Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
Good morning, Buffalo.
Wegmans is using biometrics data collection in some New York City stores, and local shoppers worry it could signal a Big Brother invasion of privacy + they warn they might stop shopping if the practice spreads; none of the 13 Buffalo Niagara locations use the system.
43North unveiled its latest cohort of start-up businesses at Seneca One, offering a million-dollar investment, free office use for one year & networking with local partners to help entrepreneurs grow in Buffalo.
Buffalo Public Schools has decided to keep PS 3, PS 90 and the D’Youville Porter Campus open this year (a formal announcement is set for Wednesday at City Hall).
Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga will present a new plan to address the district’s financial issues.
An ice boom was installed on the Niagara River (it helps stop excess ice from entering the waterway and prevents jams and damage downstream).
A report by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper warns that $79 billion in local development and infrastructure may face catastrophic flooding if climate change remains unchecked.
Officials argue that urgent measures will be needed to protect these vital assets.
Governor Kathy Hochul proposed new online safety measures for kids and expanded teen mental health first aid training on Tuesday in Hamburg.
The proposals include stronger age verification, default privacy settings, disabled AI chatbots, and parental controls on financial transactions (to better protect young people).
The New York State Department of Health announced Tuesday that its childhood vaccination policies remain unchanged despite federal efforts to reduce recommended vaccines to 11 for children.
Health officials said vaccine access, insurance coverage, and the Vaccines for Children program remain intact.
The CDC revised the childhood vaccine schedule so that children now receive vaccinations for 11 diseases instead of 18; the update omits vaccines for flu, rotavirus, hepatitis, meningitis, and RSV (only recommended for high-risk groups) while insurance still covers the shots.
Health experts warn that seasonal illness and storm cancellations have led to fewer blood donations in WNY, and local clinics urge donors to give Type O blood daily to support patients (Roswell Park reports high demand for platelet transfusions).
Local families have raised concerns about the quality of care at Elderwood in Hamburg, citing delays and deficiencies in pain management, infection control, and basic services as noted in recent state inspections — the facility said it is addressing the issues.
The Bank of America Building at Fountain Plaza will undergo a $50 million transformation to add 160 apartments, a restaurant and retail space.
The renovation will boost local development and is set to begin soon.
Over the weekend, Canisius catcher Thomas Zwirecki helped MLB All-Star Paul Skenes catch during a bullpen practice session at the Bills facility in Buffalo.
He said the experience taught him useful lessons for his team as the college season nears.
Buffalo Bills fans are heading to Jacksonville for NFL playoff events that include welcome parties, live music, and 99 cent wings.
Organizers advise planning extra travel time plus watching for construction delays near the stadium.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mamma Mia!
2-4 p.m. — Shea's Buffalo Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the timeless ABBA hits in this beloved musical spectacular.
Handmade Pasta Class
6-9 p.m. — Artisan Culinary Loft — $100.00 — Experience the art of pasta making, perfect for all skill levels.
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.
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.
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.
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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