**Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright to Resign Amid Federal Investigation**

NEW YORK - In a significant shakeup at City Hall, Mayor Eric Adams' first deputy mayor, Sheena Wright, is set to resign amid ongoing federal investigations. This marks another high-profile departure as Mayor Adams grapples with increasing legal challenges. According to sources familiar with the situation, Wright’s resignation, which has been anticipated for days and initially reported by the New York Post, comes after mounting internal tensions and pressure.

Sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, revealed that Adams pushed Wright out of her role. "She was forced out," one source claimed. Wright’s departure emerges just days after Adams faced a federal indictment on bribery and corruption charges. The mayor, who has pleaded not guilty, has pledged to continue his tenure despite these legal battles.

An individual close to the mayor's decision-making process indicated that Wright was not deemed the appropriate manager for the current crisis, as the administration strives to reassure the public about its operational efficacy. Mayor Adams attempted to portray a sense of normalcy within his administration. "What's important to me is that those who are here, like my core deputy mayors, that they're able to carry out their portfolio," Adams told reporters on Friday. He emphasized their competent performance and reassured continuous updates on new appointments.

The mayor’s office has refrained from commenting directly on Wright’s exit. However, Gov. Kathy Hochul has reportedly been pressuring Adams to sever ties with controversial advisers in order to sustain public trust.

Compounding the situation, federal investigators searched Wright’s home last month, seizing her phone and that of her husband, Schools Chancellor David Banks. Both Wright and Banks are stepping down amidst corruption probes that have also implicated other senior officials, including NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, senior adviser Tim Pearson, and deputy mayor for public safety Phil Banks, who is Wright's brother-in-law.

David Banks, who initially planned to retire in January, has been hastened out of his position by Adams. In a terse statement released through a public relations firm, Banks expressed his readiness for a responsible transition: "Last week, I announced my planned retirement, and I was ready, willing and able to stay in my post until December 31st. The Mayor has decided to accelerate that timeline." Banks emphasized his commitment to supporting the incoming Chancellor in continuing their efforts at New York City Public Schools.

Neither Wright nor representatives for Banks responded to requests for comments, leaving City Hall in a state of uncertainty as these developments unfold.