By: CrossCheck Media Used cooking oil (UCO) once read as an operational nuisance for restaurants: pour it into a drum, call a collector and pay a fee. In less than a decade it morphed into a traded commodity worth real money — feedstock for biodiesel, renewable diesel and renewable natural gas — and with value came criminal opportunity. The result: a growing, sometimes violent shadow industry that steals raw material from businesses, infects legitimate biofuel value chains, and raises costs for honest operators and consumers alike. Industry groups now estimate annual UCO theft in the United States at hundreds of millions of dollars. A recent update from the North American Renderers Association (NARA) raised its conservative annual U.S. theft estimate to $300–$500 million, pending further study — a figure that underlines how widespread the problem has become. UCO is attractive to thieves because it’s relatively high-value, portable and often poorly secured. When refined, a gallon of processed UCO can be worth several dollars, and in aggregate the volumes move serious cash. Trade analysts and industry reports put the global UCO market in the multi-billion-dollar range, and U.S. processors rely on regional collectors to supply refineries and fuel producers. When raw material disappears overnight, so do restaurant revenues, company margins and — ultimately — the economics of domestic renewable fuel production. What makes the problem worse is the variety of ways stolen product re-enters the supply chain. Federal indictments and prosecutions across multiple jurisdictions have shown a recurring pattern: thieves siphon UCO from restaurant tanks or unsecured containers, haul it to warehouses, then funnel it to brokers and refineries — sometimes across state lines. In a notable Western New York case, six men were federally charged for stealing large shipments of UCO and moving them to a refinery where the oil was turned into biodiesel. Prosecutors documented night-time siphoning, storage at commercial warehouses, and interstate shipments to buyers. Law enforcement and U.S. Attorney press releases make clear this is not isolated shoplifting. Federal and state prosecutions from Raleigh to Rochester have identified organized rings and prison sentences. In North Carolina, a defendant was sentenced to more than three years for a multi-state theft and money-laundering scheme tied to UCO. In New York, federal indictments described coordinated stealing and interstate resale of tens of thousands of gallons of oil. Those legal actions prove two things: criminals will target UCO markets at scale, and — when enforcement focuses resources — authorities can break networks. Still, prosecutions are patchy and reactive rather than systematic. Industry groups and collectors complain that many jurisdictions see grease theft as a petty property crime — not the commercial-scale commodity theft it has become — hampering sustained investigations and deterrence. Trade outlets and industry analysts argue the result is a persistent, low-visibility theft economy that quietly siphons value from restaurants and legitimate processors. To companies like Buffalo Biodiesel — which changed the industry by collecting and paying for used fryer oil from thousands of restaurants across the Northeast and processes it into renewable feedstock — the theft is an operational crisis. Buffalo Biodiesel’s CEO Sumit Majumdar has publicly described “hundreds of thefts a week” that affect supplier relationships and cash flows, and the company has prioritized theft-prevention investments alongside regulatory compliance upgrades. “This is overwhelming our staff and the system,” Majumdar said in a recent company statement, emphasizing the material effect on operations. Restaurants lose both immediate revenue (they are paid for their UCO) and the time and trouble of replacing compromised containers. Collectors and small haulers face replacement costs for stolen tanks and storage equipment, higher insurance premiums and the reputational damage of missed pickups. For processors, theft creates spikes in raw-material volatility: supply gaps can push feedstock prices higher, or force firms to rely on imported oils of suspect origin. The downstream result can be higher costs for biodiesel blends — a pass-through that ultimately touches consumers. Law enforcement cases show a mix of actors. Some operations are opportunistic — local thieves siphoning bins for quick resale. Others are structured organized theft networks that use vehicles, hoses and warehouses to aggregate thousands of gallons destined for brokers. Federal complaints describe conspiracies in which stolen UCO was transported interstate and refined into biodiesel for profit; in at least one case prosecutors say stolen loads were sold to a broker and moved to a Pennsylvania refinery. That kind of organized activity looks less like petty crime and more like commodity fraud. A complicating factor is the gray market between pure theft and unscrupulous buying. Brokers and even refiners have at times purchased oil from middlemen without sufficient provenance checks. Trade watchdogs and some lawmakers worry that imported oils — labeled as “used” but actually virgin oils or palm oil linked to deforestation — have blurred the market, enabling bad actors to launder product through otherwise legitimate channels. U.S. farm-state senators raised these concerns about surging imports from China, and regulators have been urged to tighten traceability and authentication. One cause of the problem is the mismatch between the commodity’s value and the regulatory tools used to police it. Local police may view a siphoned drum as petty theft; federal law addresses interstate transport and trafficking but requires investigative bandwidth. The UCO industry has pushed for better tank monitoring, chain-of-custody documentation, and stronger criminal penalties for organized theft. Industry technology vendors say their tools — remote level monitors, GPS tracking and audited ticketing systems — detect theft early and provide the evidence prosecutors need. “Used cooking oil theft isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a serious threat to margins and operational integrity,” says Eric Wise, vice president at Otodata Industrial Solutions, a vendor of UCO tank-monitoring technology. There’s also a policy angle: agencies that oversee renewable-fuel incentives and trade have grown concerned about fraud and mislabeling. The EPA and the USDA have both been pulled into debates about feedstock authenticity and the scope of domestic incentives — meaning that the UCO theft problem can cascade into compliance and subsidy disputes. Recent proposals and hearings show regulators moving to tighten documentation and auditing for feedstocks used in government-credited biofuels. The problem sometimes spills into violence. A high-profile recent case involved former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was stabbed after an altercation with a truck driver who had been collecting used cooking oil behind a hotel. Reporting from the Associated Press and follow-ups indicate the driver was operating a grease-collection truck at the time of the confrontation; surveillance footage and police documents show a chaotic late-night encounter that left Sanchez hospitalized and charged in the episode. Whether that night’s driver was stealing oil or legitimately collecting it remains a matter for local investigators and courts; the incident highlights how friction around night-time grease pickups can escalate when parties cross paths in vulnerable settings. UCO is a critical feedstock for lower-carbon fuel blends and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) inputs. When feedstock quality and provenance are uncertain, refineries and fuel buyers face regulatory and reputational risk. Theft that reduces domestic collection capacity can increase reliance on imports — a shift that undermines local circular-economy goals and can increase lifecycle emissions if the imported feedstock is from environmentally damaging sources. In short, unchecked theft not only harms businesses but can slow the clean-fuel transition policymakers want to encourage. Some promising tactics have already emerged. Collectors and restaurant groups are deploying tamper-proof containers, GPS-enabled trucks, locked tanks and remote level monitors. Tech vendors provide near-real-time alerts and tamper logs that make it easier to prove theft and to provide prosecutable evidence to police. Industry associations urge coordinated law-enforcement task forces and stronger statutory penalties calibrated to the commodity’s value. When authorities prioritize the issue, arrests and convictions follow, and theft rings dissolve. Companies also emphasize traceability and diligence. Buffalo Biodiesel’s recent public updates on permitting, capital upgrades and investments in monitoring systems demonstrate how a legitimate operator can marry compliance and technology to limit exposure. “With the right policy framework and investment, we can expand responsibly and protect jobs,” Sumit Majumdar says, describing steps the company has taken to harden operations and deepen documentation. No single fix will end grease theft. The best path combines better physical security, digital monitoring, coordinated enforcement and supply-chain transparency. Policymakers should consider harmonized penalties and incentives for traceability; industry should standardize chain-of-custody paperwork; and buyers (refiners, brokers and end users) must refuse opaque lots that lack provenance. Private technology — from tank sensors to tamper-evident seals and digital ticketing — is effective but requires industry adoption and, in many cases, regulatory backing to scale. UCO’s rise as a feedstock illustrates a broader truth about commodity markets: convert a waste stream into a valuable product and someone will try to capture the economics — legally or not. The winners will be the companies and communities that pair robust security and compliance with proactive public-policy engagement. The losers are restaurants that find a regular revenue stream disappearing, processors that face raw-material whipsaw, and policymakers who must manage public incentives that can be gamed by bad actors. If policymakers want a resilient U.S. biofuels industry — one that supports local jobs, reduces emissions and anchors circular economies — they will need to treat UCO theft as exactly what it is: a commercial-scale theft problem requiring commercial-scale responses. Promotional Content The Hidden Crime Wave Behind a Multi-billion Dollar Used Cooking Oil Industry

