NoneLinda Annis offered a holiday message for shoppers: don’t let Christmastime Grinches steal your Christmas or your Christmas cheer. Annis, executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, gave her annual tips for a crime-free Christmas at a home in Cloverdale Dec. 9. “Every year, we ask the Grinch himself to help us remind people to follow some very common-sense precautions,” she said. “Nonetheless, every year we hear stories of people who still take chances with their valuables and their personal safety. That’s why we like to come out as the shopping season heats up with some helpful reminders, and a few things people might not have thought about.” Annis, who is also a Surrey city councillor, said the message is “especially important” as the year draws to a close and concerns with crime and public safety are riding. “Now is not the time to let down our guard when it comes to porch pirates, purse snatchers, home break-ins, parking lot B&Es and online fraudsters,” she said. “If you see a crime in action, call 9-1-1 or the local police right away. And if you have information about what nefarious deeds somebody’s up to, or see a suspicious person in the neighbourhood, but want to remain anonymous, call us at Crime Stoppers.” She added if anyone has information, they can telephone Crime Stoppers, use the P3 smartphone app to report crime anonymously, or visit solvecrime.ca. “Your anonymity is guaranteed by the Supreme Court of Canada. You’ll never be questioned or called to testify.” Annis, the Grinch, and little Cindy Lou Who teamed up to stage safety scenarios. Their efforts helped illustrate the dos and dont’s for the holidays as it pertained to shopping, both at stores and online. Annis ended her remarks with a few red hot, Grinch-thwarting tips to help prevent the onset of some Christmas blues. Ask neighbours to help keep an eye on your front door for deliveries. Some thieves actually follow delivery trucks to people’s homes so they can steal parcels as soon as the truck is gone. Use your video camera feeds to watch for both deliveries and crooks. Maybe you’ll spot someone stealing your Christmas lawn display, or packages from your porch. Where programs exist, register your doorbell and home security cameras to help police quickly find recordings of neighbourhood crimes. Voluntary programs in some cities, like Project Iris in Surrey, could help police solve a break-in or other crime at your house or your neighbour’s. Does the website you’re buying from, and the merch you buying, look legit? Maybe it’s cheaper that it really should be? Organized retail crime costs Canadians almost $5 billion a year, so buy from established businesses, not unknown sources. Shoplifted or stolen goods may be sold online or through flea markets, with the money often going to gangs dealing in drugs or illegal weapons. Think about who might be watching your sunny vacation pics on social media. Remember, your post from the beach tells the whole world you’re not at home – and that includes thieves. Large empty boxes outside your home tell everyone what valuable goodies are inside your house to steal. Boxes from that gaming computer, 65-inch TV, or other expensive gifts should be stored out of sight until the cardboard can be recycled. You can also close blinds to keep people from seeing inside your house. Etch your valuables in case they’re stolen. Ask local police to help etch your property with your driver’s license number. Also photograph valuables showing make, model and serial number. Theft is getting worse, so don’t leave valuables visible in your car. Before you lock up your car to go shopping, leave nothing visible inside. Not even pocket change or empty bottles or cans. And don’t fill your car with gifts and then go back into more stores. Someone may be watching what you’ve bought. Find a busy, well-lit section of the parking lot and lock your gifts out of sight in the trunk. Leave your garage door opener at home or in your pocket. A thief who takes your remote sitting from your console, and finds your address somewhere in the car, considers that an open invitation to come open your garage for a look. Watch your pockets in busy stores. Keep purses and wallets where you can keep track of them and thwart pickpockets who look to take advantage while jostling with holiday crowds. Visit for more info.
