Morning News Brief

U.S Attorney Trini E. Ross announced Thursday that a Buffalo man was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill Black people at a number of grocery stores in the Buffalo area.  Twenty-four-year-old Rolik Walker was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with making an interstate threat.  Two days after the May 14 mass shooting at a Jefferson Ave Tops grocery store, Walker created a Twitter account called “@ConklinHero.” Walker allegedly tweeted from this account that he and his “associates” planned to target a number of Buffalo grocery stores and that they were “only looking to kill Blacks.”  The charges against Walker carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Independent Living of Genesee Region has joined the call to cancel the Reawaken America Tour at Cornerstone Church next week with a statement about standing against racism.  Over the past few weeks a group of clergy and social activists led by Presbyterian Pastor Alkhouri have been protesting and saying the event is white supremacist, divisive and hate filled and the Equity Statement released by ILGR follows the same lines.  It reads: “Independent Living of the Genesee Region unequivocally believes all forms of hate and violence directed against people based on their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, size, immigration, economic, or housing status has no place in our community.  We are in opposition to all discrimination and racism.  We stand with all members in unity for our community.  Independent Living of the Genesee Region will always be committed to stand with our community and will fight prejudice, discrimination, racism, and bigotry as we continue to advocate for tolerance, inclusion and understanding.”  They also posted a petition that attempts to link the ReAwaken America Tour to the Tops shooter in Buffalo and posts several links about the Great Replacement Theory. 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is warning the State Government about their spending.  New York State is projected to be 13.7 billion dollars in the hole over the next 5 years because of a drop in the stock market and projected recession causing a tax deficit.  Hawley hasn’t been shy about criticizing the states spending being more than Texas and Florida combined and relying heavily on getting extra funding from the federal government to cover gaps.  He called on the state to suspend the employer contribution to the interest assessment surcharge fund through 2023. This fund is to pay back borrowed money that went to paycheck protection programs during COVID to the federal government and it does it by having business owners chip in money that Hawley says puts a burden on them.  Hawley says the state can “tighten its belt and take a hard look at how we can cut waste while still taking care of our resident’s basic needs.”

The Genesee youth Court is looking for new members.  8th through 11th graders are invited to apply to learn more about the ins and outs of the court system and help those who are facing disciplinary action from schools or law enforcement.  Youth Court members learn about the judicial process & law enforcement; develop group decision-making, leadership and public speaking skills; participate in all roles of the courtroom: judge, prosecution, defense, and bailiff.  Applications are due by August 12th.  Interviews of potential candidates will take place in August and September with the training to begin in October.  Download the application by following the link at WBTAi.com.

https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/youthbureau/youthcourt.php