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Charges in St. Louis more than doubled after embattled circuit attorney resigned

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Criminal prosecutions have more than doubled in St. Louis since the city's progressive prosecutor resigned under fire, a newspaper analysis found.The St. Lois Post-Dispatch found that St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore filed more than 1,400 case over the three-month period that started with his May 31 swearing-in. That compares to 620 cases filed over the same period when Kim Gardner led the office.Gardner, a Democrat, was elected in 2016 to become the city’s first Black circuit attorney. She was part of a movement of prosecutors who sought diversion to mental health or drug abuse treatment for low-level crimes, pledged to hold police more accountable, and proactively sought to free inmates who were wrongfully convicted.But she announced in May that she would resign as she faced an ouster effort by Missouri’s attorney general and scrutiny from Republican state lawmakers. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inb...

19 current and former USPS workers from across Illinois indicted for wire fraud

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) -- Nineteen current and former U.S. Postal Service employees who worked around Illinois were indicted by a federal grand jury for wire fraud.According to a U.S. Attorney's Office news release, the 19 allegedly committed fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program administered through the Small Business Administration. The 19 indicted individuals came from Springfield, Champaign, Urbana, Danville and Savoy Illinois:31-year-old Dominique Alexander was charged in September for allegedly committing two counts of wire fraud.42-year-old Tenneil Baskin was charged in September for allegedly committing two counts of wire fraud.28-year-old Breanea Brown was charged in September for allegedly committing one count of wire fraud.33-year-old Rachaundra Donaldson was charged in September for allegedly committing two counts of wire fraud.25-year-old Maya Egbejima was charged in September for allegedly committing two counts of wire fraud.35-year-old Larry Eubanks was c...

Missouri plans 'ShakeOut' earthquake drill in October

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The state of Missouri is preparing to hold an earthquake drill next month and is calling on residents to participate. The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said recent disasters in Morocco and Turkey are reminders that earthquakes can be destructive -- and deadly. Thousands have died in both quakes. When will the fall colors peak in Kansas, Missouri? The agency also noted that one of the United States' most active earthquake zones is in Missouri: the New Madrid Seismic Zone, centered in southeast Missouri. In 1811-12, the New Madrid zone produced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history, SEMA said. If it were to happen again today, it would be felt across the Midwest, and there would be major damage and destruction. Already, the New Madrid Seismic Zone is one of the most active zones in the country, with over 200 small quakes per year. That's why SEMA wants Missourians to be prepared. The agency is encouraging residents to register ...

Colorado Rapids, Josh Kroenke address supporters’ frustration as Centennial 38 letter hits home for fans

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

The Colorado Rapids’ largest independent supporters group did not mince words with an open letter Thursday. Hours later, neither did the vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, Josh Kroenke.In the open latter, Centennial 38 called the 2023 season “the worst year we have experienced as supporters in our Colorado Rapids history.” It called out KSE’s lack of investment in training facilities and stadium upgrades, as well as increasing ticket prices for an on-field product that has not delivered. Colorado is on track to have its worst season in team history: The Rapids sit at the bottom of the 29-team Major League Soccer standings at 3-13-10, 19 points and just 16 league goals all season.The badge, the players, and the fans deserve better.#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/DtCbm4Syz7— Centennial 38 (@C38sg) September 14, 2023The letter demanded that ownership step up and put proper financial resources into the Burgundy Boys. Colorado has one of the lowest...

Skechers opened a restaurant at its Gardena store — it's an overnight success

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

For the last four months, lines have been building outside the Skechers store in Gardena, and it's not the shoes that everyone is buzzing about.The warehouse outlet store, which was the second brick-and-mortar location the company opened decades ago, is now home to a concession stand offering uncomplicated but high-quality cheap eats. The local business community, and even some well-known social media influencers, can't seem to get enough of it.Skechers has opened an elevated concession stand at its outlet store in Gardena and the project has become an overnight success. (KTLA)It's called the Food Spot and the outdoor eatery is attached to the side of the unassuming store in the bustling shopping center on the corner of Vermont Avenue and West 190th Street.It's been described by many as a "Costco-style" concession stand that's a bit tastier and a touch more expensive, but one that doesn't require a membership to eat there.It offers some of the affordable classic Costco fare you know...

