Good morning, Buffalo.

Some local Catholic churches that were set to close or merge received letters from the Vatican saying their appeals will be reviewed in Rome — a move that has given parishioners hope.

Community members now expect that the review will help keep these churches open and their traditions alive — as more voices rally to protect their places of worship.

Neighbors in South Buffalo rescued two children from a house fire on Parkview Avenue after the flames started in a second-floor bedroom and spread with windy conditions—fire investigators ruled the incident accidental, with damage to the house estimated at $120,000.

The Western New York Manufacturing and Tech Coalition helped local manufacturers fill job openings by training nine finishing and deburring technicians—each graduate was hired by companies including Moog after completing a 12-week program.

Northland Workforce Training Center will offer the course again in September to meet the ongoing workforce needs.

7 News will stream Buffalo's 18th anniversary Dyngus Day Parade live along Broadway at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 21—featuring a route from Memorial Drive west on Broadway to Fillmore Avenue and displays of proud Polish traditions.

M and T Bank and the Buffalo Zoo have partnered to offer free admission on select Third Thursdays through 2026.

The program starts tomorrow, April 17, and visitors must reserve up to 10 tickets online — a step to secure entry — as the zoo celebrates 150 years until December.

New York State's budget, originally due on April 1, remains unresolved as lawmakers in Albany extend negotiations while local governments in Buffalo face delays in receiving funding.

Lawmakers say each extra day in session costs taxpayers $40,000—officials are debating proposals that would pay legislators even before a budget is passed.

Buffalo mayoral candidates turned the issue of crumbling roads into a key campaign theme in this open race—State Sen. Sean Ryan highlighted $38 million in unspent road repair funds while Mayor Scanlon vowed to fill potholes until summer paving begins—hoping to win local support.

Today, Mayor Christopher P.

Scanlon and Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz broke ground with BENLIC on a $24.5 million plan to build 47 affordable single-family homes on long-vacant city lots in neighborhoods including Riverside, Black Rock, University Heights, Lower West Side, Ken-Bailey, and Old First Ward. The homes are reserved for income-qualified buyers with purchase subsidies—a program that will expand with a planned second phase of 30 additional homes on the East Side.

The Buffalo Sewer Authority announced it needs more time and a total of $1 billion to upgrade the city's century-old sewer system and reduce raw sewage overflows.

Officials said they will extend the 20-year plan to 2040 and use federal and state funds—while possible customer rate increases remain under consideration—to finance projects including a $250 million renovation at the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

16-year-old Tommy Parzymieso, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), had his wish granted when Bills GM Brandon Beane selected him to announce the team’s first-round draft pick at the NFL Draft on April 24.

His family is hosting a fundraiser (May 3) to help him purchase a motorized chair that works for airplane travel.

Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan

7:30-9 p.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — $ — Experience Joan Osborne's powerful rendition of Bob Dylan's timeless songs in a dynamic live performance.

Awaken - The Music Of Yes

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Riviera Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the most authentic live performances of Yes music since 2018, meticulously crafted for fans.

Milkie’s 2nd Annual Pre-Dyngus Day!

9-11 p.m. — Milkie's — Enjoy the festive atmosphere with live music featuring three bands and plenty of accordions.

Easter Brunch Celebration

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — 500 Pearl — Check for pricing — Celebrate Easter with a delicious brunch filled with tasty treats and good company.

Dyngus Day Celebration 2025

12-10 p.m. — Sto Lat Bar & Restaurant — Free entry — Celebrate Polish culture with delicious food, drinks, and community festivities.

SciNight: Mossome Mosses

Mini guided walk — Tifft Nature Preserve — Free entry — Explore the fascinating world of mosses on this Earth Day adventure.

Hawthorne Heights Concert

7-10 p.m. — Town Ballroom — 16+ admitted with ID — Rock out to Hawthorne Heights with special guests Hotel Etiquette and Ashford.

A Night of Latin Jazz with Guabaza

7-8 p.m. — 19 Wadsworth St, Buffalo, NY — $15-$25 reserved seats — Experience an electrifying fusion of jazz, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and blues.

International Aviation Snow Symposium

April 25–30 — Buffalo Convention Center — Visit for insights into aviation in snowy conditions and innovative practices.

Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop

10 AM – 5 PM — Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tonawanda — Cost info not provided — Create your own vibrant and unique traditional mosaic lamp in this fun workshop.