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Retailers are overstating the impact of theft, report says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

New York (CNN) — Retailers say theft is exploding, and some data from retailers along with numerous videos of violent store robberies and looting seem to support the claim.But some retail analysts and researchers, bolstered by local crime statistics, say stores may be over-stating the extent and impact of theft. Why? It’s a useful deflection, camouflaging weak demand, mismanagement and other issues denting business right now. And it forces lawmakers to respond.Across the country, the “actual increase in rates of theft” at stores does not “correspond to the increase in company commentary and actions” on theft, according to a new report by retail analysts at William Blair. “Retailers are increasingly vocal on the subject, in part to draw out government action,” the analysts wrote.To be sure, theft is impacting retailers much more than it was before the pandemic. That’s because theft has also gotten more visible and more violent, retailers say, and has put empl...

Lucas: Watch out lawmakers! DiZoglio may get her audit

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

Diana DiZoglio is on a roll.She is the state auditor who wants to take down the Massachusetts Legislature, and she is on her way to doing it.DiZoglio, a former legislator herself, is seeking clear authority from the voters to audit — or, as some fear, oversee — the workings of the House and Senate the way the auditor does other state agencies.Toward that end, she is halfway to gathering the 75,000 signatures of Massachusetts voters needed to get the issue on the 2024 ballot for voter ratification as she awaits a decision from Attorney General Andrea Campbell paving the way for her to sue the Legislature to comply.Either way it is all but certain that the question will not only be on the ballot, but, given the public’s general negative attitude toward the Legislature, it will surely pass.While most in Massachusetts speak well of their representative or senator, the same voters look much less kindly on the Legislature as a whole.Both House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Kare...

Meet the candidates in the Chula Vista City Attorney special election

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

CHULA VISTA, Calif. -- Residents of Chula Vista will soon get to vote in a new city attorney after the unexpected death of the previous candidate elected left the position vacant.Three candidates are currently vying to fill the role initially won by the late Simon Silva, who passed from cancer during the November 2022 race after his name could be removed from the ballots. He beat his opponent by 756 votes.After Silva won, Chula Vista officials started planning for a special election, as the city charter requires. However, the move drew some controversy, given encouragement from local leaders to cast their ballot for Silva anyways despite his passing and the high price tag for the election.The last day for registered voter to cast a ballot in the upcoming special election will be on Nov. 7. A candidate will need to receive more than 50% of the vote to win outright. If none of the candidates meet the threshold, the top two vote-getters will move to a runoff election on Mar. 5 next yea...

Photos: These Jeeps are dressed up for Halloween in Chula Vista

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

CHULA VISTA, Calif. -- A group of Jeep enthusiasts in the South Bay are showing off their specially crafted costumes ahead of unique trunk-or-treat experience. Each of their vehicles have been dressed up for the spooky occasion. There's some skeleton passengers hanging out the windows, some ghosts dangling off the latches, and even some spider webs overtaking Jeep hoods and windows. There's also a mummy Jeep and a Frankenstein Jeep, among other four-wheeled Halloween installations. These San Diego-area communities will put you in the Halloween spirit A group of Jeep enthusiasts in the South Bay are showing off their specially crafted costumes ahead of unique trunk-or-treat experience. (KSWB)A group of Jeep enthusiasts in the South Bay are showing off their specially crafted costumes ahead of unique trunk-or-treat experience. (KSWB)A group of Jeep enthusiasts in the South Bay are showing off their specially crafted costumes ahead of unique trunk-or-treat experience. (KSWB)A group ...

Toronto police prepared for numerous downtown protests this weekend

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

Toronto police say they will be well prepared to deal with the many demonstrations taking place this weekend in Toronto, warning that any behaviour that “crosses the line” will result in arrests.Deputy Police Chief Lauren Pogue says they are aware of several pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli marches taking place both Saturday and Sunday. While the majority of demonstrations will be taking place predominantly in the downtown core, Pogue says police are prepared to respond to events and incidents all across the city.“We have resources who will be present, not just to keep public safety but also to manage the flow of traffic, to try and minimize disruption to our businesses downtown as well and to residents who are just going about the day.”Pogue says there is currently no known threat to the City of Toronto that they are aware of at this time when it comes to the demonstrations.Pogue says they are aware of reports circulating online of Hamas supporters planning t...

