Analysis: Why meetings between Kushner, Russians matter more than ever
Investigators are scrutinizing a series of meetings held by Jared Kushner — President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and White House adviser — as part of their investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to people familiar with the investigation. Kushner joined the administration in early January to focus on Middle East policy and […]
Analysis: Russia probe gains credibility
With one bold move, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein managed to restore the credibility of a federal probe into Russia’s role in the 2016 election, calm political furor over the firing of the FBI director and salvage his own increasingly bruised reputation. The move to make former FBI director Robert Mueller special counsel overseeing the […]
Analysis: Firing Comey could backfire on Trump
It’s a president’s right to fire his FBI director. But getting rid of James Comey — especially at this moment — could backfire on President Donald Trump by making it more likely that an independent special prosecutor (not Trump’s new FBI director) takes over the investigation into whether members of Trump’s campaign worked with Russia […]
Commentary: The value of an effective investigation
We have all heard the phrase “the best defense is a good offense.” Military theorist Carl von Clausewitz is often credited with coining this expression, but today we most often hear it used in the context of sports. This phrase also serves as great advice for employers facing employee complaints. The best defense against employee […]
State: Bank didn’t lend to blacks in Buffalo
BUFFALO — A bank purposely avoided giving mortgages to African-Americans by locating all of its branches outside black neighborhoods and directing advertising and loan products toward largely white communities, New York’s attorney general said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday as part of a wider investigation into an illegal practice known as redlining. Evans Bank is […]
Schumer seeks review of electric bill increases
ALBANY (AP) — Sen. Charles Schumer is calling for an investigation into soaring electricity prices. The Democrat said Wednesday that he’s urging the Federal Trade Commission to look at whether utility prices have been artificially inflated. Schumer said consumers have complained to his office about monthly bill increases of as much as 100 percent. Schumer […]
Arkansas judge’s online comments investigated
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An Arkansas judge has admitted that he posted a series of anonymous online comments that critics say are racist, sexist and otherwise inappropriate, including one in which he revealed alleged details of confidential proceedings involving actress Charlize Theron’s adoption of her son. Circuit Judge Mike Maggio acknowledged Wednesday that he posted […]
Common Cause urges ethics probe of Grimm
A citizen’s lobby group is calling for an investigation into the conduct of Rep. Michael Grimm, R-NY, who was caught on camera threatening a reporter on Tuesday night. According to a release from Common Cause, which is urging the probe, Grimm is already the subject of a federal investigation for possible campaign finance law violations. […]
Riga Dems want GOP fundraiser investigated
Town of Riga Democrats have called for an investigation into fundraising at a dinner in September hosted by the Riga Republican Committee. A raffle was held that Democrats allege violates New York General Municipal Law. Tickets sold for $20, with participants each competing for one of six prizes. According to records provided by the state […]
JPMorgan faces probe over mortgage bonds
NEW YORK — The U.S. Justice Department is investigating JPMorgan Chase over mortgage-backed investments the bank sold in the run-up to the financial crisis. The New York-based bank said in a regulatory filing that it is responding to investigations by the civil and criminal divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of […]
FAA investigating report of drone spotted near JFK
NEW YORK — The FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating a pilot’s report that he spotted a small unmanned aircraft at New York’s Kennedy Airport. The Alitalia pilot told air traffic controllers that he saw the aircraft as he approached the runway at Kennedy at 1:15 p.m. Monday. The pilot said the aircraft […]
Justice seeks review from COA to stop investigation
Disappointed with an Appellate Division decision dismissing his petition to stop an investigation by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct, a town justice in Onondaga County plans to seek a review by the Court of Appeals. Salina Town Justice Andrew N. Piraino claims the commission exceeded its authority in investigating him for imposing the wrong […]
Case Digests
- Fourth Department – Breach of contract: Hausrath Landscape Maintenance Inc. v. Caravan Facilities Management LLC
- Second Circuit – New York Child Victim’s Act: Kane v. Mount Pleasant CSD; Coe v. Eastport Union Free School
- NYS Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics – Appointing law clerk: Opinion 22-149
- Fourth Department – Bill of particulars: Harris v. Rome Memorial Hospital, et al.
- NYS Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics – Accusations against co-judge: Opinion 22-148
- Fourth Department – Medicaid: Washington Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Home v. NYS Dept. of Health
- Fourth Department – Criminal possession of a firearm: People v. Wilson
- Fourth Department – Promoting prostitution: People v. Watts
- Second Circuit – Class certification: Arkansas Teachers Retirement System V. Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
- Fourth Department – Show-up identification: People v. Waggoner
- Fourth Department – Association: Victory Village Tenants Assoc. v. Evergreen Communities, et al.
- Second Circuit – In personam jurisdiction: Kaplan v. Bank Saderat PLC
Law News
- Greenlight Networks selects Buffalo-based attorney as general counsel
- Barclay Damon hires attorney Matt Smith
- Rochester man sues Geneseo police, alleging false arrest, assault
- The Daily Record’s Power List for Intellectual Property 2023
- NY ethics panel says judges can join NRA
- Harter Secrest & Emery LLP names partner-in-charge of Buffalo office
- Banned professor sues SUNY Fredonia leaders
- Hochul signs law requiring unemployment insurance information from employers