Public

Judge Scraps Boeing Plea Deal Over Racial Criteria for Monitor Selection, Citing Public Interest Concerns

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FORT WORTH, Texas — In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor struck down a criminal fraud plea agreement between aerospace giant Boeing and the Justice Department. The judge cited concerns over contractual terms that he deemed inappropriate and adverse to public interest, particularly those mandating racial considerations in the appointment of a corporate monitor. The collapse of this agreement marks a substantial setback for Boeing, which sought to avoid a criminal trial over allegations that the company misled Federal Aviation Administration officials preceding the fatal crashes of two 737 Max jets, events … Read more

Jury Deliberates Fate of Veteran Accused in Subway Chokehold Death Amid Tensions Over Public Safety and Mental Health Issues

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NEW YORK — A military veteran, Daniel Penny, could face up to 15 years behind bars if convicted in a controversial case that has gripped New York City. Accused of manslaughter, Penny is charged with fatally choking Jordan Neely, a homeless street performer, on a subway train under circumstances that raised alarm among passengers. Penny has entered a plea of not guilty, insisting that his intervention was necessary under the circumstances. On May 1, 2023, witnesses observed Neely, who was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations, acting erratically and screaming about starvation and dehydration. Some … Read more

Clinton County Sheriff Alerts Public to Emerging Jury Duty Scam Threat

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Plattsburgh, NY – Authorities in Clinton County are alerting residents to a sophisticated new scam involving jury duty, where scammers posing as law enforcement officials are deceiving people into paying fines to avoid fictitious arrest warrants. Officials have observed an uptick in reports from citizens who have been contacted via phone by individuals claiming to represent the local sheriff’s department. These scammers typically tell potential victims that they have failed to appear for jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. They then instruct the person to pay a so-called “fine” … Read more

New York DEC Proposes Key Updates to Forest Tax Law, Seeks Public Input on Sustainable Forestry Initiatives

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ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has proposed updates to the state’s forestry regulations aimed at simplifying the management and sustainability of private woodlands. Sean Mahar, the interim commissioner of the DEC, announced these proposed changes on Friday that aim to update the existing Real Property Tax Law Section 480a, often referred to as the Forest Tax Law. The DEC will host two virtual public comment hearings on January 21 and has set a deadline for public input by January 27. The DEC’s revisions are designed to make it easier … Read more