If your mailbox hasn’t delivered New York’s long-awaited inflation refund yet, you’re not alone. State officials say millions of residents are still receiving their one-time payments of up to $400. According to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the state began distributing checks in October and by Friday, November 7th, more than 6.1 million payments had already been mailed out. Officials stress that more are on the way. All eligible New Yorkers should expect their check before the end of November. The timeline for when each person receives their refund depends on when their 2023 tax return was filed and processed. Those who filed early are likely to see their payment sooner while others may have to wait until later in the month. State officials said, “The inflation refund checks will continue to be sent out through the end of November,” and that mailings aren’t determined by zip code or region. They added that Contact Center representatives won’t have access to individual check status updates. To verify what your check will look like or to learn more about the refund process, the state recommends visiting ny.gov/inflationrefund . The state’s website outlines clear eligibility criteria. To receive a payment, New Yorkers must have: -Filed Form IT-201 (New York State Resident Income Tax Return) for 2023, -Reported income within the qualifying thresholds, and -Not been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return. Those who meet the qualifications don’t need to take any action as checks are being mailed automatically. The payment amount depends on income level and filing status. According to the Department of Taxation and Finance, eligible residents will receive: -$200 for individuals earning up to $75,000 per year -$150 for individuals earning between $75,000–$150,000 -$400 for married couples filing jointly earning up to $150,000 -$300 for married couples filing jointly earning $150,000–$300,000 -$200 for married couples filing separately earning up to $75,000 -$150 for married couples filing separately earning $75,000–$150,000 -$200 for heads of household earning up to $75,000 -$150 for heads of household earning between $75,000–$150,000 -$400 for qualified surviving spouses earning up to $150,000 $300 for qualified surviving spouses earning $150,000–$300,000 The majority of recipients are concentrated in New York City and surrounding areas, according to the state’s data: -New York City: 3.53 million recipients -Long Island: 1.25 million -Mid-Hudson: 924,000 -Western New York: 585,000 -Finger Lakes: 513,000 -Capital Region: 475,000 -Central New York: 321,000 -Southern Tier: 251,000 -Mohawk Valley: 198,000 -North Country: 156,000 Promotional Content Still Waiting on Your New York Inflation Refund Check? Here’s Why It Might Not Have Arrived Yet

A new analysis has delivered troubling news for New Yorkers hoping to enjoy their retirement years without financial stress. The Empire State ranks among the worst places in the nation to retire. According to a recent report by Retirement Living, New York came in 49th overall, making it the second-worst state in America for retirees. The study evaluated all 50 states using a 100-point scoring system based on three major categories: quality of life (60 points), affordability (30 points), and economic strength (10 points). New York’s scores placed it 46th in affordability, 50th in economic strength, and 24th in quality of life. The combination paints a grim picture for retirees on fixed incomes. The research concluded that a New Yorker needs roughly $1.03 million in savings to live comfortably in retirement, a figure driven up by the state’s 10.9% income tax and 1.6% property tax rate. Adding to the concern is the senior poverty rate, which stands at 14.3%, one of the highest in the country. Safety and property crime statistics also contributed to New York’s low ranking. The report noted, “For retirees with the means, New York offers rich cultural experiences and diverse living options, but for most, the financial tradeoffs are hard to ignore.” Despite its cultural and recreational opportunities, analysts argue that the state’s high costs overshadow its lifestyle perks. Those who remain in New York after retirement face mounting challenges related to housing, healthcare, and utilities—all of which are rising faster than the national average. For Governor Hochul’s administration, the findings highlight an ongoing economic issue that critics say continues to push residents out of the state entirely. Promotional Content Hochul’s New York Declared Second-worst State to Retire, Study Finds

School officials in Albany are urging parents across New York State to be vigilant about dangerous social media trends after a young student died in what appears to be an online challenge gone wrong. The tragedy happened on Saturday night and involved a student from Arbor Hill Elementary School, according to a message sent to families by Principal Rosalind Gaines-Harrell. She described the loss as “profoundly sad” and cautioned families about viral challenges that are often framed as harmless but can carry serious risks. District representatives confirmed the death appeared linked to new a TikTok trend, though they did not disclose specific details. In response, Arbor Hill has activated its Crisis Response Team, which includes social workers, counselors, and mental health professionals who will be available throughout the week. Officials also said therapy dogs and comfort services will be brought in to help grieving students, staff members, and families cope. Gaines-Harrell encouraged families to talk with children about what they see online and to set healthy limits around social media. She advised parents to be attentive, have open discussions, and remind students to reach out to trusted adults if they encounter something alarming. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our school community,” she said. Promotional Content Student Dies After TikTok Challenge Accident, District Warns Families

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 9:20am on November 10th reporting a body found with no signs of life on the 1100 block of Michigan Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that a person was found not breathing and with no other signs of life. Niagara Falls Fire and AMR responded to the scene and confirmed that the individual was not breathing. It is unknown if the individual was revived. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Body Found in Niagara Falls Apartment

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call slightly before midnight on November 10th reporting a mental health crisis and assault on 3rd Avenue in North Tonawanda. The 911 caller stated that he is "going crazy" and that he is trying to seriously hurt her. It was then reported that the mother had him restrained in the living room, but did not elaborate to how. The 911 caller also said that the male had punched both her and his mother. It is unknown the extent of injuries sustained, if any. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the male was arrested or brought to a hospital for psychiatric treatment. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: North Tonawanda Man Goes 'Crazy' and Punches Mother

