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Square One Finds That Theft-From-Vehicle Claims Increase by 70% During the Holiday Season

As holiday shopping kicks into full gear, those expensive gifts waiting in the back of your car make an enticing target for thieves.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Newswire.com) – As holiday shopping kicks into full gear, those expensive gifts waiting in the back of your car make an enticing target for thieves.

After analyzing internal claims data, Square One found that claims for personal property stolen from vehicles increased by 70% during November and December compared to the rest of the year. While that number is based on five-year averages, the pattern was particularly acute in 2021: theft-from-vehicle claims more than doubled in the final two months of last year.

Though not every theft claim can be attributed to stolen gifts, holiday shoppers should be vigilant in protecting themselves, their vehicle, and the items inside:

  • Lock the vehicle and roll up all windows, even if it’s only for a couple minutes.
  • Don’t leave valuables in the car and stow all other items out of sight—including things like charging cables or detachable phone mounts.
  • Park only in well-lit or secure areas, ideally with lots of people around.
  • Activate the vehicle’s security system, if it has one.
  • While shopping, avoid dropping off purchases at the car and returning to shop more.
  • If purchased items must be left in the car, lock them securely in the trunk.

Of course, even with the best efforts at prevention, the worst can still happen. It’s important, therefore, for holiday shoppers to know how their insurance will respond to property stolen from their vehicle. 

“Having your vehicle broken into is always going to be stressful,” says Stefan Tirschler, Product + Underwriting Manager at Square One. “But it can be even worse if you don’t have the right insurance coverage in place to cover both the stolen property and the damage to the vehicle.”

Determining whether everything is covered is particularly challenging when property is stolen from a vehicle, because victims may need to file two claims against two different policies: their auto insurance, and their home insurance.

“If you have possessions stolen from your vehicle, especially expensive gifts, you may decide that it’s worth starting a claim with your home insurance provider,” says Tirschler. “Even if those gifts are stolen the same day you bought them, your home insurance policy will treat them no differently than they would your other personal property. If you’d normally have coverage for those types of items, your policy would still cover the loss while they were in your possession, even if you intended to gift them later.”

While home insurance responds to cover the costs of stolen property, auto insurance will not—even if that property is stolen from a vehicle.

“Your car insurance may cover certain items of vehicle equipment, like tires or the car stereo, but it won’t respond if your possessions or gifts are stolen from your vehicle,” says Tirschler. “Of course, if you’ve got broken windows or door locks, you’d have to claim those repair costs against your auto insurance policy.

“Although, theft or damage from attempted theft aren’t covered by car insurance policies by default. You’d need to have purchased comprehensive, all perils, or specified perils coverage to have your policy pay for those repairs.”

Those wishing to learn more about theft prevention and related insurance coverage can visit Square One’s guide to preventing break-ins.

Source: Square One Insurance Services

small business

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day: Celebrating Small Business Excellence in 2024

“March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! Let’s celebrate the small businesses that make our communities thrive. #SupportLocal”

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March 29th is a day dedicated to appreciating the hardworking small business owners who contribute to the growth and vitality of our economy, “Mom and Pop Business Owners.” On this special day, we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses in the country and shine a spotlight on their remarkable efforts.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the success of their clothing shop that started from humble beginnings. It’s a time to recognize the long hours, dedication, and hard work it takes to run a small business.

Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day!

So, how can we celebrate this important day?

  1. Shop Local: Support the small businesses in your community by seeking them out and becoming a regular customer. Whether it’s a local bookstore, bakery, or boutique, make it a point to visit them frequently. If you hear about an interesting spot, go on an adventure to discover it and then share your recommendations with friends.
  2. Use Social Media: Most small businesses are grateful for any extra attention they can get. Show your support by following your favorite mom and pop shops on social media platforms, and whenever possible, promote and share their posts. A simple like or comment can go a long way in helping them reach a wider audience.
  3. Write a “Thank You” Note: Take a moment to express your gratitude to the mom and pop shop owners and employees who have made a difference in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. A heartfelt note can mean the world to someone who puts their heart and soul into their business.

