Latest news with #Hofer
CBS News
5 days ago
- CBS News
When license plate readers get it wrong
In 2018, Brian Hofer and his younger brother were driving to visit their parents for Thanksgiving. It should have been a routine trip. But that evening they found themselves held at gunpoint by a group of law enforcement officers. The incident was the result of technology gone wrong. Hofer's vehicle had been flagged as stolen by an Automated License Plate Reader — ALPR — system. When he drove by, the reader alerted authorities. "Your life definitely is different after you have guns pointed at you," he said. This incident is one of over a dozen cases verified by CBS News during a six-month investigation into incidents of wrongful stops and even several instances of ALPR technology being abused. The consequences of ALPR errors can range from the inconvenient — such as mistaken toll booth charges — to the potentially dangerous, such as Hofer's armed detainment. In some instances the technology was improperly used by authorities, such as in Kansas, where law enforcement officers used license plate reader systems to stalk former partners in two separate incidents. In use since at least the late 1990s, automated license plate reader systems have advanced quickly in recent years. They now marry high-speed, high-resolution cameras with artificial intelligence to scan every license plate passing through a designated field of vision. The data is then compared against license plate numbers in databases. Thousands of agencies use these systems daily to scan plates in real time and identify potential matches. Departments use ALPRs as a crime-fighting tool to gather evidence for investigations and reduce crime as well as for traffic compliance. According to a survey from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, every police department overseeing more than one million citizens reported using the technology, as did 90% of sheriff's offices with 500 or more sworn deputies. Law enforcement officials told CBS News that the technology has allowed them to do their job more efficiently and has helped solve crimes ranging from stolen vehicles to missing persons cases. Pat Yoes, the national president of The National Fraternal Order of Police, an organization of hundreds of thousands of sworn law enforcement officers, said in an emailed statement to CBS News that ALPRs are "extraordinarily important in cases where there is an immediate threat to life or safety, as in an abduction or an armed threat driving to a target," adding that the information can be valuable in generating leads and closing cases. He said transparency is key. "The community should be made aware of the new technology, how it's used in the field, how it contributes to public safety, and how it addresses any privacy concerns," he said in the statement. "Technology like ALPRs is a valuable tool for many law enforcement agencies to make their communities safer." The rise of ALPR systems comes as law enforcement agencies across the country face staffing and recruiting challenges. A 2024 survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, a professional association, found that U.S. agencies are operating at a nearly 10% staffing deficit. ALPR technology is one way to help fill this gap in manpower. License plate reader errors may occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases, letters or numbers are interpreted incorrectly by the Optical Character Recognition, or OCR, software. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, common issues including glare or misaligned cameras could impact accuracy. CBS News found that mistakes are often due to a mix of machine and human or administrative errors. In Española, New Mexico, a 12-year-old was handcuffed after an ALPR camera misread the last number of a license plate on a vehicle driven by her older sister as a '7' instead of the '2' it actually ended with, according to a lawsuit filed against the city. A month later, in a separate incident, a 17-year-old honors student was held at gunpoint in Española on his way home from school after officers mistook his vehicle for one associated with an individual who was being sought in connection with a string of armed robberies. In Aurora, Colorado, in 2020, a mother and her family, including her 6-year-old daughter, were pulled over at gunpoint and forced to lie face down on hot pavement. Again, ALPR technology was central to the stop. Police mistakenly flagged their Colorado license plate as matching that of a completely different vehicle from a different state — a stolen motorcycle registered in Montana. The incident, captured on video and widely condemned, led to a $1.9 million settlement from the city in 2024. The ACLU warns ALPR cameras could infringe on civil rights and violate the Constitution's Fourth Amendment by encouraging unreasonable searches. Despite widespread use, there is no federal legislative framework for ALPR use. Hofer, who has been involved in privacy advocacy for over a decade, is now the executive director of Secure Justice, an organization that aims to reduce government and corporate overreach. He says manual verification is necessary to see whether ALPR "hits," or matches, are accurate. Even so, he said, such checks are insufficient because data errors could cause a plate to "match" an incorrect entry in a database. "There are billions of scans a day in America. If there's even just a 10% error rate, that means there are so many opportunities for abuse to happen," Hofer said. Some concerned citizens are taking action. Last year, residents of Norfolk, Virginia, filed a federal lawsuit against the city, and in Illinois, two residents have sued the Illinois State Police over ALPR systems, arguing that their use violates Fourth Amendment rights. The latter case was dismissed without prejudice in Denault contributed to this report.
