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How Facial Recognition Became a Routine Policing Tool in America

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The technology-driven revolution in policing is unfolding in big cities and small communities around the country, as more police departments purchase facial recognition software, NBC News reports.

The government “facial biometrics” market — which includes federal, state and local law enforcement — is expected to soar from $136.9 million in 2018 to $375 million by 2025, according to an estimate by market research firm Grand View Research. Driven by artificial intelligence, facial recognition allows officers to submit images of people’s faces, taken in the field or lifted from photos or video, and instantaneously compare them to photos in government databases — mugshots, jail booking records, driver’s licenses.

But these systems are proliferating amid growing concern that facial recognition remains prone to errors — artificial-intelligence and privacy researchers have found that algorithms behind some systems incorrectly identify women and people with dark skin more frequently than white men — and allows the government to expand surveillance of the public without much oversight. While some agencies have policies on how facial recognition is used, there are few laws or regulations governing what databases the systems can tap into, who is included in those databases, the circumstances in which police can scan people’s photos, how accurate the systems are, and how much the government should share with the public about its use of the technology.



Photo Credit: AP

Harvard Removes Dean Who Will Represent Weinstein in Rape Trial

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A Harvard College dean who will act as Harvey Weinstein's attorney in his upcoming rape trial has been removed.

Harvard will not renew the appointment of Ronald S. Sullivan Jr. and his wife Stephanie Robinson when their term ends on June 30, according to a statement released by the university.

The statement, which is signed by Dean Rakesh Khurana, stated that students and staff have come forward with concerns about the "climate in Winthrop House." Actions taken to improve that climate were deemed ineffective, and "the noticeable lack of faculty dean presence during critical moments has further deteriorated the climate in the house."

Sullivan and his wife serve as faculty advisors for the Winthrop House, one of Harvard's undergraduate dorms. When the two were named to the post in 2009, they were the university's first African American faculty deans.

As faculty dean, Sullivan lives among students and could field reports of sexual assault, according to the Boston Globe.

"This is a regrettable situation and a very hard decision to make," Khurana said in the statement.

Sullivan released a statement Saturday evening saying he is surprised and dismayed by Harvard's decision.

"We will now take some time to process Harvard's actions and consider our options," the statement said.

Sullivan also apologized to the students living in Winthrop House for adding more stress to an already stressful time.

Sullivan has worked with other big names in the past, including former Patriots player Aaron Hernandez.

Weinstein, a Hollywood film producer and co-founder of the film company Miramax, heads to trial in the fall to face rape charges. He is accused by dozens of women of sexual assault, harassment and rape.



Photo Credit: Julio Cortez/AP

Firefighters Serve Meals During Mother's Day Brunch in Unionville

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Firefighters in Unionville were all smiles Sunday, serving up five-alarm meals during a special Mother’s Day Brunch.

Between 300-400 people enjoyed breakfast, supporting Tunxis Hose Company 1. Funds raised helped support the volunteer department.

“Proceed go to buying uniforms and our awards program,” said Chief Rich Higley. “The town does a really good job of supporting us on all of our firefighter equipment, but when it comes to the awards program and our membership, we pay for that on our own.”

For some attending, the breakfast is a way of thanking the department.

“I like to support the fireman because my husband was a diabetic and I had to call them many times,” said Marilyn Slabinski of Unionville, “and they were there and I really like supporting them."

“I would rather come here and support them than give my money to a restaurant where it’s crowded, busy and you don’t always get a flower,” said Jackalyn Gray, smiling while holding a flower provided to the mothers by the firefighters.

The event has been held for 10 years and the chief said it’s grown bigger and more festive each time.

“We added the flowers, the tablecloths, and the mothers, especially our own members’ mothers enjoy it,” explained Higley, pointing out the decorative touches added to transform the firehouse garage bay into a Mother’s Day dining area.

Breakfast served included French toast, home fries, sausage, ham, bacon and of course, eggs. Lots of eggs. The firehouse estimated they used over 2000.

