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Familial DNA Searching allowed again for NY law enforcement

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

ALBANY,N.Y. (NEWS10)--The New York State Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, ruled law enforcement can once again use familial DNA searching. "It is a huge deal for law enforcement," said John Flynn, Erie County District Attorney. "This is a major, major decision. I can’t emphasize that enough."Flynn said the decision by New York Court of Appeals to reinstate familial DNA searching will help law enforcement solve violent crimes. The DNA databank, which consists of the DNA of people who have been convicted of certain crimes, can be compared to other DNA found during an investigation."Let’s say we only get a partial match. And the partial match comes back and says that this DNA may not be Joe Smith’s DNA, and Joe Smith is a criminal in the databank. It may not be Joe Smith’s DNA, but it’s got to be a relative of Joe Smith," explained Flynn.Flynn said that then allows them to follow a lead."This was used in the Golden Gate homicide, the Golden Gate Killer out in Californi...

Asylum seekers face more delays getting to work

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. (NEWS10) - It's been over a month since Venezuelan asylum seekers were granted a Temporary Protected Status (TPS). It allows them to apply to start working earlier than the required 180-day wait period. NEWS10 spoke with community-based organizations and asylum seekers and found out it will take much longer to work than expected.  Some asylum seekers can now start to apply for work “They are telling us that that process could take three, six, or even 8 months before receiving those permissions,” said Jennifer, an asylum seeker from Venezuela. Jennifer further elaborated on why this process is so delayed. “The lawyers told us that that's how long it takes to do this process in the United States.” Since the migrants in the Capital Region came from New York City, officials there are responsible for their care. When NEWS10 contacted the Mayor's Office and the City Housing Department, they referred us to the federal government. We have reached out to immi...

Rensselaer County man sentenced on sexual assault charges

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

RENSSELAER, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Rensselaer County man has been sentenced on sexual assault charges, according to the Rensselaer County District Attorney's office. Johan Giraldo, 44, pled guilty to first-degree attempted rape and forcible touching. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Giraldo was sentenced to nine years in state prison and 15 years post release supervision. He was arrested on August 2, 2022 in connection with a predatory sexual incident that occurred in Schaghticoke involving two underage children. “I applaud this victim for coming forward to share this painful story,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. “I also want to thank the START Children’s Center. Without their assistance, victims such as this one would have no voice.”

Sex offender charged after being found with missing North Carolina girl

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - A California man who is a registered sex offender is facing charges in St. Louis County after being found in the company of a missing North Carolina teenager.On Wednesday evening, Kirkwood police were sent to check on a reported suspicious vehicle in a Lowes parking lot near Meachum Park. Officers found the car in a place where people don't normally park.Officers struck up a conversation with the driver, identified as Christopher Porter, to ask why the vehicle was parked there. During that encounter, they discovered that the girl with Porter was not related to him. She had been reported missing from Monroe, North Carolina, on October 13.Police said the missing 16-year-old had her birth certificate on her. She also gave officers her mother’s phone number and they contacted her parents. Porter, 30, was taken into custody.The girl told officers that she met Porter through an anonymous social messaging app. She wanted to run away from home, and Porter convinced h...

Saint Louis Zoo's elephant Donna faces tumor diagnosis

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- The Saint Louis Zoo's Asian elephant, Donna, has a tumor. Due to being diagnosed with a condition known as primary hyperparathyroidism, surgery is not an option. The tumor secretes a hormone that controls Donna's body's calcium level, which is the root cause of her illness. However, the Saint Louis Zoo's dedicated Animal Care team is providing the best possible care for Donna.Donna, at the age of 52, trusts the Saint Louis Zoo Animal Care team. This trust enables her to actively and voluntarily participate in her own health care. The Animal Care team includes training sessions with Donna for regular blood collections, urine sampling, hydrotherapy for joint health, and taking oral medications as needed. Additionally, her care team continues to engage her in daily exercise routines, which focus on strength training, balance, and stretches to maintain joint mobility.The Zoo says that Donna remains active despite her condition. She socializes with her herd, explores her hab...

