Daily
Buffalo
Friday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Buffalo. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Four Old First Ward breweries are teaming up on a pale ale series from Feb. 5 to March 31 that benefits the community center. BestSelf Behavioral Health opened a crisis center, the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition hired a new outreach coordinator, and Millennium Construction finished renovations in Akron. WBEN
- ➤ Latino restaurant La Casa de Sabores on the West Side has experienced fewer customers amid rising fear of immigration enforcement. Owner Carlos Cabrera said his daily turnout dropped from about 40–50 to 25–30 as locals continue to support his authentic Dominican cuisine (community members remain united in facing these challenges). ABC 7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hwa Fong Rubber is buying the former Sumitomo Rubber plant in Tonawanda for $28 million to create an auto components hub; due diligence has pushed the closing to later this winter while production is planned to start by July 1. WBEN
- ➤ Station 12, a new upscale open-air center in Amherst, adds five brands (including Black and Blue Steak and Crab, Tempur-Pedic, The North Face, and Warby Parker). Construction is underway and openings are set for late 2026, offering more shopping and public spaces for the community. ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Artist Eric Jones and volunteers are building an 8 ft tall + 16 ft wide snow sculpture honoring former Bills coach Sean McDermott outside Prohibition 2020 in Orchard Park. The work is set to finish around 2 p.m. today and will accept Make-A-Wish donations. WGRZ
- ➤ Bills fans gathered Thursday morning near Highmark Stadium to help sculptor Eric Jones pack snow into a wooden frame for a sculpture honoring former head coach Sean McDermott, who led the team for nine seasons (the tribute will be about 16 to 18 feet wide and eight feet tall). WBEN
- ➤ Jazz at Kleinhans launches its 2026 season soon & will host a series of live jazz concerts at the historic venue in Buffalo. Local music fans can look forward to a renewed lineup of performances throughout the season. WGRZ
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ An 11-year-old student returned to class at Mill Middle School this week after a state Supreme Court judge in Buffalo ruled for his vaccine exemption (he was barred last fall) while the School District filed an appeal that could force him out again. ABC 7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ BestSelf has opened the BestResponse Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center (a 24/7 facility serving individuals in mental health and substance use crises) in WNY. WGRZ
- ➤ ConnectLife urges local donors as weather forced cancellation of several blood drives, yielding only 290 units collected this week (far fewer than last year's total). Donors are encouraged to donate quickly to secure critical supplies for hospitals. WGRZ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Following the firing of Sean McDermott, the Bills began their search for a new head coach, and local reporter Howard Simon told WBEN he would have kept McDermott + fired the offensive coordinator while urging for an offensive-minded leader to push the team to the Super Bowl. WBEN
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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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Umphrey's McGee Concert
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Town Ballroom — 16+ only — Enjoy a night with Chicago's eclectic rock band pushing the boundaries of the jam band genre.
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Live Music with Growlers Blues Band
Time to be announced — Diamond Hawk — No cover charge — Experience a unique blend of blues and rock that will keep you dancing all night!
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Mat Kerekes - Luna and the Wild Blue Everything Tour
7-10 p.m. — Rec Room — 16+ Admission — Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Mat Kerekes' debut album with special guests Shallow Alcove and Beeson.
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Motion City Soundtrack Live
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Buffalo RiverWorks — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the return of Motion City Soundtrack with their iconic music and energizing performance.
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
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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