Your Morning Edition for Thursday, Jan. 2nd presented by DiSanto Propane!
Family seeks justice after a Five Points inmate's death, heavy lake snow grips the region, and Auburn tackles chronic absenteeism—plus updates on fatal Auburn fire, a $12K lottery win, and more!
Family demands answers after Five Points inmate dies, alleges years of abuse and ignored pleas for protection
The family of Adam Lafferty, an inmate who died at Five Points Correctional Facility, is calling for accountability after years of alleged abuse and ignored pleas for protection. They claim he was mistreated, denied medical care, and kept in unsafe conditions despite being eligible for minimum-security placement. State police are investigating his death as a homicide.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Presented by Generations Bank!
LAKE EFFECT SNOW CRANKS UP TODAY
The National Weather Service has issued lake effect snow warnings for parts of the Finger Lakes and Central New York, forecasting up to 3 feet of snow in some areas. Strong winds and whiteout conditions are expected to make travel extremely hazardous through the weekend. Temperatures will remain well below freezing.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The FBI has concluded its investigation into the New Year’s Day explosion at Kodak Theater, which claimed three lives, including residents from Geneva and Webster. Authorities found no evidence of terrorism or ideological motives, calling the event a senseless tragedy. Officials urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
The Auburn Enlarged City School District is addressing chronic absenteeism through proactive strategies and family outreach. Efforts include home visits, individualized support plans, and community partnerships to reduce attendance barriers. Officials emphasize early intervention and relationship-building with families.
The Waterloo Fire Department experienced a record-breaking year in 2024, responding to 468 calls, including major flood events and structure fires. The department successfully recruited new members and prioritized advanced training programs. Officials expressed gratitude for community support.
Bath Police Chief Colin Taft has announced his retirement after more than two decades in law enforcement, including four years as chief. During his tenure, he introduced advanced training, secured funding for a K9 unit, and implemented a comprehensive policy manual. Taft expressed confidence in the department's future success.
A new law in New York guarantees pregnant workers at least 20 hours of paid leave for prenatal medical appointments. The policy aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and cannot be deducted from standard sick leave. Gov. Kathy Hochul called it a crucial step in protecting maternal health.
Two dead, home destroyed in Auburn fire
Two people were found dead in a devastating fire early Tuesday morning at a home on Foote Street in Auburn, according to the Auburn Fire Department. Firefighters arrived around 2:10 a.m. to find the blaze had already engulfed both floors of the structure. The fire was brought under control by 2:30 a.m., but the home was declared a total loss and later condemned. Two other adults displaced by the fire received assistance from the American Red Cross. The victims’ identities have not yet been released, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Winning TAKE 5 lottery ticket worth $12,751 sold in Sodus
A lucky TAKE 5 lottery player in Sodus is starting the new year with a significant windfall after purchasing a top-prize winning ticket worth $12,751 in the December 31 evening drawing. The winning ticket was sold at PPZ Supermarkets Inc., located at 109 W. Main St. in Sodus, according to the New York Lottery. Two other top-prize tickets, each also worth $12,751, were sold at KNY Cigar Inc. in Franklin Square and Ridgewood Andy’s Deli in Ridgewood.
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