On The NightTable: Joan Durrant

Police chief pulls plug on security shifts at supermarkets, stores

The Winnipeg Police Service is ending its years-long practice of allowing officers to pick up overtime shifts to provide additional security in supermarkets and other stores at retailers’ expense.

A bad trade deal in virtually all ways

You can’t fix stupid. And you can’t sign a contract — or a trade deal — with a proven liar, cheat and blackmailer. And sometimes, you end up having to fight.

Ex-MP Mark faces more charges after 445 guns, explosives found at Dauphin home

A former member of Parliament accused of firearms trafficking has been hit with 26 new charges after an RCMP investigation uncovered 445 guns and more than four times the legal limit of explosives at his Dauphin home.

Inky Mark, 78, was rearrested Aug. 12 and charged with 26 offences, including weapons trafficking, unauthorized possession of prohibited and restricted firearms, possessing firearms with ammunition without a licence or registration, failing to report lost firearms and possessing more than six kilograms of explosives. He was released from police custody.

In total, he faces 38 charges in connection with the months-long investigation, RCMP said Wednesday.

“I think this is definitely going to be a wake-up call to some people,” said Cpl. Barry Kirby of the RCMP west district investigative section, on Wednesday.

Bombers offensive co-ordinator Condell takes accountability for loss to Elks

Tommy Condell isn’t about to throw his hands up in frustration. That’s simply not the way the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator is wired.

And while the state of the offence remains a source of consternation for many in the Bombers fan base, Condell continues to plug away at ensuring steps will be taken to raise the efficiency levels down the stretch.

The club appeared to have taken a significant step forward in that category last Friday, jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the second quarter that became a 10-point cushion at the half after the Edmonton Elks scored a late major.

Then came a head-scratching third quarter that featured a pair of two-and-outs for the visitors at Commonwealth Stadium in what eventually became a 22-19 defeat.

Three charged after victims robbed, held against their will in dating scam

A Winnipeg woman and two men allegedly lured male victims on dating websites before robbing and holding them against their will, prompting safety reminders for people looking for love online. Detectives believe there may be additional victims who’ve not yet come forward.

Woman dies in house fire on Fleet Avenue

A woman is dead after a fire destroyed part of a house in Winnipeg’s Rockwood community.

Neighbour Russ Kolisnyk said he watched as fire crews battled the blaze at about 10:30 a.m. at 1076 Fleet Ave. Monday.

“They went into the back of the house with hoses, all of the other equipment, they were in their full gear,” the 61-year-old said. “Then we heard a person coming out and they came out the front door with her.”

A couple, believed to be in their 60s, lived in the home, another neighbour said.