Latest news with #911
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
A Toronto teen lay dying while a 911 caller was on hold. Now, the city is promising a review
The city of Toronto will review an incident where a 911 caller was put on hold for almost seven minutes while a teenage boy was dying from a gunshot wound, the mayor and a top paramedic said on Tuesday. The 15-year-old boy died in hospital after being shot Saturday night in the Emmett Avenue and Jane Street area. The first person to call 911 waited six minutes and 43 seconds to speak with an operator, Toronto police confirmed. Mayor Olivia Chow said that wait is "not acceptable." "People need help immediately when they call. Every moment counts," Chow told reporters at a news conference. Toronto is in the process of hiring 90 more 911 operators to lower call wait times, which have ballooned in recent years but have been improving in recent months, according to the Toronto police chief Myron Demkiw. In May, Toronto police also launched an upgrade to the system in a bid to eliminate calls that were bogging down the emergency line. Chow said while wait times have gone down in the past year, the 911 system is still "absolutely not good enough." Melanie Jordison, Toronto Paramedic Services deputy chief, said as soon as a call is received at the 911 dispatch centre, it gets assessed. "I can't speak to the whole process of that call specifically," she said at the same news conference where Chow spoke. "But it's definitely something that we're reviewing." WATCH | 911 caller says he was left on hold for several minutes: Neighbours say they were on hold for several minutes while shooting victim was still alive 22 hours ago Duration 2:35 On Saturday night, a 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting near Jane Street and Weston Dale Manucdoc spoke to one man who says he called for help that night, after carrying the injured boy in his arms. The caller who was put on hold spoke with CBC Toronto on Monday. He said he was inside his home Saturday night when he heard the crack of gunshots ring out nearby. He rushed outside to find two teenagers trying to carry another teen's body while yelling for help. That's when he called 911 and wound up on hold. He says he and a group of others eventually hailed down a car and got the boy in the back before he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The caller was left wondering if a faster emergency services response would have made a difference in potentially saving the boy's life. "It's ridiculous. A 15-year-old died, and no one is answering," he said.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Kidnapping or fight? 911 call sparks high-speed chase in Issaquah
The Issaquah Police Department says a possible kidnapping spurred a high-speed chase over the weekend. On Saturday, officers were called to Southeast Clark Street after someone saw the driver of a silver Dodge Charger grab a child and pull them into their car. The caller told 911 that the child was screaming, 'help me,' and 'I don't want to go with you.' The 911 caller got the license plate, and officers rushed to the area to see what was going on. A recent police academy graduate and her Field Training Officer spotted the car turning from Newport Way Northwest uphill onto Mountain Park Boulevard Southwest and started chasing it. Other officers set up spike strips to try and stop the speeding car, but the department says the driver dodged them. Officers eventually stopped chasing the car because they worried that it posed a safety risk to others in the area. 'At this point, the reasonable suspicion officers had initially has not developed into probable cause of a crime. This may have been as simple as a dispute — we just don't know yet,' the department said online. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Issaquah Police Department at (425) 837-3200.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Macklemore's Seattle Home Reportedly Robbed with His 3 Children Inside as Nanny Escapes to Call for Help: Cops
Macklemore's Seattle home was reportedly robbed on June 7 while his children were at home with their nanny The nanny escaped the home to call police, according to a police report The suspects stole "thousands of dollars of items" from the home, police saidMacklemore's Seattle residence was reportedly the scene of a recent home invasion, during which two suspects looking to rob the Grammy winner allegedly bear-sprayed his nanny while his three young children were asleep in their rooms. A police report shared with PEOPLE by the Seattle Police Department said a woman — later identified as the home owner's nanny — called 911 just before 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 7 to report that two men had broken into a home in the city's Capitol Hill neighborhood and used bear spray on her. 