A Niagara Falls resident will serve more than two decades in state prison for killing another man during a dispute in 2022. Al Villane, 32, was sentenced in Niagara County Court to 22 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The sentence was imposed by Judge John Ottaviano who had the option to go as high as 25 years to life. The case stemmed from a violent confrontation on September 19th, 2022, inside an apartment building on the 700 block of 20th Street. The victim, 47-year-old Niagara Falls resident Hollis Stewart, suffered a deep stab wound to the chest and was rushed to Erie County Medical Center. After six weeks of complications and medical treatment, he died in November 2022. Villane was arrested at the scene. Police recovered the large hunting knife used in the attack. Witnesses later said Villane brandished the blade before the stabbing occurred and some recalled hearing him threaten Stewart moments before the assault. During the trial, defense attorneys argued that Villane never intended to kill anyone and claimed he picked up the knife only to intimidate Stewart, describing his behavior as reckless rather than deliberate. Prosecutors countered by telling jurors that Villane chose not to leave the apartment when ordered to do so and instead made a conscious decision to use the weapon during a personal dispute involving a woman. After a three-day trial, jurors needed only an hour to convict Villane on all counts. Villane did not speak before the sentence was imposed on Monday, November 10th. Promotional Content Niagara Falls Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Deadly 2022 Stabbing

Consumer, environmental, and affordability advocates are pushing state regulators to reject a sweeping proposal from New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E). The plan could add as much as $800 per year to some households’ utility bills. In a filing before the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), the companies outlined rate increases that would raise monthly delivery charges between 34% and 48%, depending on service type and customer class. Opponents say the hikes would fall hardest on low-income families who are already buried under high energy bills and mounting arrears. The request arrives just two years after a 2023 case that increased residential delivery fees an average of 62%. Advocacy groups argue that families have not recovered from that spike, even as the utilities’ parent company, Avangrid, continues to grow its profit margins. According to Renewable Heat Now, Avangrid’s net earnings nearly doubled since 2015 rising from $135.7 million to $387.2 million in 2024. Jessica Azulay, Executive Director of the Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE), said the companies are making “historic profits while putting hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers into debt.” She argued that approving another round of major increases would contradict the state’s supposed affordability priorities, calling it a betrayal of any “affordability agenda” in New York. Advocates also claim the proposal encourages more natural gas consumption, expands fossil fuel infrastructure, and undermines customers who invested in heat pumps and other high-efficiency systems. Critics say the plan contradicts the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act by locking ratepayers into outdated, polluting energy systems. Data from summer 2025 shows the scale of the financial strain: -More than 183,000 households across NYSEG and RG&E territories were behind on payments -Over 13,000 service terminations were reported -Many households in Upstate New York are paying energy burdens far beyond affordability benchmarks Kristen Van Hooreweghe, Senior Director of the Climate Solutions Accelerator, pointed to a recently released audit that found gaps in climate compliance oversight, poor transparency in spending, and inadequate support for low-to-moderate-income customers. She said the companies lack credibility to request increases of this size while families are already paying extreme amounts. Advocates also highlight a long-standing pattern of billing errors, customer complaints, and regulatory investigations. Adam Flint of the Network for a Sustainable Tomorrow noted that state auditors found 128 operational issues within the companies, several serious enough to trigger violation notices. Multiple state legislators have also warned of significant financial consequences. Senator Jeremy Cooney said the increases would “hurt the pocketbooks of New Yorkers” during a statewide affordability crisis. Senator Lea Webb reported her office is still receiving calls from residents panicking about the potential hikes, urging constituents to speak up. Assemblymember Anna Kelles stressed that customers already experienced more than a 60% jump in delivery fees. She cited residents choosing between food and electricity, including one family that received a $2,600 electric bill in a single month. Kelles said NYSEG and RG&E continue to pour money into aging gas infrastructure while Avangrid’s profits soar, calling utility affordability a necessity, not a luxury. In a statement, NYSEG told CBS6 that utilities are legally required to submit rate cases in order to invest in system upgrades and maintain reliability. The companies said the filing reflects a five-year plan to modernize infrastructure and improve service. They also noted that PSC approval is required for any increase, and argued that the initial numbers reported publicly are unlikely to represent the final outcome. The utilities also pushed back on claims about profits being sent overseas, noting that from 2015–2024, NYSEG and RG&E received $1.19 billion more in capital contributions from Avangrid than they paid in dividends. Promotional Content Families Already Drowning in Utility Debt Now Face $800 a Year Increase from NYSEG as Profits Soar

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 7:50am on November 10th after reports of a robbery and assault at 7-Eleven on the 2800 block of Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that a black male stole several items before punching the employee in the face. The suspect then fled towards Hyde Park Boulevard. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the suspect was apprehended. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Black Male Punches 7-Eleven Employee After Stealing Merchandise

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 11:20am on November 10th after reports of a possible overdose where the individual was not breathing on North Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that Narcan was given twice but the woman had not started breathing. Police, fire and emergency medical responded to the scene. It is unknown if the woman survived. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Overdose Victim Fails to Breathe After Getting Narcan Twice

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 8:10am on November 10th after reports of a medical emergency at McDonald's on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that they found a person on the ground not breathing or showing any signs of life. Police and emergency medical responded to the scene. There was no confirmation on the police audio that the individual was deceased. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Body with No Signs of Life Found Near McDonald's in Niagara Falls

Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti has announced the arrest of 22-year-old Manuel Gerson Castro-Cabrera following an investigation into a domestic disturbance. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies from the Criminal Investigation Bureau responded to the incident which led to Castro-Cabrera being taken into custody. Following the investigation, he was charged with: -Assault in the Second Degree -Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree -Resisting Arrest -Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree Castro-Cabrera, identified by authorities as a native of El Salvador, is currently being held at the Niagara County Correctional Facility. Sheriff Filicetti also confirmed that a Department of Homeland Security Immigration Detainer has been placed on Castro-Cabrera by U.S. Border Patrol after officials determined he is in the country unlawfully. No additional details regarding the domestic investigation were released. Promotional Content Illegal Migrant Arrested after Assaulting Woman in Niagara County, Will be Deported

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 11pm on November 9th after reports of a medical emergency on Sunset Drive in Lockport. The 911 caller stated that a 37-year-old female fell from bed resulting in severe neck and shoulder pain. She struck her head on the floor. Police and emergency medical responded to the scene. It is unknown if she was hospitalized. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: 37-year-old Woman Falls from Bed and Sustains Severe Head and Neck Injuries

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW 911 received a call around 6pm on November 8th after reports of carbon monoxide poisoning on South Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that the level of carbon monoxide in the home was dangerously high, measuring at 75 to 79 parts per million. There were symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning from multiple individuals at the location. Police and several emergency medical units responded to the location. It is unknown how many people - if any - were hospitalized. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Multiple Individuals Show Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Niagara Falls

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 6pm on November 8th after reports of two overdoses on the 500 block of 22nd Street in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that two males had overdosed. One of the two was given Narcan. However, at the time of the call it was unknown if either was breathing. Emergency medical including Mercy was requested to respond for advanced life support. The condition of both individuals is unknown. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: 911 Caller Says He Didn't Know if Overdose Victims Were Breathing

