Latest news with #UB
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kennedy: Halt on student visas would be ‘catastrophic' for UB
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) said a halt on student visas would be 'catastrophic' for University at Buffalo on Wednesday. It comes after the Trump administration ordered U.S. Embassies to stop scheduling student visa appointments as the administration attempts to expand social media screening for applicants, the latest in a series of restrictions placed on prospective international students. The administration has said that the pause will only last a few days until 'further guidance is issued.' According to a November 2024 report from UB, the university enrolled 8,380 international students from more than 100 countries during the fall 2023 semester, putting the school within the top 25 in the country when it comes to international students. The majority of international UB students are from India and China. UB enrolled 30,558 total students during the fall 2024 semester. 'To see the next generation being told no, you're not going to get your student visa, just because the Trump white house has something against, now, immigrants?' Kennedy said Wednesday. 'That want to come here? To get their education? Live a better life? It's absolutely catastrophic for the University at Buffalo, the entire SUNY system and quite frankly, the American higher education system.' Other Western New York institutions see international students, but none to the degree of UB. Right behind UB, Niagara University reports around 23% of its student population is international. Buffalo State has approximately 125 international students, Daemen reported 33 during fall 2024 and St. Bonaventure reported 105 undergrad international students in 2024. Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Mr Big behind Scotland's new gang war revealed to be ex-Union Bears chief
A source said: 'McGill is Scotland's most wanted gangster.' 'MIAMI' UNMASKED Mr Big behind Scotland's new gang war revealed to be ex-Union Bears chief Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE ex-Rangers ultra waging a terrifying gangland war on Scotland's streets can be unmasked for the first time. Former Union Bears chief Ross McGill, 31 is the Dubai-based hood known as 'Miami'. 3 McGill pictured next to Gers captain James Tavernier 3 He was recently snapped in a white Rolls Royce in Dubai 3 The ex-UB chief announced in September he was leaving his role as so-called UB 'lead capo' He is behind a wave of firebombings across the central belt. McGill has been hunted by cops for three years over claims he was involved in drug dealing and serious crime. But he fled the UK in 2022 — months after he announced he was stepping down as Rangers ultras' leader — amid fears he would be arrested after cops cracked encrypted phone network EncroChat. Sources say McGill, who uses the nickname Miami, initially fled to Spain before moving to Dubai. He has resurfaced as an aspiring crimelord, calling the shots on an ongoing underworld turf feud that has seen a wave of attacks in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Scot was recently snapped in a white Rolls-Royce in the desert haven favoured by criminals eager to evade the law. Previously he was a top figure in the fanatical Gers supporters group — even posing for photos next to captain James Tavernier, 33, and ex-manager Steven Gerrard, 44. Last night a source said: 'Ross McGill is a well-known figure in football circles due to the role he had with the Union Bears. 'He was seen as a very effective leader and built up connections with the club as a representative of the ultras group. 'When he left his role he was given a handshake from Gerrard, who was happy to pose for a photo widely shared on social media. The DOWNFALL of Scotland's biggest gangster - Jamie 'The Iceman' Stevenson Part Two 'But no one at the Ibrox club, including Gerrard, would have had any clue that McGill was part of a police investigation into serious organised crime. 'It will come as a total shock for them to learn what he's accused of.' Light Blues skipper Tavernier shared a picture on Twitter in July 2019 when McGill presented him with a trophy from the ultras. The ace wrote: 'Honoured to have received last year's player of the year award from Ross and the Union Bears last night.' In September 2021, McGill announced he was leaving his role as so-called UB 'lead capo' — sparking a wave of tributes from fellow fans. One wrote on a forum: 'Wish him all the best, he's built that group from nothing and led a tremendous singing section for years.' Another added: 'He has been absolutely fantastic. Cap doffed sir. 