'She escaped, but three children were still inside the house,' the report said. '[The caller] also added that the house belonged to a high-profile individual…. and that she believed the crime may have been politically motivated for some reason.' The Seattle Times reported that the address in the police report matched that of the voting record of Ben Haggerty — Macklemore's real name. The report viewed by PEOPLE also left the name 'Davis' unredacted in one mention, and Macklemore's wife is Tricia Davis. The 'Thrift Shop' singer, 41, and his wife are parents to daughters Sloane, 10, and Colette, 7, and son Hugo, 3½. He has been vocal in his support for Palestine both on his social media and on stage at his concerts, writing in a recent Instagram post that he believes 'standing up against [a genocide] shouldn't have to be brave.' A spokesperson for Macklemore did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. According to the police report, the responding officer found the nanny in 'obvious fear' at a nearby residence. She told police that she was at home after putting the children to sleep in their bedrooms on the second floor when she saw two men entering a patio door near an office, which the nanny said is typically unlocked. She alleged that the men entered the home and sprayed her with bear mace, then yelled, 'Where are the jewels, bitch?' She said she led them upstairs to the master bedroom, where the suspects allegedly 'went through drawers, cabinets and raided the closet full of clothing, jewelry and shoes.' In a separate release about the incident, police said the suspects 'ransacked the residence, stealing thousands of dollars of items.' The nanny said that at one point, she was thrown to the ground and had a boot put to her ankle and the back of her neck. '[The nanny] began to scream, so they got her up and pinned her against a wall, the shorter one holding her mouth shut,' the report said. 'At this point, [the nanny] tried to kick the shorter one in the groin, but was unable to, so she bit onto his hand hard, causing him to let go. [She] then fled through the bathroom and out of the house. [She] knocked on numerous residences before someone opened the door and allowed her inside to call the police.' When police arrived, they searched the house, which showed 'obvious signs of disarray,' and 'safely extracted' the three children. The report said that a number of family members responded to the scene, and took custody of the children for the evening. Read the original article on People
Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time Business News
What Today's Leaders Can Learn From Building Brands That Connect With Both Niche and Mass Audiences
A decade ago, choosing to focus on mass or niche markets was one of the key decisions a company would make. It was an 'either/or' choice that would propel a company in a definite direction. But when the era of big data began to dawn, the business landscape changed rapidly. Companies suddenly had the tools to play in both arenas. And as they crunched the numbers, they realized that becoming a 'both/and' company — mass and niche — gave them a greater capacity for growth. 'In today's attention-deficient, culture-whiplash marketplace, you can't just be one thing to one group — at least not if you want to scale,' warns Jared Navarre, founder of Keyni Consulting. 'You've got to be specific enough to mean something, and broad enough to matter.' Jared Navarre is a multidisciplinary founder and creative strategist with a proven track record in launching, scaling, and exiting ventures across IT, logistics, entertainment, and service industries. He has consulted over 250 businesses, specializing in building operational systems, designing resilient technology infrastructure, and developing multi-platform brand ecosystems that resonate with niche and mainstream audiences alike. 'If you're content being niche and boutique, great — build a tight cult and stay weird,' Navarre says, 'but if you're trying to play on a bigger stage, this dual-audience approach becomes essential. Brands that master this duality don't just survive — they take the field swinging, while everyone else is still defending their TAM slide.' Options for building brands that do both In many cases, brands keep both mass and niche market shoppers satisfied by strategically segmenting their product lines. For example, Ford does this by providing the F-150 for the masses while producing the Raptor for those who want to draw a crowd on YouTube. Porsche has a similar approach, with the Cayenne keeping the lights on while the 911 keeps the brand holy. 'A diverse product line, which includes both mass and niche options, democratizes entry while providing an aspirational ceiling,' Navarre explains. 'Nike balances shopping mall shelf ubiquity with niche cultural obsession. Apple sells to the masses but still whispers sweet nothings to filmmakers, musicians, and developers.' Companies also achieve the diversity needed to connect with mass and niche markets by building a cadre of brands aimed at different targets. Toyota, which provides reliability and accessibility to the mass market, uses Lexus to connect with smaller markets seeking a refined and luxurious option. 'VW Group has Volkswagen to get you there, Audi to get you there in style, and Lamborghini to get you there screaming,' Navarre says. The importance of bringing all stories under one narrative The key to succeeding with a 'both/and' strategy is understanding that segmenting does not mean separating. While a company's mass and niche offerings need to connect with unique customer sensibilities, they must still be seen as a part of the same brand narrative. 'Clear brand architecture, in which each tier has purpose, boundaries, and distinct positioning, is critical,' Navarre shares. 'Confusion kills trust, which can cause a brand to lose in all markets. Without discipline and clarity, a brand can be diluted into oblivion.' However, Navarre also says companies must find a way to build their strategy around a single strand of brand DNA. Segment-specific storytelling should make sense within the larger brand narrative. 'The essence should be consistent, even if the price tags aren't,' he advises. 