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NJ mom and daughter who fled war-torn Syria graduate college together

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

NEWARK, N.J. (WPIX) -- It is said it's the journey, not the destination, that matters. For Racha Ahmad and her mother, Stani Hajbi, both the journey and the destination were equally celebrated on this day."It feels like our dreams came true," said Ahmad.At the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Wednesday, mom and daughter received bachelor's degrees at William Paterson's 200th Commencement, with Ahmad having the honor of serving as commencement speaker."My overall message is hard work and dedication and not wasting time is very important because education, success and working hard and putting a target in your mind — this is what's going to benefit you," said Ahmad. Entire graduating class at California charter school accepted into 4-year universities Their family lived in Syria at the time war broke out in 2011. Three years later, the family sought asylum and went to New Jersey. It wasn't long until Ahmad earned an associate degree at Passaic County Community College, eve...

VIDEO: Raul Meza Jr. speaks after 1993 release

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – KXAN has followed the story of Raul Meza Jr. for more than three decades.  Meza Jr. pleaded guilty to murder in the death of Kendra Page, an 8-year-old Austin girl, in 1982.Austin Police said Tuesday that Meza Jr., 62, confessed to murdering his roommate, Jesse Fraga, 80, and implicated himself in the murder of Gloria Lofton, 66, in 2019. When Meza was first released from prison for Page's death in 1993, he tried to convince the public he had changed."There's is nothing that I can do to change my past. I can only tell you that in my heart I would not willfully bring harm to anyone," Meza said then. Court docs detail what lead to 2023 arrest of Raul Meza Jr. As KXAN reported in 1993, protesters greeted him with angry yells outside his mother's home. Meza had been rejected from five Texas cities after people had learned what he had done but his mother was eager to see him. "I'm feeling hopeful for the future for me and my family and my son in spite of wh...

No threat to public after 'suspicious activity' at Austin airport, APD says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said there is no threat to the public after it helped investigate reported "suspicious activity" at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Thursday morning. AUS and APD investigated the Red Garage for reported "suspicious activity," according to the airport's Twitter page. Both the Red and Blue Garages and adjacent admin buildings were closed during the investigation but have since reopened. However, the third floor of the Red Garage remains closed.

Como Zoo welcomes newborn snow leopard cub

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

A female snow leopard cub was born last month at the Como Zoo.It was the second successful offspring born to parents Alya, who is nine, and Moutig, who is 10, and part of a Species Survival Plan recommendation, according to zoo officials.A single snow leopard cub was born at St. Paul’s Como Zoo on May 6, 2023. The parents, Alya and Moutig, had another offspring as part of the Species Survival Plan. The cub and mother Alya will remain off exhibit until later in the summer when the cub would be leaving the nesting area and able to move about the habitat. (Courtesy of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory)Alya has shown herself to be “an excellent, protective mother displaying positive maternal behaviors and is exhibiting exceptional care of her cub,” zoo officials said in a statement on the birth. “The cub is growing rapidly and has started to explore her environment. Alya and her cub will remain off exhibit until later this summer when the cub would be routinely leav...

Celebrate National Donut Day around the Capital Region

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- In the mood for a doughnut to start your morning on the right foot? If your answer is yes, you are in luck! Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! On June 2, bakeries and local donut shops will celebrate National Donut Day with special batches and offers. National Donut Day was first organized by the Salvation Army in 1938. The day was designated to honor women from the Salvation Army who traveled overseas during World War II and supported and made donuts for the troops on the front lines.Cider Belly DonutsCider Belly Donuts is holding a giveaway of two $50 gift cards. Participants must like their posts on social media, tag a friend they would like to share a donut with and share the post to their own story. Winners will be announced on June 2.Duck DonutsDuck Donuts is giving out one free cinnamon sugar donut per guest. The offer is in-store only and no purchase is necessary. Guests can also get $3 off a P...

