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Laura Kunzelman
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Today the journalism students went to the Law Courts to find a hot scoop. We met up with Mike McIntyre for a little lesson of what to expect, what to do, and some leads on story ideas. I really enjoyed being there and stayed until 3:00 when I needed to get back to school and type up my article. I am excited to go back and think I will get to for more Law Courts assignments. Hopefully one day I will be a reporter and will have to go there to pursue stories.
What crossed my mind:
1. This is not a hot scoop. This is a lukewarm scoop at best.
2. Being at the Law Courts is exciting. I know what I'm doing on my days off.
3. Really, you waved around a machete and you aren't getting a criminal record?
4. Thanks guy sitting behind me for causing a scene because you had your feet up on the seat. You make Erica and myself laugh. Really breaks up the day.
5. I am hungry. I am going to get a foot-long sub at Subway.
6. I am never going to finish this foot-long sub.
7. I really wish I could stay longer and figure out what this one case was. Sat in there till they went on break and never find out what he did. Looked super interesting though.
I think I said 'scoop' a lot today, but here is the scoop I got.
“I’m Going To Cut Your Head Off”
Winnipeg man threatens bar staff with machete
Twenty-four-year-old Drilan Alimehaj was sentenced to an eighteen-month conditional discharge with supervised probation after he waved a machete around outside a Winnipeg bar uttering death threats.
Alimehaj was at the Thirsty Lion Tavern, located at 525 Dale Boulevard on Nov. 14, 2010 celebrating his cousin’s 18th birthday when he got into an altercation with Scott Douglas, an off-duty staff member, resulting in him being kicked out.
Alimehaj left the bar yelling, “You’re making a mistake, you don’t know who I know.”
After being ejected from the Charleswood bar by Douglas at 1:30 a.m., Alimehaj left and came back in a white pickup truck five minutes later with a machete and a dagger.
Court heard Alimehaj screamed at Douglas, “I’m going to cut your head off,” while waving the two-foot blade.
Alimehaj then left and police were contacted shortly after, who say that Alimehaj appeared to be intoxicated and noted he was unsteady on his feet, and had bloodshot eyes.
Alimehaj pleaded guilty Monday in provincial court to uttering threats and the possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose but justified his possession of the machete by saying he worked as a landscaper.
“The nature of the weapon used was quite serious. A conviction should be a result,” said Crown attorney Marciniak.
Defence attorney Virk said that Alimehaj has a unique circumstance since he has no prior criminal record and has only one kidney so he can’t drink a lot of alcohol. Virk added that Alimehaj wants to finish his Grade 12 education to pursue a career as a firefighter and can’t do that with a criminal record.
Judge Lemaistre stressed that rehabilitation is important and in Alimehaj’s circumstance, decided that imposing a discharge was not contrary to public interest.
“Even though there was no intention to follow through with the threat, you were waving a machete and uttering threats. The potential for harm was there, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt,” said Judge Lemaistre.
The conditions of the sentence are Alimehaj can have no contact with the complainant, is prohibited on the premises of 525 Dale Boulevard, must abstain from the consumption of alcohol, report for counseling, and is prohibited to be in possession of weapons. The forfeiture of the machete and dagger was ordered, and Alimehaj was fined $104.00.
If Alimehaj complies to these conditions, he will not receive a criminal record and can become a firefighter.
Asked if he had anything to add, Alimehaj told Judge Lemaistre, “It’ll never happen again.”
Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
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Good news for journalists in Winnipeg.
In the past week it has been announced that Nelly Gonzalez from Global Winnipeg is moving to CBC and Nancy Carlson from CTV Winnipeg is moving on to Global.
Except, these journalists won't be staying in Winnipeg.
Nelly took a job with CBC as a reporter in Brandon, and Nancy took a job in Alberta as late night anchor with Global Edmonton.
Nancy's last day is Wednesday, October 19 and begins her new job on October 31.
Nelly's last day will be Friday, October 28.
Both reporters have said they are excited about their move.
I got the chance to shadow both of these talented women at election time through opportunities created by CreComm. They were both very professional, kind, and funny and I wish them the very best. I hope to be like them one day and report on TV so I am very glad to have met them. And who knows, maybe one day we will work together.
I got the chance to shadow both of these talented women at election time through opportunities created by CreComm. They were both very professional, kind, and funny and I wish them the very best. I hope to be like them one day and report on TV so I am very glad to have met them. And who knows, maybe one day we will work together.
What crossed my mind:
1.) I hope a bunch of reporters leave when I am done school so I can get a job.
What? That's all.
Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
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On October 4th, I was assigned to Global Television to help out with election coverage. I was put with Nelly Gonzalez, a Global reporter, and we went to Canad Inns Polo Park, which was the PC Party’s election headquarters. I kind of knew what to expect since I have been out with a reporter before on a live hit as part of election coverage, so I knew the big interviews would come after the winner was announced.
I have been telling friends and family that I was at PC headquarters, and one thing is always brought up.
That Selinger snubbed McFadyen during his speech.
If you don’t follow the news or politics, this is what happened. When PC Party leader, Hugh McFadyen came down from his hotel room to give his concession speech, Premier Greg Selinger began his victory speech, resulting in Hugh’s to be cut off.
While I was at the PC HQ, I got to see all the support for Hugh McFadyen, but all that support wasn’t good enough as it became official that Hugh would not be the next Premier of Manitoba.
The media waited over an hour for McFadyen to come down and address us. We waited, then we waited, and then we waited some more.
FINALLY, Hugh McFadyen came down and announced that he was stepping down at PC Party leader. The announcement seemed to shock the people in the room and unless you were there or watched the footage elsewhere, you wouldn’t have seen the announcement. If you were watching the coverage on TV, you would have seen the beginning of Hugh’s speech, then seen it be cut off for Selinger’s speech.
I was not at the NDP headquarters, but I don't think Greg did this to Hugh to be malicious. But I was at the PC one, and I just wanna say that every TV and radio station there, was given the “five-minute warning” numerous times. McFadyen continued to be a no show time after time, and I really do not blame Selinger for deciding to come on camera when he did. I realize that McFadyen probably took a long time to make his decision to step down, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
Despite all the waiting around a reporter and their crew has to do, and despite the stress of coming up with what to say and who to interview for each live hit, I think it would be an exciting career that I would like to try. And I would get to see things that so many other people wouldn't. Like Hugh's speech. Or when after Hugh gave his speech, the whole room sang happy birthday to his son. Now, if only I could speak in front of a camera.
Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
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Last week my first article for The Metro was published. I haven’t really been writing any articles since I was the intern news editor for the Projector and writing for The Metro made me realize how much I missed writing and creating pieces for my portfolio. When you get busy with school work, real work, and spending time with friends, and family, some things kind of just get pushed aside.
I tried something new this week that can be added to my portfolio when I recorded a script and clip for 92.9 KICK FM. I reported about Tammy Homniuk, a homeless woman with two children seeking help from the government so she doesn't have to remain homeless any longer. I then asked James Beddome what he plans to do about the issue of poverty and had a great interview.
I have never been particularly interested in radio, but this school year I am really getting into it. I still get to interview and write stories, except I get to vocally tell the story. Which is good practice for me since I am not that great of a public speaker.
So when I find the time, I am going to start expanding my portfolio more. I used to write for the community newspaper, the Spectator a few summers back. The Metro will be great experience but I only get to write five article. So I am going to write for the Uniter, and look into other opportunities where I can write so I can expand my portfolio.
Check out my article, Affordable housing top election item for seniors.