L.A.-based priest charged with possession of child porn

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

A priest with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has been charged with possession of child pornography, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara, 38, of Long Beach, allegedly possessed more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material, including pictures and videos of minors under 12, officials said.Martinez-Guevara is a member of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit and is associated with several churches, including Our Lady of Guadalupe in Oxnard.He was under investigation after several reports were made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, officials said. Investigators later determined that Martinez-Guevara was allegedly in possession of the images, which mostly included boys.Martinez-Guevara was arrested on Wednesday, and search warrants were served at the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in Long Beach where he lives. The religious institution is next to St. Maria Goretti Church and the church’s school.Investigators be...

After Pride flag ban, could a school board recall in Sunol succeed?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

After the Sunol Glen Unified School District school board banned the school from flying a Pride flag on Tuesday, parents immediately turned their attention toward a potential recall of the board members, Ryan Jergensen and Linda Hurley, who voted for the resolution, which passed 2-1.“A lot of average parents are about to learn a lot more about recall,” said Matthew Sylvester, a parent at the Sunol Glen school. “It’s a really big possibility.”But how would a recall in Sunol actually work? Historical numbers show that, even when there appears to be momentum to recall a local official, the process is far easier said than done.According to Ballotpedia, there were an average of 34 recall efforts against an average of 80 school board members each year nationwide between 2009 and 2022. Those recall campaigns–spurred by a variety of allegations ranging from bad behavior to mismanagement of funds–resulted in just 10% of the targeted school board members being removed from office....

Suspect in wheelchair sought in East Oakland shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

OAKLAND — A man was shot Thursday morning in East Oakland and a suspect in a wheelchair was being sought, authorities said.The condition of the victim, who was shot more than once, was not immediately available. His age was also not available and it was not known if he lived in the area.The shooting happened about 11:39 a.m. Thursday in the 1100 block of 85th Avenue, a mostly residential area.It was not immediately known if the man shot and the suspect were acquainted or what motivated the shooting.The suspect was able to flee in a wheelchair before police got to the scene.Th shooting happened not far from an elementary school but the school was not placed on lockdown, officials said.Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $5,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3426 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.

Newsom highlights California’s largest ethnic group with 'Latino Heritage Month'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

(KRON) -- Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed September 15 to October 15 "Latino Heritage Month," recognizing Latinos' countless contributions throughout California's history. More than 15 million Latinos who call California home serve a central role "in our continued growth and prosperity," the governor said. Newsom's proclamation states, "Latinos are California’s largest ethnic group, with diverse roots throughout the Americas, Indigenous communities of Latin America and Africa, and beyond. Generations of Latinos have helped shape our society, economy, culture and values since our state’s beginnings. The leadership, service, and vision of Latinos continues to enrich all facets of American life." Gender neutral term 'Latinx' explained The proclamation emphasized that strength is found in diversity, and all Californians should have access to opportunities regardless of immigration status."We continue working to make the California Dream a reality for everyone through bold action and...

Robbery during online sale meetup leads to Pinole teenager's arrest

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:00 GMT

(KRON) -- The Pinole Police Department was alerted of an armed robbery in the parking lot of the Pinole Valley Shopping Center on the evening of September 13. The victim was selling an item through OfferUp and was meeting the buyer in the parking lot when the suspect grabbed the item and ran off, police said.The victim ran after the suspect, who brandished a firearm at the victim, according to Pinole PD. A witness to the robbery gave the victim the suspect’s license plate number, which police later tied to 18-year-old Pinole resident Jeremiah Meadows.Meadows was served a search warrant at his residence. A firearm and the victim's stolen property were located and seized at the home, police said.According to the Pinole PD, Meadows was taken safely into custody. Meadows was later arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for robbery. Man shot near elementary school in Oakland The investigation is ongoing. Please contact the Pinole Police Department Criminal Investigati...