CNBC
15-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Trump's fresh tariffs have reignited the gold rally. Here's how the pros are investing
U.S. President Donald Trump's fresh 30% tariffs on the European Union and Mexico have sent gold prices higher. The previous metal topped a three-week high on Monday , as investors piled into gold, which is usually considered a safe haven asset in times of turbulence. As of 10:20 p.m. ET Monday, spot gold was up 0.21% at $3,350.69 per ounce. Mounting geopolitical tensions and uncertainties from Trump's on-again-off-again tariffs have sent gold prices up by around 28% since the start of the year. By comparison, the broad-based S & P 500 index has risen 6.58% in the same time, while yields on the 10-year U.S. Treasury have moved down 13.4 basis points. "Gold has outperformed the S & P 500 and even other traditional safe haven assets such as U.S. Treasuries, which haven't necessarily provided that stability because of their volatility and fluctuating yields," Alonso Munoz, chief investment officer and founding partner at the U.S.-headquartered Hamilton Capital Partners, said. XAU= YTD mountain Mounting geopolitical tensions and uncertainties from Trump's on-again-off-again tariffs have sent gold prices up by around 28% since the start of the year Speaking to CNBC Pro, Munoz noted a pick-up in investor interest in the precious metal "after they've seen gold outperform and act as a hedge, at least certainly during the first and second quarter, where we had a lot of volatility in high-risk assets." The investor sees scope for gold to continue to push higher this year, "as long as things remain uncertain." Chee Keong Koh, head of forex strategy at wealth management firm WRISE, said he expects spot gold to hover between $3,100 and $3,500 for the rest of 2025. "Gold's performance during times of crises, its ability to act as a store of value and its role as an effective diversifier continue to be key reasons for why investors continue to allocate gold as part of risk management and tactical trading strategies, as global reserves increasingly shift away from heavy U.S. dollar reliance over the next five years ," Koh said, citing findings from a recent survey by the World Gold Council. The council — which represents the gold industry — found that 95% of survey respondents foresee an increase in global central banks' gold reserves in the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 73% predict significantly lower U.S. dollar holdings within reserves over the next five years. Aside from the de-dollarization push, Stefan Hofer, chief investment strategist APAC at LGT Private Banking Asia, expects gold prices to rise further as the U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to lower interest rates . He foresees gold hitting $3,650 per ounce in the next 12 months, a close to 9% rise from its current levels. "Inflation expectations are going up. People are going to be buying gold against that," Hofer told CNBC's Squawk Box Asia on Monday. Hofer dismissed " outlandish " calls of gold reaching $5,000 per ounce or more, but said a 10% rise over the next 12 months, "means, that in a portfolio context, you could do rather well if you have maybe, say, 5% or so allocation." Gold stocks and ETFs WRISE's Koh recommends that investors who want to buy into gold consider entering closer to the $3,100-per-ounce range "as part of a broader portfolio diversification strategy." Among his top gold stock picks are mining companies Barrick Gold and Newmont Corporation . Both companies present "solid opportunities given their solid earnings growth and strategic positioning in the gold market," according to Koh. Beyond stocks, he also sees opportunities in the VanEck Gold Miners ETF and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF . The former has returned nearly 55% since the start of the year, while the latter's returns are over 60%. Physical gold Holding on to physical gold, in the form of gold bars, is another way to invest, Hamilton Capital's Munoz pointed out. "I've always thought that if investors own gold, for its safety and protection against catastrophe and significant drops in the market, they should own it physically versus just tracking the price of gold in a product where there's counterparty risk," he said. The investor observes that his clients, who are predominantly high-net-worth individuals and family offices, like that physical gold is a "safe and tangible store of value that tracks the price of gold at a much lower cost." For instance, an ETF charges investors between 10-40 basis points each year just to own a derivative of gold. So an investor with a 5% allocation to gold by way of an ETF will make a cost saving by owning the physical metal, Munoz said. However, those considering buying physical gold should consider storage costs , he added. Safe haven? While gold is often touted as the classic safe-haven asset, Will McDonough, CEO of merchant bank Corestone Capital, believes it could be losing its edge. He said rival asset classes could include copper, as well as bitcoin, which crossed the $120,000 threshold to hit a record high on Monday . "Gold has far less real-world use cases than copper. And bitcoin is taking a lot of energy away from gold — so the safe-haven allocation that used to go to gold is now facing competition from other assets," McDonough told CNBC Pro. Still, the investor sees value in gold by way of the physical asset and gold futures.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong bets on Joel Hofer's NHL rise with $6.8 million extension
