Locally:
UB struggles to boost its research and fundraising assets
UB is currently behind most of its peer universities in the fields of research, scholarships and fundraising.
An analyst at The Buffalo News found that Rutgers University dished out $86 million more in federal research in 2012 compared to UB. The analyst also found that the University of Pittsburgh has twice as many faculty members that have been recognized for awards. The University of Iowa has four times the donations UB received from alumni and patrons. The university is, however, more comparable in these fields with colleges such as Stony Brook University and the University of California, Irvine.
Niagara County DA resigns amid sexual harassment complaints
Michael J. Violante, who has served as the Niagara County district attorney since 2008, has resigned.
Violante, 70, announced his resignation on Monday, after a recent sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth R. Donatello last year.
The Buffalo News reported that it discovered at least two other female employees in his office had filed sexual harassment complaints against him.
Nationally:
FBI may be able to gain access terrorist’s iPhone without Apple
The FBI is claiming to have discovered a means to unlocking the iPhone of one of the perpetrators of the San Bernardino attacks without the help of Apple.
The FBI said on Sunday that an “outside party” showed the FBI a “possible method for unlocking” terrorist Syed Rizwan Farook’s iPhone.
The FBI is not asking to dismiss its pending case with Apple. They have instead requested an extension of time to explore this alternative, according to NPR News. The U.S. government is required to file a report on the discoveries of the tests by April 5.
Hulk Hogan wins $115 million in Gawker lawsuit
Former professional wrestler and television personality Hulk Hogan has been awarded $115 million in his case against the gossip website Gawker.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, sued the website for $100 million after it published a portion of a sex tape with his friend’s wife in 2012, according to ABC News.
He was awarded $55 million in economic damages and $60 million for emotional distress.
Globally:
ISIS claims responsibility for Belgium attacks that left 30 dead, over 200 injured
CNN reports that 20 people were killed and 130 injured from a terrorist attack at Maelbeek metro station and 10 more were killed and 100 wounded at Brussels International Airport in Belgium.
“We were fearing terrorist attacks,” Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said early Tuesday. “And now that has happened.”
Belgium had been participating in ongoing terrorist raids, including last week’s capture of Salah Abdeslam for his involvement in November’s Paris attacks. Abdeslam has been charged with participation in a terrorist murder and participation in activities within a terrorist organization.
ISIS claimed that one of their “fighters” carried out the attacks Tuesday.
President Obama embarks on three-day trip to Cuba
President Barack Obama began a historic three-day trip to Cuba on Sunday.
He is the first U.S. president to travel to Cuba since the Calvin Coolidge in 1928. The Cuban Revolution was the impetus for the hostile relationship between the United States and Cuba, according to BBC News.
Obama held talks with Cuban President Raul Castro Cuba on Monday. The two presidents discussed a wide array of topics including trade and human rights in the joint news conference held that afternoon.
The news desk can be reached at news@ubspectrum.com.