Harvey paid $3,750 to settle a lawsuit alleging the city violated the Freedom of Information Act by denying a Harvey man’s request for body-worn camera footage related to his arrest, according to the settlement agreement. City Council members approved the payment to Brandon Collymore at a council meeting Sept. 9, which was set to be paid within 45 days. Part of the agreement also called for the city to give Collymore a copy of the body-worn camera footage. The Daily Southtown requested a copy of the settlement through FOIA after the meeting but did not receive it for more than two months. In Illinois, government agencies must respond to a FOIA request within five business days of filing. Agencies can extend the response time by up to five additional business days, but must notify the requester in writing if more time is needed. “Every person in Illinois has a right to know what the government is doing in their name, and the Freedom of Information Act is the tool to do that, the tool that helps hold police accountable,” said Daniel Massoglia, director of the Civil Rights Clinic at First Defense Legal Aid, which provides free legal representation for victims of police abuse and represented Collymore in the case. “We filed a lawsuit alleging that the city had violated the law and we’re pleased with the results.” Collymore filed a FOIA request with the city in May 2023 seeking police reports, narratives, body-worn and in-car camera footage, tactical response reports and other records related to his arrest in July 2022, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that within five business days of the city’s acknowledgment of Collymore’s request, the city did not seek an extension, prompting Collymore to contact the clerk’s office for an update. The lawsuit states both parties agreed to an extension deadline of June 15. During a conversation with the city’s FOIA officer, Liliana Gonzalez, the lawsuit states that she expressed uncertainty about whether the city had purchased or could afford the technology required to blur faces. Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark is the FOIA officer for Calumet City. On June 16, Collymore followed up with Gonzalez, but both his emails and phone calls went unanswered, according to the lawsuit. Almost two weeks after the agreed upon deadline, the city partially denied the request for the in-car and body-worn camera footage, claiming they lacked the means to blur faces and protect the identities of third parties and individuals providing information to law enforcement, the lawsuit states. “Defendant’s (Harvey) actions, whether the product of individual subjective malfeasance or structural bad faith through underfunding and mismanagement, constitute willful and intentional violations of the Act,” according to the lawsuit. The city’s spokesperson, Glenn Harston, did not provide comment on the lawsuit or whether the city obtained the necessary technology to blur faces in police footage. The lawsuit says other municipalities, such as Chicago, routinely blur faces when third parties are present on in-car or body-worn camera footage requested under FOIA. The lawsuit states several body-worn camera providers and technology companies offer video redaction software at affordable rates, listing Axon’s “redaction studio” in the Pro Tier license package for $26 more per month than the basic plan, Redaction by Reduct’s manual redaction software for $24 annually and Caseguard’s comprehensive redaction services ranging from $99 to $329 per month. “Technology is not that expensive to blur somebody’s face,” Massoglia said. Massoglia, who took on Collymore’s case after the initial lawyer left the legal aid firm, said he is unsure whether attempts were made to appeal the city’s decision before filing the lawsuit, which is often a last resort to compel municipalities to turn over public records. “I suspect there was because we typically don’t just jump to sue municipalities when there’s a way to work it out informally, because it’s just easier for everybody if there can just be an agreement,” he said. Filers can appeal by submitting a request for review to the attorney general’s office public access counselor if a request is denied, or if no reply is received within the mandatory five-day response time. The process is free and requires sending a letter, a copy of the original FOIA request and any communication with the public body. Although, filers have said it often takes a long time to hear back on these requests for help. smoilanen@chicagotribune.comWASHINGTON , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation DHR announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share of its common stock, payable on January 31, 2025 to holders of record on December 27, 2024 . ABOUT DANAHER Danaher is a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, committed to accelerating the power of science and technology to improve human health. Our businesses partner closely with customers to solve many of the most important health challenges impacting patients around the world. Danaher's advanced science and technology - and proven ability to innovate - help enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and help reduce the time and cost needed to sustainably discover, develop and deliver life-changing therapies. Focused on scientific excellence, innovation and continuous improvement, our approximately 63,000 associates worldwide help ensure that Danaher is improving quality of life for billions of people today, while setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. Explore more at www.danaher.com . View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/danaher-announces-quarterly-dividend-302328121.html SOURCE Danaher Corporation © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. The University of Iowa graduate began his career as a certified public accountant at PwC and had little name recognition beyond the health care industry. Even to investors who own its stock, the parent company's face belonged to CEO Andrew Witty, a knighted British triathlete who has testified before Congress. When Thompson did occasionally draw attention, it was because of his role in shaping the way Americans get health care. At an investor meeting last year, he outlined his company's shift to “value-based care,” paying doctors and other caregivers to keep patients healthy rather than focusing on treating them once sick. “Health care should be easier for people,” Thompson said at the time. “We are cognizant of the challenges. But navigating a future through value-based care unlocks a situation where the ... family doesn’t have to make the decisions on their own.” Thompson also drew attention in 2021 when the insurer, like its competitors, was widely criticized for a plan to start denying payment for what it deemed non-critical visits to hospital emergency rooms. “Patients are not medical experts and should not be expected to self-diagnose during what they believe is a medical emergency,” the chief executive of the American Hospital Association wrote in an open letter addressed to Thompson. “Threatening patients with a financial penalty for making the wrong decision could have a chilling effect on seeking emergency care.” United Healthcare responded by delaying rollout of the change. Thompson, who lived in a Minneapolis suburb and was the married father of two sons in high school, was set to speak at an investor meeting in a midtown New York hotel. He was on his own and about to enter the building when he was shot in the back by a masked assailant who fled on foot before pedaling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away, the New York Police Department said. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were looking at Thompson's social media accounts and interviewing employees and family members. “Didn’t seem like he had any issues at all,” Kenny said. "He did not have a security detail.” AP reporters Michael R. Sisak and Steve Karnowski contributed to this report. Murphy reported from Indianapolis. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.