'Your messaging needs to hit differently for each group, but should still feel like it came from the same soul. When messaging gets messy, you build a house of friction where operations, marketing, and product constantly step on each other's toes.' Using brand tension to gain an advantage Clarity can give way to complexity as brands strive to craft a strategy that appeals to both mass and niche markets, which can give rise to brand tension. Although the instinct is to find a way to resolve the tension, that can inadvertently limit a brand's potential for success. According to Navarre, the brands that endure and thrive are often the ones that learn to live in the in-between. 'One of the most overlooked dynamics in building a brand that straddles both niche and mass audiences is the productive tension it creates,' he says. 'When embraced rather than avoided, that tension becomes a long-term competitive advantage.' As they embrace tension, brands build a layered identity, adopting elements that some may see as contradictions. Apple, for example, strives for a level of simplicity that maximizes its accessibility while also providing powerful developer tools that require a professional-level understanding. Rather than seeing the layers as contradictions, savvy companies understand them as a way to create brand depth. 'This kind of brand strategy is harder because it requires more discipline, more nuance, and an internal culture that resists the urge to collapse complexity into something neat,' Navarre says. 'But in a world increasingly flattened by sameness, tension is a signal that invites curiosity, rewards exploration, and keeps a brand interesting long after the product alone would've lost momentum.' Indeed, making a play for both mass and niche markets increases potential, but also increases risks. Brands that make it work are those that avoid confusion, manage tension, and deliver authenticity. Regardless of the market, success requires developing and deploying a strategy that drives the brand's cultural and commercial relevance forward. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CNET
12 hours ago
- Health
- CNET
These Common Health Conditions Can Be Negatively Impacted by the Summer Heat
As the first day of summer fast approaches, during which we are expected to see "hotter-than-normal temperatures," it's important to recognize how the heat may affect your health. In addition to staying hydrated, keeping cool and wearing sunscreen, you should also be aware that heat can affect common health conditions and medications, potentially worsening your symptoms. As always, call 911 if you're in distress or having trouble breathing. It's also important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke -- the latter often follows the former -- whether for your own health or a neighbor's. Below, we'll get into the common conditions that can be exacerbated by the summer heat. Respiratory conditions People with health conditions that affect the lungs or airway, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are more affected by the heat, as hot weather may constrict the airways. If you have a respiratory condition, pay attention to air quality alerts in your area and try to limit your time outside on the hottest days. What to do: If you have asthma or use an inhaler, you may want to carry your inhaler with you at all times, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network, and check in with your doctor if you notice your symptoms worsening. Make note of the inhaler's instructions for storage, and definitely don't leave it in your hot car or anywhere it can overheat. As laid out by Temple Health, you may also want to plan your day around the hottest periods. For example, if you need to run errands, try going out in the morning or later in the evening. Very common health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, can make a person more susceptible to soaring temperatures. Willie B. Thomas/Getty Images Skin conditions Weather at both ends of the spectrum can cause symptoms to flare up for people with eczema and rosacea. High heat is associated with dehydration, sweating and more sunlight; all of which can trigger a flare-up of a skin condition. Also, people prone to acne may notice more breakouts in the summer, thanks to all that sweat and the bacteria that's in it. What to do: If you have eczema, follow these tips for the summer months from the American Academy of Dermatology Association: To keep skin hydrated (and reduce the likelihood of a flare-up): limit showers to one per day, in lukewarm water, and try to keep to under 10 minutes. If you do sweat or require another shower, try to make it a cool one. Use fragrance-free soaps, shampoos and even laundry detergent, if you can. The sweat can make someone sensitive to fragrance or dyes even more sensitive. (Plus, don't overdo it on soap in general.) Wear loose clothing. If you're prone to acne, take extra care to shower or rinse off after exercise or sweating in the heat, as the bacteria and sweat buildup can make everyone more susceptible to pimples. If you have a skin condition, pay extra close attention to the ingredients in your sunscreen. The National Eczema Association recommends mineral-based ingredients. Diabetes About 12% of people in the US have diabetes, and people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes feel the heat more than others, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes can cause complications that interfere with how your sweat glands work, and therefore how well your body is able to cool itself. Diabetes can also dehydrate you (dehydration is a very common symptom of diabetes, and not one to overlook), worsening an already-common issue during the summer months. Additionally, high temperatures can change how your body