Your Morning Edition for Sunday, Feb. 23rd presented by DiSanto Propane!
Inmate found dead at Auburn prison as strikes continue, Canandaigua rallies for Nordquist, SF native appointed to top DOJ spot under fire, residents launch parks foundation in Geneva, and much more!
Inmate found dead at Auburn prison as unrest grips New York’s prison system
An inmate at Auburn Correctional Facility was found dead in his cell Saturday morning, marking another crisis point in New York’s embattled prison system. Officials said 61-year-old Jonathon Grant was discovered unresponsive and pronounced dead at 8:32 a.m. despite revival attempts by prison staff and a National Guard member. Grant, who was serving a 34- to 40-year sentence for rape and burglary, died amid an ongoing correctional officer strike and growing safety concerns inside state prisons. His cause of death remains under investigation.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Milder and windy
It’ll be breezy, but snow is mostly out of the forecast. Highs the next three days will be in the mid-40s, meaning melting across the region. Winds will be gusting into the 20s each day, making it feel a little cooler, but this will be a much better start to the week than we saw last week.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Negotiations between the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association and the state are set to resume today, following a union push to expedite the process. Originally planned for later in the week, mediation was moved up to Monday, Feb. 24, as strikes continue across at least 30 correctional facilities. Mediation will involve a third-party negotiator working to resolve disputes between NYSCOPBA and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
A new resident-led initiative aims to strengthen Geneva’s parks and recreational spaces by providing direct support to the city’s Public Works and Recreation departments. The Geneva Parks Foundation (GPF) officially launched with a mission to enhance public spaces through five core principles: inclusion, naturalism, safety, education, and the arts. The organization seeks to ensure that Geneva’s parks remain vibrant, accessible, and enriching for residents and visitors alike.
A Saturday rally in Canandaigua brought together dozens of supporters calling for justice for Sam Nordquist, a transgender man from Minnesota who was tortured and killed in Hopewell. Organizers emphasized the need for community action against injustice and violence. Nordquist’s body was found in Yates County on Feb. 13, and seven suspects have been charged in connection with his murder.
Emil Bove, a Seneca Falls native and now acting deputy attorney general, has faced scrutiny over his management style throughout his career. According to reporting by Politico, while serving as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, he was known for his diligence but also for belittling subordinates and clashing with FBI agents, leading to an internal inquiry that nearly resulted in his demotion.
The Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls will celebrate Women’s History Month with a series of programs throughout March, including special events on International Women’s Day. On March 7 and 8, the park will offer a “Read with a Ranger” program at 1 p.m. in the Visitor Center. Visitors can join a ranger or volunteer for a reading of Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote by Tanya Lee Stone, followed by a craft project.
BRACKETS: 2025 Section V Basketball Championships
The 2025 Section V Boys and Girls High School Basketball postseason is underway. Check out brackets from each of the 16 tournaments being conducted across all the classifications of Section V as area high school teams compete for a Sectional Championship. The brackets that appear below will be updated as the tournaments progress. Use the tabs at the bottom to switch between brackets for each classification.
Fire crews contain chimney fire on Lake Road in Wallington
Firefighters in Wallington responded to a chimney fire that spread to a home over the weekend, successfully preventing major damage. According to Wallington Engine Co., crews from Wallington 6 Truck, 39 Engine, and 40 Engine were dispatched to the fire on Lake Road around 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found an active chimney fire with flames beginning to extend into the structure.
Failure to yield causes head-on crash in Seneca Falls
A head-on collision at a busy Seneca Falls intersection sent three people to the hospital Friday evening. According to the Seneca Falls Police Department, the crash occurred around 4:58 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 5 and Route 414. Investigators determined that a northbound vehicle failed to yield the right of way, leading to a second vehicle crashing into it head-on.
THE RUNDOWN: 10 MORE FROM AROUND THE FLX!
Hochul defends New York’s autonomy, pushes back on Trump administration policies (video)
Sen. O’Mara warns of unsustainable state spending ahead of budget negotiations
Firefighters in Clyde and Ontario clear hydrants, urge residents to help
Deputies: Teen arrested for DWI after going 85 mph in Romulus
Hopewell community honors firefighter Ronald Severino’s legacy
First responders train for ice water rescues in Wayne County
Seneca supervisors to hold monthly committee meetings + special board meeting Tuesday
Canandaigua City Council to discuss housing, stormwater regulations, and park improvements Monday
Emil Bove is a shame to the legal profession for his actions and his attitude. The ABA should take action against him. The least we can expect from him is that he uphold ethical and professional standards and respect the Constitution and laws of the country.