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 7am on November 9th after reports of a male sustaining a serious bodily injury on Trent Square in Cheektowaga. The 911 caller stated that a male (name withheld) shot himself in the head. Police and emergency medical responded to the scene. It is unknown what led up to the incident. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Male Shoots Himself in the Head Inside Apartment

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 11:30am on November 8th after reports of a domestic dispute and possible assault on the 2400 block of Welch Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller said that he can hear his neighbors arguing. He heard the male tell the female that he would "kill her" if police were called. A lot of banging and yelling in the background made it sound like there was an active struggle, per the 911 call. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the male was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Police Hear a Struggle, Banging During Domestic Dispute Call

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 1pm on November 8th after reports of a medical emergency at Walmart on Niagara Falls Boulevard in North Tonawanda. The 911 caller stated that a male in his 70's was unconscious near the registers. Emergency medical responded to Walmart and there was a comment about advanced life support. The male's condition is unknown. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Male in his 70's Collapses at Walmart, Advanced Life Support Requested

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 4:30pm on November 9th after reports of a domestic incident where a woman sustained burns on Easton Avenue in Buffalo. The 911 caller stated that a female sustained burns after having oil thrown on her during a domestic violence incident. Police, fire and emergency medical responded to the scene. It is unknown if the male suspect was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Woman has Pot of Boiling Oil Thrown on Her During Domestic Dispute

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 8:15am on November 8th after reports of menacing with a weapon. The 911 caller/victim stated that Sean Green came through her window and threatened her with a machete. Of note, the same victim called 911 the prior day and reported that Green had broke into her apartment and threatened to hurt her. She told police that Green would be hiding in the downstairs apartment. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if Green was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Suspect Breaks Into Apartment and Threatens to Hack Up Woman with Machete

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 9pm on November 8th after reports of a medical emergency on 24th Street in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that a woman had just given birth to a child in the home. Niagara Falls Fire and medical responded to the home. The 911 caller further stated that the baby was breathing but required immediate medical assistance. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Emergency Medical Needed After Woman Births Child Inside Niagara Falls Home

Niagara Falls Police responded to the 2800 block of Mckoon Avenue around 1pm on November 6th after reports of an assault. Upon arrival, officers interviewed the victim who stated at approx. 1pm she was sitting inside of her vehicle outside of Righteous Auto at 1720 Pine Avenue when a female she knows as Devin Palmer approached her vehicle and engaged her in a verbal altercation. Of note, the victim told police she had no idea what the reason was for the argument. During the altercation, Palmer displayed a can of pepper spray and sprayed her in the face and inside of her vehicle. It was at this point the victim sped off to avoid further confrontation or getting assaulted further. The victim was able to drive home with only one eye due to the second being blinded by pepper spray. Officers put a description over the air of the suspect and her tan Buick vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Palmer’s vehicle was located in front of a Niagara Falls Fire Department station on 10th Street and a traffic stop was performed. Once it was determined the victim wished to press charges, Palmer was placed under arrest. She was transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. Palmer was charged with Assault in the 2nd degree, which is a felony. No further information is available at this time. Promotional Content Devin Palmer of Niagara Falls Arrested After Pepper Spraying Woman During Altercation

New York Attorney General Letitia James has formally asked a federal judge to throw out the mortgage fraud case brought against her, arguing the prosecution is rooted in political retaliation driven by President Donald Trump. In a filing submitted Friday, James’ legal team portrayed the charges as a personal vendetta. The motion recounts years of hostile public remarks made by Trump following James’ civil lawsuit against him and the Trump Organization. According to the motion, “This lawsuit, and AG James’ outspoken criticism of the President, triggered six years of targeted attacks. President Trump and his allies have used every insulting term in their vocabulary to deride AG James and call for criminal penalties in retaliation for the exercise of her rights and fulfillment of her statutory duties to fulfill her obligations as New York state’s attorney general.” The filing cites Trump describing James as “crooked,” “scum,” “a monster,” and “criminal.” James is accused of falsifying information on mortgage paperwork to secure better loan terms on a home in Norfolk, Virginia, where she has relatives. She pleaded not guilty last month and stated outside the courthouse that the Trump administration had turned the justice system into a “tool of revenge.” Her attorneys also pointed to what they say is selective prosecution. In the filing, the defense argues that federal authorities have pursued James “while ignoring apparent inconsistencies in the mortgage records of numerous other public officials.” They argue that the conduct described in the indictment mirrors the actions of several prominent political figures who were never investigated or charged. “The only meaningful difference between AG James and these individuals is that AG James is a Democratic Attorney General who spoke out against the President, while the others are his allies and cabinet members,” the motion claims. The filing draws a comparison to the prosecution of James Comey who has also pleaded not guilty and has argued the case against him was driven by retaliation. Both prosecutions were handled by U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, a relatively unknown Trump appointee with no prior prosecutorial record. Halligan was named to the role after the administration forced out the previous U.S. Attorney, Erik Siebert, who had overseen both matters but never filed charges. After Siebert’s departure, Trump posted on social media urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to move forward with cases involving his political opponents, declaring that the administration “can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility,” and “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!” James, the first woman ever elected New York Attorney General, has long been on Trump’s radar, particularly following her successful civil case accusing him of inflating property values to defraud lenders. The ruling resulted in a massive judgment against Trump and his company, but was later thrown out on appeal. Promotional Content Letitia James Tries to Toss Mortgage Fraud Case, Blames Trump

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 10pm on November 7th after reports of a group of at least 50 juveniles armed with knives fighting in Buffalo. The 911 caller stated that the 50+ juveniles were actively fighting, most armed with knives. It is unknown if there were any injuries. Police responded to the scene. There was no information on if any of the juveniles were arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: 911 Caller Reports Over 50 Juveniles Armed with Knives Fighting

Niagara Falls Police say a stolen vehicle carrying two 14-year-olds crashed Wednesday night after the driver refused to pull over, leaving a teenage passenger injured and a police vehicle damaged. Around 9pm on November 6th, officers attempted to stop a 2020 Kia Sportage after observing several vehicle and traffic violations. The driver did not comply and continued eastbound on Niagara Street. As the vehicle approached Portage Road it struck a telephone pole at Osborne Court, spun, and rolled head-on into a marked police cruiser. The impact with the pole ejected a 14-year-old female passenger from the vehicle. She was transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 14-year-old male driver was taken to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for evaluation and appeared uninjured. The officer in the patrol car reported wrist pain but did not seek immediate medical treatment. Police later confirmed the Kia had been reported stolen by its owner. The Niagara Falls Police Crash Investigation Unit processed the scene and the Juvenile Division is handling potential criminal charges as the investigation continues. Promotional Content Police Chase Ends with 14-year-old Female Passenger Ejected from Stolen Vehicle

