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John (Sonny) Franzese was acquitted in a hitman’s murder during the era when he was a high-profile figure in city nightclubs, especially the Copacabana. The club drew the era’s most famous performers, and Franzese mingled with them all.


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John (Sonny) Franzese had beaten a dozen cases before. His supporters still say he was framed, but prosecutors say his guilt — and his proclivities for violence — were beyond dispute. Read the full story and watch the series at newsday.com/Sonny.

Sonny was sentenced to 50 years for a bank robbery. He always insisted he didn’t do it.

American Gangster: Episode 3

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His brother Michael had become an informant too, but John Franzese Jr.’s testimony was far more damaging to the mob. And it helped send Sonny Franzese back to jail at 93.


The Prodigal Son: Why John Jr. testified against his father

American Gangster: Episode 4

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Sonny Franzese’s inability to stay out of prison, along with the other pressures of mob life, devastated his wife and children. Their bond unraveled in dramatic ways.


As Sonny went in and out of prison, the Franzese family fell apart

American Gangster: Episode 5

American Gangster: The Sonny Franzese Story

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Organizers of a newly formed Long Island group, Catholics Welcome Immigrants, are urging Bishop John Barres, the head of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, to take a stand on the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'We want Catholic people to be part of this movement'

Nick Cannon, host of the Wild 'N Out Live show at Barclays Center, visited students at Hempstead and Roosevelt high schools on Friday.

'Excited about entertainment'

The love for the Knicks was palpable as fans gathered at Long Island restaurants and Madison Square Garden for watch parties to take in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

'If you're a Knicks fan, I want to be around you'

Long Islanders can expect a warm weekend forecast with temperatures in the 80s, there is an air quality alert Friday until 11 p.m., NewsdayTV's meteorologist Geoff Bansen has all the details.

Air quality alert for Long Island Friday

Carmine Agnello's arrest, for allegedly choking his girlfriend during an argument, comes weeks before he is to surrender to prison on a fraud conviction. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'Nothing happened,' Agnello said

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Schwally, of Dix Hills, is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 12. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Guilty verdict in fatal nail salon crash

The alleged drunken driver who crashed into a Deer Park nail salon, killing three employees and a customer, bought liquor and drove around the area for about five hours before the crash.

Timeline of events in fatal Long Island nail salon crash

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail.

'He will be ... coming out of prison in a body bag'

State Attorney General Letitia James's office is investigating Nassau University Medical Center's former executive leadership. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn and Newsday's Nassau County politics reporter Candice Ferrette have the story.

'This is public taxpayer money ... so really, every dollar counts'

Prosecutors say 28-year-old Robert Carragher died in his father's arms. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'They attempted to control that bleeding'

Yaphank jail to pilot public health curriculum to help curb gun violence. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'The individuals participating will learn about the causes and consequences of firearm violence'

Nassau police said a 22-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 28-year-old man at a Massapequa home.

Fatal stabbing in Massapequa

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