'Replacement has big shoes to fill, but we wish him all the best.' Another Light Blues fan chipped in: 'All the best to Ross and thanks for the tireless efforts in bringing colour and of course the noise.' But the supporters had no idea McGill, originally from East Kilbride, was already being investigated by cops over links to organised crime. Underworld sources say that since then he has made connections with cartel Mr Bigs. Among his close associates is said to be Stephen 'Jimmy' Jamieson, 42, former right-hand man of Jamie 'Iceman' Stevenson, 60. It's claimed McGill was introduced to the highest levels of criminal networks by supergang chief James 'The Don' White, 47. RICHARDSON CRONY VAN IS TORCHED EXCLUSIVE by Graham Mann and Harry Williamson THUGS torched a van in another strike on caged kingpin Mark Richardson's cronies. The charred motor was seen parked outside homes in Newcraighall, Edinburgh. It was owned by a company linked to Paddy Beatson — a well-known associate of the besieged mobster. Gunshots were allegedly fired into Beatson's home in the city's Niddrie in March, when McGill began targeting his rivals' allies. We also revealed how gangsters hired a hitman to hunt down enemies in Richardson's crew including Beatson. A mysterious group known as Tamu Junto has been targeting homes linked to Richardson and the feared Daniels crime clan. Police Scotland said: 'About 7.05pm on Friday, we were called to a report of a van on fire. 'There were no injuries. The fire is being treated as wilful. Inquiries are ongoing.' He is also a close pal of cocaine dealer and ex-Union Bears thug Lloyd Cross, 33, now serving a six-year prison stretch for his role in Iceman's £100million racket smuggling cocaine in banana boxes. And there are disputed claims his rapid rise has been boosted by support from gang chiefs Steven Lyons, 44, and Ross Monaghan, 43. The pair are among underworld figures said to be revelling in the violence being inflicted on targets linked to long-standing enemies Mark Richardson, 38, and Glasgow's notorious Daniel mob. With White banged up in jail, it's claimed McGill now oversees drug routes from South America previously established by Iceman plus James, 52, and Barry Gillespie, 48. Stevenson is set to stay behind bars until he's in his seventies while the brothers, from Rutherglen, near Glasgow, have not seen since 2019 — amid fears they have been murdered in Brazil. That has helped pave the way for McGill to be fast-tracked to the top of the criminal pyramid. We told how sources claim he sees himself as the successor to Scotland's criminal throne and is determined to show he has what it takes to become a feared figure. It's a far cry from McGill's early efforts to become a legitimate businessman. He set up a catering operation called Gourmet Pie Ltd that was dissolved in July 2023. His other failed ventures include a construction business, takeaway food and mobile phone stands, a restaurant, a dry-cleaning company, a management consultancy and a fitness firm. McGill's name and photos of him have been circulating online for months with gangland figures well aware of his role in the turf war. We told how the violence was sparked amid claims associates of caged Edinburgh kingpin Richardson ripped him off with fake banknotes over a £500,000 coke deal. WANNABE MOB BOSS'S £2K CHARITY NEVIS TREK By Graham Mann WANTED man McGill previously raised more than £2,000 for Rangers' charity by climbing Ben Nevis with mates. The former Union Bears chief rallied fellow Gers supporters to support his trip up Scotland's highest mountain. McGill — now holed up in Dubai — earned £2,355 for the Ibrox side's foundation plus a veterans' charity. He launched his appeal on JustGiving ahead of the June 2016 fundraiser. The aspiring crime boss told supporters: 'On Saturday 4th of June, a group of us will be leaving Glasgow for Fort William with the aim of climbing Ben Nevis. 'The walk will take around 5-6 hours, and will see us climb to over 1,300 metres. 'All money raised from the walk will be going to two very worthwhile charities — the Erskine Hospital for ex servicemen and the Rangers Charity Foundation. 'Please donate whatever you can and help us reach our target for these great causes. 'If you are interested in taking part then contact Ross McGill on Facebook. Alternatively if you are on Follow Follow you can send a PM.' He ordered a wave of revenge attacks that erupted in the capital more than two months ago, later spreading to the Glasgow area — where people linked to the Daniel family have been targeted. Videos of some of the incidents have circulated on social media, with a group dubbed Tamo Junto, or TMJ, taking responsibility. Cops have made more than 30 arrests in connection with the feud. The latest attack was a firebombing at the home in Drumchapel, Glasgow, of Kelly 'Bo' Green, 45 — previously the partner of murdered Daniel enforcer Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll, 29. There have been claims of truce talks in Dubai, where Daniel clan associates have made efforts to persuade McGill to call off the mayhem — but been rebuffed. Underworld sources last week alleged McGill fled from a nightclub in the UAE bolthole after spotting heavies linked to Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel, 45, nearby.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Students, faculty at UB file lawsuit against police officers after pro-Palestine protest