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call in the evening hours of November 7th around 11:30pm after reports of a possible hostage situation at Wegmans on Military Road in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller - a third party at Wegmans - stated that a female was being held hostage. The male who was allegedly holding the woman hostage was driving a blue Subaru. Another call came in afterward stating that the suspect was in the area of 10th and Ferry avenue. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the vehicle was located and/or what the condition was of the woman. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: 911 Call Reported Possible Hostage Situation at Wegmans

Niagara Falls Police responded to the 400 block of 3rd Street around 4pm on November 5th after reports of indecent exposure. Upon arrival, officers observed a female pleasuring a male – later identified as Eddie Figueroa – with her hand. Officers informed both individuals to stop what they were doing. The female was visibly intoxicated, slurring her words, and unable to stand up by herself. AMR was requested for a 22.09 (emergency services for intoxicated person). Officers were attempting to assist the female stand up straight when Figueroa put his hand on an officers’ chest, preventing him from assisting her. At this time, Figueroa was placed under arrest by force. The female was transported by AMR to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and placed on 22.09 paperwork. Figueroa was placed under arrest and transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to be processed. He was released on an appearance ticket. Promotional Content Police Find Drunk Woman Giving Male Hand Job in Public

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 2:45pm on November 7th after reports of a home invasion and assault on the 1900 block of Niagara Street. The 911 caller (victim) stated that Shawn Green came in through her window and assaulted her before fleeing. Dispatch advised responding officers that Green has DV paperwork. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if Green was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Woman Assaulted During Home Invasion in Niagara Falls

Forbes March When former daytime TV actor Forbes March was arrested in Ulster County for grand larceny, headlines exploded. Police said he and another man were caught siphoning used cooking oil from a storage tank behind Michael’s Diner, located at 1071 Ulster Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. The container was owned by Buffalo Biodiesel, Inc., a Buffalo-based business servicing over 28,000 restaurants across the Northeast. March was arrested with burglary tools, accused of cutting locks and pumping oil in the dark. And then suddenly, the coverage vanished. There was no reporting on the arraignment. There was no follow-up on the charges or disposition. There was no accountability. The final word most outlets printed was not from law enforcement, but from March’s attorney, Jared K. Hart, who blamed confusion, “poor markings,” rainwater, and even Buffalo Biodiesel itself. Now, with more than two years of silence and a long trail of unanswered questions, the narrative from his attorney deserves a closer look — because the excuses don’t match the facts. Police Don’t Arrest People for Accidentally Pumping Rainwater The Ulster Police Department’s official statement, which is publicly available, was clear: Two subjects [were arrested] on March 2, 2023, at 10:12pm for Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree following a complaint from Michael's Diner for the theft of used cooking oil. Arrested were: FORBES W. MARCH, 49 yoa of Jeffersonville, NY OSCAR GUARDADO, 30 yoa of Liberty, NY. On March 2, 2023, at 9:52pm members of the Ulster Police Department responded to Michael's Diner located at 1071 Ulster Avenue in the Town of Ulster for a report two subjects siphoning used cooking oil from the storage container in the rear of Michael's Diner. The cooking oil was in a storage container owned by Buffalo Biodiesel. The value of the stolen used cooking oil was estimated to exceed $1,000. Both subjects were charged with the Felony of grand larceny in the fourth degree and were released to appear in the Town of Ulster Court at a later date to answer the charges. They didn’t say “unmarked.” They didn’t say “abandoned.” They didn’t say “civil misunderstanding.” They said siphoning. From a locked container. Worth more than $1,000. And they charged March with grand larceny in the fourth degree. To be charged with grand larceny, police need probable cause of intent to permanently deprive the owner of property. Confusion is not an arrestable offense. Cutting locks and siphoning oil with equipment is.   Buffalo Biodiesel containers (photo credit BBD website) Attorney Claims Container Was “Poorly Marked” — Evidence Says the Opposite March’s attorney Jared K. Hart said, “One of the containers… belonging to Buffalo Biodiesel . . . appeared abandoned and contained mostly dirty rainwater that would later have to be separated out." He continued, stating the container was "not readily apparent to Forbes that day due to the poor markings." That claim collapses under the simplest scrutiny: -Buffalo Biodiesel containers are marked on five surfaces -They display a printed reward notice -Containers include warnings about theft -Every container is locked with security cable that requires a bolt cutter to remove -The container was so recognizable that police immediately identified it as Buffalo Biodiesel’s If the markings were truly “unclear,” how did officers instantly know whose property it was? If it were “abandoned,” why was it locked and secured? If March truly mistook it for his own container, why did he show up at night, in pitch darkness, with burglary tools?   The Attorney Says It’s Not Criminal, But Police Say Otherwise March's attorney claimed, “There was never an intent to steal nor permanently deprive another company of their alleged cooking oil.” Yet police say: -He was pumping oil from Buffalo Biodiesel’s container -The container was locked and secured -He had burglary tools -The stolen value exceeded $1,000 -He was charged with felony grand larceny Lawyers can spin. Police incident reports and court filings cannot.   Michael’s Diner, located at 1071 Ulster Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401 The Claim: Buffalo Biodiesel Wasn’t Collecting Oil Buffalo Biodiesel services more than 28,000 commercial kitchens across the Northeast. The company does not abandon containers. Oil theft is rampant in the industry, which has been written about dozens of times over the past several years and acknowledged by local, state and federal prosecutors. Buffalo Biodiesel has reported losing $15-20+ million per year to illegal siphoning. If the container were truly abandoned, why would oil thieves be targeting it? Why would March be there after dark? Why would tools be required? You don’t cut security cables on containers you think belong to you.   The Most Telling Detail: March Offered to “Pump the Oil Back In” According to his attorney, after being caught, March: “Offered to pump the oil back into the container.” That alone destroys the “misunderstanding” claim. You don’t “give back” something you didn’t knowingly take. You don’t “offer” to reverse a theft unless you know you’ve been caught. If this were all just confusion, why not let the court process play out openly? Instead, after one news cycle of sympathy messaging, the case went silent.   Media Gave Him the Last Word and Then Dropped the Story When the arrest happened, it was everywhere: -People Magazine -Deadline -NY Post -Daily Mail -Local outlets And then, nothing. No coverage of court appearances. No reporting on restitution. No follow-up at all. The last published perspective is the defense attorney’s PR-style rebuttal that went unchallenged. An ordinary person caught pumping from a secured container in the dark with burglary tools would not get that courtesy.   Burglary Tools Aren’t Used for “Misunderstandings” According to publicly available reporting and police statements, March was not just holding a hose. He was carrying tools used to break into secured property. Confused people do not travel after dark with hoses, pumps, and containers. That is preparation, and preparation demonstrates intent. Buffalo Biodiesel Lost More Than Oil — It Lost Justice Buffalo Biodiesel is a documented victim of thousands of oil thefts each year. Their losses are not hypothetical, they are recorded in police reports and publicly reported in news articles, court records, and law enforcement bulletins. When a high-profile defendant gets arrested, makes one PR statement, and the press disappears, justice disappears with it. Buffalo Biodiesel was deprived not only of oil, but of restitution and the public accountability any normal thief would face.   What Really Happened? Based on all publicly available records: (1) A Buffalo Biodiesel container was secured and marked (2) Police caught March siphoning oil at night (3) The container was easily identified as Buffalo Biodiesel’s (4) He possessed burglary tools (5) The oil was valued over $1,000 (6) He was charged with felony grand larceny (7) Media let his lawyer’s claims end the story There is no indication the case went away because of facts, but rather because of his name. Buffalo Biodiesel didn’t get confused. Police didn’t get confused. The container wasn’t abandoned. The theft wasn’t accidental. And the silence that followed was not justice — it was privilege. ***The thumbnail photo used for this article is an AI generated dramatic reenactment*** Promotional Content The Arrest was Public. The Outcome Wasn’t Despite Evidence. What Happened to Forbes March's Oil Theft Case?

