team and Brandon native Brad McCrimmon (the link has a team photo), and some upcoming events on the local pro wrestling schedule, round out today's podcast. Oh, and a plug for my story about former CFL lineman Mike Webster !

Listen to today's podcast here: http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/09/07/tgcts-sept-7-2011podcast-exclusive-labradoodle-case-dismissal-motion-ndp-utility-guarantee/

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email: tgcts1@gmail.com
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