Tuesday, March 11
Top federal prosecutor in New York announces resignation
News

Top federal prosecutor in New York announces resignation

On Monday, the federal prosecutor who oversaw the convictions of disgraced cryptocurrency tycoon Sam Bankman-Fried, Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and Senator Robert Menendez announced that he will resign as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York next month. In a statement announcing his plan to step down effective at 11:59 p.m. on December 13, Damian Williams, who has also been in charge of the prosecutions of rap musician Sean Diddy Combs and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, said, "Serving the American people has been an honor." In 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Williams, a veteran of the office and the first Black man to occupy the esteemed and influential position. Donald Trump, the incoming president, had previously declared his intention to succeed h...
Menendez brothers’ bid to be freed: Where does their resentencing effort stand?
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Menendez brothers’ bid to be freed: Where does their resentencing effort stand?

After Los Angeles County's top prosecutor was fired earlier this month and suggested a fresh sentencing that would allow the brothers' release, Erik and Lyle Menendez's attempts to shorten their life sentences without the possibility of parole have been put on hold. After a court decided on Monday that a resentencing hearing scheduled for December 11 should be postponed in part to allow the county's new district attorney to review the case, that uncertainty will persist for the time being. The hearing was delayed for January 30 and January 31 by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic, who also stated that he needed additional time to consider the recommendation. Despite technical difficulties with the feed from the San Diego prison where they are detained, the brothers were ...
H-1B hopefuls say they’re bracing for the impact of a second Trump term
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H-1B hopefuls say they’re bracing for the impact of a second Trump term

A 24-year-old Ph.D. student in upstate New York claimed she is constantly anxious, like many immigrants with visas. The student, who requested anonymity to avoid reprisals, is presently on an F-1 student visa and fears that her status could be abruptly changed if she leaves the country, even for a short trip. She now worries that she may not be able to obtain a more permanent H-1B visa, which is for specialized vocations, after she graduates, since President-elect Donald Trump is getting ready to retake office with a Cabinet full of people who have anti-legal immigration platforms. The student stated, "I am curious to see what changes he ultimately makes and how." The planet might literally change drastically in four years. Many immigrants are concerned that, as he tried to do during his ...
Menendez brothers’ bid to be freed: Where does their resentencing effort stand?
News

Menendez brothers’ bid to be freed: Where does their resentencing effort stand?

After Los Angeles County's top prosecutor was fired earlier this month and suggested a fresh sentencing that would allow the brothers' release, Erik and Lyle Menendez's attempts to shorten their life sentences without the possibility of parole have been put on hold. After a court decided on Monday that a resentencing hearing scheduled for December 11 should be postponed in part to allow the county's new district attorney to review the case, that uncertainty will persist for the time being. The hearing was delayed for January 30 and January 31 by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic, who also stated that he needed additional time to consider the recommendation. Despite technical difficulties with the feed from the San Diego prison where they are detained, the brothers were ...
Americans with family in Cuba and tourists monitor blackouts, shortages and mobilize to help
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Americans with family in Cuba and tourists monitor blackouts, shortages and mobilize to help

Americans with family on the island and travelers thinking about going have been organizing to send much-needed help to Cuba as the country has struggled with natural catastrophes and power outages. The scenario has prompted concern, further planning, and measures for both groups. A 6.8 magnitude earthquake, two powerful hurricanes, and national blackouts have all hit Cuba in recent weeks, further weakening the country's already fragile infrastructure. Access to food, medicine, water, and fuel—all of which are already in short supply—has become considerably more difficult for residents, who have been without electricity for hours on end. About a month after the initial grid collapse, visitors and family members are taking action to express their annoyance and worry by sending supplies in p...
Microsoft 365 working to address potential Outlook and Teams outage
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Microsoft 365 working to address potential Outlook and Teams outage

This Monday might have been a bit more annoying than normal for you if you use Microsoft 365. Early on Monday morning, the software company said it was looking into a problem that was affecting users of Microsoft Teams and Exchange Online. Numerous workplaces worldwide rely significantly on Microsoft 365 apps, such as Teams and Outlook. Microsoft 365 stated in an afternoon update that it is experiencing difficulties in its attempts to resolve the problems. "We understand the significant impact of this event to your businesses and are working to provide relief as soon as possible," Microsoft stated on X. According to user reports, there are problems with Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Teams, according to Downdetector, an internet platform that tracks website and service outages. Just before 1 ...
Georgia Man Admits Role in Fraud Conspiracy Targeting NY Banks
Courts

Georgia Man Admits Role in Fraud Conspiracy Targeting NY Banks

(WNY News Now) A Georgia man has entered a guilty plea to masterminding a multi-state bank fraud scheme that cost companies tens of thousands of dollars through false transactions and stolen checks.BUFFALO, N.Y. — Quentavious Price, 38, of Hampton, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to conduct bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. In addition to a fine of up to $1,000,000, the charges entail a required minimum sentence of two years in jail and a maximum sentence of thirty years.Price and his accomplices, Lorenzo Jones, Ameer Clark, and Montez White, flew from Atlanta to western New York between January and September 2022 in order to commit financial institution fraud. The gang made fake copies of checks written on the victims' account...
Ex-Co-Op President Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $26,700 in Building Funds
Courts

Ex-Co-Op President Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $26,700 in Building Funds

Hempstead, New York (WNY News Now)Former Hempstead, New York, Marlboro Owners Corporation cooperative president Juan Alayo entered a guilty plea to embezzling $26,738 in building funds. The plea deal, which holds the 72-year-old East Meadow man liable for Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Petit Larceny, was revealed by New York Attorney General Letitia James.Alayo will pay back the money that was taken and perform 210 hours of community service as part of the deal. If these requirements are not met, a year in jail will be imposed.A Betrayal of ConfidenceFrom 2016 to 2023, Alayo presided over the 16-unit co-op, which was primarily populated by Spanish-speaking immigrant residents. Under the pretense of valid costs, he fraudulently issued checks to himself and his business, A&J Clea...
Rochester Man Faces 15 Years to Life for Gun and Drug Trafficking Crimes
Courts

Rochester Man Faces 15 Years to Life for Gun and Drug Trafficking Crimes

Rochester, New York (WNY News Now).A Rochester man faces a hefty jail sentence after confessing to being a key player in a significant drug trafficking operation.In federal court, 48-year-old Shawnle McClary entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl, as well as to possess weapons in connection with drug trafficking. The plea, which carries a required minimum term of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, was accepted by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola claims that McClary played a significant role in a drug distribution network that spanned from 2021 until January 2024. Timothy Jackson, Jr., Gary Fuller, and Felicia Collins were among the several people who worked ...
Governor Hochul Launches Statewide Crackdown on Impaired Driving for Thanksgiving Weekend
DWI

Governor Hochul Launches Statewide Crackdown on Impaired Driving for Thanksgiving Weekend

(WNY News Now) Governor Kathy Hochul launched a statewide crackdown on reckless and intoxicated driving through the Thanksgiving weekend, and state officials are acting swiftly to ensure safe holiday travel.State Police and other law enforcement agencies around the state will step up patrols during Thanksgiving weekend to combat irresponsible and intoxicated driving, Governor Kathy Hochul announced today. The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee-funded special enforcement period, which runs from Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, December 1, will also focus on other risky driving practices, such as breaking the Move Over Law.Governor Hochul stated, "We want everyone to safely reach their friends and loved ones as Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the busiest travel season of the year." I w...