When asked if this was just as good as breakfast in bed, Lynn Spencer of Farmington laughed and said, “Yes, just as good. Very good."

Slabinski, agreed, “It’s very good. You should have some!”

As for the men on the grill, they weren’t trained cooks, but highly accomplished fireman. In fact, in order to work the grill for his event, they must’ve first earned seniority at the firehouse.

“It’s a good cause,” said former chief turned head chef Brian Hunter, “you can’t get too many eggs right?"



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

'Watch for Me CT' Reminds Pedestrians About Street Safety

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Saturday was a beautiful night for baseball at Dunkin' Donuts Park.

While the Yard Goats got the win, the evening was also a teaching moment for fans enjoying the wonderful weather.

Representatives of the program “Watch for Me CT” took advantage of the crowds, rewarding those who crossed the street safely.

“Even when there is a walk sign, you still want to look and make sure all the cars see you and they stop,” said program coordinator Amy Watkins.

Connecticut’s Department of Transportation started “Watch for Me CT” through the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in 2017 to address the issue of pedestrian safety.

“People like free stuff so they’re excited, but we’re hoping to give them that message to be safe and the next time they come to an intersection and we’re not there, they’ll think, ‘oh yeah, maybe this time I’ll be extra careful and make sure I get home safe,’” said Watkins.

“Watch for Me CT” said each year more than 1,500 people are hit by cars in Connecticut.

Last year, that led to 67 pedestrian deaths.

A mother of three was happy hear safety reminder as she and her son crossed, “It’s nerve wracking with little kids,” said Yary Colon.

While North Have siblings Sophie and Quinn were excited for their new swag, they got the message.

“When you’re a kid, you should always be with an adult when you’re crossing the road,” reiterated Sophie.

“You should look both ways,” reminded Quinn.

Hartford Police Lt. Anthony Pia has seen his share of crashes as the commander of the traffic unit. He said in many cases, pedestrians are to blame.

“Especially when the weather is nice and events like this. It’s an opportunity to get to a lot of people at one time when they’re here together,” said Lt. Pia.

Police said those on foot and behind the wheel both need to pay attention.

“Everyone wants to get home at the end of the day to their families and we want that too,” said Watkins.

Practicing safety is the most practical gift kids can give their mom’s this holiday.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Donations Collected for Residents Displaced from New Britain Apartment Fire

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A fire forced dozens of people from their homes on Friday, but neighbors in New Britain are coming together to help them get back on their feet.

More than 50 people are trying to pick up the pieces after flames tore through the Springwood Apartments.

Dozens of residents found themselves trapped as the fire spread quickly.

People stuck on the higher floors rushed to their windows to escape the billowing smoke and to scream for help.

Some residents said they contemplated jumping before being rescued.

Despite the destruction, firefighters said nobody was seriously injured.

The American Red Cross is helping those affected and is providing money for three nights of housing, but of course, there is much more needed for those who have been displaced.

Donations started being collected on Saturday.

Many concerned citizens arrived at the House of Pizza on Stanley Street to lend support.

Items like clothing, toiletries and food are all needed and many people stepped up to provide a little relief during a very trying time.

"It speaks well to the community. The fact that there are times when we have differences, but when there's a necessity and something tragic happens, the community comes together across all," said New Britain City Council Alderman Christian Rosado.

Mayor Erin Stewart also released a statement about the fire.

"Any resident directly impacted by the fire is encouraged to contact our community services office on Monday so we can help identify needs and link them to community resources so that they can get back on their feet," she said.

If you would like to help, donations are being collected again on Sunday at the House of Pizza.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Author May Lose Book Deal for Reporting DC Metro Worker

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Author Natasha Tynes sparked outrage on social media after she tweeted a photo of a black Metro employee eating on the train and reported the woman to officials. Now, Tynes may lose her book deal.

