• Axios reports that the white gunman convicted of killing 10 Black people at a Buffalo, New York Tops supermarket, has been sentenced to life in prison.
The 19-year-old man "in November pleaded guilty to state charges, including one count of domestic terrorism motivated by hate, and will have no chance for parole." He still faces "27 felony charges in federal court, including multiple counts of hate crimes that resulted in death. He has pleaded not guilty" to those charges.
A moment in time captured in the Axios story:
"Simone Crawley, a granddaughter of 86-year-old victim Ruth Whitfield, said in a victim impact statement: 'Our grandmother went to buy seeds for her garden on May 14, 2022. She may not have been able to plant those seeds, but the seeds she planted throughout her life are abundant … We find strength in knowing that her legacy will outlive you. Even with all of the heartache you have caused, you have failed to break our family's spirit. You thought you broke us, but you awoke us."
• From the Austin Business Journal:
"H-E-B on Feb. 15 opened its Lake Austin location, presenting a new concept to local consumers.
"The San Antonio-based retailer, which is the dominant grocery chain in the Austin area and its largest private employer, unveiled its first 'multi-level' location in the Texas capital. The 97,000-square-foot store at 2652 Lake Austin Blvd. also features a two-story porch area, underground parking and three eateries operated by the company.
"Customers enter on the ground floor, where they can find South Flo Pizza and what it's calling Lake Austin’s Coffee Spot, which features specialty coffee, breakfast tacos and pastries and baked goods.
"Up an escalator, customers will find H-E-B's True Texas BBQ restaurant as well as the main sales floor.
"The company said the store incorporates 'several environmental sustainability elements' including energy-efficient refrigeration with condensation capture for landscape irrigation, rooftop solar panels and forthcoming electric vehicle chargers."
