A NEW anti-theft law is set to go into effect that will result in harsher penalties for retail theft bandits.

As department stores across the nation continue to be tormented by retail theft and brazen smash-and-grab acts, a new legislation in California is just months away from going into effect that will seek to curb the issue.

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AFP - Getty

The organized retail crime bill, which was passed by Governor Gavin Newson in August, is set to go into effect on January 1, 2025.

The law will allow for stricter penalties for individuals participating in organized smash-and-grab, retail theft, and vehicle theft.

“The only way we can take these criminals down is by beating them at their own game,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said.

“We need to be equally nimble, coordinated, organized – and then some. I am thankful for great partners like CHP [California Highway Patrol], local law enforcement and district attorneys.

“We must be a united front that spans law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers, and online marketplaces. The bulletin summarizes the new laws that can be used as tools to fight organized retail crime head on.”

The bill, consisting of 10 new laws, will form a collaborated district attorney effort that allows them to file specific theft charges against individuals suspected of retail crimes no matter what county the offense occurred.

The new policy will allow thefts against multiple victims or in several counties to be combined into one single and hasher charge.

The enhanced policies will also punish a person possessing stolen property that exceeds $950 to face a misdemeanor offense that is punishable by up to one year or as a felony for 16 months.

A separate policy will allow the court to ban an individual convicted of shoplifting, organized retail theft, vandalism, or battery of an employee from all of the department store’s locations or parking lot for up to two years.

Another law will create a new sentencing enhancement for individuals caught selling stolen goods worth $50,000 or more to crack down on smash-and-grab crimes at high-end designer locations.

Individuals convicted of selling stolen goods exceeding $50,000 can be sentenced to up to a year in prison.

The sentencing increases based on the cost of the stolen goods.

An individual caught trying to sell $200,00 or more of stolen items can receive a two-year sentence, three years in prison for property exceeding $1,000,000, and four years for items exceeding $3,000,000.

The charges can be brought against anyone not directly involved with the organized retail theft crime, such as middlemen who received items from thieves.

A separate law increases penalties for car break-ins and auto theft.

The bill includes a new law for possessing stolen property that was taken during a car theft or unlawful vehicle entry.

“These 10 new laws address gaps that made it more difficult for law enforcement and prosecutors to bring perpetrators to justice,” District Attorney Rob Bonta told ABC affiliate KXTV.

POPEYES has brought back a fan-favorite entrée ahead of Thanksgiving.

The unique holiday offering from the fast food chain seeks to help customers feed their families in 2024.

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Popeyes has brought back a menu favorite for Thanksgiving[/caption]

Popeyes

The Cajun-Style Turkey is available for customers to order through the holiday[/caption]

While it might be famous for its fried chicken, the Cajun-Style Turkey has caught plenty of attention over the past few years.

It was introduced three years ago and is “hand-rubbed & infused” with a “signature blend of Lousiana seasonings,” per the Popeyes website.

The delectable bird is also pre-cooked, saving customers time on Thanksgiving with a simple process of thawing, heating, and serving.

Instructions for the process noted that customers should thaw the turkey for 72 hours in a refrigerator and then cook/reheat accordingly.

The product must then be consumed within three days.

Popeyes notes that the Cajun-Style Turkey will feed at least eight to 12 guests and weigh anywhere from 11 to 13 pounds.

Customers can order the entrée for pickup at their local Popeyes restaurant or have it delivered.

Sides and other menu items can also go with the Cajun-Style Turkey to make a complete Thanksgiving meal.

COSTLY CHANGE

Some Popeyes customers have been raving with excitement about the return of the Thanksgiving offering, but some noticed a crucial difference — the price.

“It’s really good. But I remember when they use[d] to be $39.99, too,” someone wrote in a thread about the Cajun-Style Turkey’s return on Reddit.

“Now it’s $99? Yikes!” another exclaimed.

The $99 isn’t necessarily accurate, as prices vary by location — and it’s more or less expensive depending on whether customers have it delivered or picked up.

Pickup at Popeyes has a price point hovering around $54.

Still, with the former price being $39.99 in previous years, that’s about a $14 increase.

Several said they were willing to fork over the cash for the dish and encourage others to do the same.

“So last year I got one of these and it was incredible, but I used the juices to make an even better gravy,” a customer wrote in the Reddit thread.

“If you are looking for a quick and easy option, do yourself a favor and get this. It’s one of the best turkeys I’ve ever had,” someone else said.

BASKET BONUS

A few major retailers have also released their Thanksgiving offerings to customers.

Aldi introduced its “lowest-priced” basket earlier this month for $47 to combat inflation and offer “welcome relief” to customers looking to afford a feast for everyone at home.

It includes a Butterball turkey, gravy, stuffing, spices, rolls, and a side of mac & cheese, along with ingredients to make cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Walmart also offered a competing Thanksgiving basket deal for around $50 and over 29 items and ingredients.

It promised the offering was “inflation-free” and noted it could be bought and donated to the Salvation Army for those customers looking to make a kind gesture this holiday season.

CHARISSA Thompson had fans dropping their jaws during a recent Fox NFL Sunday appearance.

The Fox reporter left viewers stunned with a figure-hugging dress during Sunday’s NFL action.

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Charissa Thompson stunned fans with her most recent Fox NFL Sunday appearance[/caption]

Fox

Thompson dropped jaws with a figure-hugging red dress[/caption]

Thompson wore her hair at shoulder length while delivering a segment about Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

She looked incredible in a vibrant red dress while speaking to the Fox NFL Sunday crew.

The garment hugged her figure, and fans went wild for the stunning outfit.

“Charissa Thompson is so hot,” one fan said.

“Charissa Thompson looking absolutely stunning,” another fan said.

“They should just broadcast Charissa Thompson’s every movement,” a third fan said.

Outside of her duties on Fox NFL Sunday, Thompson airs her own podcast with fellow reporter Erin Andrews.

They talk about a multitude of subjects every week, most recently discussing a soft spot she has for a NFL quarterback.

“I know he takes a lot of s***,” Thompson said.

“Like ‘Oh, he gets all this money and he doesn’t win the playoffs, or it’s like this and that.

“Obviously, you and I get to know these guys on a personal level.

“If no one listening to this knows anything about Kirk Cousins, go back and watch Quarterback on Netflix.

“He is the sweetest, the kindest, like such a good human being,”

Thompson has covered Cousins’ career from college through the NFL, as she formerly worked in the Big 10.

She said Cousins remembered her from that time and it made their recent conversations even better.

“He gets up on to the set before we go on air, and he was like, ‘Hi Charissa!.. I remember when you covered the Big Ten Network,” Thompson said.

“I was like… you sit down right now you little cutie… He’s just such a class act.”

Cousins is having a solid debut season for his new team in the Atlanta Falcons.

He has thrown for 1,830 yards with 10 touchdowns, but has also thrown seven interceptions.

The Falcons are currently 4-3 on the season with Cousins at quarterback.

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Thompson also hosts a podcast outside of her NFL duties[/caption]

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