Tynes, a writer and World Bank employee in Washington, tweeted a photo Friday morning of a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority employee in uniform eating on one of the service's trains, NBC News reported.

"When you’re on your morning commute & see @wmata employee in UNIFORM eating on the train," Tynes wrote in the tweet, which she has since deleted. “I thought we were not allowed to eat on the train. This is unacceptable. Hope @wmata responds. When I asked the employee about this, her response was, ‘worry about yourself.'"

Transit officials responded to her tweet within an hour and thanked her for "catching" the employee eating and "helping" to "make sure all Metro employees are held accountable."

The response said: "Can you confirm the time you were on the train, the direction you were headed and what line you were on?”

Tynes provided those details and added: "Thank you for responding. Appreciate it."

Eating, drinking, smoking and littering is banned on Metro buses or trains and in stations. 

But the backlash began immediately. University of New Hampshire professor Chanda Prescod-Weinstein commented: "Eating while Black."



Photo Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Guilford Wrestling Team Donates to Community for Every Pin During Season

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If there’s anything that helps Keldon LaRose understand just how much the Guilford community needs the Guilford Food Bank, it’s when he looks around to see what isn’t on the shelves.

“There’s obviously a lot of people struggling with a lot of challenges,” said LaRose.

That’s why, at the start of his senior year at Guilford High School, LaRose had an idea to help.

“We were just thinking about how we could give back to the Guilford community, so we created Pinning Poverty.”

For every pin the Guilford High wrestling team got, they’d get a donation from a sponsor. They got 265 pins. $3500 for the food bank and the Women and Family Life Center.

"You know an all-male wrestling team support a women's organization was just really phenomenal to us,” said Meghan Scanlon, executive director of the Women and Family Life Center.

"In those tight matches where anything could go back and forth and a pin could really matter,” LaRose said they had another reason to fight. “There was always that extra motivation that you needed to do it for pinning poverty."

LaRose will graduate this spring, but his sister, Londyn, who manages the wrestling team is planning to keep Pinning Poverty going. Next year, she says, she wants to expand it to other schools in the area.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Officials Investigate Fire at New Haven Mosque Under Construction

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Officials are working to determine what started a fire at a New Haven mosque that was under construction on Sunday afternoon.

Multiple crews were dispatched to a working fire at the mosque on Middletown Avenue around 4 p.m., New Haven fire officials said. A search of the address on Google comes back to the Diyanet Mosque.

Firefighters on scene said the fire on the first floor extended to the second. Crews were able to get the fire under control within an hour.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This mosque had to shorten its minarets, also known as the call to prayer towers, after the City of New Haven said they were too tall. The city issued a stop-work order for any further construction on the unfinished mosque in 2017.



Photo Credit: New Haven Fire

Huffman Expected to Plead Guilty in Boston Court on Monday

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Actress Felicity Huffman is expected to plead guilty to taking part in a sweeping college admissions scandal when she appears in court in Boston on Monday.

Man Considered Dangerous Wanted for Questioning Following Bloomfield Assault: Police

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Police are searching for a man who is wanted for questioning after he allegedly assaulted his father in Bloomfield on Sunday morning. Authorities said he is considered dangerous.

Officers responded to Glenwood Avenue aroudn 10:40 a.m. after getting a report of a domestic assault involving a son assaulting his father, police said.

When police arrived, they said they found an unresponsive 60-year-old man bleeding heavily from his head.

Officers said they were told by the complainant that the suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Anthony Lewis Bussey, had been involved in a physical fight with the man.

The complainant said he was in the basement of the home when he heard what he thought was a fight and when he went upstairs, he saw Bussey go into a bedroom and slam the door behind him. The complainant then said he found the man on the floor bleeding heavily from his head.

Police checked the home and attempted to find Bussey, but could not find him. They said it appears he fled before officers arrived.

The man was transported to St. Francis Hospital where he was assessed to have a broken arm and a skull fracture, police said. Medical personnel advised police that there is a strong likelihood that he may not survive the injuries to his head.

