February Issue News Briefs

Local: Raffaele Santaniello pleads guilty to criminal charges

Former Stevensville restaurant owner, Raffaele Santaniello, will be going to prison for at least four years according to The Herald Palladium. Santaniello is facing a kidnapping charge and multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct based on allegations from multiple employees that have worked for Santaniello over the years. Santaniello pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The plea deal calls for four to fifteen years in prison, with four years being required.

National: San Diego declares a state of emergency due to flooding

San Diego, a relatively dry area, has been hit with unexpected periods of flooding. It was the wettest January on record leading to hundreds of homes and businesses being damaged by the unexpected rainfall. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to mobilize the state’s Office of Emergency Services and its resources, according to NBC News.

Global: Russian military transport plane crashes near Ukraine

A Russian military transport plane crashed on January 24 near Ukraine. Russia immediately accused Ukraine of shooting it down, but there was no evidence offered, according to AP News. All 74 people on board were killed, including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war.