Photo byThe St. Louis Blues made a clear statement this weekend about their future in goal—Joel Hofer is a key part of it. On Saturday, the team announced they signed the 24-year-old netminder to a two-year, $6.8 million contract extension, avoiding any drama around restricted free agency. The deal, averaging $3.4 million annually, reflects the Blues' commitment to the young goalie who's steadily earned his place in the NHL since debuting in 2021. General Manager Doug Armstrong wasn't shy about his stance earlier in the week, firmly shutting down any talk of rivals poaching Hofer with offer sheets. St. Louis Blues lock in goalie Joel Hofer with $6.8 million NHL extension, reinforcing commitment to future in net Joel Hofer's new deal comes on the heels of his most active NHL season to date. In 31 games last season, including 28 starts, he posted a solid 16-8-3 record, with a career-best 2.64 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. Overall, the Winnipeg native has suited up in 69 regular-season games for St. Louis, compiling a 35-22-5 record. His consistency over the past two seasons stands out: his .909 save percentage ranks eighth among NHL goaltenders with at least 60 games played in that span, while his 2.65 GAA is good for 12th. Doug Armstrong addressed concerns about Hofer's RFA status on Monday during pre-draft media availability, saying bluntly: 'You're not going to get him.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He made it clear the Blues had no interest in negotiating through arbitration or worrying about offer sheets. 'We're not concerned about offer sheets or anything like that,' Armstrong added, underscoring the team's confidence in locking Hofer up directly. Drafted 107th overall by St. Louis in 2018, Joel Hofer's development has been marked by steady growth. He started his junior career in the WHL with the Swift Current Broncos before moving to the Portland Winterhawks, where he closed out his junior tenure as a Western Conference Second All-Star in 2019–20. He signed his first NHL deal with St. Louis in March 2019 and made his NHL debut in November 2021 against San Jose, winning at just 21 years old—making him the youngest Blues goalie ever to notch a win in his debut. St. Louis Blues strengthen NHL goaltending plans with Joel Hofer secured on multi-million deal Joel Hofer's experience isn't just NHL-based. He's enjoyed strong AHL seasons with the Springfield Thunderbirds, even scoring a rare goalie goal in 2022, and he's shone on the international stage. He backstopped Canada to gold at the 2020 World Junior Championship, earning tournament Best Goaltender honors, and was part of Team Canada's gold-medal-winning squad at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. With this extension, the Blues are betting on Hofer's blend of poise, experience, and upside—ensuring that for at least two more seasons, their crease will have both security and promise. Also Read: Joe Thornton, Zdeno Chara, and 6 others legends immortalized in the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dimock holds first contested election in over two decades
Apr. 9—DIMOCK, S.D. — For the first time in more than two decades, the town of Dimock held a municipal election on Tuesday — a rare occurrence in this community of about 150 residents, where leadership typically changes hands quietly and without contest. This year's race marked Dimock's first contested election in 22 years, with incumbent trustee and town mayor Greg Hofer challenged by newcomer Scott Kabeiseman. Despite the town's size, 51 of Dimock's 109 registered voters cast ballots, resulting in a turnout rate of about 47%. Kabeiseman won the race, earning 42 votes to Hofer's nine. Town clerk Kim Dooley had expected a higher turnout, though some residents were unaware of the election due to the rarity of contested races in the community. Until this week, Dimock had held two recorded municipal elections since becoming an incorporated municipality in 1966 — one in 2002 and another in 2003. The area was previously known as Cross Plains Township. Even those who were on the ballot have only hazy memories of the process. "I don't even remember running," said town treasurer Tim Wermers. "Someone must have talked me into it." Wermers, who has served as treasurer for 38 years, is Dimock's longest-tenured official. His story reflects a broader trend in