Good morning, Buffalo.

Buffalo Catholics celebrated Easter while the Diocese announced plans to close or merge nearly 80 churches (including St. John Kanty, which will hold its final mass on May 18th) as advocates push for a secondary plan during the Vatican review of appeals.

After more than five years of negotiation, the Buffalo Diocese and over 900 survivors of clergy sexual abuse reached a $150 million settlement that will create a trust for survivors and include child protection measures — the agreement now awaits approval by Chief Judge Carl L.

Bucki and further talks with insurers will start this week.

The Buffalo Catholic Diocese reached a $150 million settlement with more than 800 survivors of clergy sexual abuse from parishes and schools across Western New York.

Mediation between survivors and insurance companies begins today—along with a hearing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to discuss agreement details.

Defense attorneys for a teen accused of shooting a 3-year-old claim that Buffalo police broke the law by recording his and his mother's interview at headquarters after the June 21 attack and are asking a judge to block the video and detective commentary at the May 1 hearing (the room already had recording devices), while prosecutors argue the evidence is legally obtained.

Buffalo Comedy Collective, a new theatre for improv, will launch its grand opening at 155 Chandler on April 25 and 26 with a weekend filled with comedy events and improv classes.

The renovated venue offers an industrial-style space with a bar and dining area + seating for 60 along with modern sound and lighting.

On Friday, May 2, a symposium at University at Buffalo will feature regional and national experts on bird safety — in person via Zoom from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — to discuss ways to protect local birds.

Buffalo Audubon Society leads the Bird-Friendly Buffalo initiative — urging changes such as bird-safe glass and Lights Out policies — to reduce bird-building collisions.

In 2024, the EPA set new limits on forever chemicals and finalized rules to replace lead pipes while the Buffalo River cleanup reached key milestones with Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds.

New York is planning bigger renewable energy projects plus new laws to move more power to clean sources by future deadlines.

The nomination of Bryan Bedford for FAA Administrator — a former CEO of a carrier that serves Buffalo — has raised concern among the Families of Flight 3407 who back the 1,500-hour pilot rule, and Senator Schumer has asked DOT Secretary Sean Duffy to meet with the group.

The University at Buffalo women's basketball team won its first ever WNIT championship earlier this month when nearly 6,000 fans watched the Bulls defeat Troy University 88-84, and they will be honored on April 25 at City Hall as declared by acting mayor Christopher Scanlon using coach Becky Burke's departure to Arizona and former assistant Kristen Sharkey's appointment as head coach as key changes moving forward.

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.

Battle At The Powerhouse - Pokemon Tournament

10 AM – 5 PM — The Powerhouse by The Rich Entertainment Group — Entry details to be announced — Experience WNY's largest Pokemon TCG tournament along with a variety of vendors and collectibles.

The Bouncing Souls Live

6-9 p.m. — Town Ballroom — Ages 12+, Minors must be accompanied by a parent — Experience an energetic night with The Bouncing Souls and special guests.

Jon Anderson Live

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Riviera Theatre — Ticket details available on-site — Experience YES epics and the band's new album 'TRUE'.

Michigan Rattlers Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Rec Room — Buy tickets — Enjoy a night of live music with the Michigan Rattlers in Buffalo.

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra: Ron Spigelman - Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — Tickets from $53 — Experience the iconic film score live as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs with Raiders of the Lost Ark.

BB's Bingo Sto Lat

6 PM — Sto Lat Bar & Restaurant — Free entry — Experience a redefined bingo night that's perfectly different and enjoyable.