Now let’s delve into why we love mom and pop businesses:

  1. Personalized Shopping Experience: Mom and pop businesses take pride in providing personalized service to their customers. They take the time to get to know you, understand your needs, and make your shopping experience memorable. Unlike large retail chains, they genuinely care about their customers and strive to create a unique and enjoyable experience with superior customer service.
  2. Community Support: Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting the local community. They create job opportunities, hire locally, and recycle the money they earn back into the neighborhood. By choosing to spend your dollars at mom and pop establishments, you contribute to the growth and sustainability of your community.
  3. Unique Discoveries: In a world where big-box stores dominate, mom and pop shops bring a breath of fresh air and unique products to the marketplace. They often showcase goods that are different from what you’ll find in every chain store. Discovering something special and undiscovered is quite the delight, and supporting these businesses encourages innovation and diversity.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day is a reminder of the remarkable contributions made by small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, personalized service, and unique experiences for customers. So, on March 29th, let’s show our appreciation for these hardworking individuals and make a conscious effort to support and celebrate the mom and pop shops in our communities.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-mom-pop-business-owners-day/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/

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Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Dual Language Programs in Arizona Schools

Judge Cooper dismissed Arizona’s school chief’s lawsuit challenging dual language programs for non-English speakers, affirming State Board of Education’s authority in approving language models. This reinforces adherence to approved educational standards.

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In a recent legal development that has garnered attention, a judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought forward by Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, challenging dual language programs used in certain school districts to educate non-English speaking students. The dispute stemmed from the argument that these programs, which split a student’s day between English and another language, violated a 2000 voter-approved law mandating English-only instruction.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper’s ruling on Tuesday was a significant turning point in this legal battle. She determined that Horne lacked the legal authority and standing to initiate the lawsuit and failed to present valid legal claims against Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and the 10 school districts involved.

Judge Cooper’s decision highlighted the state Board of Education’s role in approving language immersion models, emphasizing that the school districts in question were following approved models. She clarified that the responsibility for developing and sanctioning immersion models lies with the State Board, not individual districts. As per her ruling, all public and charter schools must adhere to models endorsed by the State Board.

This ruling not only resolves the immediate legal dispute but also underscores the importance of adhering to established educational guidelines and processes. It reaffirms the regulatory role of the State Board of Education in approving language instruction models, providing clarity on the standards that schools must follow.

The outcome of this lawsuit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding language education in Arizona. It serves as a reminder of the legal framework that governs educational practices and the significance of compliance with state-approved guidelines. Ultimately, this decision underscores the need for a clear, standardized approach to language education that aligns with the broader educational objectives of the state.

https://apnews.com/article/arizona-dual-language-program-lawsuit-schools-c850b20bddb673219ec316f0c646c316

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/

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The Controversy Surrounding Guaranteed-Basic-Income in Arizona: A Republican Stance

Arizona Republicans unite against guaranteed-basic-income programs, citing concerns over socialism and unearned payments.

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Arizona Republican lawmakers have taken a stand against the concept of guaranteed-basic-income programs with the recent passing of House Bill 2375. Despite the state grappling with high rates of homelessness, the Republican majority in the Arizona House of Representatives voted in unison to prohibit such programs. This decision has sparked a debate on the effectiveness and implications of such initiatives in addressing poverty and wealth disparity.

The bill’s sponsor, GOP Rep. Lupe Diaz, equated guaranteed-basic-income programs to socialism, labeling the payments as “unearned.” This perspective aligns with the broader Republican stance on welfare policies and government assistance. The legislation aims to block any scheme that provides individuals with regular cash payments without a prerequisite of work or training.

Basic-income programs have gained momentum nationwide as a potential solution to bridge the wealth gap and alleviate poverty. These initiatives offer financial support to specific demographics, often those living in poverty or near the poverty line, without imposing conditions on how the funds should be utilized. They stand in contrast to universal-basic-income programs, which distribute funds universally regardless of income levels.

The contentious nature of this bill underscores a fundamental ideological divide regarding social welfare and economic policies. While proponents view guaranteed-basic-income as a progressive step towards addressing systemic inequalities, opponents like the Arizona Republican lawmakers raise concerns about dependency, misuse of funds, and the encroachment of socialist ideologies.

As the bill progresses to the Arizona Senate, where Republicans hold a slight majority, the fate of guaranteed-basic-income programs in the state hangs in the balance. The outcome of this legislative battle will not only impact Arizona but may reverberate across the nation, shaping the discourse on poverty alleviation and social welfare policies.

The debate around guaranteed-basic-income programs reflects the broader societal conversation on economic justice and the role of the government in supporting vulnerable populations. While opinions may differ on the efficacy of such initiatives, it is imperative to critically assess their potential benefits and drawbacks in the pursuit of a more equitable society.

Source: Business Insider

https://www.businessinsider.com/arizona-gop-ban-guaranteed-basic-income-programs-homelessness-poverty-2024-2

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