Due to the significant nature of the incident, detectives advised the State Prosecutor's Office, who recommended the State Police Major Crime Unit process the scene. A search warrant was secured and executed to process the scene, police said.

According to police, Anthony Lewis Bussey is wanted for questioning and is considered dangerous. He is 5'8" tall and weighs 200 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Bussey was last seen without any shirt or shoes, however, police said it's likely he was fully clothed before he fled the home.

His possible whereabouts are unknown.

Anyone with information about the incident or information about where Bussey may be is asked to contact Bloomfield Police Department at (860) 242-5501.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Cold, Wet Weather Continues for Start of the Work Week

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NBC Connecticut First Alert Meteorologists are tracking more rain on the way with unseasonably cool temperatures. 

Monday will start off cool in the upper 30s and low 40s, but dry with a few breaks of sunshine and otherwise cloudy conditions. Rain will develop throughout the afternoon and into the evening with downpours likely around the evening commute.

Rain overnight into Tuesday could make way to wet snowflakes in the hill towns. A coating of accumulation is not likely, but is also not out of the question. More showers will linger throughout the day on Tuesday. 

Temperatures will stay well below average for this time of May through Wednesday, with warmer weather and sunshine finally back in the forecast for the end of the week. 

You can get the latest forecast anytime here. 



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Route 66 in Columbia Reopens After Crash

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Route 66 in Columbia has reopened after a crash closed it briefly on Monday morning.

The crash involved one vehicle and a pole and closed Route 66 near Cards Mill Road, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Route 66 has since reopened.

It is unclear if anyone was injured in the crash.

State Lawmakers Hold Hearing About Vaccination Exemptions

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We're in the midst of one of the worst measles outbreaks in years and as the contagious virus spreads across the country, lawmakers here in Connecticut are trying to stop this and future outbreaks.

Right now, state law requires all school children to be vaccinated unless they have a religious or medical exemption.

On Monday, state lawmakers will discuss the possibility of removing the religious exemption.

This discussion comes amid a nationwide measles outbreak.

Recently, the state Department of Public Health released data on the immunization rates for the state's public and private schools.

More than 100 Connecticut schools fall under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended 95 percent immunization rate for measles, mumps and rubella vaccines in kindergartners.

While some of the data is being questioned, Governor Ned Lamont called the data "startling."

Attorney General William Tong said the state may create, eliminate or suspend the religious exemption to protect public safety and health.

Opponents said the state has a high vaccination rate and lawmakers should not be dictating a public health policy.

The informational hearing is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. All members of the General Assembly have been invited to participate in the hearing.

There will also be a public comment period following the testimony from legislators, public health experts, clergy and medical professionals.

Teenage Boy Accused of Sexually Assaulting Teenage Girl at Hartford PAL Program

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Police are investigating after a teenage girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a teenage boy while participating in the Hartford Police Athletic League program on Monday.

Officers were called to Connecticut Children's Medical Center on Tuesday after getting a report of a sexual assault.

During the preliminary investigation, police said they learned that a 14-year-old boy lured a 14-year-old girl to an unsupervised area of the building on Williams Street while at the PAL program.

According to officers, the girl told police that the boy performed a lewd sexual act and then they both returned to the program.

The incident was reported to police the following day and police said appropriate action was taken and an immediate investigation was launched.

The boy has been suspended from the program pending the outcome of the investigation, authorities said.

The Department of Children and Families has been notified and is conducting a parallel investigation in to the matter.

A forensic interview was conducted with the girl by the Klingberg Family Centers in Hartford. Police said the interviews were conducted by independent organizations to preserve the integrity of the investigation. Klingberg works with the courts, police and DCF to provide and coordinate services.

The PAL program is operated by a board of directors from various organizations throughout the city and provides services to youth, between the ages of 6 to 18, with alternatives to violence, gang membership, truancy and substance abuse, police said.