More than two dozen cities have sued to end L.A. County's zero-bail policy

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

The city of Torrance is the latest to join a rapidly expanding number of cities suing to end Los Angeles County’s controversial zero-bail policy for those arrested for non-violent crimes.The Torrance City Council voted unanimously at Tuesday’s meeting to join the lawsuit, which now involves more than two dozen cities.Under the new protocol, many people arrested for crimes including car theft, retail theft, burglary, vandalism, possession of stolen property, forgery and other "non-serious" and non-violent offenses can be cited and released, or booked and released, instead of being held on bond. LAPD chief expresses concern about ‘book and release’ plan under new zero bail policy L.A. County Superior Court announced the new protocols in July, arguing that previous bond rules inherently discriminate against the poor.“A low-risk arrestee should not be held in jail simply because they cannot post the necessary funds to be released pending arraignment,” Presiding Judge Samantha Jessner ...

Judge dismisses lawsuit over Los Angeles' 'mansion tax'

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

A Los Angeles County judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the city of L.A.’s so-called “mansion tax” on Tuesday, signaling the end of a legal battle from the luxury real estate community which sought to prove the measure was unconstitutional.Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Barbara Scheper issued a tentative ruling that dismissed the challenge on Monday after hearing arguments from both parties. The lawsuit was officially dismissed on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reported. Emergency Renters Assistance Program opens to L.A. residents The legal battle, which was spearheaded by Newcastle Courtyards and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn., drew national attention as other cities looked to see how the city would handle the issue.Advocates of the measure told the Times that L.A. “desperately needs the money raised by the tax” and were happy with the judge’s decision.On the other hand, an attorney for Newcastle told the publication he plans to appeal the decision.The tax, known as Me...

Cup Noodles will soon be microwavable as company ditches foam cups

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

Cup Noodles, known for its easy-to-make instant ramen served in its iconic branded cups, is making some major changes next year.Beginning in 2024, the company will officially shift toward a new cup made from paper, phasing out polystyrene — often referred to by the trademarked name Styrofoam.The change is historic, says Nissin Foods USA, the parent company of Cup Noodles. "While Cup Noodles will continue to have that same satisfying taste and iconic look, we continue to find ways to evolve the brand to support the current needs of our consumers, the environment and the world," said Michael Price, President and CEO of Nissin Foods USA. "This updated packaging and the new paper cup marks an important milestone for Cup Noodles and a key step in our environmental commitment."Cup Noodles will soon be sold in a paper cup made with recycled material and able to be microwaved. (Nissin Foods)The switch to paper is part of the company's goals to be more earth-conscious and sustainable. N...

2 Killed, 1 Hospitalized in Wrong-Way Collision on Interstate 20 [Fort Worth, TX]

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

Two Pronounced Dead, One Hospitalized after Head-On Collision near Hulen StreetFORT WORTH, TX (October 26, 2023) – Early Monday morning, two people died after a wrong-way collision on Interstate 20.The incident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on October 9th, in the 4700 block of I-20.According to the investigators, a pickup traveling westbound on eastbound lanes collided head-on with an SUV.Due to the collision’s impact, both pickup and SUV drivers died on the spot.Meanwhile, paramedics transported the pickup passenger, who sustained injuries, to JPS Hospital in stable condition.Police blocked off the lanes with emergency vehicles for investigation and cleanup and advised motorists to use a designated service road, but the roadway has since reopened.At this time, the investigation into the wrong-way crash on Interstate 20 is underway. Once available, more information will be released.No further details have been made available to the public at this time.Those with further informat...

Alicia Perrin Killed in Motorcycle Collision on State Route 16 [Gig Harbor, WA]

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:37:15 GMT

30-Year-Old Motorcyclist Pronounced Dead after DUI Crash near Rosedale StreetGIG HARBOR, WA (October 26, 2023) – A motorcycle accident claimed the life of Alicia Perrin on State Route 16, early Saturday morning. The incident unfolded at around 1:00 a.m. in the vicinity of Rosedale Street Northwest.According to initial reports, Mecca Berkins, a 54-year-old individual, was traveling in the wrong direction, heading west in the eastbound lanes. This led to a head-on collision with a motorcyclist, Alicia Perrin. The impact propelled Perrin into the center median, causing her to sustain severe injuries.Emergency medical responders arrived at the scene and pronounced 30-year-old Perrin, from Shelton, deceased. Meanwhile, Mecca Berkins was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital, where she received treatment for serious injuries.Subsequent investigation by law enforcement officers indicated that Berkins had been under the influence at the time of the collision.An investigation ...