Latest news with #McKelvey
Toronto Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Internet ‘nutrition labels' would boost consumer literacy when comparing plans: prof
The CRTC should move forward with implementing its proposed 'nutrition label' requirement to help shoppers compare home internet plans, despite opposition from some providers, an internet researcher says. The change would make it mandatory for internet service providers to list certain metrics — such as those describing price and speed — for plans they offer through a standardized label. The concept has been compared to food nutrition labels at grocery stores, which list information about serving size and calories in a standardized format. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Adapting that model for the telecom sector would help improve consumer literacy, which 'too often relies on marketing and advertising' from individual companies, said Fenwick McKelvey, a Concordia University associate professor of information and communication technology. Speaking on the third day of a four-day CRTC hearing, he shared a personal anecdote about driving past a billboard that advertised Canada's 'fastest' internet. 'If a company is going to spend the money and take the risk of advertising the fastest internet, then I would assume you also want your audience to understand what that means,' McKelvey told a panel of commissioners Thursday. 'Yet, most Canadians don't understand, and they are asking for better tools to help them make informed choices. Many find it difficult to compare internet service because of vague terminology and overwhelming information.' In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission began requiring last fall that internet providers display standardized labels, both in-store and online, containing information about cost and performance. However, some from Canada's telecom industry have questioned whether the U.S. regulator's requirements are helping consumers when they shop around for internet plans. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Representatives from Rogers Communications Inc., who also appeared Thursday at the hearing, said the company already provides key information that customers need when purchasing a new internet plan and that the proposed requirement would be redundant. They also cast doubt on the notion that disclosing additional performance indicators would help customers make informed decisions. Ciara Beauchemin, Rogers senior vice-president of residential marketing, said 'technical jargon' — including metrics such as latency, jitter and packet loss — is not widely understood by the general public. 'Mandating any new obscure and potentially misleading performance metrics will not assist consumer purchase decisions and will likely frustrate or confuse the average customer,' she said. 'We see this as harmful to the goal of this proceeding, which is to make it easier for customers to shop for home internet services.' Rogers senior vice-president of regulatory affairs Dean Shaikh told commissioners that standardized labels would be expensive to implement and those added costs would 'ultimately be borne by consumers.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'I would say you should be satisfied with the fact that in a competitive market, we're already delivering the information customers need to make informed purchasing decisions,' Shaikh said. However, McKelvey said there is a 'distinction between literacy and advertising' when it comes to the information that providers like Rogers publicize on their websites or other public spaces. 'That information often could be interpreted as advertising, and my expectation would be consumers might be a bit more skeptical of that type of information because they've been trained naturally to kind of be wary of advertising,' he said. The hearing, which wraps up Friday, is part of a CRTC consultation launched in December on how to help consumers shop for home internet plans. It's part of a broader push by the commission to give consumers more control over their internet and cellphone services. The regulator opened three additional consultations last year that sought feedback on potential changes around notifications, fees and self-serve options. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025. Companies in this story: (TSX:RCI.B)
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Greggs set to increase prices for a second time this year
The move comes just five months after the bakery chain increased the price of sausage rolls by 5p, to £1.30. But for those who want to enjoy Greggs at a chaper price Greggs is set to open seven new discount outlet stores this year Greggs are upping the prices of some of the nation's most loved sweet treats in a move branded a 'theft tax'. The move comes just five months after the bakery chain increased the price of its most popular menu item by 5p, to £1.30. The increase in the cost of a sausage roll in January was the second time in six months that Greggs has upped the price after it rose from £1.25 from £1.20 last year. Greggs charged just 85p for its sausage roll in 2016 but since then, the price has gone up seven times. In January Greggs warned it's price hike was due to the planned rise in employer National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage, set to take effect in April. The bakery chain said 'employment costs will result in further overall cost inflation, although wage increases should provide support to consumers'. The latest set of hikes are set to kick in on Thursday and will see some items, thought to include cookies and doughnuts, go up 5p. Sources said the chain's sausage rolls will remain at £1.30 and other bakes will also be unaffected. According to The Sun these latest price hikes are down to an increase in thefts, with the outlet reporting that at one Greggs in London, thieves struck