News Briefs

Seven killed in Kenya soccer stampede

A stampede at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya resulted in the death of seven soccer fans. The incident started when a group of people without tickets attempted to charge through the stadiums' entrance gate.

During the first half of a match between the AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia of the Kenyan Premier League, a spectator ran on the field to alert officials of the stampede occurring at the entrance. The match was temporarily stalled as those injured were treated and the crowd dispersed.

League officials are waiting for medical services to tally all those injured before an official report of the incident is released.

Georgetown dorm also serves as drug lab

The college students were arrested at Georgetown University in connection with a suspected drug lab. All three face charges of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police were initially notified about a foul odor coming from a room in Georgetown's Harbin Hall. The scene was first thought to be a methamphetamine lab, but police later found signs that the students were producing Dimethyltryptamine, or DMT.

DMT is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States. It occurs naturally in several South American species of plants and can also be chemically synthesized.

Depending on what the DEA investigation finds, the students could also face federal drug trafficking charges that carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

Cuomo outspending Paladino three to one

Since January, Democrat Andrew Cuomo has spent $17.4 million on his campaign to become governor, compared to $5.6 million by his Republican opponent Carl Paladino.

The latest campaign disclosure reports show that Cuomo has raised more and spent more on his campaign. And with Election Day approaching, Cuomo still has $12 million available for the last campaign push. Paladino's remaining funding is at $131,000.

Paladino is putting more of his own money into his campaign. At this point he has given $5.2 million through out-of-pocket contributions to his campaign. Earlier this year Paladino said he would be putting $10 million of his own money into his campaign.

Previous races for New York State governor have seen much higher spending. In 2002, Republican George Pataki spent $38 million at this point in the campaign. Democrat Eliot Spitzer had spent $32 million in 2006.

Shibley appointed dean of School of Architecture and Planning

Robert G. Shibley has been named dean of UB's School of Architecture and Planning after a long and extensive search. The previous dean of the school, Brian Carter, stepped down from the position last July.

Shibley came to UB in1982 to chair the Department of Architecture. He served as chair until 1990 when he founded the Urban Design Project. He has authored and co-authored of over twenty book chapters, over a hundred professional and scholarly articles and 68 book-length reports, planning studies and government publications.

Shibley co-authored Buffalo's first comprehensive plan in over 30 years and led in the development of the Buffalo Waterfront Corridor Initiative. He was appointed Special Assistant to Mayor Anthony Masiello from 1995 to 1997.

Shibley's appointment as dean is effective as of Jan 1. In the near future, UB is planning major restoration and renewal projects for Hayes and Crosby Halls on South Campus.

Several teens charged in University Heights on Friday

Five local teenagers were arrested and charged with beating up and robbing several UB students in University Heights on Friday. DeAndre Smith, 18, of East Amherst St.; Brennen L. Bryant, 18, of LaSalle Ave.; and Edmund L. Allen, 16, of Germaine St. were charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree gang assault, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Two juveniles were also charged.

According to police and UB officials, details are unclear about what happened late Friday night, but the five allegedly tried to crash a party at a home on the 200 block of Lisbon Avenue rented by several UB students.

The five teens allegedly were told to leave the party, but upon denial of their entrance, they damaged vehicles parked outside the home and attacked with brass knuckles other guests who left. The five teens are also accused of stealing two wallets from the party.

One of the victims suffered a fractured jaw and hand, while another suffered a fractured eye.

According to UB spokesman John DellaContrada, university and local police have launched a variety of crime prevention efforts in University Heights. DellaContrada made the following statement on Sunday regarding Friday night's incident.

"The university is in contact with the students and their families and is helping them in any way possible," DellaContrada said. "The safety and well being of our students is a priority for the university, and we are assisting Buffalo Police in its investigation of these crimes. We will continue to work with the City of Buffalo, community members, and our students to improve safety, reduce crime, and improve quality of life in University Heights."