Vehicle fire shuts down lane on 1-90 eastbound

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

SCHODACK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A vehicle fire has shut down one right lane of two on I-90 eastbound past Exit 11 in Schodack. Drivers in the area should proceed with caution and expect delays. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Information regarding the vehicle fire is limited at this time. Stick with News10 as more information regarding the vehicle fire becomes available.

SP: Wynantskill man accused of attempted home invasion

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

BRUNSWICK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Wynantskill man was arrested for allegedly attempting to break into a home in Brunswick. Michael Cardinuta, 20, faces a slew of charges. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! On Monday, around midnight, troopers responded to a home in Brunswick for a report of a man trying to forcibly enter a house and threatening to use a gun. Once they arrived, troopers found Cardinuta on the porch. Troopers say an investigation revealed Cardinuta was unknown to the homeowner, had trespassed on the property, struck multiple doors, and caused damage in an attempt to get inside. Law enforcement says he also damaged a car and other property. Traffic stop leads to drug arrest in Glens Falls Troopers say when he was refused entry, he threatened to use a firearm but was not found to possess any weapons. Charges:Third-degree criminal mischief (two counts)Second-degree attempted criminal trespassFourth-degree stalkingTh...

Denver runoff election: A last-minute voter guide for mayoral and City Council races

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

Election Day for the Denver municipal runoff election is June 6. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. (it’s now too late to mail them back). Find information about ballot drop-off box and vote center locations here.Here is recent coverage of the runoff races by The Denver Post:Denver mayor• Big dreams and big promises — but can Mike Johnston deliver for Denver?• Kelly Brough has a lot of experience, but is it the right kind for Denver voters?• There’s more than $5 million in outside spending in the Denver mayor’s race, but one candidate has a huge advantage• Denver mayoral debate: Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston still looking to stand out• Denver mayoral runoff: Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston each have a path to victory, but progressives could be key• Denver mayoral candidates discuss what sets them apart• Mike Johnston out-fundraises Kelly Brough in first month of runoff race for Denver mayor• Fact check: Denver mayor candidate called a liar in latest campaign ad. Here’s w...

Letters: Banning TikTok would be bad for Colorado small business owners like me

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

TikTok good for businessAs a queer and Latinx entrepreneur, I am committed to uplifting small business owners, especially those from underrepresented demographics. Starting a business is difficult for anyone, but those of us from marginalized communities face more challenges than most. TikTok offers a platform to market our businesses and build our brands. Now, some lawmakers want to ban it.Across the country, both state and federal lawmakers are pushing legislation to ban TikTok. These lawmakers don’t seem to understand the value of this platform to their constituents.TikTok has been instrumental in supporting and growing my business ventures. The platform has completely revolutionized how small business owners reach and maintain customers. Personality and genuineness have become key ingredients to connect with consumers. Sharing cooking videos with other food enthusiasts helped grow my small business — Combi Taco  – all it took was my own creativity.TikTok goes beyond exposu...

Eastbound I-70 closed near Golden “through the morning” due to crash

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:55 GMT

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 coming into the Denver metro are closed due to a serious crash near Golden.I 70 to Hwy 470 interchange has multiple ramp closures due to a crash investigation. Expect closures to go through the morning. Find alternate routes to avoid area. EB I 70 closed at Morrison. WB I 70 closed at the ramp to eastbound 470. EB Hwy six close to eastbound 470. pic.twitter.com/K3Ky69IiR3— Colorado State Patrol (@CSP_News) June 1, 2023The Colorado State Patrol said the closures are expected to last “through the morning.”#I70 eastbound: Road closed due to a crash between Exit 259 – Morrison Road and Exit 260 – C-470. https://t.co/6yuuCI9VPh— Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) (@ColoradoDOT) June 1, 2023Interstate 70 eastbound is closed between the Morrison Road and C-470 exits, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. The crash was first reported about 2 a.m.C-470 eastbound was closed just before the U...