every hour. One Greggs staff member told The Sun: 'The amount of people who steal from the stores costs us thousands a week — so it wouldn't surprise me if part of the price rises is because of that. It's not the company's fault, it's just the way things are now. Plenty of other places have had to put up prices as well.' Former Met Police DCI David McKelvey, who prosecutes shop thieves on behalf of High Street stores, added: 'We're seeing people steal from Greggs every single day. They are being targeted because thieves are able to just walk in and walk out and nothing is done.' Mr McKelvey, founder of security firm TM Eye, added: 'It goes back to this issue of there being no enforcement. The criminals think they can do whatever they like.' Greggs have confirmed prices are going up but they haven't linked it to thefts. A spokesperson told The Sun: 'We have had to make small changes to the prices of some of our products due to rising costs. We continue to offer our customers great value, high-quality products across the entire range, maintaining our value-leading position in the food-to-go market.' For those who want to enjoy Greggs goods at a chaper price Greggs is set to open seven new discount outlet stores this year. Greggs Outlet sells surplus food including sausage rolls and bakes at super cheap prices. You can typically find discounts of up to 75% off - so for example, a four-pack of sausage rolls costs £1.85 in Greggs Outlet, which is 46p a sausage roll. You would normally pay around £4.35 for a four-pack of sausage rolls in a regular Greggs store. Greggs has 38 outlet stores. The sausage roll chain originally wanted to increase this number to 50 in 2025, but it is now aiming for 45 stores. Greggs has not revealed the locations for its new Greggs Outlet stores.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maui housing conversion endeavor stalls
An effort to help alleviate Maui's dire shortage of affordable housing by having a state agency acquire and convert commercial buildings to partial residential use has come up short at this year's Legislature but still might produce results. The plan, proposed via Senate Bill 378, recently stalled in the House and failed to meet a Thursday procedural deadline needed for passage this year. However, the idea put forth in the bill could still lead to new affordable housing that is less costly to produce while also adding vibrancy and historical character to communities 20 months after a wildfire in Lahaina destroyed around 3, 500 homes. 'Out of the tragedy has come the opportunity to be very bullish about the fact that when Lahaina is rebuilt we can take the opportunity to create housing where the jobs are going to be, ' said Sen. Angus McKelvey, who introduced the bill with six other backers. McKelvey, who lost his home in the fire, did not propose buying land zoned for commercial use in Lahaina, but believes property owners in the West Maui town could rebuild what they lost and include homes above businesses that return. 'What's old is new again, ' said McKelvey (D, West Maui-Maalaea-South Maui ). 'This was how our towns were built on Maui back in the plantation days.' Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. SB 378 advanced fairly deep into this year's legislative session without public opposition. Despite stalling, the bill is not completely dead because it could be passed in 2026 in the second half of the 2025-2026 biennium. There is also a view among some stakeholders that creating a law from SB 378 isn't necessary to realize the intent of the measure. The bill proposes to form a working group to identify commercial or mixed-use properties on Maui that a state agency could buy and partly turn into affordable housing. 'By locating housing near workplaces, redevelopment supports worker retention, fosters community connections, and alleviates traffic congestion, thereby improving overall quality of life, ' the bill states. 'Additionally, reusing existing structures reduces environmental and financial costs associated with new construction while expediting the delivery of housing options, as many units are already built and ready for conversion.' The working group under the bill would be led by the board chair of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp., a state agency that helps finance development of affordable housing. HHFDC's board chair would head the proposed seven-member panel. Other members would include the director of Maui County's Department of Housing, the president of the Realtors Association of Maui and two Maui County residents with expertise, respectively, in redevelopment and mixed-use property financing. Alice Lee, chair of the Maui County Council, endorsed SB 378 in written testimony. 'Following the 2023 Maui wildfires, there is an urgent need to develop housing in Maui County to ensure an adequate housing inventory for displaced residents and the broader community, ' Lee wrote. 'Mixed-use developments allow residents to live near where they work and access essential services, helping to create vibrant, sustainable communities while reducing traffic congestion.' The Maui Chamber of Commerce also expressed strong support, and encouraged lawmakers to have work proceed without delay. 'The Chamber recognizes the critical need for more housing and understands that many individuals prefer to live close to their workplaces, making mixed-use developments a mutually beneficial solution, ' the organization said in written testimony. 