goalkeeper has revealed that he played for an hour against with a broken bone in his ankle. have been rocked by a major new injury blow after to confirm that their No1 had undergone surgery to repair a fracture sustained during Saturday evening’s over the reigning Premier League champions at the Etihad Stadium. Vicario is now set for an extended spell on the sidelines as he recovers from the operation to his right ankle, with veteran deputy Fraser Forster set to take on starting duties in the weeks ahead supported by the likes of Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman. Spurs did not speculate on how long it might be until the Italian international is able to return to action, saying only that he would be assessed by club medical staff in future to determine when he can resume training. It remains to be seen if Tottenham are now tempted to pursue the signing of a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window to compensate for the loss of one of Ange Postecoglou’s most influential players. Vicario has now publicly addressed his injury, revealing on social media that he played through it for 60 minutes of the rousing win over crisis-stricken City in which he with a succession of fine saves. Vicario had initially gone down in the first half but received treatment and came back out for the second period before being seen limping after the game. “Sometimes football gives you its highs, and sometimes it challenges you in ways you don't expect," the 28-year-old wrote on Instagram on Monday night alongside a picture of him flexing his arms in his hospital bed. "I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken bone in my ankle, giving absolutely everything I had for the team. "Unfortunately there was no way around this one.. I needed surgery. I'm disappointed I won't be able to help the team for a while. "A massive thank you to the doctors and the staff. The operation went well, and from tomorrow I'll be working hard to come back stronger, fitter, and ready to give my all for you again. "Thank you to the Spurs fans for all the love. See you soon on the pitch." Tottenham plus Vicario’s Spurs and Italy team-mates past and present flooded his latest post with well wishes. James Maddison wrote: “Back soon brother”, while Tottenham’s official account said: “You’ve got this.” Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, currently on loan from Spurs at Marseille, wrote: “Stay strong grande. Forza.” Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, Pape Matar Sarr and Manor Solomon were among the other Tottenham players to send Vicario their support.Cahairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan announced on Sunday that the PML-N led government has unveiled a range of initiatives designed to uplift women, transgender individuals and people with disabilities, with the ultimate goal of fostering inclusive growth and social equality in Pakistan. Mashhood revealed in an exclusive interview with PTV news channel that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was driving a series of initiatives to uplift marginalized communities, including women, transgender individuals and People with Disabilities with the aim to provide them equal opportunities in the society. The PML-N government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to empowering marginalized communities, particularly women, through various initiatives and policies, he said and added, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme has taken a monumental step towards inclusivity and empowerment by hosting its 1st Dignity Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women, transgender persons and women with disabilities. Rana Mashhood said that this initiative shined a spotlight on the incredible contributions of these individuals, promoting equal rights and opportunities for all. It is particularly noteworthy that the programme is recognizing the achievements of women with disabilities, who often face double discrimination due to their gender and disability, he said, adding, this acknowledgment is a crucial step towards breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. ‘The Dignity Awards’ serve as a powerful reminder that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or abilities, he highlighted. Responding to a query, he stated that this year, under the Youth Loan Program, various facilitation centers would be established, with a special focus on empowering women and persons with disabilities. Notably, a minimum of 25 percent of the program’s targets will be reserved for women, ensuring they receive prioritized support, he added. Additionally, specialized projects will be introduced to cater to the unique needs of women and persons with disabilities, promoting inclusive economic growth and equal opportunities for all, he added. The government is also taking proactive steps to promote inclusive education and employment opportunities, he said, adding that, specifically, PM Shahbaz Sharif was focusing on IT and technical education, recognizing the immense potential of these fields to drive growth and innovation. PML-N id committed to providing flexible work arrangements, such as work-from-home opportunities, to support special persons and ensure their seamless integration into the workforce, he added.No. 23 Alabama women beat Alabama State 83-33 at Emerald Coast Classic