The overall PAL program offers a variety of programs which serves 60-90 kids per weeknight. Field trips, competitive athletics and other programs are conducted on weekends. There are currently over 1,500 youth in the newly formed database, police added.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Extra Police at Middletown High School After Threat Investigation

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There will be extra police at Middletown High School on Monday after an investigation into a threat, officers said.

Police investigated a threat that was determined to be unfounded at the school, according to officers.

The extra officers at the school will be there in addition to the normal school resource officers that work there.

Police did not release details about what the unfounded threat said or how it was discovered.


Some Snow, Sleet Possible for Parts of Connecticut Tuesday Morning

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NBC Connecticut First Alert meteorologists are tracking more rain with unseasonably cool temperatures and there could be some snow and sleet early Tuesday morning for some areas of the state.

Monday started off cool, in the upper 30s and low 40s, but dry with a few breaks of sunshine and otherwise cloudy conditions. Rain will develop throughout the afternoon and into the evening with downpours likely around the evening commute.

Rain overnight into Tuesday could make way to wet snowflakes in the hill towns. The highest hills, above 900 feet, could see up to an inch of snow, but it will be a cold rain for most everyone else.

More showers will linger throughout the day on Tuesday.

Temperatures will stay well below average for this time of May through Wednesday and warmer weather and sunshine are finally back in the forecast for the end of the week.

You can get the latest forecast anytime here.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut
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1 Person Injured in Stratford Armed Home Invasion

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Stratford Police are investigating an armed home invasion that left one person injured on Monday morning.

Police said it appears three men entered the home on Light Street around 4:15 a.m. and demanded money from the residents.

The suspects fled after one of the residents grabbed a knife held by one of the invaders. The victim's hand was cut when he grabbed the blade, but his injury is considered non-life threatening, according to officers.

Authorities said they believe the incident specifically targeted the residents and the home and that it was not a random act.

The incident remains under investigation.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Reward Offered to Help Solve 33-Year-Old Death of Greenwich Baby Boy

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The State of Connecticut is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the death of a baby boy in Greenwich that happened in 1986.

Officers are continuing to investigate the unsolved death of a baby boy who died on May 16, 1986. He would have been 33 years old this week, police said.

According to police, the baby boy, who investigators named Baby John, was found dead in a dumpster of an apartment building on Mason Street in downtown Greenwich. The medical examiner determined Baby John was killed shortly after he was born.

The state is offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people who are responsible for Baby John's death.

Greenwich Police ask anyone with information on Baby John's death or the circumstances around it to contact the tip line at (203) 622-3333 or (800) 372-1176.



Photo Credit: Stringr.com

Charges Dropped Against Conor McGregor in Miami Beach Hotel Incident

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Criminal charges against MMA star Conor McGregor that resulted from a cellphone stomping incident outside the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel in March have been dropped.

Prosecutors announced at a hearing Monday that the strong-arm robbery and criminal mischief charges against McGregor, 30, were being dropped after the victim didn't want to cooperate with prosecutors. McGregor didn't attend Monday's hearing.

"My client is relieved, obviously he feels he should not have been arrested, but he believes that this is a just and fair resolution," McGregor's attorney Sam Rabin said after the hearing. "We think it was the appropriate result."

Surveillance footage showed McGregor was among a group of people outside the hotel the morning of March 11 when a few bystanders started filming him with their cellphones. McGregor suddenly smacked the phone out of one man's hand, stomped on it, then picked it up and started to walk away, as he was surrounded by his security.

Police later located and arrested McGregor, who posted bond and left jail hours later. McGregor's attorney called the incident a "minor altercation."

Miami-Dade County court records showed that the owner of the phone, Ahmed Abdirzak, filed a lawsuit seeking more than $15,000, accusing McGregor of battery, assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The Miami Herald reported that Abdirzak settled the civil suit with McGregor.



Photo Credit: Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office

Man Dead After Crash in New London

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