Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Buffalo. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Severe winter weather caused nearly 120,000 outages across New York as utility crews from NYSEG, RG+E and National Grid pre-staged 525 and 500 crews respectively plus used recent grid upgrades to restore most power within 24 hours. Residents are advised to steer clear of downed power lines. Spectrum News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ David Hoffmann invested $50M in Lee Enterprises, owner of Buffalo News, to cut debt costs and support long-term value creation. The investor, who will become chairman, helped boost finances to strengthen local reporting. Spectrum News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Buffalo History Museum hosts a community event on Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. where fans share stories and mementos of The Ralph — the old Bills stadium — with a suggested donation of $10. WGRZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Hochul extended the state emergency on Monday for all counties because of lake-effect snow and high winds — travel today and Tuesday will be hazardous due to near whiteout conditions while utility crews and plow teams work amidst road closures. Spectrum News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New York launches health care laws today that cap EpiPen out-of-pocket costs at $100 and require coverage for breast cancer screenings and scalp cooling systems to help reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. Gov Hochul stated the changes aim to ease financial burdens on families. WGRZ
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A New York City-based group bought the Delaware Oaks Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing at 1209 Delaware Avenue for $8.4 million last Wednesday (Dec. 31) in a deal that is one of several seven-figure transactions closed in Erie County. WBEN
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Sabres will try to extend their nine-game win streak when they face the Dallas Stars Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Dallas (their first meeting this season) with key players like Tage Thompson and Mikko Rantanen expected to lead the teams. WGRZ
- ➤ Tage Thompson scored twice in 2 1/2 minutes and added an assist as the Sabres beat the Stars 4-1 on Wednesday night, extending their 10-game winning streak while goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 28 saves in his third start. WGRZ
- ➤ Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen wore a hat created by nine local Champion Kids during home games this season, raising more than $100,000 for The Patricia Allen Fund (supporting sick children). The cap will be signed by Allen and auctioned after Sunday's game against the Jets. Spectrum News
- ➤ Buffalo Bills fans will see the final Highmark Stadium game on Sunday while analysts Kevin Carroll and Andy Young revisit key memories and preview playoff challenges — including team health concerns and potential first-round matchups. Spectrum News
- ➤ Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver underwent minor knee surgery this week while still rehabbing a torn bicep, his coach said, which delays his return as playoffs approach. He remains sidelined with no recovery timetable set for the upcoming games. WGRZ
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The Strictly Hip: Road Apples
8-11 p.m. — Babeville — $4 – $100 — Experience a night honoring the music of The Tragically Hip with the dedicated tribute band The Strictly Hip.
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Buffalo NY Speed Dating for Ages 24-39
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Fattey Beer Co. — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun, engaging environment.
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Mozart's Mass
10:30 a.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — $9.00 — Experience the sublime blend of Mozart's Symphony No. 38 and the Great Mass in C minor with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.
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Mozart's Mass and Symphony No. 38
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — Ticketed — Experience the emotional journey of Mozart’s symphony alongside his magnificent ‘Great’ Mass in C minor.
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Mamma Mia!
2-4 p.m. — Shea's Buffalo Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the timeless ABBA hits in this beloved musical spectacular.
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Handmade Pasta Class
6-9 p.m. — Artisan Culinary Loft — $100.00 — Experience the art of pasta making, perfect for all skill levels.
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Saving Waves Concert
6:30-8:30 PM — Buffalo Iron Works — Details on ticket cost pending — Experience the vibrant sounds of Saving Waves in a lively setting.
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The Jazz Lounge at Milton's
7-10 p.m. — Milton's at Statler Buffalo — $20 — Experience an elegant evening of live jazz and crafted cocktails in downtown Buffalo.
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The Strictly Hip: Day For Night
8-11 p.m. — Babeville — $4 – $100 — Experience the music of The Tragically Hip through the talented tribute band The Strictly Hip in an intimate venue.
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Urban Elegance Gala
6-9 p.m. — FORBES THEATER — In-person event — Celebrate creativity, culture, and community with art, fashion, and live performances.
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