Wednesday Afternoon News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on February 19, 2025
Undated file photos.
Governor Kathy Hochul will send the National Guard into New York prisons as she urges correction officers to stop striking. Hochul says the strikes are illegal and must end immediately but she will still send the National Guard to an undisclosed number of corrections facilities to protect inmates and staff if protests continue. Following a violent uprising at Collins Prison, officers at Collins and a nearby correction facility ditched their shifts to protest their working conditions. That caused officials to cancel visitation at more than a half-a-dozen prisons. The current labor contract does not expire until March of 2026, but the governor has directed her team to meet with union leadership.
An Ontario County grand jury has indicted five suspects in connection with the murder of a transgender man. The defendants are each facing at least one felony charge for their alleged roles in the death of Sam Nordquist. He was reported missing by family members in Ontario County earlier this month before his body was later discovered in Yates County. The suspects will be in court at a later date after their appearance today was cancelled.
Joel Violanti
Joel Violanti is now the acting United States Attorney for the Western District of New York. This comes after former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York Trini Ross stepped down from her position. Ross was first nominated by former President Joe Biden in July 2021 and confirmed by the Senate two months later. She was the first Black woman to hold the position in the area. Violanti will now oversee the prosecution of any federal case in the 17 counties of Western New York.
St. John Fisher University
St. John Fisher University is announcing plans to add a brand-new degree program. Starting in the fall, the school will have a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in human services. The course is going to focus on an understanding of families and public health policies. Students will learn from a variety of experts in the fields of psychology, sociology and political science. Graduates will likely be able to get a job as a case manager with substance abuse treatment facilities and mental health centers.
“Zombies” enjoying a ride at Six Flags Darien Lake.
Six Flags Darien Lake is looking to hire 1,500 seasonal associates for the 2025 season before opening day on May 16. The amusement park is holding hiring events today and for the remainder of this week to start filling open positions, which include:
- Food & Beverage Associates
- Ride Operators
- Lifeguards
- Sales Associates for Merchandise
- Park Services Attendants
- Hotel and Campground Associates
Hourly pay starts at $15.50 for anyone 16 years and older and is based on experience, prior service, and position. Candidates may also apply online or in person, during the following times to learn about the job opportunities and be interviewed same-day.
- Thursday, Feb. 20 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Friday, Feb. 21 (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Saturday, Feb. 22. (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Albert smiling for the camera.
Albert the Alligator could be coming home in less than a month after he was seized from his home almost a year ago. Tony Cavallaro, the owner of the reptile, had him as a pet at his home in Hamburg for over 30 years. Last March, Albert was seized and taken to a rehab in Texas after officials said Cavallaro’s license to own the alligator expired. Now a New York State judge says the Department of Environmental Conservation must review Cavallaro’s application for a license to keep his pet. If the department fails to act in 30 days, the alligator must be returned to Cavallaro.
Sahlen Field
Opening Day at Sahlen Field is almost here and the Buffalo Bisons are celebrating with a special pre-sale event for single-game tickets. Service fees are currently being waived on any single-game ticket that’s purchased on the Bison’s website now through Friday. This includes games like Opening Day on March 28th, Star Wars Night on May 31st, and the team’s first ever Harry Potter night on August 23rd. No promo code is needed for the sale.
New product from the makers of Coca Cola.
Coca-Cola is launching a new prebiotic drink called Simply Pop. A spokesperson said the product will be available on the West Coast, Southeastern U.S. and online nationwide via Amazon Fresh. A study by Euromonitor International data said the digestive health soft drink market growth has doubled over the last few years. Simply Pop flavors will come in pineapple mango, lime, strawberry, fruit punch and citrus punch. The drink has no added sugars and contains vitamin C, zinc, six grams of prebiotic fiber and up to thirty-percent fruit juice. Simply Pop will hit the shelves at the end of this month.
Bob the Builder, hard at work yet always cheerful.
Homebuilder sentiment fell sharply in February related to growing concerns over tariffs. The National Association of Homebuilders’ housing market index has dropped five-points from January to its lowest level in five months. The NAHB noted policy uncertainty and rising costs as primary factors. Builders are already facing higher prices on imported lumber, appliances and other products. Mortgage rates now topping seven percent for an average 30-year fixed loan are also keeping many potential new homebuyers on the sidelines.