town governance, where contested races are almost unheard of and public service often spans decades. Former town clerk Debbie Neugebauer, the only person who clearly remembers the 2002 and 2003 elections, served from 1994 until 2024. Her successor, Dooley, took over last May. Dimock operates as a third-class municipality with a trustee form of government: three elected trustees serve staggered three-year terms and vote among themselves to assign roles — president (effectively the mayor), vice president and secretary. Two additional roles, town clerk and treasurer, are appointed positions. The town's first board of trustees formed in 1966, shortly after incorporation. Members included Alvin Sudbeck, Edward Boehmer, Leonard Schlimgen, John Untereiner, Isadore Locken, Ray Blasius and Alfred Kabeiseman. The 2003 election featured a race between Dale Schoenfelder and Tim Heisinger, while the 2002 ballot included Rick Herrold, Doug Wermers and Tim Wermers. Richard Herrold, winner of that last contested race, served on the board until 2021. Hofer had held his seat and the role of mayor since 2019. The other current trustees, Susan Weber and David Brouwer, began their terms in 2021. "Usually if somebody wants to step down, somebody else will just kind of step up and there's no election," Dooley said. "That's how it's been for years." This year's contested race, however, meant town officials had to relearn how to conduct an election — fast. Without existing materials or recent experience, Dooley contacted the state for guidance. She ordered an official ballot stamp, secured proper ballot language from the South Dakota Election Board, and met all legal requirements — including the display of American flags at the polling place. "We didn't even have a ballot box," Dooley said. "Scott [Kabeiseman] made one out of a toolbox. I got the proper lock for it, and we cut a slot in the top." Kabeiseman, who moved to Dimock from Parkston two and a half years ago, had been working remotely and commuting for his job with the Las Vegas Fire Department until retiring in March. Initially unsure about running, encouragement from residents — and time to reflect — led him to enter the race. "Once I was retired and had time to really ponder it, I decided it would be a good thing for me and the town," Kabeiseman said. "Give the town young blood, new eyes." Though new to town, Kabeiseman's roots run deep. His family has lived in the area for generations, and his great-uncle Alfred Kabeiseman served as town treasurer before Wermers. Kabeiseman will be sworn in at the May trustee meeting. For Dooley, who has only been in Dimock for four years, the unusual election marks a hopeful shift toward greater community involvement. "There's something special about how things have run here," she said. "But it's good to see people getting involved. That's how a town stays alive."
Fox Sports
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Iafallo scores in third period as Jets win 3-1 to end Blues' 12-game win streak
Associated Press WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Alex Iafallo scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period and the Winnipeg Jets beat St. Louis 3-1 on Monday night, ending the Blues' 12-game winning streak. Morgan Barron and Adam Lowry also scored for the Jets, who got their franchise-record 53rd win. Connor Hellebuyck had 14 saves to get his 44th win and ties his franchise record from 2017-18. Pavel Buchnevich scored and Joel Hofer had 23 saves for St. Louis, which holds the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference — two points ahead of idle Minnesota. Iafallo gave the Jets a 2-1 lead as he scored off a rebound at 7:05 of the third. Lowry added an empty-netter with 9 seconds left to seal the win. Winnipeg outshot St. Louis 8-3 in the first period, and the Blues led 14-3 in blocked shots. Barron beat Blues forward Mathieu Joseph to a loose puck, curved around him and shot the puck past Hofer on the stick side for a 1-0 lead at 2:34 of the second. Buchnevich tied it after Robert Thomas sent him a pass from behind the net out front and he beat Hellebuyck at 7:27. Takeaways Jets: Winnipeg has 110 points, extending its lead over second-place Dallas to five points in the Central Divisioin. The Jets are three points ahead of Eastern Conference-leading Washington in the Presidents' Trophy race. Blues: The Blues blocked 12 shots in the game's first 11 minutes. Winnipeg hadn't blocked one and was up 4-1 in shots on goal. Key moment After Buchnevich lost the puck along the boards, Kyle Connor scooped it up, shot it at Hofer and Iafallo put in the rebound to make it 2-1 at 7:05 of the third period with this 14th goal of the season. Key stat The Jets have held their opponent to under 30 shots in 36 of the past 39 games, including 17 consecutive games. That is the longest stretch in the league this season. Up next Blues visit Edmonton on Wednesday, and Jets play at Dallas on Thursday. ___ AP NHL: recommended