uses insulin, according to the Centers for Disease Control. What to do: Avoid getting sunburned as much as you can, as sunburn can raise your blood sugar, per the CDC. To do this, wear sunscreen, a big hat and even some protective, loose-fitting clothing, if you can. The CDC also recommends not going barefoot, even on the beach. (Some people with diabetes have nerve damage that affects their feet, making it hard to feel sensations like heat or pain in their feet.) To keep yourself hydrated, try to limit alcohol or caffeine on really hot days. If you use insulin, make sure to store it as directed and away from extreme temperatures (PDF), as that can cause it to lose effectiveness. Heart disease and high blood pressure Being hot can put extra strain on your heart, which can be an issue if you're living with cardiovascular disease. Also, people with high blood pressure are more likely to have heat-related illnesses or experience heatstroke. What's more, some common medications people take for their heart or blood pressure can affect the body's response to heat, including beta blockers, diuretics and ACE inhibitors. What to do: Try to limit things that excite your body or raise your blood pressure, like drinking caffeine or doing anything strenuous when it's hot outside, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health. As always, stay hydrated. Because such common medications for heart health can affect the way the body handles heat, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor about how to most safely manage the warmer months. You may also take advantage of the fruits of summertime, like fresh garden vegetables, to add to your nutrition and create a more heart-healthy diet. Use these hot months as an excuse to get your blood pressure checked or managed. High blood pressure is extremely common; about half of US adults have it. Pregnancy High heat, as well as pollution, can affect a pregnancy and increase the risk of early delivery, low birth weight and other not-ideal outcomes. This is in addition to making a pregnancy way less comfortable. What to do: If you're pregnant, take the steps you normally would to keep yourself and your internal body temperature cool, like staying indoors as much as possible on hot days and making sure you stay hydrated. To keep your nutrition intake up in the heat, try eating small, cool meals (like bowls of fruit or hearty salads), as BabyCenter suggests (BabyCenter is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.). Research has shown that environmental stressors, including high temperatures and heat, affect a pregnancy and a developing diseases Health conditions that start in the immune system may flare up for people during the summer months. According to the Global Autoimmune Institute, high temperatures, UV light and humidity can trigger an immune response. Lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and more may all be exacerbated by the heat, whether the effects are in the joints (as with arthritis) or neurological (as with MS). What to do: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends doing all the things you're probably already doing to stay cool, like staying in an air-conditioned space (the society also notes that your AC cost may be tax deductible, if your health care provider writes a prescription for it to minimize symptoms). It also recommends doing some pre- and post-cooling if you'll be exercising, by gradually adding cool water to tepid bath water. In general, as the Global Autoimmune Institute says, be mindful of sudden changes in temperature, which may also cause problems (i.e. going from a very cold air-conditioned room to a 90-something-degree sunny day). Allow your body time to ease into it. If you have an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, like psoriasis, and warm weather makes it worse instead of better, you may help prevent a flare-up by following the skin care tips for people with eczema, like using gentle soaps and limiting warm showers. Mental health symptoms Extreme heat and climate change affect mental health in many, often overlapping, ways. For example, many mental health conditions are more likely to occur in people with other health conditions, or those who are affected by factors that make them more vulnerable to high heat, like poverty. People with schizophrenia may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and some medications prescribed for mental health, including certain antidepressants, medications to manage psychosis symptoms and stimulants for ADHD can also affect the way the body regulates temperature. Many people may also be at a higher risk of depression, irritability or mania during the warmer months of spring and summer, and extreme heat has been linked to more reports of harm and death. What to do: If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, hopelessness or mania, or any type of mood state that affects your quality of life, talk with a medical or health-care professional about a plan to manage symptoms during warmer waves when symptoms could be worse, as well as a long-term plan for getting help. If you're taking prescription medication for anything (whether it be for mental health symptoms or something else) it's a good idea to check in with your doctor about whether there are any additional steps you should take to stay safe. If you are having thoughts of suicide, or you believe someone you know is in danger, you should call 911 (or your country's local emergency line) or go to an emergency room. Explain that it's a psychiatric emergency and ask for someone who is trained for these kinds of situations.
