Daily
Buffalo
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Buffalo. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Bills are asking adults to help shovel snow from Highmark Stadium for their last regular season game before moving to a new venue. Volunteers will earn $20 per hour + food and hot beverages, and the first 500 will get stadium-branded winter gloves. WBEN
- ➤ Bowmansville residents oppose a planned hotel project, saying it could harm their neighborhood’s character. They worry the development may negatively affect local integrity & prompt calls for a review of the project’s design. WGRZ
- ➤ WNY welcomed its first babies of 2026 today — Baby Emory was born at Mercy Hospital at 12:15 a.m. and Nah'vyir Nettles at Golisano Children's Hospital at 12:26 a.m. — marking a joyful start for the community. WGRZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A popular burger spot announced it will close on Jan. 31 amid economic challenges — its last day marks the end of a cherished local dining experience. WGRZ
- ➤ Allen Burger Venture in Allentown will close on Jan. 31. The popular burger spot, which has served locals for 11 years, invites customers to visit one last time as it stops accepting reservations and moves to first-come seating. ABC 7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ New York will raise the minimum wage by 50 cents this year to help workers keep up with rising costs, and small business owners in Orchard Park predict that prices for restaurants + grocery stores may increase in response. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Bowmansville oppose a proposed four-story hotel near historic homes due to concerns about traffic, noise and neighborhood changes. The town planning board approved a height variance and residents will speak at the town board meeting Monday night. WGRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Baby Nah’Vyir Hall-Nettles was born at 12:26 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Buffalo (just 26 minutes into the new year) to parents Alanisa Hall and Ja’kari Nettles, marking their first child. WBEN
- ➤ Kaleida Health renamed the John R. Oishei Children's Hospital to Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo on Jan. 1 following a $50 million gift from Tom Golisano (a major donor to programs for intellectual and developmental disabilities), marking a new chapter in community child health. WGRZ
- ➤ Oishei Children's Hospital has been renamed Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo to honor a prominent local benefactor. Hospital officials say the new name is effective immediately and will appear on updated signage and materials. WGRZ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Buffalo Bills need fans to shovel snow from Highmark Stadium stands and field for $20 an hour, with hot drinks and food provided. Eligible fans 18 or older can apply online on Saturday in advance of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. ABC 7
- ➤ Bills superfan Ken Johnson recalled nearly 50 years of memories at Highmark Stadium (in Orchard Park) as the aging venue nears decommissioning shortly after Sunday's regular season finale. He highlighted over 500 consecutive games, sharing both nostalgic moments and anticipation for a modern stadium. WBEN
- ➤ Bills players shared fond memories of Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park as they gear up for Sunday's regular season finale against the Jets. They recalled the historic comebacks that defined the stadium and expressed pride in carrying forward its legacy. 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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.
~ Seneca
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