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 3pm on November 7th after reports of a male with injuries who was possibly kidnapped at 7-Eleven on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller - an employee at 7-Eleven - asked for an ambulance for a male that was complaining of knee and ankle pain. She also stated that the male told her he had just escaped after being kidnapped. Police responded to the scene. The outcome of the call is unknown. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Man with Injuries Pleads for Help at Niagara Falls 7-Eleven, Says he was Kidnapped

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 6pm on November 7th after multiple reports of 8-10 shots fired in the area of Linewood Avenue, Michigan Avenue, and Cleveland Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 callers reported hearing 8-10 shots fired in the area. Police responded to the scene. The outcome of the call is unknown, including whether there were any injuries or property damage. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Niagara Falls Police Respond to Several 911 Calls of 8 to 10 Shots Fired

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 7:45pm on November 7th after reports of an overdose on the 2200 block of South Avenue. While still on the phone with police, the 911 caller - who was at the scene with the male overdose victim - told police that he believed the male stopped breathing. Niagara Falls Fire and EMS responded to the scene. The male's status is unknown. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: 911 Caller Believed Male Who Overdosed Stopped Breathing

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call after 8pm on November 7th after reports that multiple individuals climbed the barrier and were hanging over the railing at Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park. The 911 caller - a third party in the area - stated that a group of three people had climbed over the railing and were hanging off of it. Below the railing drops off toward the base of Niagara Falls. Of note, multiple individuals have committed suicide in the same vicinity this year alone. Police responded to the scene. It is illegal for individuals to climb the railing or cross any barriers. There is no information about whether the three individuals were arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Three Individuals Climb Railing at Prospect Point, Feet Away from Niagara Falls

New York Attorney General Letitia James suffered a legal setback on October 31st when a federal judge denied her attempt to force prosecutors to keep a detailed record of their media contacts in her federal mortgage fraud prosecution. James’ legal team filed the motion last week, citing reports that U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan exchanged encrypted Signal messages with a journalist about the case. Defense attorney Abbe Lowell sought a court order requiring prosecutors to log every interaction with the press. U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker rejected that request outright, writing, “[T]he defendant does not demonstrate that it is necessary for the Court to order the government to track communications with the media in any particular form.” He continued, “The defendant’s request that the government be required to keep a communication log is DENIED.” Walker acknowledged that Halligan’s disappearing Signal messages with Lawfare senior editor Anna Bower earlier this month were “unusual,” but declined to offer an opinion “on whether they were improper in any sense, either legal or ethical.” Instead of granting James’ request, the judge ordered prosecutors to follow normal court rules and issued a litigation hold barring the deletion of evidence, including communications related to the case. Halligan’s texts, which were set to auto-delete after eight hours, now must be preserved. Walker also dismissed the idea that prosecutors should be required to maintain communications “in any particular form,” writing that James had not shown a need for a mandatory log. “The defendant does not demonstrate that a communication log is necessary, so the Court will not order the government to maintain one.” He added, “The Court trusts that counsel on both sides will comply with this Order without further handholding.” Federal prosecutors had asked Walker to impose a gag order on James herself, but the judge declined that request as well. James pleaded not guilty to a single count of bank fraud and a single count of making a false statement to a financial institution. According to the indictment, James secured a $109,600 mortgage on an August 17th, 2020, home purchase by signing a “second home rider” that designated her as the “sole borrower to occupy and use the property.” Prosecutors say that promise helped her get better mortgage terms, saving her nearly $19,000. However, prosecutors allege that James never lived there. Instead, the home was used as a rental for her grandniece, Nakia Thompson. If convicted on both counts, James faces as many as 60 years in prison and up to $2 million in fines. Promotional Content DOJ Scores First Win in Fraud Case as Judge Rejects Letitia James' Motion

Governor Kathy Hochul continues to plead financial hardship for New York even as newly released state fiscal reports show another massive surge in tax collections — nearly $3 billion above what her own budget office projected for the first half of the fiscal year. The unexpected boost pushes expected revenue to about $259 billion, which means NYS will take in $2.6 billion more than Hochul initially claimed she had to work with. Despite the influx, Hochul’s administration insisted on Thursday that budget pressures remain and argued she will not step in to backfill federal program losses triggered by the shutdown in Washington. One of the most significant impacts is the disappearance of $650 million per month in SNAP benefits previously used to support struggling New Yorkers. Rather than fully offset that loss, Hochul only announced $65 million for food pantries. Earlier this year, Hochul publicly claimed she was assembling an internal team to “manage government despite these shortfalls,” suggesting the state was facing dire fiscal constraints, including the possibility that residents could be removed from SNAP. Fiscal conservatives say the new numbers show a different reality. If Albany truly believed the state was in crisis, they argue lawmakers and the governor wouldn’t have passed one of the largest spending increases since the Great Recession. Critics warn that once the economy slows and tax receipts drop, the damage from years of overspending will fall squarely on the state. State analysts now project an additional $5 billion in tax receipts for 2026, but the long-term outlook remains grim. The budget office still predicts a $27 billion deficit between 2027 and 2029, which includes adjusting the earlier forecast that had the number at $34 billion. Budget watchdogs say lawmakers must finally confront New York’s spending problems next year or risk far worse gaps than what already exists. Yet Albany Democrats continue to push ahead with record spending despite economic uncertainty and the potential for drastic federal policy changes. Hochul herself previously described New York’s fiscal picture as bleak, but still approved draining nearly $7 billion from reserve funds to pay off unemployment insurance debt. She also refuses to walk back a widely criticized $2 billion program that mailed out $150–$400 checks to residents purely for political optics. New York is not short on revenue, but it is short on discipline. Promotional Content Hochul Saved by Surprise $3 Billion Tax Windfall, But New York Still Barreling Toward Massive Deficits

WATCH VIDEOS BELOW Niagara Action was sent the following two videos of Noah Munoz, a failed candidate for Niagara Falls City Council, and Sean Mapp, a failed candidate for Niagara County Legislature, engaging in a violent altercation. The exact time this occurred is unknown, but it is believed to have been on Tuesday, November 4th (Election Day). It is unknown if police were called or if any arrests were made. No further information is available at this time. VIDEOS: Promotional Content VIDEOS: Failed Candidates Noah Munoz and Sean Mapp Attack One Another in Violent Fight in Niagara Falls

LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call in the late hours of November 6th after reports of an ongoing physical domestic incident on Akron Road in Lockport. The victim called 911 and was able to have the dispatch on the phone while the incident was occurring. While still listening, police reported hearing the woman screaming "get off me." Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the male aggressor was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Woman Screaming 'Get off me' During Violent Domestic Altercation

A Niagara Falls resident has been indicted on manslaughter charges in the death of his father following what police say was a suspicious turn in the case. The death was initially believed to be due to natural causes. William Wilson III, 37, is accused of killing his father, William Wilson Sr., and now faces one count of 1st degree and 2nd degree manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Niagara County Court on Thursday afternoon and was ordered held without bail while the case moves forward. Wilson Sr., a retired Niagara Falls Department of Public Works employee, was widely known for his role in the early 2000s protests over discrimination and unsafe labor conditions inside DPW. Police first responded to Wilson Sr.’s home on August 17th after receiving a report of an unattended death. Officers located him inside the residence and initially reported seeing no indication of foul play. The case was handled as a natural death and the body was taken to a funeral home. Days later, Niagara Falls Police detectives received information suggesting the death may not have been natural after all. Investigators immediately recovered the body for an autopsy. The Erie County Medical Examiner later determined that Wilson Sr. had been the victim of a homicide. On August 22nd, members of the department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Crime Scene Unit returned to the residence with a search warrant removing several bags of evidence from the home. Detectives arrested Wilson III on Wednesday and took him into custody without incident. Wilson III remains in custody at the Niagara County Jail. Promotional Content William Wilson III Nearly Walked Free, Autopsy Exposes Father’s Homicide in Niagara Falls

A subway confrontation in New York City went viral after a woman launched into an Islamophobic tirade against an Iranian-Palestinian couple riding the train, repeatedly calling them terrorists and mocking traditional clothing. The incident was recorded by Iranian content creator Ariana Jasmine, who said she and her companion Youssef, who is Palestinian, were simply sitting together in mid-October when a stranger approached them and began shouting. According to Jasmine, the woman immediately labeled both of them terrorists and mocked the keffiyeh Youssef was wearing, referring to it as a “terrorist towel,” before walking away but continuing to yell from a distance. In the video, the woman also denied the existence of Palestine and proclaimed that she was “a Jew” who supported former President Donald Trump. Youssef responded calmly, telling her they personally knew many Jewish people and none behaved that way toward them. The exchange intensified as the woman shouted across the subway car. Jasmine says they did nothing to provoke the confrontation and that the woman initiated the harassment without any interaction beforehand. Commenters online later claimed they recognized the same woman from other incidents, alleging that she had targeted people wearing keffiyehs previously. Jasmine’s video has since gained more than 2 million views. Many viewers referred to the unidentified rider as a classic “Karen.” Jasmine stated the pair later attended a rally for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani the same day without any further problems. WATCH VIDEO BELOW VIDEO Promotional Content Viral Video Shows NYC Subway Rider Calling Muslim Couple Terrorists

Public filings reveal that one of the largest financial boosters to Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign comes from a political action committee tied to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which is a group that some federal lawmakers have publicly accused of having significant connections to terrorist organizations. Campaign finance reports show that the Unity and Justice Fund PAC contributed $120,000 to Mamdani. The PAC shares addresses, staff, and infrastructure with CAIR, according to data from the Federal Election Commission and watchdog organization OpenSecrets. CAIR officials insist there is no formal relationship between the nonprofit and the PACs involved, though they declined to elaborate. The Unity and Justice Fund is led by Basim Elkarra, a former executive director of CAIR’s California chapter and treasurer of CAIR Action, a political arm focused on mobilizing Islamic voters. Unity Lab PAC, another group tied to CAIR’s California network, also donated over $23,000 this fall. Its president, Tasneem Manjra, also acts as a communications representative for CAIR Sacramento. Activist Linda Sarsour, who has been described as an influential supporter of Mamdani, publicly stated that CAIR-backed PACs were essential in elevating him to the front of the mayoral race and suggested that most Muslim-American donor money had been routed through those groups. Following her remarks, CAIR later issued clarification, stressing that the PAC in question was only “endorsed” by CAIR, not controlled by it. Elkarra has been criticized by pro-Israel groups for promoting the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and equating Israel with apartheid-era South Africa. CAIR California, where he led for years, reported more than $17 million in donations in 2023, the largest of any CAIR chapter. Manjra, who sits on the board of UNRWA USA, previously made headlines for threatening to pull her Girl Scout troop out of cookie sales unless the national organization walked back criticism of a Missouri troop that raised money for Gaza. Members of Congress have urged the federal government to investigate CAIR’s nonprofit status and potential funding ties overseas. In a letter to the Treasury Department, Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Tom Cotton pointed to a 2008 terrorism-financing prosecution in which the Holy Land Foundation and several leaders were convicted of supporting Hamas. During that trial, CAIR was named as an unindicted co-conspirator, and prosecutors alleged there were financial links between the groups. Cotton has also asked the IRS to revoke CAIR’s tax exemption, arguing their alleged connections should disqualify them. Mamdani, who is a self-described democratic socialist, has faced renewed scrutiny over past public statements. In a rap song released in 2017 under his stage name "Mr. Cardamon," he expressed admiration for the “Holy Land Five,” the former foundation leaders convicted in the 2008 terrorism case, encouraging listeners to “look them up.” Mamdani has described the song as an expression of his Muslim upbringing in New York. Promotional Content Muslim Group With Controversial Terrorism Accusations Becomes Major Mamdani Donor

Just days into November, New York is facing what public health experts had been warning about for months, a surge of the so-called “tripledemic.” State data shows that cases of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV are rapidly climbing across New York. The New York State Department of Health reports that flu infections spiked 30 percent in just one week while RSV rose 24 percent during the same period. Emergency departments are already feeling the pressure. The New York City Department of Health says visits for flu-like respiratory symptoms increased 20 percent over the past week, a sign that hospitals could soon be overwhelmed if the trend continues. Long-term care facilities are also bracing for impact. According to the state’s report, 62 COVID-19 outbreaks were confirmed in nursing homes last month, along with 26 outbreaks in hospitals. New York health officials say the triple threat is why they urged residents ahead of time to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, and avoid exposing vulnerable individuals to infection. With winter still ahead, health departments statewide are keeping a close watch on what could become an even more serious seasonal surge. Promotional Content Health Officials on Edge as Tripledemic Cases Climb Alarmingly Across New York

