Good morning, Buffalo.

Homelessness in Western New York is rising and straining shelter capacity.

Little Portion Friary in Buffalo received a $250,000 donation to build a new women’s wing adding six beds — while a Niagara Falls mission also begins expanding its women’s services.

Reisdorf Bros., Inc. is rebuilding after a massive fire damaged its facility; the company is working to restore services quickly.

GM announced Wednesday that it is adding four apprenticeship roles at its Lockport plant and investing $1 million in workforce development to help skilled trades adapt to growing AI needs in manufacturing.

Construction of the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute on Buffalo’s West Side nears completion as crews wrap up the core and shell stage and prepare for interior work (including a museum, gallery, offices, and community spaces); the project is set to finish late summer.

Hilbert College named Dr. John S.

Olszowka its new provost and vice president for academic affairs in Hamburg; he brings strong leadership experience from Mercyhurst University and will oversee academic operations to advance student success.

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library offers the Passport to Reading challenge at 37 branches until August 21 (families earn stamps with each visit to stay on track with summer reading).

The program invites community members to explore local libraries and join engaging summer events.

Buffalo State University will confer degrees on about 1,600 students during its 154th Commencement on Saturday, May 16 at the Sports Arena.

Three ceremonies will be held at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. with speeches and awards, and faculty and staff can sign up as volunteers.

Buffalo State University recognized three outstanding students with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence on April 27 in Albany + the winners will be honored at the 154th Commencement on May 16 at the campus Sports Arena.

Mercy Hospital of Buffalo received an 'A' grade in safety after a recent evaluation — a sign that its patient care meets strict safety standards in the community.

The Buffalo Sabres are set to begin their series against the Montreal Canadiens with Game 1 scheduled soon.

Fans in the city are gathering at the arena to support the team (exact times and location pending).

Buffalo Sabres fans in Lancaster show team spirit with a Sabretooth-themed mailbox outside K & S Contractor Supply Inc. Designed for Mother's Day and left up during the playoff push, the display will remain as the team chases the Stanley Cup.

EMF Live Show

7-10 p.m. — Town Ballroom — Ages 12+; minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent — Experience a night of live music with EMF and special guests.

Kasablanca Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Town Ballroom — Last-minute tickets available — Experience an electrifying performance by Kasablanca in the heart of Buffalo.

Buckethead Concert

8-11 p.m. — Babeville — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sound of Buckethead, the masked guitar virtuoso.

Among the Music: A Candlelit Experience

6 PM — Kleinhans Music Hall — $100 — Immerse yourself in an intimate music performance by BPO musicians surrounded by candlelight.

PURE GLITTER Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Shea's Buffalo Theatre — Tickets from $86 — Don't miss the unforgettable experience of Pure Glitter in Buffalo.

GROSH Video Release at Sportsmen’s Tavern

8-11 p.m. — Sportsmen's Tavern — $12 online + $20 at the door — Celebrate the release of GROSH's new video with an evening of music and fun.

In Flames Concert with Meet & Greet

7:00 PM - 11:59 PM — Town Ballroom — VIP packages available — Experience an electrifying performance by In Flames and exclusive meet & greet opportunities.

Eagle Rock Gospel Singers Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Buffalo Iron Works — Tickets available — Experience the uplifting sound of a Los Angeles gospel/Americana band.

57th Annual Conference on African Linguistics (ACAL 57)

May 20-22 — University at Buffalo (North Campus) — Registration required — Engage with leading scholars on diverse topics in African linguistics.

Songwriters Night at Nietzsche's

7-10:30 p.m. — Nietzsche's — $15 Cover — Experience an evening of captivating performances by four talented songwriters from diverse musical backgrounds.