Charity fills low-cost therapy gap for students in Downtown Yonge East

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

A charity in Downtown Yonge East is working to make counselling and therapy more accessible, especially in a neighbourhood dominated by students.The direct and surrounding area, which houses universities and colleges, is one of the reasons why Hard Feelings chose it for its storefront.With studying can come mental health struggles and the organization provides low-cost counselling so clients can get support without breaking the bank. They are also working to help a new generation embrace therapy.“We wanted to be this street-level presence where anybody can come and walk in and have those conversations and see that counsellors and other people here to help are just like regular people like me and that we’re happy to have these conversations and that there’s nothing wrong with having those conversations,” said Taima Humbert, the store manager.In February, Hard Feelings moved from its original location at Bloor and Ossington Streets to Church and Gerrard Streets where...

Lawsuit claims Panera's 'Charged Lemonade' led to student's death

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

(NewsNation) — The parents of a college student with a heart condition who died after drinking Panera Bread's "Charged Lemonade" are now suing the company.A legal complaint, first obtained and reported on by NBC News, says the "dangerous" beverage contained more caffeine than one can of Red Bull and one can of Monster energy drink combined. Filed Monday by Sarah Katz's parents in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, the lawsuit alleges Panera did not appropriately warn consumers about the ingredients in the "charged lemonade." Border patrol agents injured after driver speeds through checkpoint NewsNation reached out to Panera for comment, but did not hear back. The company told CNN in a statement, "We were very saddened to learn this morning about the tragic passing of Sarah Katz, and our hearts go out to her family. At Panera, we strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter."Katz, a 21-year-old studying i...

'Mature beyond his years:' Alek Thomas' HS coach on outfielder's journey to World Series

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

CHICAGO — The journey of any player from youth baseball to the World Series is always a unique one, and that's the case for a native of Chicago this week. It's one that Bobby Hurry witnessed first hand during Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas' prep career and even this year.The longtime head coach of Mount Carmel High School's varsity baseball team has followed the outfielder's journey since he was drafted by Arizona in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Of course, that includes Thomas' contributions to the Diamondbacks' run to their first National League pennant in 22 years, serving both in a starting and reserve role. He's doing so in just his second season in the majors, and even hit a game-tying two-run homer in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Phillies that led to a victory."Alek has always been, to me, mature beyond his years," said Hurry to WGN News Now. "You see what's he going through now in the playoffs. He's not starting every game, he ...

Tennessee mother says she can't find help for 'defiant' daughter

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A single Tennessee mother said her youngest daughter is defiant, possibly suffering from mental health issues and she's trying to get her help — but she says she's being left on her own.She wanted her story told. We're hiding her identity to protect her teenage daughters."... My child is having issues that I don't understand, you know? It may be an underlying mental health condition. I don't know," she said. Catalytic converter thefts on the decline. These states are seeing the largest drop, according to insurance data What's clear: She said her daughter started becoming defiant in the third grade.(WREG)"[She began] not wanting to comply with the teacher or school administrators when they would ask her. Outbursts. Get up, walk out of class," the mother said.While working a full-time job and being a single parent to four girls, she said these past few years have been tough. She's worked with school counselors and tried home-schooling programs and other treat...

Student arrested as person of interest in Manor school threat

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:08 GMT

MANOR, Texas (KXAN) — On Friday, Manor Independent School District confirmed a student was arrested as a person of interest in connection with a threat made against the security of a district school.Officials with the district said the student would face “appropriate disciplinary and legal action” because making a terroristic threat was a felony offense.“Although we cannot release the student’s name due to privacy laws, we can now confirm that there was not and is not a credible safety threat to our students and staff,” the district said.MISD said there would be counseling services available to support students in need of them after this incident.“We appreciate your help and support in keeping our campus safe and secure. As we continue to strive each day to promote student safety, we ask that you speak with your child about the importance of reporting anything they hear that may impact campus safety to a campus staff member or an adult,” the district said.