Niagara Falls Police responded to the 1000 block of Cleveland Avenue around 6:30pm on October 31st after reports of an assault with a weapon. Upon arrival, officers observed what appeared to be two black males actively fighting with multiple bystanders watching. Both individuals were detained. Officers spoke with Mark Cunningham, one of the two men involved, who stated that he had a firearm in a small black backpack and handed it over to them. Officers checked the bag and confirmed that there was a firearm in addition to a pistol permit. Cunningham then stated he had another firearm on his person. Officers unloaded both of the firearms, both of which contained bullet(s). Both males were transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. A pro crimson carry II .45 had a loaded mag with seven bullets. A S&W .38 spl/357 revolver was loaded with 1 spent casing and five .38 spl bullets. No further information is available at this time. Promotional Content Niagara Falls Fight Leads to Two Arrests, Confiscation of Firearms

Niagara Falls Police responded to Dollar Tree on Portage Road around 10am on October 31st after reports of shoplifting. Upon arrival, store employees stated than an unknown female, later identified as Bianca Guerra, had taken merchandise and fled the store without paying. Officers confirmed with the store manager that the female was currently detained in the rear of their patrol vehicle and he positively identified her. The store manager provided a receipt for $3.90 worth of stolen merchandise, which included a Coconut water for $1.25, chips for $1.25 and an Orange Fanta for $1.25. Guerra was transported to 1925 Main Street for booking and processing. Up to that time, she had refused to give her real name to police. Once in the booking area. Officers advised her that if she lied about her name she would be charged with an additional crime. Once she divulged her name, an Ejustice inquiry confirmed that she had an active warrant out of the City of Tonawanda. Further, the impact system showed her place of birth was Belize, prompting NFPD to notify border patrol who responded to police headquarters. She was confirmed as a legal U.S. citizen and held till arraignment due to a retainer out of Tonawanda. No further information is available at this time. Promotional Content Niagara Falls Police Arrest Woman for Stealing Under $4 in Food from Dollar Tree

Niagara Falls Police responded to 810 Portage Road – Dollar Tree – around 10:40am on October 31st after reports of a shoplifter. Dispatch advised officers that the suspect was a white male wearing all black and last seen walking Eastbound on Elmwood Avenue. Officers located the male on the 1300 block of Elmwood Avenue when he took off running Northbound into a yard towards Ashland Avenue. Officers searched the area for the male and located him in an alleyway between Ashland and LaSalle Avenue. The male looked at officers at which time they were able to identify him as William Huffman-Lewis from previous police interactions. Huffman-Lewis began running Southbound towards Ashland Avenue crossing over into a backyard and into the side yard of a residence. Officers ordered Huffman-Lewis to stop and advised him he was under arrest. Officers did run after Huffman-Lewis and began to search the yards with their firearms drawn and ready to target Huffman-Lewis. Officers located Huffman-Lewis hiding in a bush at a nearby residence at which time he was ordered to come out and get on the ground. Huffman-Lewis was laying on his left arm while officers gained control of his right arm. At that time, another officer arrived and assisting placing Huffman-Lewis into custody. It is not mentioned why, but use of force was purportedly necessary to place him under arrest. As a result of the force used, Huffman-Lewis reported rib pain. He was found to have stolen merchandise on his person that totaled $3.75. Huffman-Lewis told officers that he ran due to outstanding warrants, which was unknown to officers until dispatch confirming them. AMR was requested to evaluate Huffman-Lewis’ injuries and he was transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for further treatment. Huffman-Lewis was ultimately booked, processed, and held for arraignment once his injuries were tended to. Promotional Content Niagara Falls Police Pull Gun on Shoplifting Suspect Who Stole $3.75, Arrest Sends Him to Hospital

Erie County deputies made a startling discovery this week after finding an alligator tucked away in a backyard shed at a residence on Montclair Avenue, just steps from Erie County Medical Center. According to Erie County Sheriff John Garcia, officers were carrying out a search warrant Tuesday at the Buffalo home when they found the reptile. The alligator was located inside a small pool surrounded by artificial lighting, heating devices, and dead rodents. State Department of Environmental Conservation officers were called in to remove the animal from the property. Garcia said the raid was linked to a broader narcotics investigation connected to drug trafficking in the Southtowns. The search warrant was executed shortly after deputies arrested 38-year-old Jerry Green of Depew. Green was taken into custody in Concord after being stopped in a vehicle where more than two ounces of suspected methamphetamine were discovered. Inside the Montclair Avenue residence, deputies uncovered additional quantities of suspected amphetamine, fentanyl, and various drug paraphernalia. Green is facing a long list of drug-related charges including two counts each of second-degree and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, one count of fourth-degree possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held at the Erie County Holding Center. Promotional Content Police Discover Alligator While Executing Search Warrant

Law enforcement received a call in the afternoon hours of November 5th after reports of a medical emergency at Aldi on Porter Road in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that there was an elderly woman inside of her vehicle who was unresponsive and not breathing. It was also noted by the caller that her eyes were open, fixed and unmoving (i.e.: a "death stare"). The caller indicated that they had attempted to shake the woman but she remained unresponsive. Although there was an effort to remove the woman from her vehicle to perform CPR, they were unable to do so. EMS was requested. Police, medical and fire responded to the scene. It was not confirmed on the call whether the female was pronounced deceased at the scene. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Elderly Woman Discovered in Vehicle with No Signs of Life at Niagara Falls Aldi

Law enforcement received a call in the evening hours of November 4th after reports of a domestic incident with a possible attempted child abduction on Washburn Street in Lockport. The 911 caller - a neighbor - stated that she heard arguing in the upstairs apartment. Dispatch then received additional information from the caller that she heard a male attempting to kick the door in. She also believes she heard a gun cocked. There was then another call stating that the female in the upper apartment was screaming for the male to "put [the child] down," which sounded like the male was attempting to remove the child from the apartment. Police responded to the scene. The male was placed under arrest. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Male Attempts to Take Child from Mother by Force, 911 Caller Heard Gun Cocked

Law enforcement received a call around 4:50am on November 5th after reports of menacing with a weapon in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller - the girl's father - stated that his daughter was being sent pictures of guns by her ex-boyfriend. He further stated that the ex-boyfriend said that he was "on his way to her house to shoot her." Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the ex-boyfriend was arrested due to the threats of bodily injury. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Ex-boyfriend Sends Pictures of Guns to Girl, Threatens to Shoot her in Niagara Falls

Law enforcement received a call between 5am and 8am on November 3rd after reports of menacing with a weapon on Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that a male with the first name "Dwayne" - a white male wearing a denim jacket - was standing outside across the street staring into his window while sharpening a knife. The caller further stated, which was confirmed by police, that Dwayne was arrested over the weekend for trying to attack him with a sword. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the suspect was arrested (again). At a minimum, it would be a violation of an order of protection if one was issued after the weekend sword incident. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Days After Arrest for Attacking Victim with Sword, Suspect Returns with Knife

Law enforcement received a call on November 3rd after reports of a dead body. The 911 caller stated that there was a male on a scooter in front of Tops was unresponsive. The responder requested the coroner respond to the scene. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations based on police audio and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Deceased Male Found on Scooter in Front of Tops in Niagara County