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Students and faculty at University at Buffalo, among others, are filing a lawsuit against over 40 police officers, the City of Buffalo, and the president of UB alleging a 'violent dispersal' of a pro-Palestine protest last May. On May 1, 2024, more than 50 students gathered in front of Hochstetter Hall for a peaceful protest against the war in Gaza including prayer, speeches and chants, according to the plaintiffs. Police were called after five tents were set up on campus, which is against the university's policy. UB said that 15 people, seven students and eight people unaffiliated with the school, were arrested. Charges against them included loitering, trespassing, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The lawsuit alleges that despite the calm nature of the protest, police officers violently suppressed the protest in a 'militarized response.' 'At exactly 8:23 p.m., dozens of officers charged the protest site while the Muslim sunset prayers were ongoing,' the lawsuit reads. 'The officers violently tackled students and community members, punched and kneed individuals who has been restrained, dislodged religious garments, zip-tied wrists so tightly that fingers went numb, and taunted crying arrestees with profanity and threats.' Plaintiffs say their rights were violated under the first, fourth and fourteenth amendments of the U.S. constitution. They are seeking damages for a loss of freedom, as well as trauma, both physical and mental, the lawsuit said. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Becky Burke departs Buffalo for Arizona women's basketball job
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — After cutting down the nets at the end of University at Buffalo's winningest women's basketball season, Becky Burke is leaving for greener pastures in the desert. Burke was named the new coach at University of Arizona on Wednesday, three days after coaching UB to a school record 30th victory in the WNIT championship game at a sold-out Alumni Arena. Advertisement 'My three years in Buffalo have been an absolutely incredible experience,' Burke stated in a news release. 'I'm so thankful to have been able to coach so many amazing young women and work at such a prestigious University. I will forever be grateful to Mark Alnutt for trusting me to lead this program and for giving me this opportunity. The support from the community and the City of Buffalo has been absolutely unbelievable throughout my three years here. I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish during my time, and excited for the future of UB women's basketball.' Buffalo wins WNIT championship in front of sellout crowd Athletic director Mark Alnutt said UB will conduct a national search for Burke's replacement. UB's associate women's basketball coach for the past two seasons, Jacey Brooks was introduced this week as head coach at Northern Illinois University. Given our recent success and the resources that we put into our women's basketball program, this will be a very attractive job.,' Alnutt stated in the news release. Advertisement Burke, a former University of Louisville player who previously coached at University of South Carolina Upstate, went 61-37 and reached the Mid-American Conference championship game once in three seasons at UB after replacing Felicia Legette-Jack, who led the Bulls to three NCAA tournaments before leaving to coach her alma mater Syracuse University. 'I am very appreciative of the job that Becky Burke has done to elevate our women's basketball program to championship heights,' Alnutt said. 'Becky's hard work and dedication to our program helped position her for this next opportunity. From record wins on the court to record crowds in the stands, she left her mark at UB and in the Western New York community. I'm genuinely excited for Becky and her family in this next chapter.' Love and Basketball: Emotional journey leads UB Becky Burke and her wife into parenthood *** Advertisement Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
ICE terminates visas of 13 current, former UB students
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) terminated the visas of four current students and nine recent graduates from the University at Buffalo, the university announced Tuesday. UB said the students and graduates had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record 'unexpectedly terminated.' SEVIS, a web-based system, keeps information on and tracks nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the U.S., according to ICE. 'While it is unclear at this time the exact reason for each visa revocation and status termination, the actions appear to be consistent with a recent change in enforcement approach by the U.S. State Department, which recently stated that it will have zero tolerance for noncitizens, including student visa holders, who violate U.S. laws, indicating that visa holders who break the law may face status termination,' UB said in a statement. The university said its International Student Services (ISS) office is currently supporting the 13 students and graduates and advised them to 'consider retaining a private immigration attorney for assistance.' ISS also told the students that they're now required to leave the U.S. since they are 'out of status.' UB encouraged international students to contact ISS with questions or concerns. UB did not release the names of the impacted students. Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
