Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on November 23, 2022
Around 7pm Monday night police in Rochester responded to multiple ShotSpotter activations on Reynolds and Atkinson Streets and found a 12 year old boy shot dead and a 16 year old wounded. The 12 year old was identified as Juan Lopez a student at Benjamin Franklin Educational Campus. According to the Rochester Police Department’s Open Data Portal, Lopez is the seventh person under age 18 to be killed in the city this year. Mayor Evans said that the violence against children is not normal or natural. No suspects have been apprehended in the shooting. There was a candlelight vigil for Lopez Tuesday night.
Amber Beyer, Buffalo City Police captain overseeing the Buffalo Police Behavioral Health team, is being sued for allegedly launching into a racist rant against black police officers and black men after watching a viral video of a black officer being pulled over by a white officer. 3 African American officers are bringing the suit after leaving their jobs or going on leave. They are being represented by Nate McMurray. Beyer, the department and the City of Buffalo are being sued for retaliation, a hostile work environment and race discrimination. They’re seeking $15 million in damages.
Gov. Kathy Hochul was in New York City to make an announcement on combating hate crimes. This comes two weeks after the governor set aside millions of dollars to help nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks. At that time, Hochul announced $46 million in federal funding for 240 nonprofit organizations across the state facing an increased risk of terrorist attack. In Tuesday’s announcement, Hochul announced she is signing new legislation to require those convicted of hate crimes to be required to attend hate crime prevention training, which was previously optional. The other legislation signed is an amendment calling for a statewide campaign calling for the coordination of state and local government along with community groups, schools and places of worship to ensure inclusion, tolerance and understanding diversity.
Genesee County Sheriffs Office and the Village of Leroy Police will be working together in the STOP-DWI program over the thanksgiving holiday and weekend to prevent accidents by putting police in high traffic areas. The high visibility campaign brings awareness of impaired driving and the potential form more crashes in the most highly traveled time of the year. The police will be out in force today through Sunday. If you are driving, stay within the speed limits, don’t drink and drive, and be safe for the holiday.
Batavia Downs has several events coming up over the winter. On the 15th of December Marsha McWilson will be performing a MoTown Christmas. On the 22nd the Uncle Louie Variety show, two hilarious Italian American comedians, Carlo Russo and Lou Greco, will return to the Downs. On Friday, Feb. 3, the BBQ and Bourbon Dinner Buffet and bourbon tasting presented by Beam Suntory is back for its 2nd annual event. Other events scheduled for January and February at Batavia Downs include the Polka Buzz, Experience Psychic Fair, the Legends & Stars Sports Expo, and a Fundraiser for local animal shelters. Information on these events and the Summer Concert Series will be found in the coming weeks on the Batavia Downs Facebook page.
Fire officials are reminding folks that Thanksgiving is the biggest day of the year for cooking fires. That’s why they’re offering tips to help keep families safe this week. Officials say “keep your eyes on your cooking equipment” and keep young children out of the kitchen. Turkey fryers should be placed on a level surface and at least ten-to-15 feet away from any structures.
The Buffalo Bills said thank you to the Detroit Lions for letting them use their field on Sunday as their field had a dusting of snow. Roughly 7 feet fell on Highmark Stadium between Friday and Sunday. The Bills donated 20,000 dollars to the Lions Foundation and also sent Tim Hortons Coffee and donuts to the Lions Facility and Ford Field. The Bills will be back at Ford field to play the Lions in the Thanksgiving game tomorrow at 12:30.
The Buffalo Sabres ended their 8 game losing streak with a 7 to 2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. JJ Peterka, Henry Jokiharju, Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch had one goal each. Jeff Skinner had 2. Craig Anderson made 29 saves. Next up, the Sabres host the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. It’s 90s night for the fans, as the team unveils their black and red jerseys.