'In light of the severe housing shortage in both the State and Maui County, we fully support measures that promote, rather than hinder, the development of housing for our residents.' HHFDC Director Dean Minakami also supports the bill, and said in written testimony that the effort has the potential to expand Maui's supply of affordable housing. The agency has some experience acquiring commercial real estate for residential use on Maui under an effort that began before the wildfire and was altered to provide fire survivors with a place to live in 2024. This project also was directed by the Legislature, which in May 2023 appropriated funding for HHFDC to buy a former 175-room hotel in Kihei that in recent decades had been used as a Christian missionary training center. Initially, the intent was for HHFDC to acquire the former Maui Sun Hotel so that Maui County could convert the property to teacher housing, affordable workforce housing and prekindergarten classrooms after major renovations. Instead, HHFDC bought what was most recently known as Haggai Institute for $38 million and began housing wildfire survivors in August after completing renovations to what is now named Hale 'o La 'ie. SB 378 sought to have the working group submit recommendations by the end of this year ahead of being dissolved shortly thereafter. Senators on March 4 voted 25-0 to send the bill to the House of Representatives for consideration. On March 14 the House Committee on Housing voted 7-0 vote to send the bill to the House Finance Committee for consideration, though no further action was taken, which prevents the bill from passing this year.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Evacuation levels upgrade in Polk, Henderson counties as wildfires continue to spread
POLK COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Evacuations are underway in Polk and Henderson Counties as wildfires rage, burning more than 6,000 acres. Smoke continues billowing as the wildfires consume the mountains. One family who stayed through Hurricane Helene, but didn't take a chance on the wildfires. 'The smoke was so thick and so heavy, just had issues breathing,' said Ilean McKelvey. The wildfire was getting too close for McKelvey. 'We chose to leave for the safety of the kids,' said McKelvey. Their home in Saluda is sandwiched between two wildfires. 'It's what 3,000 plus acres on one side of us and 3,000 plus on the other side of the river,' said McKelvey. The fire danger is not worth the risk. 'To fall asleep and not see the fire headed your way, it was mentally exhausting,' said McKelvey. It's a place they've been before. Hurricane Helene just missed breaching the bank off the road where their home sits. 'All of this was the river,' said McKelvey. Green River Cove Road washed out from Hurricane Helene, and now exactly six months later, this mountainside is charred from the wildfires. 'We're kind of being a little bit tested,' said McKelvey. But it's nothing they can't stand up to. 'As you can see, we went through the flood. Then we're being tested by fire,' said McKelvey. But their faith is not destroyed. 'The best thing that I can tell you: God's still on his throne,' said McKelvey. McKelvey and her family are back home for good, at least they hope. Now that the wildfire danger has decreased for them, they're hoping it does the same for their neighbors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
Three arrests made in connection to Panama City Beach double homicide
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Police responded to a call on Tuesday at 5:16 p.m. of shots being fired at the Sunnyside Apartments. Upon arrival, officers discovered two females suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers attempted life-saving measures, but the victims were pronounced dead on the scene. 'The two victims in this case are related. The two victims in this case are really young. And there's nothing we can say to speak towards this tragic act of violence,' Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said. The primary suspect in the case was identified as 26-year-old Milan McKelvey, who Chief Talamantez says resided at that location. Talamantez says McKelvey was in a relationship with one of the victims, and had a history of domestic violence. 'Our records and investigative efforts show that he had recently that we have recently arrested him for domestic battery by strangulation on one of the victims. About two weeks prior to this incident, he was arrested for this case, sent to the county jail, and he posted bond on that case on March 13th. The court issued him a no contact order, which obviously he paid no he didn't pay no mind to,' Talamantez said. BREAKING: Primary suspect arrested in Panama City Beach homicide Police say McKelvey fled the scene in his vehicle and left it in a Publix parking lot on Highway stepfather, Marwan Gordon, picked up his car and began driving into Walton County. At 6:33 p.m., deputies with the Walton County Sheriff's office located McKelvey's was arrested and charged with accessory to capital murder. He was transported to the Walton County Jail. Further investigation revealed that McKelvey was picked up by his mother, Tangela McKelvey, on the west end of Panama City Beach. 'If somebody calls you and says, 'I just killed somebody and I need get out of town,' I think you should call the police and not pick them up,' Talamantez said. Police say they began to drive north towards Alabama. They were apprehended by the Montgomery Sheriff's office at approximately 10:30 p.m. 'Both Mr. McKelvey and his mother were taken into custody without incident. They are currently being held in Montgomery County, Alabama. Mr. McKelvey is being charged with two open counts of murder. His mother is being charged with accessory to capital murder,' Talamantez said. Talamantez says they are both awaiting extradition. 'They are still currently up there processing evidence, primarily the vehicle and we hope to have them back in bay county to answer for their crimes relatively quick,' Talamantez added. This is still an active investigation. If you have any information please call the Panama City Beach Police Department at (850) 233-5000. The family of one of the victims has started a GoFundMe. To donate, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
